From the Rector

Dear friends,

This is the third issue of our monthly Good Shepherd Good News. They seem to be serving the purpose for which they are created. I was recently with a family who has not been at the church for some time. Before they left, I offered them a copy of the October Good News magazine. They happened to open to the Creation Care page with the article about our solar panels. “Wow! You are using solar energy. What else are you doing?”

My hope is that these Good News magazines will not only inform and inspire you – but that you will use them to spread the good word about who we are and how God is in motion among us. Don’t be shy about keeping an issue with you in your home, or office, or car – and share it.

Our Annual Ingathering of Pledges is November 11. This is when we offer our pledge of financial support for our parish for the following year, giving thanks to God for all the blessings of this life. On this same Sunday, we honor the services of veterans as well as hearing from young parishioners from our sister Episcopal church, San Pablo de Apostal in Seaside, with whom we have partnered in offering tutoring.

Our worship on November 18 will be particularly devoted to thanksgiving and gratitude in preparation for Thanksgiving. How have you been impacted by someone else’s or your own acts of generosity? How do you practice gratitude? Daily generosity and gratitude will transform your outlook and your life in profoundly positive ways.

God’s peace,
Pastor Linda+

Traditional Collect for Thanksgiving Day

Almighty and gracious Father, we give thee thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer)