Thanksgiving 2023
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations.
As we enter into this time of Thanksgiving this evening let’s be reminded of God’s unchanging nature - the availability of his grace and his ongoing faithfulness in our life and in every generation.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we enter Your presence with hearts full of gratitude. You are good, and Your steadfast love has been our anchor. As You have been faithful to all who came before us, so You will be to all who come after. With one voice, we declare our thanksgiving for Your enduring mercies and Your unwavering faithfulness. Amen.
CORE VALUES
CORE VALUES
We foster tangible encounters with the living God.
We teach Biblical truth that transforms lives.
We build communities that serve like Jesus.
We make Jesus known wherever we go.
We welcome people as they are.
Culture of Grace
Culture of Grace
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
It's this grace that enables us to accept one another, with all our imperfections, creating a culture where judgment is replaced with the kind of love that Christ showed us. In doing so, we not only reflect God’s grace but also glorify Him through our actions.
Prayer:
Gracious God, we are deeply thankful for the unconditional welcome You have extended to us in Christ. Inspire our church to cultivate a culture of grace where everyone is received with open arms. May we reflect Your love and grace in our interactions, and may our welcome bring glory to Your name. Amen.
The Presence of God
The Presence of God
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
In the Psalmist's words, we find an intimate expression of the joy and fulfillment found in God's presence. It is in the tangible encounters with the Living God that our community is enlivened and our path becomes clear. This fullness of joy is not just for the individual but extends to the entire body of believers, invigorating the church to live out its divine calling.
Prayer:
Lord, we are profoundly thankful for Your presence among us. In it, we find the fullness of joy and the richness of life. We pray for our church, that we may continue to foster tangible encounters with You. May Your presence guide us, transform us, and fill us with eternal pleasures. Amen.
Living Word
Living Word
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Paul describes the dynamic and transformative power of the Word of God. It is not a dormant text but a living force that equips and corrects. As we teach and imbibe biblical truth, it molds our very beings and reshapes our lives. This transformative journey is a lifelong pursuit that continually refines us to reflect Christ more clearly.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the living and active nature of Your Word. As we dedicate ourselves to teaching and learning Your truth, transform us by it. Let it cut to the heart of our community, shaping us into a people that reflect Your love and righteousness. Amen.
Love In Action
Love In Action
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John, the apostle of love, challenges us to embody the love of Jesus not merely in our words but through our actions. This love is practical, visible, and tangible. As a church, we strive to build caring communities that mirror Jesus' service. The authenticity of our faith is manifested in our service to one another and our broader community.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the love You have poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Help our church to not only speak of love but to demonstrate it powerfully through our actions. May our community be a beacon of Your love, serving others as Jesus served, with compassion and dedication. Amen.
Being Sent
Being Sent
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”
The Great Commission is Jesus' mandate to His followers, not as a passive call but as an active sending forth. It's a reminder that our faith is not meant to be contained within the walls of the church but to be carried into every aspect of our lives. As we step out in faith, we make Jesus known through our words, deeds, and very lives.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your call to go forth and make disciples. We pray for the boldness and passion to carry Your name wherever we go, making You known through our love and witness. May our church be a launching pad for Your gospel, and may we always be mindful that You are with us in this mission. Amen.