Then one of the lepers, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?” –Luke 17:15-17

We have so much in our lives to be grateful for and yet how often do we set aside the time to approach God and give thanks?  

We have so much in our lives to be grateful for and yet how of-ten do we set aside the time to approach God and give thanks? These three verses from Luke come from a story in which Jesus heals ten men with leprosy and yet only one – and that one a foreigner! – responds to his healing with thanks. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the forward motion of life that we take for granted all of the gifts that God has given us: a home, a family, friends, enough food to eat, clean water to drink. How can we take the time to stop, look at what we have been given, and “turn back” to praise God?

This month, I’d like us to take time as a congregation to give thanks for the different gifts that God has given us.

This month, I’d like us to take time as a congregation to give thanks for the different gifts that God has given us. Each Sunday, we will focus on a different topic. In worship, we will reflect on the blessings that God has given us, and, that week, we will plan to take action to share these blessings with others.

October 2nd Give Thanks for the Strength of Faith How has faith sustained each one of us through challenging times? How can we share our faith with others?

October 9th Give Thanks for Food & Water Sometimes, the most basic things like food and water are the easiest to take for granted. As we celebrate Harvest Home, let’s reflect on how fresh food and clean water enrich our lives. How can we work to give all people access to these important items? We’ll bless participants in the CROP Walk, which provides food and water to those in need.

October 16th Give Thanks for Safety & Justice in our Communities How do community members and leaders help create a safe and just place for us to live? How can we work to maintain and increase the safety and justice of our communities?

October 23rd Give Thanks for Loving Relationships How has the love we have experienced from friends and family shaped our lives? How can we share that love with those who have been hurt or who are lonely?

October 30th Give Thanks for the Freeing Power of Grace As we celebrate Reformation, let’s reflect on how grace frees us to live abundant lives. How can we share this gift of grace with others?

We have so much to be thankful for in our lives. I believe that as we mediate on all that we have been given we will find ourselves feeling blessed and called to share God’s blessings with others. I look for-ward to celebrating a month of appreciating all that God has given us!

In Christ,
Pastor Kat