I tried but I could not find a way to title this sermon “Cowboys and Indians!” Working with the “bad” shepherds of Jeremiah and the Samaritans of John 4 (as Indians!) will be stretching it as it is!

This Sunday we will have a different emphasis at each of our two congregations using the same texts. At Locks Memorial we will focus on Native American Sunday, while at Kedron we will highlight Bible Sunday. But both Native Americans and Bible Sunday will be in both sermons. The Colossians text should help us pull them a bit closer together. So, if this tweaks your curiosity as to “how will pastor pull this off,” read the texts several times ahead of time!

I hope to speak to the vast influence of the Bible on many cultures, and on Christ’s presence at all times past, present, and future. And how any wicked preachers, terrible Kings, false prophets, bad leaders (I.e. shepherds”) cannot thwart God’s plan or God’s ultimate outcome for Jews and Gentiles alike!

That should be Good News since there is too often a surplus of bad, woeful, despairing news. I hope we can find reason to again celebrate and have hope on November 20th. And don’t be surprised if I find room for The Gettysburg Address! I see that it was delivered on NOVEMBER 19 (!) in 1863! Speaking of a terrible time in history and a great leader and…….

Blessings too on your weekend and your upcoming Thanksgiving week!

Pastor Barry