Do you realize how Ainsworth UCC folk make a difference in our community and world?  Every day I hear of people talk about someone from Ainsworth speaking, rallying, leading, serving—so much to make our world a better place. That is what discipleship is about. Serving, acting working to make the Realm of God a reality in our world. We may not all agree on how best to do it, but we are out there and engaged, leading the anti-war rally, supporting Occupy Portland, speaking at This Land is Our Land rally, working to end the Death Penalty, volunteering at the HIV Day Center, the Northeast Food Bank, working for Education Equity, Police & Community Relations, GLBT rights, racial and economic justice, visiting those needing care, volunteering in our schools, working as public servant, health care provider and any number of other ways. WE make a difference.

In our own congregation, folk serve to make our worship service inspirational, provide Christian education and nurture, minister to one another, administer budgets, facilitate our communications, take care of our building that is home for so many, raise funds, and lead us to serve some more. We are Ainsworth United Church of Christ and we are about the ministries of Jesus Christ. We will be celebrating your support of all that we do through your pledges—commitments to give on Sunday, November 20th. We hope you will be there to hear Rev. Felix Carrión and to be consecrated as a steward.

Advent

Then on November 27th, we begin the Christian year anew with Advent. Through Hanging of the Greens, Advent Soup Suppers, Blue Christmas, beautiful music, the Pageant, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day serves we will nurture your spirit through the holiday seasons. You make all of this and so much more possible. I give thanks for all of you.