The Power of Thankfulness

November Issue

Last month we conquered the topic of fear. We watched as God delivered the children of Israel through the Red Sea. We followed the choir on the front lines of King Jehoshaphat’s army as they led the armies of Israel to victory with a song! We learned through the story of Elisha, how trusting God and not fearing the circumstances can make us not only victorious but compassionate even to our enemies. Finally, we learned what it really means to “fear the Lord”, and how that fear actually leads to life and friendship with God.

This month we are adopting a heart of thankfulness. We are given instructions many times in scripture to be thankful, and every time God tells us to do something, it is for our benefit. As we start into a season that celebrates all of our many blessings, why is it important to God we have a thankful heart? What does a heart of thankfulness look like in our own lives? Why does the Bible say that we are to give thanks in all circumstances and how can we do it?

To do this we are starting by going straight to the source to see what God’s Word has to say about thankfulness. Next, we’ll watch gratitude tap into the power of God to release the miraculous here on the earth. We will visit Jesus and the ten lepers. We’ll see Jesus give thanks for what looked like “not
enough”, and the effect that thankfulness had on the situation.

Finally, we are going to become investigators and ask, “What really happened in the prison that night with Paul and Silas?” How did their circumstance change so drastically from imprisonment to seeing so many souls brought to Jesus? Throughout it all, we’ll discover how a grateful heart is a victorious
heart, and how adopting an “attitude of gratitude” can positively impact the world around us.

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

A note from the Children’s Director…

It’s been one year since I became the children’s director here at First Christian. During that time, we have seen many changes, faced some challenges, and even renamed the ministry becoming Kingdom Kids to better reflect the heart and focus of this ministry.

Our children are such a blessing to me. They bring a smile to my face each and every Sunday. Their energy and love are infectious. And while taking on this ministry has felt daunting at times, the love and support I have received from our church family has been a tremendous joy in my life.

Thank you for the opportunity to minister to your children. I look forward to all God has planned for our children as they grow in Him!

Blessings,
Teresa Barker

Don’t be late for all the very important dates!

Monday, November 13th at 7pm is our Rosh Chodesh service. This is a time where we seek the Lord for the month ahead. There is no childcare provided for this service. However, children are welcome and encouraged to not only come, but participate as we all practice hearing from God and partnering with His plans for First Christian.

Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30 is our church decorating night. We’ll be dressing our church to look its best during the Christmas season. This is always a great night of fellowship and fun. Children are welcome and encouraged to come and participate! There is always room around the tree!

Sunday, December 10th at 5pm our church family will be celebrating our annual Christmas dinner in the Cummins Center.

*** During the first part of this month our Kingdom Kids area will be getting a facelift! We will have a crew working to paint not only our main room but the hallways and most classrooms as well. Please excuse our mess as we work to make Kingdom Kids a more vibrant, cheery space for our children.***