The Thundering Cats Big Band will present “A Stan Kenton Christmas” this afternoon (December 3, 2023) at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 930 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas. This program is sponsored by the Ministerial Association, and there will be a free-will offering for the Manhattan Free Clinic and Shepherd’s Crossing.

From Sheryl Fjell: The Outreach Committee has designated this Sunday’s Thanksgiving Offering for the Flint Hills Breadbasket.  The church receives 1-2 boxes of food, twice a month to help fill our Blessing Box.  With this box of food, we are able to offer a variety of snacks, mixes and canned goods. You can place your gift in the offering plate or donate online at www.caumcmanhattan.org/give.

Services for Frederick L. “Lee” O’Neill will be Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11a.m. in the sanctuary. A graveside will be held at Sunset Cemetery at 10 a.m. Lee was born May 9, 1925 and died November 17, 2023. An obituary can be found here.

I’m preaching on thankfulness this Sunday. Specifically, I want to focus what God has given us in our common life together as a congregation. So what are you thankful for at College Avenue United Methodist Church?

From the Newsletter:

Following the worship service, the Christian Family and Friendship Commission will host a potluck on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Turkey, stuffing, and potatoes will be provided. The committee encourages everyone to bring a side dish. All are welcome, and your contribution is appreciated.

Received from Sheryl Fjell, Outreach Commission Chair:

Hear ye, Hear ye! The Nuts Have Arrived!!

Please pick up your order on Wednesday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., or Friday, November 17, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thank you for making this fundraiser a HUGE success!

From Amy Westfahl:

“A reminder that on Tuesday, November 14, at 5:30 p.m. Rev. Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson will speak on becoming and being an affirming United Methodist church. Ashley is an ordained Deacon serving at Calvary UMC in Wichita, Kansas. All are welcome! Childcare will be provided.”

A reminder that there will be a Service of Life, Death, and Resurrection for Chuck Havlicek in the sanctuary on November 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The family will greet friends at a visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Received from Bill and Erma Riley:

The 2023 Fall Woodsy will be Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Bill & Erma Riley’s home., 4555 Meadow Crest, Manhattan. Come at 3:00 p.m. and leave anytime. Please RSVP to help with the planning for hot dogs and smores. Email bill@thepathfinder.net, call Bill at 785-341-5542, Erma at 785-532-8415 This annual event for all ages is enjoyable for those who wish to walk the trails or ride to the picnic location with minimal walking. We hope you will find all necessary details in your church box. If this is not available to you, please contact the Riley’s for information as needed.

A brief, poignant reflection on the word “goodbye” from Frederick Buechner:

A WOMAN WITH A scarf over her head hoists her six-year-old up onto the first step of the school bus. “Goodbye,” she says.

. . . When the girl at the airport hears the announcement that her plane is starting to board, she turns to the boy who is seeing her off. ” I guess this is goodbye,” she says.

The noise of the traffic almost drowns out the sound of the word, but the shape of it lingers on the old man’s lips. He tries to look vigorous and resourceful as he holds out his hand to the other old man. “Goodbye.” This time they say it so nearly in unison that it makes them both smile.

It was a long while ago that the words God be with you disappeared into the word goodbye, but every now and again some trace of them still glimmers through.

You can read the whole thing and sign up for daily messages to your inbox here: www.frederickbuechner.com/quote-of-the-day