Many Blessings
On behalf of my family—Mary, Allan, Sara, Grant, Avery, and our newest addition, our first grandchild, Landon—Happy Thanksgiving! As I reflect on this season, I am deeply grateful for each of you. For over three decades, you have graciously trusted me to serve as your pastor, and you have embraced and cared for my family in countless ways. We are truly blessed by your continued trust, your love, and the many ways you have provided for us throughout the years. Thank you for being such an incredible blessing in our lives.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for all that God has done through our fellowship at Union Avenue Baptist Church. Together, we’ve witnessed His faithfulness and experienced His abundant blessings in so many ways.
This past week has been a powerful reminder of what it means to live out our faith as a community. From the joyful labor of decorating our church for Christmas with trees, lights, and nativity displays, to the celebration of new life through baptism at the Chinese Thanksgiving service, God has been glorified in our work and worship. Five individuals took their first steps of public faith through baptism, proclaiming their inward transformation through Christ.
We’ve also seen His love in action through the delivery of beds to children in need, bringing joy and comfort to five precious lives. We welcomed the African Children’s Choir to our church, offering hospitality and receiving the gift of their vibrant presence. And just last night, we had the privilege of sharing complete Thanksgiving meals with 40 families in our community. What a beautiful picture of God’s provision flowing through His people!
Reflecting on these moments, I’m reminded of Acts 2:41-44:
"So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common." (CSB)
What a joy it is to see these verses come alive among us. We’ve prayed together, served together, broken bread together, and shared in awe at what God is doing. This unity and purpose point us back to the heart of our calling as followers of Christ.
As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Advent season, we look forward to celebrating the “Majesty to be revealed.”This coming Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, and our focus will be on Psalm 2: The Promised King. Verse 6 declares:
"As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." (ESV)
This verse captures God’s response to human rebellion—the establishment of His King, Jesus Christ. Zion represents God’s dwelling place, a reminder that Christ’s kingdom is spiritual, eternal, and unshakable. Jesus is already reigning as King, though His full dominion will be revealed at His return.
As we prepare our hearts for Advent, let us reflect on this truth: How does Christ’s reign shape our lives? How do His sovereignty and eternal kingdom influence our decisions, priorities, and hopes for the future?
Let us enter this season with thankful hearts, united as God’s people, and eager to worship the Promised King. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue to journey together, anticipating the ultimate reign of Christ and celebrating the hope we have in Him.