GOOD HOPE PARISH
"Celebrating and sharing together Christ's love and hope for all people."
Good Hope Parish Informer
“Celebrating and sharing together Christ’s love for all people.”
Pastoral Ponderings
Pastoral Ponderings for November 2025
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Words for the Season: Thanksgiving, Stewardship, Gratitude and Giving
Mark 12: 41-44 The Widow’s Offering
This story is one that is near and dear to my heart, a reminder that every gift counts no matter how large or how small. It’s easy to give from abundance, but in this story, the widow is down to literally her last two mites- and yet she gives all that she has. I have never been that close to the end of my bank account, and pray that if that were to happen, I would make the same choice the widow in this story did. We are entering a new season in our country that people in my generation have never been in before- will it be a depression? Only time will tell, but it is certainly a time of uncertainty, and many people find themselves holding on by a thread. This is not a political issue but rather an issue of caring for one another as Jesus did and living out our baptismal promises. We, as Christians have the cross of Christ to hold on to and can give thanks for God’s enduring promise to never leave or forsake us. All of us will need to step up our stewardship, not only to our Church, but to our community; our neighbors who will otherwise go without their basic needs of food and shelter. The loving actions of caring for our siblings in Christ may mean sharing or delivering a meal, giving away an extra coat/scarf/gloves/mittens or hat. We have so much to be thankful for and giving thanks can be in the form of prayer, a phone call, card or text or simply a smile.
These words are also the focus for our early release program, KidzROCK, for November and December. During this time, the youth will be creating small tokens of gratitude to be taken to nursing homes, assisted living centers and home-bound members. I could use your assistance to ensure that every member receives a visit between now and Christmas. Giving of your time in this manner is a gift that brings joy to those whom you are visiting. It takes all of us to do God’s work with our hands and feet. Even a phone call to a shut-in would be appreciated. Let me know if you can assist with reaching out to our members and those who may need our assistance during these times of need.
I am thankful for each of you!
​​Pastor Peg
Prayer is powerful, meaningful, comforting interaction with God. Please pray for members who can no longer or can seldom worship in our facilities, persons undergoing treatments or therapies, person with chronic illness, persons facing terminal illness, persons grieving personal loss, person serving in the military and persons in special circumstances.
Please contact your church office to add names to the prayer list.
Good Hope Parish Informer
“Celebrating and sharing together Christ’s love for all people.”