“Acknowledge that Yahweh is God.  He made us and we are his.  – Psalm 100:3 (CSB)

November is the blessing month…a season of Thanksgiving, a reminder of how blessed we really are.  In Brazil, there is a daily custom observed by families, the daily blessing.  Each morning as the children are off to school or play, they seek their father’s blessing before they exit the house.  They come alongside their father and eagerly await his blessing.  While this practice looks different from home to home, eventually the father raises his hand and says, “Deus te abencoe, meu filho” (God bless you my son).  Then off the child goes – out the door and on his way to another adventurous day.  The father and child part ways for a time but not before a blessing is sought by one and offered by another.

What a way to start each day…a blessing sought, and a blessing given.  God the Father desires to bless his children and I imagine sometimes he longingly waits for us to seek his blessing.  Think about it…is there a better way to start your day than to seek the blessing of Almighty God?   Like a child longing for a father’s favor, each of us needs a daily reminder of our heavenly Father’s love for us.

If we were to get in the habit of seeking the Father’s blessing before we started our day, I wonder if it would change anything?  If sure couldn’t hurt!  Let’s try it…May each day’s blessing encourage you as you seek your Father’s face!

Trunk-or-Treat 2023…was a great success thanks to all of you who worked so hard to put together your trunks!  A special thanks goes to Ms. Melody, Emily and Dyana who helped to organize the event.  Without them, there is no event!  Thanks also to all who participated, helped with events and attractions, brought candy, etc.  Without your help, the event would not have been a success!  I overheard several guests talking about how great the event was and how laid back and fun it was for their children.  Good job everyone!!!

The movie, “The Blind”… will be presented here at the church building on Sunday evening, 11/05/2023 @ 6:00pm.  Tickets are available on our website or you may see Ms. Nancy Miller to pay with cash or check.

No Basket Dinner in November…there will be NO basket dinner on Sunday, November 12.  The elders are encouraging everyone to participate in a fund-raising lunch to assist in building a school in the hometown and country of  Ms. Victoria Zarkpah’s, Freetown, Liberia, on land that is owned by her family.  Please see Ms. Victoria or Rudy Schellekens for ticket information and spread the word regarding the cancellation of November’s Basket Dinner.

 Upcoming Holiday Events…

• Sunday, November 5 – “The Blind” movie at the building, 6:00pm
• Sunday, November 19 – Fresh baked cookie drop off at the building.
• Monday, November 20 – Thanksgiving Cookie Blessing beginning @ 9:30am at the building
• Thursday, November 23 – Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, December 1 – Downtown Muscatine Holiday Stroll @ 5:00-8:00pm on 2^nd Street
• Sunday, December 10 – Service of Remembrance, at the building, 4:00pm
• Sunday, December 17 – Annual Christmas at the Anderson’s, 4:30 – 8:00pm
• Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Devotional

Time to Fall back…this Sunday we return to Central Standard Time (CST).  It’s time to gain your lost hour of sleep back this Saturday night.  Turn you clocks back one hour when you go to bed…at 2:00am it officially becomes 1:00am again.  Bible class starts at 9:00am (CST).  Enjoy your sleep!

This week at the Muscatine Church…we are in the blessing season, and as such we are called to be a blessing by God to others.  But what is the difference between a blessing and a reward.  This Sunday we will look at this topic and challenge ourselves to understand the gift of a blessing.  I hope to see you there!

May you be blessed in your daily walk with God,

DJA