Thanksgiving, 2011

     The Thanksgiving traditions for many families and individuals, during times of economic crisis, may be trimmed down some in regard to what is set on the table, but more important things will hopefully remain in practice.  In this country we are blessed with much more material abundance than in some others, but there is more to be thankful for than just that.
     On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, I reminded the Hispanic congregation in Salem of this point, reminding us all of the liberty we have to worship and the wonderful location that our Anglo brethren at Court St. Christian Church host us in.  God is good, as our elder constantly reminds us.

 

     Recently the congregations from Tigard and Newberg joined us in Salem for a worship service and to share a meal afterward.  The fellowship was rich and Hno. Pancho, from the Tigard and Newberg churches, preached from God's word and hearts were blessed in many ways.
     We count these blessings and many others as we as a congregation celebrate what God is doing in our midst, and are thankful for the opportunity to worship freely in this country, to join together with fellow disciples and to be together with our families and loved ones.
     The congregation in Salem is running from 40 to 50 adults in attendance now on a normal Sunday, and God has blessed us with some new ministries in the last six months.  We now have a youth leadership team to work with our young people, an outreach/visitation team with a mentor, and a ministry team that is overseeing the function and finances of the church.  God is good!
     We have a lot to be thankful for, so much more than just the material things, and this Thanksgiving Thursday, the Salem congregation will meet, as will most of our other Hispanic congregations, to fellowship over a meal together.
Que Dios les bendiga!