Pastor Chad’s Message – October 24, 2025 – Stewardship, Gratitude & All Saints
This Sunday we’ll conclude our “The Gifts of Stewardship -Past, Present, and Future” series with our focus on the walking the path got has prepared ahead of us. This Sunday will be based on Ephesians 2:4–10 where Paul reminds us that “we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” It’s a beautiful image that God is already preparing the path ahead, inviting us to walk it with faith, generosity, and hope.
THANK YOU!
I want to take a moment to thank our Stewardship and Finance Team (Brian Hurd, Becky Tipton, Linda Idoine, and Marcia Page) for their thoughtful and faithful work in guiding us through this season. Their leadership and care have helped us reflect deeply on how our giving shapes both the present and the future of our ministry together.
Bring Pledge Cards
Next Sunday (Nov 2 – All Saints Sunday) we’ll have the opportunity to bring forward our pledge cards during worship as a visible act of gratitude and commitment to the work God is continuing among us. Every gift, every pledge, every prayer helps clear the path for the future of our shared ministry.
All Saints Day Worship – November 2
Our yearly All Saints celebration is coming on Sunday, Nov 2nd and this year will be a little different in an exciting way. Kathleen Leigh-Lewarchick and Rick Painley are preparing a special service that will connect us to a practice of Hispanic cultures around the world called Dia De Los Muertos. This practice honors family members who have passed away in a unique and special way. Please see their description below and please prepare to take part in the celebration!
Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) is a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
From Rick Painley and Kathleen Leigh-Lewarchick
While the most recognizable aspects of Day of the Dead are the representations of skulls and skeletons, the tradition that holds the most meaning is the Ofrenda (Spanish for offering). The Ofrenda is what the whole celebration is about; it’s a collection of offerings dedicated to the person being honored. A brightly colored Oilcloth covers the table and on top of that sits a collection of photographs and personal items of the departed person.
Many of us see death as a sad event but those who celebrate Day of the Dead view death as a welcomed part of life. That is why you will see brightly colored skeletons and skulls everywhere during the holiday. They often are seen smiling, as a friendly nod to death, even mocking death.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday in worship! Peace,
Pastor Chad
