Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and singing praises to God for His goodness. As we gather with loved ones to express thanks, it is fitting to turn our hearts to Isaiah's prophetic words, which remind us of God’s comfort and the joy that flows from His promises.

In Isaiah 51:3, we read:

"Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing."

Isaiah speaks of Zion, the city of God, as a place destined for restoration, peace, and joy. Like Jerusalem, the world experiences strife and struggle. Yet, Isaiah paints a picture of hope: a future where joy and gladness replace sorrow and sighing. Through God’s redemptive work, thanksgiving and singing resound—not just in Zion but in the hearts of all who are ransomed by the Lord.

As Isaiah continues in verses 11-12:

"The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. ‘I, even I, am he who comforts you.’”

For centuries, Jerusalem has been a place where singers proclaimed the comfort of God. This same comfort is available to us because of what happened in this city—Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, which secured our salvation. The ultimate reason for thanksgiving is not just the blessings we enjoy but the eternal hope and comfort we have through Christ.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, with all the delightful food and family gathered around your table, let this prophetic vision of joy and thanksgiving guide your reflections:

*Thank God for His comfort, which sustains us in our sorrows.

*Sing praises for His promises of redemption and restoration.

*Rejoice in the everlasting joy that crowns those who belong to Him.

This season, let our “thanks" not be about turkey, pumpkin pie, and football, may our thanksgiving echo the joyful singing of Zion, for we too are ransomed by the Lord and crowned with His joy!

On the Adventure with you,

Supt. Ben

PreacHer Sunday

December 1

Women with the Free Methodist Church are entering the path to ordained ministry each year, enriching our leadership pipeline. PreacHer Sunday is a joint initiative of the Advocates for Women in Leadership (AWL) and the Strategic Catalyst for Love-Driven Justice. Visit https://buff.ly/45nYY6f to get more information about PreacHer Sunday, connect with AWL to access resources, explore their vision and mission statements.

Advent Zoom Meetings

with Rev. Wendy Shuffett

Starting Monday, December 2

6:30-7:30pm

Supt. Tolly has requested Pastor Wendy Shuffett to host Advent Zoom meetings open to all conference Pastors and Lay Leaders. 

Advent is an invitation to slow down spiritually and spend time contemplating and reflecting over the gift of Jesus to this world. GOD's risk-taking reaches new levels with the incarnation of Christ. The Three Persons of the Trinity commit their creative and redemptive plan to the free response of a politically, socially, and culturally insignificant young woman in a small village in a war-torn and occupied territory in the Middle East. GOD desires that she become the mother of the Word made Flesh. This has never happened before in human history. GOD reveals His plan to this young woman - a plan that breaks all codes of orthodox religious behavior and conventional wisdom. 

During our time together, we will engage contemplatively with the Annunciation as told in Luke 1:26-38. As we gather together, I recommend that you zoom in from a quiet place and bring your journal. 

Beginning Monday, December 2nd, 6:30-7:30pm and ending on Monday, December 23rd.

Register with Wendy Shuffett at wendyshuffett@gmail.com

Giving Tuesday, December 3

Giving Opportunities for

Free Methodist Ministries

including Light and Life Park in Florida

This year, December 3 marks Giving Tuesday, offering a fantastic chance for people and organizations to support our various ministries and their essential efforts. The following ministries will be promoted during Giving Tuesday:

Bishops' Crisis Response Fund

Free Methodist World Missions and their One Voice Offering

ICCM

Marston Memorial Historical Center & Free Methodist Archive

Men's Ministries International

Set Free Movement

The Center for Pastoral Formation

The Chaplains Association of the Free Methodist Church

Mark your calendars to visit and bookmark the FMCUSA website around Tuesday, December 3, to stay up to date on the latest information about the ministries involved and how you can help them continue their critical ministerial work and expand their impact.

Also, Light and Life Park in Florida:

We are in need of your support! Time is of the essence as we need 80 volunteers to urgently help in the next 10 days with cleanup efforts. There are 170+ homes that have been damaged by hurricane Milton.

We need strong men and women willing to do dirty jobs at this stage of recovery. If you are able to help move large items, rip out flooring, cut out walls, remove insulation, or help with basic cleaning - we need you!

Please send a team... or even 2 or 3 individuals to help. There is housing (cots) and two meals are provided (donations toward food are appreciated).

We are looking to you to be the hands and feet of Jesus and communicate His love in tangible ways to those who have suffered greatly.

Please contact Kendra Trepus Luna (Assisting Jayme Sinsmyr) for Work Team housing coordination and details. kendra.luna5@gmail.com or (810) 820-1794.

Other Contacts: Park Administrator, Stan Welton sjwelton@gmail.com 863-608-3982 Pastor Jeff Bellinger Jbellinger13@gmail.com 716-720-0387

Donations may be made to Light and Life Park via Zelle using 863-608-3982.

Donations may be made to The Light and Life FMC Benevolence Fund here. https://buff.ly/4flhnWf

From ECFA:

Digital Discipleship: Can Churches Grow People Who May Never Attend In Person?

Dr. Warren Bird, Senior Vice President of Research and Equipping, recently wrote an article for Outreach Magazine highlighting the importance of using digital tools to promote spiritual growth and community based on findings from the recent Digital Discipleship Survey. He emphasizes the need for innovation in digital ministry, noting that both large and small churches can share valuable insights to improve online engagement.

Click here to read more