Dear St. Lukers,

It’s beginning to look a lot like… well let’s just say the Holidays! Sirius XM has holiday music playing, there are holiday decorations in stores and our United Methodist Women have been preparing all week like little elves to transform the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium into the annual Holiday Bazaar which is this weekend on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. AND Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

You may not realize but a team of women prepare crafts all year long. They began canning a few months ago and this week they’ve been hard at work baking homemade goodies. Annually the UMW Bazaar brings in tens of thousands of dollars to be used for missions both locally and globally. We are so thankful for the work of all our women (and their husbands work pretty hard too, I might add!) Please make sure you come out and bring your friends and family to purchase some wonderful gifts for a great cause. You will be blessed as you offer a blessing for others and receive some holiday cheer.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is finding unexpected gifts for people I know and love. It’s so exciting to come across something when you aren’t even looking, that you simply know will be perfect for someone you care about. I think this aspect of giving makes our lives continually more intentionally lived “toward” others. It makes the wish for this Sunday come to life. “I wish you more give than take” is our stewardship lesson this week. Because when we are giving of ourselves and resources for Kingdom purposes, to lift another up, to encourage someone and ensure they are valued, it connects us with the heart of Jesus.

We invite you to read the story of Joseph and his brothers part 2 from Genesis chapters 42-45.  This story leading to sibling and family reconciliation is a nail biter. We will share its connection with our wish of more give than take on Sunday, and we will also have a chance to meet little Joey as he grows up. As you prepare your hearts for worship, consider stopping at the Bazaar or spend some time looking for that special something for someone unexpected. Practice some giving and let it be a personal prayer of gratitude toward God.

Grace, peace and wishes,

Jenn.