Subject: Parishioner Letter Autumn Quarter 2021

Dear St. Anne Parishioner,

Today is the second day of December.  We're still in Autumn but time waits for no one, so I want to get this letter out to you.  December marks the season of Christmas as you well know.  It's a time when many of us are planning to attend parties.  And we're looking for inexpensive gifts to have some fun.  It's also a time of good cheer when people in general seem to put aside their woes and smile a whole lot more than usual.  I must say, yes, it's one of those times when people again in general are happier.  But I sort of think it's giving that makes us feel this way.  After all, Jesus said it's more blessed to give than to receive.[1]  In other words, giving makes us happier than receiving would.

I guess that's why I'm writing today, to just say thank you for being you.  Thank you for being a part of the St. Anne Parish community.  The Advent season helps reminds me of the real reason for the season.  Our Savior Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead but before He did that, He came to earth to make it so we can be right with God.  We will all one day, have all our desires fulfilled. 

Allow me to challenge you today in this, the month of December.  Look for someone that might need a little bit of a lift and simply make yourself available.  There are plenty of people around that do just the opposite, let's start a Christmas tradition and let's call it "Bless One Forward." 

Think of all the blessings God has bestowed on you.  Even if it's as simple as greeting someone with a smile as was done for me as I was walking out of one of my favorite restaurants.  I was deep in thought as I was walking out.  Some gentleman noticed and simply smiled.  Well, not only, did it put a smile on my face but, that greeting stayed with me three hours later.  And I'm writing about it to you, now.  Hopefully it puts a smile on your face too.

May God richly bless you and yours this Christmas season.  And may you have many more blessings in the coming New Year 2022.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dennis Skowera, Pastor

[1] Acts 20:35.