“Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:18-20
It’s hard to believe that the Thanksgiving season is upon us already and in a few weeks we’ll all be gathered around tables and celebrating with our family and friends. My family has a tradition, as perhaps yours does too, of going around the dinner table and sharing one thing we’re thankful for. Every year the answers vary from “grandma’s cooking” to “family” or “friends.” Sometimes the answers go a little deeper, and sometimes they stay on the surface. Either way, we practice as a family being grateful for the gifts God has given us.
The verse above comes to us after Paul uses a lot of “putting off” language. In the verses leading up to verse 18, Paul says to put off sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, and foolish talk. When we put off something, we then have to put on something else. If I change my clothes, I put on new ones. If I change out my bath towels, I always make sure clean ones are ready to go for the next day. If I put off all the immoral things listed above, I have to replace it with something else. Paul says to put on, or replace those immoral things with thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)
Giving thanks is our antidote to all immorality. Being thankful transforms us more into the likeness of Christ. In expressing our gratitude we dwell on the goodness in our lives, and thus the Giver of that goodness. We remember who the source is for all good things.
You’re invited to join us on November 22nd for our annual Harvest Ingathering Service starting at 7pm. This service is special and set apart, in that we spend time in worship, writing down what we’re thankful for, and hearing each other’s testimonies. This year we will have an open mic time for anyone to briefly share how God has moved in their lives over the last year. We will also have space to hear an update from Covenant World Relief and we will be taking up an offering for them. If you’re interested in giving ahead of time, there is a link at the bottom of the page.
This will be a shortened service; perfect for families to join in. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a reception for fellowship and of course, pie! I can’t wait to worship with you.
Harvest Ingathering Service
ECC Sanctuary, 7pm-7:45pm
Reception afterwards
You can give a Harvest Ingathering offering to Covenant World Relief by clicking the link below and selecting "Harvest Ingathering Offering" in the drop down before you complete your transaction.
If you are interested in donating a pie, please visit the link below to sign up.