The great day of the Lord is near…the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the warrior cries aloud there. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish. Zephaniah 1:14-15

Last week it was the prophet Amos, and Sunday it will be Zephania telling about the Day of the Lord as judgment and destruction on God’s beloved people!

The end of the world and the cosmic battles that surround it account for many hours of video and movie entertainment for contemporary Americans, for young people especially. We can’t get enough presentations of massive destruction and ear-splitting violence. With a video game controller, every teenage kid can be a virtual conquering warrior, annihilating civilization.

Sometimes when we are afraid and feel powerless, we make big noises and insert ourselves into violent dramas. This is cathartic and relaxing for sheltered people who are not in immediate danger of being caught up in actual violence. In a quick survey of our entertainment choices, it would follow that nearly everyone alive in America is afraid of the future and powerless to create a better world. We entertain ourselves with images of civilization destroyed, and of the created world scorched.

We have a role to play here. I am not big on censorship. If these feelings are out there, let them play out. I prefer looking for and listening to those who offer constructive visions of existence, better images, truer, stronger, braver ways of life. The day of wrath (or days of wrath and destruction that come one after another to our movie theaters and game systems) are cheap thrills that take our minds off the better things of life.

Paul said in his letter to the Thessalonians: God has not destined you for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore encourage one another….

The choir rehearses at 8:45 am.

Council members will meet during the faith-formation hour with those who have indicated their intention to join Peace.

Florence House gift tags are in the window of the fellowship hall. Take a gift tag and return the gift unwrapped.

Bring in feminine hygiene products and place them in the collection basket. They will be distributed to homeless women through Dignity Matters. http://www.dignity-matters.org. ;

Wayland Community Thanksgiving service Sunday, November 19 at Congregation Or Atid, beginning at 7 pm. There will be a collection at the door for Dignity Matters.

November is stewardship month. The congregation council is preparing a budget for the coming year. Our congregation touches the lives of many people. By making a member or friend pledge you make our ministry possible. Consider increasing your pledge this year. Complete a pledge card and place it in the offering plate.

Thank you to everyone who finds ways to help around the church. This morning I was reminded again–as I often am–of how we are a community, sharing life together. These are a few examples: Mary Ann continues her work on the grounds, clearing brush and removing it. Stephanie planted strawberries in the small plot next to the building. Ron installed lights for the walkway. Late in the fall, Emilie still tends the Peace garden. Kim Canning folds the Celebrate inserts. There are other things that many of you do regularly, and things you do anonymously, to make life better for everyone. Thanks for all you do.

Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:13

The farmer/prophet Amos told the children of Israel that they should not be smug and self-assured, certain that they were keeping God’s law, and sure of God’s favor to them. Jesus told his disciples that the fullness of the kingdom of heaven would come like a thief in the night, without warning, to the disciples. Therefore they should keep awake, spiritually speaking.

The Gospel readings for the end of the church year turn to the end of days. Sunday we will think about the biblical ideas of the Day of the Lord and listen to Jesus teach about the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven.

The executive committee meets Sunday at 11 am for preliminary discussions of the budget for the coming year. The council meets Monday, November 13 at 7:30 pm. Think about your level of giving to the church in calendar year 2018 and return your pledge card.

Family Promise weeks end Sunday. High school and confirmation youth will collect your quarters again and take the laundry to Maynard to wash it. Students should bring money for lunch.

Bring in canned goods for the Wayland food pantry.

You will note a change in the place of Sunday morning announcements. Greetings and brief announcements may be made within the service, but extended announcements about our life together and ministry in the world will be made at the coffee hour, allowing for discussion and clarification and immediate response. Let’s see how it goes.