Weekly News | 11.28.25

What makes for a winning chili?

As a zero-time winner of our annual chili cook-off, I wouldn’t know. But I have heard from past judges about a critical component: heat.

Your chili might have spices and peppers you smoked at home, the meat may have cooked all night, but on the day-of if your chili isn’t warm enough to smell the full flavor will not come through. Turns out, cold chili misses the mark. (There is a chili-style 1 Corinthians 13 re-write somewhere in this, so feel free to send me your submissions.)

On 12/7 we will have our Chili Cook Off after services! Bring a chili to submit for competition (or just to nourish the Body!), a side, or dessert, and we’ll enjoy the warmth of good food and good company. Your chili may be under the categories of Texas-style (no beans), Fancy (with beans), or Freestyle (anything goes!).

I look forward to feasting with you!

A Litany of Thanksgiving

Though a day late for American Thanksgiving, I invite us to join, even as we may be scattered, in gratitude with this litany from the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us:

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea,

We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,

We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,

We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and time to rest and worship,

We thank you, Lord.

For all who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,

We thank you, Lord.

For all who earnestly seek after truth, and all who labor for justice,

We thank you, Lord.

For all that is good and gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,

We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places,

We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;

To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Sarah+