Community News – 11/27/2024
Community –
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18
Gratitude isn’t a feeling, as in, “I’m feeling thankful this year.”
Gratitude is a perspective through which we can choose to see our lives and circumstances. It acknowledges and expresses appreciation for benefits and blessings received in our lives. It reminds us that “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven” (James 1:17, The Message).
You may work hard to earn a living and put food on the table this week, but your ability to do so is a gift. In fact, waking up this morning is a gift. Love is a gift. Family is a gift. Work – however imperfect – is still a gift. Every good thing in our life is an expression of God’s grace, love, and care. So give thanks for all of it!
Here are a few things that I’m grateful here at Community. Join me in giving thanks!
People. I’ve heard pastors joke, “Other than the people, church is great.” I get it. People can frustrate us, disappoint us, and try us. But I’m genuinely thankful for the people of Community. God has weaved together a beautiful tapestry of kindness, passion, experiences, cultures, adventurous spirits, and so much more. My heart leaps when see that beautiful tapestry in action: established families from church hosting an immigrant family for dinner; people praying together after service; folks dropping off meals to someone recovering from surgery; the smiles on faces of the kids coming out of their classes; the conversation and laughter that fills the courtyard after services. For all this, God, we give you thanks!
God’s Presence. God is in our midst. From gathering for worship to scattering on mission throughout the valley, God’s Spirit is filling and empowering us to hear from God and do what He says (the essential life rhythm of a disciple). I think that God is cooking up something very special at Community. But it’s not about a personality or a program, it’s God’s Spirit alive and active among us! While I’m excited to lean into that in 2025, God is already present and at work among us: I’ve seen repentance and new life; I see folks serving in God’s gifting; hearts are compassionate towards the lost and hurting, and soft towards what God wants to do here; God’s Spirit is stirring up a God-sized vision for our valley. For all of this, God, we give you thanks!
Team. I’m thankful for the great staff team at Community. I know that we’ve experienced a lot of change over the past few years, but God has brought together something very special. I could write pages about how much they each genuinely love the Lord and love you, Community. I’m thankful for Angelica’s passion, Deanna’s joy, Doug’s wisdom, Colson’s hunger, Vickie’s vision, Jeanne’s faithfulness, Mike’s diligence, and Robert’s heart. For all of these, God, we give you thanks!
Don’t just gather around a table to eat turkey this week – spend some time giving thanks. Gratitude is a choice, and – from my experience – results in greater and greater joy!
Thankful –
Pastor Brett
P.S. One more reminder, no Friday Night Church this week (11/29). Join us on Sunday (12/1) at 9:45am as we kick off our Advent series in Luke 1-2.
