Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church
     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "First Sunday in November"

Links:

 

Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 
















INGATHERING 
SUNDAY


 
This Sunday
November 6, 2016



Sermon Title:
"A Tale of
Two Cities"



Scripture:
Hebrews 11:8-16; 13:11-14 
Picture
November 3, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
This coming Sunday morning as we gather for worship, we'll celebrate our annual "Ingathering" observance. We'll present to God our financial commitment cards, indicating what we hope to give to our church's general budget in 2017, with God's help. As we've emphasized during our "Minutes for Stewardship" during recent services, our goal is to change lives through vibrant ministry; it isn't simply to pay bills and keep the organization afloat. We give to the glory of God. We give for the sake of others. We give to build up one another. It's a great calling--one worth supporting with hearts engaged and wallets contributing generously.
 
We further shall present our Time and Talent Sheets, showing how we want to contribute our ability, skill, creativity, and energy to the mission of the church for the coming year. In doing so, we let our church leaders know how we want to be involved "hands-on" in the work of service. Are you drawn to help our children? We want you to let us know. Are you called to connect with youth? We have a place for you. Are you gifted with senior adults? There is work to be done. Do you have a motivation and passion to reach our community with the Good News? Tell us about it. Are you skilled with finances and stewardship of resources? Let's get you involved. Do you enjoy helping to create fun events for fellowship and friendship? We need you in 2017. And what of musical gifting? Come join in leading us in worship of the Lord next year.
 
During these last few days before Ingathering Sunday, please pause, pray, and plan. Pause from the normal pattern of life to think about how God might call you to be a difference maker in 2017 with our church. Pray for the Lord to direct and equip you to the ministries in which you joyfully can contribute. And plan to take action by involving yourself in service to God through our church for the remainder of this year and then for all of 2017.
 
Then join us for Ingathering Worship this Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. for our Contact service or at 11:15 a.m. for our Heritage service. Bring with you your completed financial commitment card and your time & talent sheet. As you do, bring a heart that is happy to contribute; for as the Scriptures remind us, "the Lord loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). If you are unable to attend in person this Sunday, please submit your financial commitment card and time & talent sheet at the church office. We'll make sure that they get into the right hands.
 
On a completely separate note for this Sunday, I want to encourage us to attend a special service of prayer and song scheduled for 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. We shall be gathering to pray and seek God for the upcoming elections on Tuesday. Many feel that we are at a crucial juncture in the life of our country. It is time for us to call out to the Lord for His mercy and grace to grip our nation with renewed faith in Christ and a return to Christian values. We'll gather to ask the Lord not to forsake us, but rather to embrace us with His covenant keeping, steadfast love.
 
So on this first Sunday in November, please join us for two services--one in the morning for Ingathering and a second in the evening to intercede for our nation.
 
See you in Church!
 
Pastor Tim
 
****

Having Trouble Viewing the Clip Art?

 

If you are having trouble viewing the clip art on this Pastoral E-Letter, please go to the top of the page and click where it reads "Click Here." If you have Outlook, please right click in the image block and "download pictures."