1 – Give thanks to Yahweh, call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples.
2 – Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell about all His wonderful works!
3 – Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
4 – Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.
5 – Remember the wonderful works He has done, His wonders, and the judgments He has pronounced.
In her book, The Gift of Thanks, Margaret Visser uses three concrete IMAGES to convey the power of gratitude. She refers to gratitude as—SOIL, LUBRICANT, and GLUE and says: “SOIL refers to the disposition of the person to be grateful, and his freedom to choose not to be. He is able to ‘cultivate’ in himself a grateful disposition. An ungrateful disposition, by contrast, is hard and dry, not easily moved by kindness, unwilling to be kind in return. In European languages people often talk of poor soil as ‘ungrateful.’ Gratitude is also a social ‘LUBRICANT.’ It makes things move smoothly. After all, giving and giving back are MOVEMENTS back and forth. When there is no gratitude, there is no meaningful movement; relationships become rocky, painful, coldly indifferent, unpleasant, and finally break off altogether. The social ‘machinery’ grinds to a halt. Finally gratitude is ‘GLUE.” This image points again to the social cohesion that gratitude supplies. Modern society is experienced as fragmented—in danger of flying apart. Gratitude is a ‘kind of plastic filler,’ an all-purpose moral cement,’ a sort of magic paste that is amazingly malleable—squeezing itself into the cracks and then solidifying and strengthening the social structure.”
I love this illustration because it reflects our experience here at Redland.
For example, we’ve learned the importance of CULTIVATING an attitude of gratitude. We’ve learned that this kind of “soil” is part of what nourishes and strengthens our church. Thankfulness helps make it possible for us to bear fruit in God’s kingdom. And—we have found that gratitude makes our relationships easier as it erases the friction of conflict. We’re thankful for the GIVE AND TAKE we experience around here—the help we give each other—the way we bear one another’s burdens and multiply one another’s joys. It’s part of that sweet, sweet Spirit I talked about last week.
Thankfulness also binds us together as we unite to acknowledge God’s goodness to us as a church. In fact, one way we embrace these principles is by setting aside one Sunday in the fall for us to thank God for His many blessings—and this is not hard to do because God is always blessing us. Here are just a few examples:
This fall I’m thankful for the growth of Upward Basketball. We have more children enrolled this year than in any prior year. Upward has lived up to its name because its growth has always been UP. It’s part of God doing what He promised to do if we would obey Him and build the ROC. Through Upward we are giving families—many of them unchurched—what they want—recreation time together—in order to give them what they need: JESUS. I’m also grateful because when we needed a LOT of coaches to staff all these teams—you stepped up and filled those slots.
Another thing I am grateful for as a pastor is the way you GIVE. Tithes and offerings are up. It looks like this year we will once again work together and give enough to over-subscribe our expenditure plan. If my memory is right—this will be the third year in a row that we have done that. Now—I know what some on our stewardship committee are thinking. And I’ll agree with your your thoughts in that YES, we have had some big tithes and bequests that were somewhat atypical—but in my mind a tithe is a tithe and I’m thankful. I’m grateful for people who give a tenth even of their unexpected blessings. I’m thankful for people who decided to even tithe after God calling them home—people who include that instruction in their wills. I’m grateful for people who are good stewards not just of their money but of their LIVES—all the people with high weekly “hour involvement” here at Redland. I saw this clearly in your response to last week’s VISION sermon. We had a great response to each thrust of our “roots and wings” vision. For example, tons of people volunteered to sweeten our fellowship—with dinners for eight. We had an equally large response of people agreeing to pray for the Thrift store start up and to work in inner city Baltimore.
I’m ALSO VERY grateful for our new staff members. Peggy Peek has been such an answer to prayer as our Director of Children’s Ministries. She’s quickly endeared herself to our little ones and their families and does excellent work. She consistently goes above and beyond her 20 hour commitment. One example of that is the VERY successful Trunk or Treat she put together.
