When asked about the heart of a life of faith, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strengths… And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
As November begins, the weather is cooling down and the holidays are on the horizon, and it’s a great time for us to reconnect with what is at the core of our life together – loving God with all that we are and all that we have, and loving our neighbor as ourself.
At Halloween at the end of October we go door to door and meet, or are met in our homes, by our neighbors. At Thanksgiving, we will practice gratitude as we give thanks for all that we have and all that we are, and remember that all of that is a gift from God to be enjoyed and to be shared.
On All Saints Sunday, November 3rd, we will remember and learn from the example of the saints who have gone before us and who from their labors rest who show us what it means to love God and neighbor. We will also kick off a Sunday School and sermon series that will go through November, How To Be A Neighbor. We will explore the art and skill of being a good neighbor and commit to getting to know our neighbors as individuals, households, and as a congregation.
The second weekend in November offers two events to invite, meet, pray with, and understand more about our neighbors. Friday, November 8th at 6:30 pm we’re screening the movie The Mark of War and hosting a conversation on mental health and the lasting impact of war – a great way to observe and honor what our veterans go through as we approach Veterans Day. The next evening, November 9th, at 6:30 pm we will host our community in a prayer vigil commemorating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and praying and working for an end to everything that divides us and keeps us from loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Tuesday, November 26th, we’ll go learn from everyone’s favorite TV neighbor, Fred Rogers, and see the new film A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. Showtimes aren’t out yet, but stay tuned and plan to come watch the movie and then stay around the galleria for a conversation on what we learned about the art of neighboring.
All of these events, and everything that Spirit in the Hills does to help you, me, and all of our community grow in loving God and loving neighbor doesn’t happen without your participation, sharing, commitment, and generosity. Know that I am thankful for each and for all of you, and I give thanks to God for the ways you put your faith in action, loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself.
Let’s continue to grow in faith toward God and fervent love toward one another this month and every month.
Peace,
Pastor Drew