November 2025 | Gratitude

Rooted in Gratitude,  Growing in Faith,  Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  — Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV)

November is a month that turns our hearts toward gratitude and remembrance. We remember the saints who have gone before     us- those who sang the hymns, built the walls, prayed the prayers, and passed on the faith. We give thanks for the many ways God has been faithful through every generation of this church. And as we approach Thanksgiving and Consecration Sunday, we also look ahead- asking how we might live thankfully, faithfully, and fruitfully in this new season.

Our roots run deep. Like a great tree planted by streams of  water, this congregation has  endured storms, changes, and seasons of both abundance and pruning. Every leaf of your story- every person, every prayer,    every act of service—has mattered to God. We are rooted in a rich soil of grace and faithfulness, nourished by generations who trusted that God was not finished yet. Their faith still sustains us.

But trees are not meant to stay the same. They grow. They reach upward toward the light and outward toward others. That’s what faith does, too. This fall, as our new Vision Team begins its work, we are listening together for how God is calling us to grow- not just in numbers, but in depth of faith, in community connection, and in fruitful ministry. We are praying for open hearts, fresh imagination, and holy courage to follow wherever God leads.

The heart of stewardship is really about growth. When we give our time, talents, and resources, we’re not just keeping ministries running- we’re helping the Kingdom of God take root in new places. Our giving is an act of trust that God will take what we offer and multiply it for purposes far beyond what we can see. Every gift becomes a seed of hope. Every prayer becomes living water. Every act of service bears fruit in someone’s life.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) That is our calling- to stay connected to the Source of life and to bear fruit that blesses others. The fruit of a healthy, rooted, growing church is not just in attendance or programs, but in lives changed by grace, families strengthened in love, and a community touched by compassion.

This November, as we remember the saints and celebrate God’s goodness, may we also look ahead with gratitude and   expectation. God is not done with us. The same Spirit who sustained those before us is calling us now- to nurture our faith, to deepen our roots, and to reach out in love.

As we continue to discern God’s vision for our future together, I invite you to pray daily- asking God to guide us, to stir our hearts, and to show us where new life is waiting to grow.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 30th, will be Consecration Sunday, when we’ll take time in worship to dedicate our financial pledges and commitments for the coming year. During that service, we will give thanks to God for His faithfulness and ask God’s blessing over all that we offer- trusting that, together, Christ First UMC will continue to be rooted in gratitude, growing in faith, and bearing fruit for the Kingdom.
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Peace,
Pastor Sherry