We never know what the year is going to bring. This weekend we not only celebrate the final Sunday of the Church liturgical year, Christ the King, but it gives us a chance to look back on the last year. None of us could ever have guessed or anticipated what would happen to our church buildings and our community with all the many storms and devastation that hit. Yet the Lord blessed us through all of these things. Things can be replaced. Not a single life was lost in all these disasters. The hand of the Lord was present through all of it and for this, we can be very thankful. They may even end up being blessings in disguise. We ended up being able to rebuild and upgrade a nearly 60-year-old rectory that needed some work. It has taken some time and will still take a little longer. But that is very similar to our journey of faith. Things never happen right away, and we are still working on reaching the Kingdom of God.
Yes, we have a lot of things to be thankful for this year and at this Thanksgiving time. May we be thankful for the Lord for all the things that we have seen and witnessed this last year as we grow together in faith. Count the blessings that you have received and may the Lord continue to bless our church community and our families.
Since this is the final Sunday of the Church year, that means we begin Advent next weekend and our preparations for the celebration of Christmas. Please check the bulletin for upcoming spiritual activities including the Advent Penance services in the Kalamazoo area as well as our parish Advent retreat.
Please remember that our offices will be closed on Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving so that our staff may enjoy some time with their families.
Thanks for reading! Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!