On Wednesday nights after our prayer time we’ve been studying John Ortberg’s new book and in it he describes “What if people.” These are people with the gift of faith who are constantly encouraging us to do more—saying “What if we did this?” Well Peggy is a “what if” person and the Trunk or Treat is a great example. I confess, when she suggested we do that this past Halloween, my thought was, “We’ve done that before—and people at Redland are tired—it won’t work—but Peggy needs to learn this on her own so I’ll let her take a shot.” And aren’t we glad she did! Peggy motivated 19 families to do trunks and tons more to help with parking, etc. With her “What if” faith she encouraged us to NOT grow weary in well-doing.
And speaking of “new” staff—isn’t it wonderful to have Bill Archer FULL-time?! I continue to praise God for Bill’s giftedness in our music ministry and for his spiritual maturity. As most of you know a couple weeks back our choir, orchestra, and praise team sang and led the initial worship service at our state convention meeting in Ocean City. I’ve been to dozens of those meetings—and I say with ALMOST no bias—the worship Bill and our crew led was the best I’ve ever experienced.
Craig Floyd, our new Facilities Manager has been a GREAT help to our staff and church. He works hard in everything he does and I have to say I’m so thankful for Craig’s attitude. He eagerly gets things done—and does so with a real positive focus. One example of this was seen in one of his first staff meeting weekly reports. Craig said, “I have some good news and bad news” And then he proceeded to report in that pro con way. Here’s an excerpt, “The good news is we fixed several AC units. The bad news is Mark—your pole lamp is not repairable. The good news is we got the roof of the barn painted. The bad news is the guy painting it got stuck on the roof because his ladder fell down.” I love that kind of attitude—it’s so refreshing!
One of the things I’m most grateful for this year is that since last Thanksgiving we have had 40 new members join our church—nine of them by profession of faith. God has brought some AMAZING new people our way this year—incredibly gifted people who will help us do more to further God’s kingdom.
Well, I could go on and on—but suffice it to say that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME—and, as He has been in the past, in 2015 He has once again been VERY good to this church! Our loving Heavenly Father continues to shower His blessings on us.
Hebrews 12:28 encourages us to: “be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” hence the need for a service like this. So, today instead of a sermon—which is really a time for us to hear what God has to say to us—as in decades past, I want us to turn the tables and make this a time for God to hear what we have to say to Him. We are taking this portion of our service today and making it into a concert of PRAYER in which we say, “Thank You, God for all Your blessings to this local body of believers.” At my request SEVEN/SIX individuals or couples have prepared prayers for this purpose. So, let us now enter a time of conversational prayer—a time of communicating together with God—eyes and ears open—as we hear these prayers of thanks and offer our own. They will come to you in the order that they are printed in the bulletin. Between each prayer we will sing a song of thanks and then after these prayers we will pause to give us all a chance to offer our own thanks to God for His great faithfulness. So, now, let us pray, “Heavenly Father, Hear now these, the prayers of Your people:”
8:30AM SERVICE
Peggy Peek
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. (I Chronicles 16)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel. (Psalm 69) Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him….The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34) It is God Who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. (Psalm 18) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. I will give thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. (Psalm 118)
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. I always thank God for you, because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way. (I Corinthians 1) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is He Who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. (Psalm 100)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations. Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things….Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. (Psalm 107)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. AMEN
Gale and Toiya Goodlow
Dear Heavenly Father, First, thank You for making Yourself known to us and drawing us to You to share in the riches of Your kingdom. It is a privilege to be a child of the King and to serve You. Thank you for another opportunity to come to Your throne. Lord, this thanksgiving we are so grateful for our family. Thank you for our health. We do not take this for granted as we both know how ephemeral these blessings can be. Lord thank You for our two kind, strong and energetic boys, Trey and Elijah. Our greatest prayer is to raise them to know You and to accept Jesus Christ as their savior. We know that we are imperfect parents with imperfect children. Please help us to seek godly wisdom and guidance through Your Word in everything we do, especially parenting.
