November 16: Wonder and Blessing

Something new has been added to worship this month, called Time of Wonder. We have three or four children now in worship regularly and our student associate pastor, Lorrie Kovel, has started this time especially for them. Today she is reading the story Stone Soup before we take up the Thanksgiving special offering. Children and youth are encouraged to take part in the life of the church and worship in various ways, including acting as acolytes, bringing in the light and carrying it out.

For almost a year now, the Rev. Bob Miner has been an active member and parti- cipant at Compton. He has accepted a call to be the pastor of First Christian Church in Osceola, Iowa, and we gave him a special blessing at the end of today's worship service. Pastor Jacque Foster presents him with a book of Advent readings on behalf of the congregation, since he is moving this week and begins his ministry in Iowa on the first Sunday of Advent. Godspeed, Bob; you will be missed but we know you'll bring many gifts to your new congregation.

One of Bob's gifts we have enjoyed at Compton is his musical ability and wonderful singing voice from the pews. Last Sunday, he brought the special music during worship. Bob's daughters, Kim and DebE remain as active members and deacons at Compton, and Deb and her husband David are anticipating the birth in the spring of baby #4. We are grateful for this talented and gifted family.