November is full of falling leaves (so many leaves), aromas of turkey and fresh-made/bought pies, plus the sound of wind howling all around. Around my house, it has sounded like baseball and football cheers from huge crowds, and a new quiet with less construction on my busy street. Ah, Fall is really upon us. October feels like practice for the real Fall because half of the time it is hot as summer. Now we get into the chilly days and reasons to bundle up with apple cider and freshly made cider donuts. Mmmm.

For churches around the world, November is a time to reflect on what was and to get ready for the new Church Year, which begins the last Sunday of November this year. Just as we are putting away our turkey and ham leftovers (or whatever traditional entree you might have on Thanksgiving with your loved ones), out come the Advent decor — the paraments (those purple or blue cloth things in the sanctuary), the candles, the wreaths, trees and other festive traditions. As we are in the midst of Fall, may we Walk and Wait, Walk and Wait. We are in the midst of a physical change to our trees and outdoor foliage, an ending of one season and the beginning of another. That change happens inside of each of us, too. And we get ready for a Season of Waiting, as the Christ Child comes. What a time to be alive! Let us fully take it all in this week.

And check out these two December events coming up! (Note: The Giving Thanks Lunch scheduled for Nov 16 has been cancelled. We will still make Blessing Bags – a mission project – in the kids and youth BFGs on Nov 27.)

Dec 3-Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum

Join us for an evening of light and wonder on December 3; we will meet at 5:40 at the main entrance! Pick up tickets at the Front Desk ($10/person or $20/household); hurry before we run out!

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Hope your week is wonderful and full of Walking and Waiting. = )

~Laurel