Pastor Tim’s Message: October 2025
Our ministries have resumed this fall in some spectacular ways, befitting the cooler temperatures and colorful fall foliage. Our North Raleigh Ministries (NRM) annual fall food drive—sponsored by our Dave’s Pub Ministry -- concludes this Sunday, Oct. 5. The need is greater this year, and we have responded faithfully by surpassing what we contributed last year.
Bible study has resumed with a large increase in attendance. We have recently averaged in the high 20’s, and currently we are in the low 40’s. The evening group, in particular, has doubled in size. We are studying Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount this year, and conversation has been thoughtful and inspiring. Please join us!
We now officially have a new church logo and a new church website! They both look fantastic. Please check them out, if you have not already done so. A special thank you to Karen Kepley, Joe Edwards, and Mike Fagan for their work on the logo and to Jane Gue, Kai Thurow, Regan Wang, and preschool board member Jansel Hoye for their work on the website. We are beyond blessed by the efforts of these individuals!
We will bless approximately 50 quilts made by our faithful and tireless quilting group – led by Barbara Burdette – on Reformation Sunday, October 26. They will then be given to Lutheran World Relief (LWR) for distribution around the world to those in need. Thank you, Barbara and the quilting group!
Every October is Stewardship month for us. It is an opportunity to thank God for all the resources and blessings God bestows upon us -- and to reflect upon our faithful usage of them as it concerns ministry. Our theme this year is “Faith in Action through Generous Hearts,” and our accompanying scripture is “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2nd Corinthians 9:8). This verse perfectly encapsulates the spirit we are trying to capture. Notice the use of the words “abundant” (abundantly, abound) and “all”: God blesses us ABUNDANTLY, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that we need, we may ABOUND in good works. We have all we need, in other words, so we may dedicate all to God’s glory. We receive abundance from God, so we can give abundance to our church, our neighbor, and our world. Our FAITH leads to ACTION, which is accomplished through our GENEROUS HEARTS. Please join us for “Celebration Sunday” on October 19, as we join together in faithful thanksgiving and commitment to God and God’s kingdom here at St. Phillip. Such an exciting season of discipleship for us!
Sharing the Love of Christ,
Pastor Tim
