| 10.09.2025 This week will be the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and we continue in the Gospel of Luke 17:11-19. Jesus is traveling toward Jerusalem and passes through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he enters a village, ten men with leprosy call out to him from a distance, asking for mercy. Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they obey, they are miraculously healed. Out of the ten, only one returns to thank Jesus—and he is a Samaritan. Jesus notes the gratitude of this man, highlighting that only the foreigner returned to give praise to God. He tells the man that his faith has made him well, emphasizing the importance of thankfulness and faith. My message title is “Your Faith Has Made You Well”. Tonight’s low temperature of 46 is a reminder that fall is upon us. It is a beautiful time of year, knowing that when autumn arrives, we witness the world cloaked in shades of gold and crimson. Leaves drift softly to the ground, signaling the end of a chapter. Yet, within this act of letting go, there is beauty and purpose. The trees teach us to release what we no longer need—to trust that in shedding, something new will come forth. In our own lives, autumn invites us to reflect, to release old habits, and to prepare for the quiet that follows. This season will allow us to travel to December 21, when we embrace the beginning of winter and the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 25th. Maybe that is the best way to reflect on fall, the season that takes us to the best present ever. Until then, let us move through these crisp evenings and colorful days, knowing there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. The traditions we cherish—apple picking, pumpkin carving, and gathering with loved ones—remind us of the warmth found in community and gratitude. Each moment offers a chance to pause and savor the simple joys that come with the changing season. Each moment gives us the opportunity to give thanks to God for all the blessings and seasons of life. I look forward to seeing you Sunday morning. NANCY WANTED TO REMIND YOU to bring that item or items that you would like to donate to the yard sale she is having. All proceeds will be used to purchase items that will go with our family baskets or other items needed for the 2025 Family Christmas Adoption Program through RAMM. Items need to be brought in by this SUNDAY. See or call Nancy for more information. The sale is scheduled for next Friday and Saturday at her house. This Sunday is Heifer Project International Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday of every month. We will have a special moment to remember the importance of this ministry that Ross UMC has supported for many years through your birthday and anniversary date offerings. Jan Gump has set a table on the left side of our worship hall with current information to keep us up to date on this vital ministry. Don’t forget your special offering! UMW MEETING: Our Ross Community UMC women’s meeting will take place next Tuesday, October 14, at 10:00 am. All ladies are welcome to attend, including family and friends. The Living Forward Group for widows/widowers will be meeting next Wednesday, October 15, at Asian Lantern Restaurant on Main Street in Hamilton at 1:00 PM. The group continues to grow and welcomes church members and others outside our church. If you have any questions, contact Carla Baker for more information. Her contact information is in the church directory. Please leave a message if needed, and she will gladly return your call. Adult Sunday School has returned. Many of you have shared with me how wonderful your class is and how much you enjoy being together with Paul Smith’s weekly topics and leadership. This is another perfect opportunity to invite others to join us and experience RCUMC. Invite a friend and join Sunday School at 9:45 During the 10:45 am service, we are blessed to have Trysta Taylor lead our younger ones. She has a great class ready to receive our children with a program just for them. Any questions, stop by her area and say hello on Sunday. Our Ross Community UMC 200th Anniversary will take place next year. If you would like to serve on the Anniversary Committee, please let me know. We have several events that will take place, and we will be reaching out to all the local historical places. With a little research, we will be able to present a wonderful history of the Ross UMC that goes from the Venice location to our current building. I have already been contacted by a few locals with stories to share. Any questions, see Pastor Chris. Quote for the Week: “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith”. – Elisabeth Elliot Blessings, Pastor Chris Next update 10.16.2025 |