Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct 12, 2025
"Giving Thanks, in Everything...really?"

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

At this time of year, "What are you thankful for?" is a common question. We have a pretty comfortable and abundant life, 
and sometimes the hard part is selecting out one or two things to mention specifically. 
It's not that we have nothing to say,
but that we suffer from "over-choice"; 
too many good things demanding our thanks. 
But if we're honest there are lots of bad things too. There have been times I've wondered why we make such a big deal 
out of giving thanks; not simply because of all the things in our lives that are less than perfect; or are not what God really wants for us. Some things in life are just awful.  
What's the thankfulness for? 
What purpose does it serve?
We believe God wants us to be honest and truthful, especially when we talk to Him. 
Should you say 'thanks' even if you don't feel grateful? Is that honest?
Does God need our thanks? So what if we don't say 'thank you'? Is God diminished? Maybe thanks should be optional. 
Or, am I missing something? Is there something else going on 
when we are called to be thankful?
For this Sunday... read and reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24.
Going deeper... participate in the Thanksgiving Tree!
Going deeper still... 
reflect on all the things you are grateful for. 
Now reflect on something you are not grateful for, but "could" be 
if you gave it to God.
For next week - we begin the new teaching series on  "The Art of Neighbouring". Read Luke 10:1-37
~ Pastor Joe