Our Father never gets tired of blessing us – or hearing our praise. God longs for our gratitude (and so do we) – So where do we intentionally gather to express
our gratitude?
In October, we are going to do something about gratitude… and it involves you! It is part of our plan to grow. Some people enter the church through worship, but most come into and through a small-group experience! How many small groups do we have in our church (beyond UMW and a seasonal study group…)?
In October, we are going to open the door to 2 Gratitude Groups meeting for only 2 weeks.
Here is the plan in short:
- When: 2 Sundays – October 13th and 20th – 2 Gratitude Groups meet for 2 weeks
- Each Home Hospitality Team – Team of (1) Invitation and Welcome (2) Hospitality & Refreshments, (3) Sharing and Listening Launchers (2 or more are gathered to do life together)
- Pastor will do a group on Sundays (at both churches)… then “in-home groups” will follow to get people meeting together in “Home Hospitality Groups” during that week or later on Sunday. We do it and you replicate it – if you wish.
- We grow in gratitude and we invite friends to GRATITUDE! as a means to experience us and to get invited to Sunday AM for more! (Besides, Thanksgiving is coming!)
People gather and enjoy the fellowship and express gratitude and we talk about gratitude based on some thoughts and simple scripture that will be offered. Come as you are. Come to a home where we will meet. Come to share out of your experiences in life. Talk about people that have shown you gratitude or taught you
about gratitude. It will be positive and uplifting! Then we will focus on “Our Father God who never gets tired of blessing us – or hearing our praise.” We’ll do gratitude notes…and lift up others…it’s a natural attraction!
It is simple. No Stress. No preparation. No pressure groups – listen or talk. It’s all about people getting together and sharing/showing gratitude. The time spent will add to your life not take away from your limited time.
The Power of a Grateful Heart – 6 Things It Can Do:
- Gratitude gets our eyes off ourselves and helps us to focus back on God.
- Gratitude reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is.
- It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on and to remember the goodness of His many blessings. We have so much for which to be thankful.
- A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
- Gratitude makes the enemy (negative) flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
- Gratitude opens up the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. Our spirits are refreshed and renewed in Him. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to God.