Message from Pastor Philip

November starts with so many different emotions - we call out the names of the Saints who have passed to Glory over the last year; we honor our Veterans who have fought, sacri- ficed, and (in some cases) given their lives to keep us free - free to worship, free to express ourselves, and free to dream to dreams; and we reflect on what we are thankful for.

Each day is a gift from God -- each opportunity to breathe, pray, and break bread with others is a gift. We should have gratitude all year long, yet November calls us to be intentional about such reflections and thoughts. We will spend November in a four-part sermon series where we come together to think about contentment - what is “enough?” What do we need? What are we grateful for, and where is God calling us to invest our time, talents, and resources in the next year?

I look forward to each of you joining us on Thursday, November 16th in the Sanctuary for our annual Charge Conference. We will share our dreams and goals for Desert Chapel, not only with ourselves, but with our District Superintendent. Your leadership board is hard at work to represent all of you in these endeavors -- come be a part of it!

Choir and Handbells have started - this is exciting! Contact Peggy Cabrinha at

peggycabrinha38@gmail.com to get engaged. I can't wait to hear you all sing and perform!

Special shout-out to Nancy January and Sherri Hussein from the Missions Team. Nancy, Sherri, and their team of volunteers (all of you and more!) touch hundreds of lives each and every Saturday with home cooked meals and clean clothing. This is “mission” up close and personal; Please join me in a special message of gratitude to them and all of the volunteers who faithfully care for people every week. We need more helpers - consider spending a Saturday a month (or more!) being the hands and feet of God here in our community.

I close with Paul’s words to the Philippians: Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Welcome back to our friends and family who are returning from the North - we are glad you are with us! I look forward to what November brings for our church family and community - Happy November!