The Pilgrims had a custom of putting five kernels of corn on each plate before a dinner of Thanksgiving was served. In many old Plymouth families the custom is still followed today.

The five kernels were chosen because, prior to the first harvest, life was so hard that the daily ration was five kernels of corn per person. Before you eat your Thanksgiving meal think of the Pilgrims and their custom and reflect upon your blessings.

"How do you read the signs?" When Jesus walked this earth he said and did many things that the people around him saw as "signs": miracles, wise sayings, fulfillment of ancient prophecies. But throughout his ministry (and especially in the Gospel readings for November) he urged his followers to be aware of other signs: the unfolding events of history that remind us there will be an end to time and a return of our Savior. How do you read the signs?

Our congregation celebrates November 2nd as All Saints Sunday, then Jesus announces the signs of those who are blessed in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-12. Our very yearning to be with God is a sign of our salvation; we echo Isaiah 26:1-4,8-9,12-13,19-21. How will we know that the end has finally come? When we see the new Jerusalem, a veritable Eden, coming to us, as described in Revelation 21:9-11,22;22:5.

Sometimes signs get misinterpreted. When, in Mark 12:38-44 (the Gospel for November 9^th), the widow threw in her two mites, some may have seen that as a sign of poor stewardship, but Jesus praised her generosity. The widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16 may have seen her dwindling supply of oil and flour as sign that God had abandoned her, but changed her mind as he provided daily bread when Elijah came to her home. One sign is sure: Christ's death is "once for all," in the words of Hebrews 9:24-28. How can you keep the sign of the cross before you amid ever-changing circumstances?

Jesus forecast the destruction of Jerusalem in Mark 13:1-8 (the Gospel for November 16th). That would not be the end, but only the beginning of many false signs and false Christs. Through all that Daniel 12:1-3 urges us to await the final victory and then shine like stars. With that in view, Hebrews 10:11-25 exhorts us, because of our Lord's sacrifice, to "draw near, ... spur one another on to love, ... and encourage one another."

Each action can be a sign of hope for someone else. When Jesus stood before Pilate in John 18:33-37 (the Gospel for November 23rd), Pilate saw no signs of kingship. Sometimes they are hidden from people without faith. Yet eyes of faith see much more. Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 provides a view of Jesus' true power and authority, and Revelation 1:4b-8 echoes that as John begins his letter to the seven churches. How do you read the signs - or the lack of them today? What should we do when the final signs start occurring?

Luke 21:25-36, the Gospel for November 30th (the First Sunday in Advent and in the new Church Year), says, "Lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." It will be the fulfillment of God's promises to David, as Jeremiah 33:14-16 foretells. Until that day, though, for even the strong Christians addressed in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (and for us), Paul prays for strength in order to be held blameless. How can you be a sign for others to read, a sign assuring them that the day of the Lord's return is drawing nearer?

We will decorate the sanctuary after the second service on Sunday December 5^th.  Please come dressed for the occasion.