Believe it or not ….

I like church! What? That’s right. I actually like church. Yes, church can sometimes be boring and stuffy and routine. Yes, church people are flawed just like everyone else. But there are some reasons I like church.

For one, when two or three gather in Jesus’ name, Jesus shows up. It’s different than when we pray on our own, or listen to worshipful music by ourselves. When we corporately gather to lift up God’s name, God shows up. He is specially present. I believe that. And when God shows up, we are not the same people when we depart as when we arrived. We are different people. We may not even be able to explain or notice how we are different, but different we are. We are better off for receiving the touch of God.

I like the people. For example, I like the people of St. Paul's. We all come from our crazy worlds and assemble and prepare for worship. As I look out on the gathering, I see some genuinely good people. People who have welcomed me with warmth. People who gather to give their time and attention to a kingdom not of this world. God’s people.

I like the hymns, the food, the fellowship, and the stories. I remember with fondness certain people and circumstances in church life. I remember a pastor who came tumbling down the stairs one day, only to find out his father was a comedian, and he knew how to fall without hurting himself. I remember when my son was baptized and when I was married. I remember people who found new hope in Christ when their lives were falling apart. I remember tough times and good times in the church. I actually like the church. That body of believers gathered before God.

Why do I mention that I like the church? Why should you care?

Sometimes we need a different perspective. When we face a Sunday morning, and we might as well sleep in or whatever, perhaps we can remember that someone at church that day might need our smile and handshake. Maybe we can recall that if we show up at a time and place where God shows up, we do become different people, if only in small measure. When the Word of God is read and preached, there is hope and challenge for our souls.

Be a part of the church of Christ at St. Paul's. It’s a good thing to be part of the church. One day you may even be able to say you like it. You like to give your time and attention to God. You like to sing and lose yourself in a hymn. You like to encourage someone who looks forlorn one Sunday morning. You like to be part of an enterprise that cannot fail nor cease. You like to be joined with billions of fellow Christians throughout the world who meet together to find faith, hope, and love. You like to be changed and formed into the image of Christ. You like to be challenged to live differently and better. You like the fact that the spiritual part of your being is moved and touched. There is a lyric from a Christian song: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” I am glad. As you join the life of St. Paul's church, may you also be glad. May you find joy for your soul in the life of the church!

Rev. Brad Thompson

There are young people on the streets of Chicago who have been used and abused to the point of not owning winter clothing. These young people have been used up by predators, drugs, and poor choices. And, in the winter, they shiver and shake from the cold.

I would encourage you this year to be generous. All of us can find something(s) in our closet to benefit those without protection from the cold. When the appeal is made this year, please reach deeply into your heart and your closet to give to those who need it. If you saw first hand what these young people face, I believe you would literally give the clothes off your back! Thank you for your kindness and consideration for these street kids of Chicago.

Pastor Brad

The Night Ministry's HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 10-Year Anniversary - 2008

"The holidays can be lonely, depressing and dangerous for the homeless and abandoned in our community. Without help, they will be isolated in a season of togetherness. Without help, they will have only the company of the cold harsh winter. Join this Holiday Celebration and help us give the priceless gift of a caring community season of togetherness.
Rev. Julie Delezenne
Coordinator, Congregational and Community Relations

For the past several years, St. Paul's has participated in The Night Ministry's Holiday Celebration by collecting hats, gloves, and scarves to assist the more than 2,400 homeless or at-risk youth in Chicago. This year, as part of the 10 year anniversary celebration, we would like to expand our efforts and support by providing 12 Holiday Stockings.

The items we will need are: deck of cards, one pair of adult thermal socks, small first aid kit (99 cents size), small pack of tissues, full size deodorant, small flashlight, lip balm, hand cream, small memo pad, pens, assorted candy, chocolates, breath mints/gum, hand warmers, toothbrush/toothpaste (small size), pair of magic gloves (at Walgreens) dark colors.

The cost of each stocking should be less than $20.00. Please contribute as generously as you are able. We will have a box in Fellowship Hall for your donations. Or, if you wish to make a monetary donation, special envelopes will be available. Our Congregational Care team will make the necessary purchases from your donation.

Happy November to all! It seems like this is a time of change both in our weather and also in the life of St. Paul's. I hope that each and every one of you attended our important meeting and have voiced your opinion as to what direction you want the Council to take. This input is important. These decisions cannot be made by the few members of the Council. These decisions will affect everyone who worships at St. Paul's now and in the future. If we are to keep our congregation alive, we must all work together supporting the activities and mission of our church.

By looking at the Visitor, you can tell that the Council has been busy planning "fun and fund" raising activities. An active church is a church that is alive and reaches out to help people in our community. Our church continues to offer an inspirational worship service, beautiful music, as well as a variety of outreach and fellowship events. If you know some of your family or neighbors who might be interested in our worship service or fellowship events, invite them to see what St. Paul's is all about. Come and share the wealth our church has to offer!

November is a time to be thankful for all of our blessings. Take a few minutes this week and count your blessings and name them one by one. (Yes, I know that it is from an old song, but it still works.) Include St. Paul's as one of your many blessings. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

God Bless You,
Debbie Wisowaty
Council President

Thank you to the Visitor team: Dolly Horak, Betty Granum, Grace Frantz, Pat Loran, Erna Weigt and Betty Msucato for assembling the newsletter each month.