First, a word of sincere gratitude for your strong support of our Mission Festival. Through your generous participation, we raised a record $62,500+ for our mission activities. I'm grateful for the innumerable people who worked hard to pull off such a magnificent endeavor. This week, we will continue our two-part sermon series on gratitude by
looking at this passage, noting in particular that Jesus gave thanks amidst a very difficult circumstance. It's almost defiant gratitude. It's certainly soul-shaping, life-defining gratitude.
A few weeks ago, I asked you about the role of gratitude in your lives and received many responses. This one, however, I wanted to share with you:
"Bob, I saw your post about gratitude. This is actually something I've struggled with a lot over the last two years. I've been in personal turmoil over social justice issues and other items. That led to a constant state of emotional exhaustion for a while. But on a personal level, I adore the ground my kids walk on and find such joy from watching them grow and learn. I enjoy my job. I love my friends. But then I felt this consuming anger about the state of the world and it led to a cognitive dissonance. How could I frolic on a lazy Sunday afternoon with my children while the world was in turmoil? Oddly, I came around to grace and gratitude as the means to bridge the gap..."
I think we know exactly what she means about cognitive dissonance, and this week, we'll explore how to let 'grace and gratitude' bridge the gap between our lives as they are and how we would like them to be. We'll explore what it means to 'give thanks in all circumstances' and learn from some dear friends the profound ways that gratitude has shaped them. We'll also celebrate communion in all services.
It will be a good weekend. Come, and bring a friend.
Warmly,
