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 I recently read an article in the Business Insider that caught my attention. The article was titled “I ate at Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ new steakhouse. 1587 Prime. Our $800 dinner felt like more than just a meal” by Kelsey Huson. First, to be honest I did not know that Travis Kelce (Taylor Swift’s boyfriend) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chief Quarterback) had a steakhouse. The name 1587 comes from each of their football jersey numbers. To be honest the thing that caught my eye was, who in their right mind would spend $800 at a steakhouse, with two people! If we as a church, decided to go and eat there for $800 that might be a good deal, but for two? I read how the experience at this 282 seat restaurant was amazing. The décor, the menu, the drinks (more than just coke and tea) were all amazing. The menu includes steaks, seafood, soup, salads and all you might expect from the restaurant. The only thing that really, I thought was interesting is that Patrick Mahomes, a Whitehouse, Texas native, likes to put ketchup on his steak-ME TOO! If you eat at 1587, you can too…. for $15. They have on the menu “Mahomes ketchup flight” three types of ketchup to put on your steak. As you can tell, I am not impressed.

As I read the article, I thought to myself is Kelsey Huson, the article author, caught up in this high-priced place and why? She goes into so much detail about every facet of the place and food, she was convinced it was all worth it. Could it be and I just don’t want to see it because of the price? Maybe I am shallow and I miss an experience because I am too cheap to see it’s value. But it made me ask myself-what are things worth the price?

In Philippians 3:7-14, Paul says, 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Paul challenges us to consider in our life what is really important. Paul had education, power, faced all kinds of leaders, both good and bad, but he always kept what was important clearly in focus. He says nothing else matters, other than what he has in Christ. Paul recognizes that whatever he faced God had a plan and for that he could be thankful.

As we come to the month of Thanksgiving, I want to challenge you to not get overwhelmed or caught up merely on the food, or the stress, or anything else. Food is important, but not as important as our salvation. I questioned why anyone would spend $800 for a meal, but I should realize that Christ paid much more than that-for ME! This is so “that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”

Thanksgiving is exciting for us because we will have all of our kids and grandkids this year and that is great! Thanksgiving is all about thanking God for what he has given you, and that is a lot. But I want to challenge you, don’t overlook that greatest gift God gives us-Jesus. That is the gift that truly keeps on giving, so we can be thankful.

In Christ,
Brother Alan

 Hey Church Family,

November’s here and with it, cooler air, warm meals, and a whole lot of reasons to be thankful. But beyond the pumpkin pies and praise songs, this season invites us to reflect on the spiritual harvest God’s been growing in our lives.

We’ve seen it in our choir. new voices, deeper unity, and moments where the Spirit moved in ways that gave us goosebumps (or holy chills, as I like to call them). And
lately? They’ve been working hard to prepare for our Christmas cantata, “Hope in a Manger,” coming up December 6 and 7. Between rehearsals, harmonies, and a few belly laughs, this team has poured their hearts into every note. I couldn’t be prouder.

And speaking of hidden things…I’ve been watching a show called Duck Family Treasure. It’s a metal detecting adventure with Jase and Jep Robertson and their crew. They dig through dirt, sweat through the heat, and haul gear across fields; all for the chance to uncover something valuable. Sometimes it’s just a rusty nail. But sometimes? It’s a Civil War relic or a rare coin. And when they find it, the joy is contagious.

It reminds me of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:44: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” That’s the heart of worship. We show up, dig deep, and sometimes it feels like back- breaking work. But when God reveals His treasure, His presence, His peace, His purpose; it’s worth everything.

Paul said it best in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” So let’s keep sowing. Keep singing. Keep seeking. Because the harvest is coming—and sometimes, it’s buried just beneath the surface.

This Sunday, we’ll worship with joy for the harvest seen and unseen. Come ready to praise, laugh, and maybe even share your favorite treasure-hunting story. And mark your calendars for December 6 and 7. You won’t want to miss the cantata!

Gratefully,

Tyler