Happy Thanksgiving Orangevale friends! 

I found a recent saying that I would like to share, written by Catherine Pulsifer – “Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have”.  We are blessed as a church for stability and loving relationships. Each of you has special gifts and I, as your pastor (and on behalf of our elder team) would like to tell you how grateful I am for your talents!

Here is a special note of encouragement from those who organized the coat drive for Afghan children:

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“We distributed 350 coats and clothes at our very first winter clothing event this weekend! 

Over 50 families will be warm their first winter in the US thanks to our enthusiastic crew of volunteers, who set up our shop and helped our newcomers find the perfect coats and outfits to bundle up in, and VSP Global, Orangevale SDA Food and Clothes Closets,  Monterey Trail High School, and Fly Brave Foundation, who supported our event with their generous contributions of financial gifts, coats, and clothing.

We appreciate everyone for giving our newcomers a loving welcome by providing what they need to be comfortable this winter.”

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As we celebrate this season of gratefulness, I encourage you to appreciate even the smallest of ‘simple things’ and realize how much you are appreciated. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, ‘So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.’ 

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving week!

Pastor Jon