Gratitude - grat-i-tude - noun: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. The theme of thankfulness is woven into and throughout Scripture, with verses encouraging us to give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 5:20).

Scripture speaks about giving thanks, gratitude, or a call to praise the Lord hundreds of times throughout the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament alone includes at least 46 mentions of thankfulness from the apostle Paul. 

It is with gratitude that I write this article - gratitude for this congregation and for the way that Christ is reflected through each of you to our community, our church family, and to me. 

Most recently, I thank you for your recognition of my service to this congregation as your minister as part of October’s Pastor Appreciation. The two 2026 gift cards - one to the Indiana State Parks and the other to Eagle Creek Park - will be used at least monthly to refresh my soul. What a very thoughtful and appropriate gift for your pastor! 
 
Do we express gratitude daily or do we reserve gratitude for Thanksgiving and other special days when our more important prayers have been answered?
 
During this month of “Thanksgiving,” please take time to count your many blessings and then to let others know how they have been a blessing to you. I urge you to wake up everyday and before your feet hit the floor offer thanksgiving to our Creator and Savior for all the many blessings that He has showered down upon us. I also suggest that in the future, as soon as we tuck our feet into bed at night, gratitude to God will usher us off to sleep?

Always remember that God’s will for us found in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for your. 

Thanks for doing ministry with me!

You are loved,
 
Pastor Karen