Dear NPUMC Family,
As the pumpkin spice and apple cider begin to fill our mugs, we start to think in earnest about the holidays. For so many of us in this community, that means being together at the church for shared holiday meals, a long tradition stopped, like so many others, by Covid.
Over the course of the pandemic, much has changed. And much of that change is exciting! People who had long been central to organizing our shared community meals have developed other interests and found new ways to use their gifts. This is a blessing, and a sign of new life. Change is hard, but it is also sacred.
Still, just because things change doesn’t mean they disappear. We have a new plan for Thanksgiving this year, building on our strengths and new ministries developed in the last few years.
This year, some of our stalwart kitchen helpers of the past will gather after the holiday to create Thanksgiving shepherd’s pies. This timing was carefully considered – it will allow us to offer them on Sunday for Free Fresh Food. We are also working to include our ecumenical partners and will likely be joined on Sunday by the Lutheran and Episcopal communities, who will contribute dessert (ahhhh pumpkin!) and hot beverages.
We aren’t going to set out all the tables, we aren’t looking to make work for everyone, but if the weather is nice enough and you would like to eat together, the picnic tables will be available and you can always bring a lawn chair. This means we can all gather together without concern for so many people together in the dining hall without masks. Covid is better but not over, after all.
If you would like to preorder, we will guarantee you have a shepherd’s pie. We are taking a free will donation, but of course no one will go without (until we run out). Preordering can be done by emailing the church at newpaltzumc@gmail.com, and we would like to know by Tuesday, Nov. 23. If you would like to help in the kitchen, contact Linda Mellor or the church. Pick up will be between 1 and 3 on Sunday November 27, during Free Fresh Food.
I am looking forward to this opportunity to be together with old friends and new, to celebrating the Harvest of our new ministries together, and remembering the many things for which we can be thankful.
Blessings,
Pastor Grace
