As I pen these lines on Wednesday morning, November 4th – with the pandemic surging and political outcomes on pause – patience is the order of the day and I am praying for an extra measure of patience to go all around.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary responses and 2020 has certainly been an extraordinary and challenging year. This day, like so many others this year, is full of uncertainty, questions and anxiousness. This Church, as it has all year, remains steadfast and sure—an anchor for us despite whatever may come of the election and in the coming months. In the midst of everything swirling around us, as people of faith, we are called to rise to the occasion and be the church as fully and faithfully as possible.

Faith goes beyond what we see in the world around us. I give thanks for The Neighborhood Church – for we are a caring, connected and committed community of faith seeking to live out God’s purposes. Relationships are so important both in our families and our church family. When the relationships are rooted in God’s love, gifts are shared as an expression of what binds us together. To be part of our church family is truly a blessing, especially during times such as these.

The mission of the church is to keep us connected to God, our faith and each other. Prayer support, concern and acts of kindness are true embodiments of being the body of Christ for one another. When all our gifts of love are shared, we are The Neighborhood Church family at our best. It has been a true joy to see how much love and assistance has been flowing within our congregation. Members have volunteered to deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions, run errands, and have been calling and checking in with each other. Yes, the caring, compassion, and connections in our family of faith are amazing and inspiring. The witness of our family of faith gives me hope in spite of everything.

It is now time for us to rise to the challenge of committing our financial pledges for the strength and good of our future in the coming year of 2021. In a few days, you will receive a letter and pledge card. This is a communal time and endeavor - for we are all in this together, we need each other, and we will get through this together. To that end, please prayerfully consider what you will do, fill out the pledge card and return it to the church by Thanksgiving if possible.
God is our Rock and our Salvation and we will hope in God…and as God’s faithful people we are “Rooted in Love…Growing to Give.” A prayer for today:

O God, grant us your peace, comfort, and patience in this time of uncertainty. Help us to wait and hope well. Amen.

In Gratitude,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister