From the Pastor's Desk - Thanksgiving Message

Thanksgiving, 2009

The holidays are upon us and this is a truly glorious time of year to participate in worship and serve in our community.  We have experienced blessings beyond measure in our congregation and homes and are able now to share with one another while giving glory to God.  At times, however, even during these days of celebration, we can feel robbed of our joy because of a personal crisis, becoming over-extended by commitments and responsibilities, or just trying to manage an already full life.  There is refuge, regardless of the source of our struggles, and that refuge comes through the encouragement of our Lord who must have known what it means to feel tired and anxious. 

At one point in what is commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, including Matthew chapters five, six, and seven, Jesus speaks to the gathered crowd about the worries of life.  He encourages them to store their treasures in heaven where burglars will not steal and rust will not destroy.  He suggests observing God’s care for birds of the air and flowers of the field, and how God provides what they need (Matthew 6:25 -33) in creation.  If you long for mercy in your life, a release of pressure or guilt, or the need for forgiveness, both granting and receiving, this passage is for you.  I believe wholeheartedly that God is able and willing to provide for our lives.  It is important to remember that our expectations for our own life can sometimes become askew from the holiness of God causing us to lose sight of what is lasting and eternal.  The Holy season of Advent is here and we are invited to live by the grace of God’s desiring rather than what we feel we have to manipulate or control.  We are offered again the invitation to embrace wisdom that moves us beyond what we see into the vision of Almighty God. I want to worship together with you this holy season and embrace the goodness and glory of our Lord. 

The Federated Church of Ashland worships together on Sunday mornings at 9:30 .  All ages are welcome with regular Children’s Sunday School and nursery accompanying the morning worship service.  We rejoice in the upcoming Advent season, the opportunities for worship and service, and a multi-talented Christian congregation seeking to bless the Lord and community each day. 

 Bless you,

 The Reverend Jason Rutherford

Pastor