Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
~ Philippians 4:4
We’re fresh off the heels of our celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Just like any major event, the event itself changes us. The Reformation, even though it was 500 years ago, has changed the Church (notice the capital “C” referring to the whole Christian church), and the changes are still being felt. The event of the Reformation fractured the Church, but it also called us to ensure that God – and, specifically, the Good News of Jesus Christ – is at the center of what we do as Church. It also called us to continually follow Jesus wherever He leads us, and that means more change. I love two phrases that emerged from the Reformation: the church is always forming, and the church is always reforming (in Latin: ecclesia semper formanda; ecclesia semper reformanda).
We also celebrated the Confirmation of six of our youth. Yes, this is only one day of many for them, but this one day signifies that they now are taking on their baptismal promises for themselves. Their lives are forever changed, and we pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide and support them.
At the beginning of November, we welcome new members to our congregation. Again, just one day of many, but the event of standing before a congregation is a significant one. It not only changes the lives of those who are joining the church, but it also changes Bethel! These new members become part of the ministry that we share at Bethel, but they also add their gifts, their experience, and their ways of thinking.
So, as we look forward to Thanksgiving, yes, again, just one day among many others. But, it is a day where we focus on one main theme – simply giving thanks. As I’ve said in this article, these events are not just over and done with when the day passes. These events change us. I pray that this Thanksgiving would be a time of giving thanks that leads to many days of living thanks as we hear St. Paul’s encouragement to “rejoice in the Lord always.”
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 