Yet, it is attitude that makes such a difference in life. We could attend a Thanksgiving family gathering with misgiving and reluctance. Or, we could attend determined to make a difference, bringing a conversational approach and a cheerful spirit. We could be the difference maker at our holiday celebration, bringing Jesus with us into the very center of the gathering. We could notice the changing colors of the leaves and chill in the air, and greet such with pessimism. We could reason that the changing season only means that snow and ice and (more) bad weather are on the way. Or, we could create a "rake the leaves&qot; party with our family, and have a fun afternoon together. As the weather changes, we could hunker down in front of the television, or we could volunteer to feed the homeless. Attitude. Attitude. Attitude. Things can be same old, ho hum, done that before. Or the routines and the holidays and the gatherings can be enlivened and made new and fresh. Attitude!

As we take in the fragrances of fall and whiffs of holiday cooking, yes, we have done it all before. But what of wonder? What of the wonder of the child in us? Wonder arrives in our lives as we plan an d decide and act to make things new and fresh. If you were to decide to jot down some topics for conversation, or a new game to be played, and introduce such as your holiday gathering, then that gathering would be new and transformed. You would be a difference maker, and it would be wonder-full. Food becomes stale when it is not eaten. Life become stale when there is no planning or intention to do differently. Wonder is the victim when there is no challenge. But the same becomes new when we decide to do differently.

So, it is a new season, with new holidays about to arrive. The turkey and stuffing will soon be purchased and cooked. Yes, we have done it all before. Attitude! But if you arrive with cheerful countenance, a story to tell, a game to be played, an encouragement to be offered, the same is not really the same. YOur attitude can transform things. And people will leave saying, "That was a wonder-full!"

So make your holiday plans now. Rake leaves as a family and make it fun. Feed those with no food. Attend a festive holiday event. Break away from the television or internet. Encourage Uncle Bob, because he needs it, even if he does not deserve it. Play Pictionary or Scrabble or Charades. Decide to engage the familiar. And it will not be the same! Christianity is all about God engaging this planet, and things are never the same. Sing a new song, says the Psalms. We are new creatures, says Paul. At communion time, we celebrate that Christ has made a new covenant with us. Bring the freshness of the living God into the familiar. Decide to do so. You can be a difference maker! Your presence and intentionality will inject the familiar with the new. Intention! Wonder! Amen.

Pastor Brad

It's hard to believe that October is gone and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. The beautiful colors of the fall leaves will soon turn to cool days and snowflakes on the ground.

It was great to see new faces helping us to make our Oktoberfest a huge success! Many thanks to all who sold tickets, to the cooks and bakers, the set-up/crews, the decorators, and to the fabulous entertainers--our "ompah trio"--Olga Sklyanskaya, Erna Weigt and Peggy Grumbine. Finally, a huge "thank you": to the 75 people in attendance! Our success would not have been possible without all of the support and generosity of so many people.

In November, we have an important meeting in the life of our church. Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be after church Sunday, November 22nd. Please join us to hear about our "year in review", vote on the budget for 2010 and discuss our plans for next year and beyond.

Thank you to all those who helped made this year's Oktoberfest a hudge success!

A letter of thanks was received by St. Paul's from the Resurrection Lutheran Church for our donation to the Food For Life Pantry.

Congratulations to Christopher and Deonna Jones on the birth of their son Jonathan Dean Jones. The proud grandparents are Barb and Floyd Jones and big brother Jacob.