Good day siblings in Christ,
I start by resending everything from Monday in case you missed it, followed by some new items. Tonight will be the service I mention below on gun violence, if you are interested. I have also found out that next Wednesday at Temple Israel, Elisha Wiesel will be coming to speak about his father, Eli Wiesel’s legacy. It is open to the public and will be streamed. You can register here: https://www.tinw.org/event/elisha-wiesel.html
On November 13, we will have our annual meeting following worship. It will be in person only due to requirements of NY state law. A correction to the parish registry page was sent to members to replace this page in the report sent out previously. There are ten printed reports available on the table outside of the sanctuary.
Wednesday, I will be joining Good Shepherd Lutheran Pearl River, NY from 7-9 p.m. as we read the name of every person who died from gun violence this year. I am one of the many people reading the names. The service will be in person at Good Shepherd Pearl River or online on their YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/c/goodshepherdpearlriver
If you have not noticed, we have new signs for the church around the neighborhood. A photo is attached below. The three signs pointing the way to Our Saviour had become disheveled over the years. Thank you to Ken for replacing two of the three, with the third one coming soon. They are brighter and have the updated logo. They look great!
The Christmas fair committee is having a meeting this Sunday after worship. Please join them if you would like to participate this year. It is only a month away!
Next week is our annual All Saints Sunday service. It is a day when we honor those who have died in the last year. As part of the service, we will lift up names in remembrance. I also invite people to bring pictures or small mementos to place on the altar shelf that remind us of loved ones. The ancestors walk with us, so we remember them during this time.
This Sunday is the end of daylight savings time, so remember to set your clocks back an hour if you still have a clock that needs setting. If you use your phone, it will magically do it.
The following new announcements are from Marilyn, out social ministry chair:
Ossining Padres Hispanos Food Drive
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of what we have and the love of friends and family. Most of us are blessed with much to be thankful for. The organization Padres Hispanos in Ossining has assisted families and individuals who have left everything behind to come to America for a better life and safe home. We have been able to assist them in the past with donations of food and clothes.
I have heard the shelves in their food pantry are empty and need assistance this winter. Please provide items such as dry beans, rice (in large bags as they can fill smaller bags for families) and other non-perishable items for their shelves. They also can use spices, sugar and flour, vegetable oil, coffee, tea, and such items. If you feel you can assist, please know that they are now a 501-c3 non-profit and donations are tax deductible.
There is a trunk in the church narthex to place food items. I will deliver them as they come in. We will accept donations until December 4.
Ossining Padres Hispanos Coat Drive
With winter almost here, there is a need for gently used coats for adults and children. Any size is welcome and it is preferred coats be machine washable. I know children outgrow clothes quickly so you may have such items in closets from last year which no longer fit your child. Hats, gloves, and scarves are also welcome.
There is a plastic bin in the narthex ready to accept your donations. I will deliver coats after December 4.
Seafarer’s Christmas Satchels
November is a time of thanksgiving and family. 90% of global trade is transported on the high seas by crew members on container ships who remain invisible to most people, yet our supply chains depend on their services. Seafarers are the “unseen essential workers” and are overworked, frustrated, and lonely. Therefore, we invite you to bring joy to seafarers who will not be home with their loved ones for Christmas. Our port chaplains safely deliver the satchels filled with gifts to the ships for the holiday. Every crew member on a ship regardless of their faith or nationality will open their satchels, each containing:
- One hooded or unhooded sweatshirt (M, L, or XL)
- One t-shirt (M, L, or XL but same size as the sweatshirt)
- Three pairs of socks—thermal or gym socks
- One knitted winter cap (please no pompom or tassel due to safety concerns)
- One can of nuts or a large chocolate bar or healthy snack bar
- A Christmas card from you
What might otherwise have been another lonely night at sea becomes a joyous occasion, because complete strangers share the spirit of Christmas with seafarers!
Please bring all items to Frya no later than November 27. She has coordinated with other churches to have the satchels picked up and delivered to the collection location.
Thank you for your generosity.
Pastor Johnson