In our most recent Wednesday night core group gathering, we considered Thanksgiving. In our consideration, we found that our thanksgiving must be discerned – largely because we are Americans. We have much. We often express thanks for the prosperity that we live in, but what is the wellspring from which our thanksgiving must truly flow from?
The inexhaustible well of thanksgiving may be found in these verses: Ephesians 2:1-6
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (ESV) When thanksgiving is discerned, all thanksgiving will spring from such thanksgiving – even for those things that seem to be “American blessings.” In our discernment, we will find thanksgiving in and for Jesus because the Lord Jesus Christ has rescued us, and He is more than enough!
Us “Northsters” – people of the northside plant, have much to be thankful for!
This is what’s happening: Seven of us attended the Children Desiring God conference; it was a time of rich fellowship and learning, helping us to secure vision for children’s ministries. We are working out details for worship service space, with a strong possibility for an excellent situation. An advisory board is being assembled for guidance through the church planting process. The worship team is being assembled and is already leading worship in our Wednesday evening core meetings. December 12th will be marked as our first outreach event, as we host an evening of Christmas feasting and fellowship. Securing projects for this summer’s Hands of Hope outreach event is in progress. Community is forming in our continued core teachings, each Wednesday evening. A hunger for prayer is growing as we continue to intercede in corporate prayer for our community, ministries, and our hearts to become more like Jesus’. And….drum roll please…our Southern Baptist Convention Church identification number was applied for last week!
May we continue to discern our thanksgiving. For our thanksgiving is for an increase of thanksgiving. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV)
We are… working for the eternal joy of all peoples in Madison, Wisconsin.
John Klein