Pastor Adam's Thanksgiving eNote - Nov. 24, 2022

Dear Resurrection Family,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Some of you are beginning your day serving Thanksgiving meals to others in need of food or companionship as they mark Thanksgiving. Many of you helped provide groceries for families in need. You’ve provided help and encouragement to many families as we approached this day. Thank you!

Regardless of where you are or what you are doing today, I am reminded of Paul’s words, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” For many, it is an easy year to do that, there have been so many blessings. For others it is hard to imagine giving thanks in the midst of the pain or loss you are walking through. I’m reminded, however, of people I’ve known in the darkness, who still chose to name and focus on the things they were thankful for in the midst of their grief or challenges.

A great call to prayer for your Thanksgiving meal is Psalm 95:1-7:

O come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.

And I always love Philippians 4:5b-7 for its reminder of the blessings of giving thanks written by a man in prison thinking he might be executed soon:

The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am grateful today for you, Church of the Resurrection, and the ways you seek to live your faith, make a difference in the world, and let your light shine. I am praying, with thanksgiving, that God will bless you today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Adam

By the way, one of our staff passed on information about a Christmas movie that looks like a fun family film showing on November 29 here in KC. Here’s a short clip about the film. I’ve not seen it yet, but thought I’d pass it on to you in case you’re looking for a family movie to see this week.