A letter to the congregation from
Pastor Tim Darmour-Paul


People of faith have often noted that one day of Thanksgiving each year just is not enough time to
express gratitude for all the gifts God provides. Thirty days of gratitude has become a popular
social media phenomenon, with people counting one blessing each day through the month of
November.
Here at EvUCC, I will recognize November as a Month of Gratitude during our weekly Sunday
worship services.
On November 3, we celebrate All Saints Sunday, expressing gratitude for church members
among us whose earthly lives have concluded during the past year. Our saints include Helen
Krueger, Ray Graves, Becky Bierbaum, Harvey Lyerla, Shirley Schmidt, Duward Worley, and
Birdie Bockstruck.
We will recognize November 10 as Stewardship Sunday. We will not collect pledge cards,
but we will express thanks for the ability to make contributions that improve our families,
our community, and our world. Giving with gratitude builds trust in God’s continuing ability
to provide all we need.
On November 17, we will focus on the gift of forgiveness. We do not need to exhaust
ourselves in a never-ending pursuit of mercy because God has already given it! Gratitude for
grace energizes us for joyful service.
On November 24, I will be on vacation. Tim Sandifer will lead worship, perhaps geared
toward a traditional Thanksgiving service. It is also “Reign of Christ” Sunday, the conclusion
of the liturgical year, an opportunity to express gratitude for Christ’s sacrificial love which is
the power that will rule over the earth in the end.

Even a month is not really sufficient to count all the blessings of God. May we be able to sustain
grateful hearts throughout all the days of our living.
Peace,
Rev. Tim Darmour-Paul