Thank You, Jesus, for bringing our family back to Redland Baptist Church, a body of believers who love us and help us grow in You. You have provided many church homes for us over these past five years away—and we are grateful for always placing us where we could learn about Your Word and have a communities embrace us. But Lord, there is nothing like home and Redland is home. We are thankful for all of its members and everyone who has welcomed us back with open arms. We are grateful for opportunities to serve and share the love of Christ in our homes, workplaces and lives. Please help us to be bold and intentional about our devotion to you and always be willing to share the reason why we share, give and live the way we do. Help us to be a light for You wherever we go and continue to use us to grow Your kingdom. As we worship in the safe confines of RBC, we thank You for providing us with such security and we pray for those whose lives have recently been affected by the dangers—and evil of this often violent world. Father God, we ask that You send your Holy Spirit to comfort those around the world who are dealing with loss and tragedy. Please bless the people of Paris, Syria, Mexico, Nigeria, Brazil, Japan, and anyone else affected by recent world events. We pray that these circumstances can lead them to seek something bigger than themselves. We pray that many souls come to Christ out of this despair. Lord, You are the only hope for healing and peace. Please heal our world and let us be willing to do our part — whatever that may be. We pray that in the midst of these trying times for the victims and families, their hearts will be driven to love, not hate; peace, not violence; and forgiveness, not retaliation. As we approach Thanksgiving, please help us never to forget the One who provides all things for which we should be thankful. Help us never to forget that without your grace, mercy, and unfailing love, we would have nothing and we would be nothing. Lord, please help us to remember to have servant’s hearts and to be cheerful givers. Please help us to remember as we enjoy food, family and fellowship this coming Thursday that 80% of the world lives on less than $10 a day. And even though some people in the developing world live in unspeakable conditions, please help us to remember that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die for them, too—and that you love them just as much as You love us. Finally, Lord, thank you for the brave men and women in our Armed Services. We pray that you keep them safe and order their steps in Your Word as they defend our freedom. Thank You, again, Lord, for being our God and for the opportunity to work and serve in Your kingdom. We ask this, and all blessings through your precious Son, Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Trinity Freeman
Dear God, I am thankful for what you have done for me and my family. I am thankful for Mommy and Daddy. I am thankful for a big family and all the fun craziness it brings. I am thankful for the way you brought Ibeth and Kevin, and Olivia and Wesley into our family. I am thankful that you meet our needs by giving us food and clothes, a big home, and beds to sleep in.
And I’m thankful for birthdays, like my 10th, when I got to have a party at the Michael’s pool. I am thankful to go to Redland Baptist Church, where I became a Christian and could get baptized. I have great Sunday School teachers who give us candy when we memorize a verse and are always really nice. Thank You that I could be adopted into my family. I still remember celebrating by going to Dave & Busters and also going to Red Lobster. I ordered the snow crabs, and they were delicious! And I’m so thankful that I could be adopted into your family when I trusted in Jesus as my savior. It is in his name I pray, Amen.
Kit and Erica Lau
Dear Heavenly Father, We know that You promise us a season and a time for everything… however You blessed us with an entire year of rejoicing. Thank You for being the perfect matchmaker and for creating us uniquely for each other. This is a year that You have tested us, challenged us, and displayed Your incredible love for us in ways we could not even imagine.
This year’s biggest revelation was realizing that You already knew every emotion I would have as we moved forward in our engagement. Not only did You know every obstacle, but You already had a plan in motion. You already knew the days that I would feel homesick, therefore you blessed me with a Sunday school group, praise team, Bible study—and other countless opportunities to develop relationships with a body of believers. You knew the anxious thoughts I would have and so You blessed me with Godly women that mentored and encouraged me. You knew the challenges Kit and I would have to overcome in order to grow as a couple, so You led us to a grace-driven church led by a grace-filled pastor. You even knew that I would need someone to be goofy with and so You gave me a fun best friend, and to my surprise, is now called my husband. Thank You for challenging Kit and I in our own walk with You so that we can be a united Christ centered team. Thank You for our wedding day as it was a day that we truly felt the power of Your beautiful Grace. Not only am I thankful for our new marriage, but I finally had the opportunity to go overseas! God, this year proves that Your plans are so much better than my own—and I will always remember the blessings of this year when our time of rejoicing has changed into a new season. Also, God I personally rejoice because You have led me back to music. This year, now I truly know what it is like to sing to the Lord a new song and this new song will never cease. Erica Lau
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible life experiences You have given us to share with one another. Each person You have placed in my life have contributed to the path and journey of my walk today. There are not enough words to describe the depth of my gratitude for the people and the gifts that each person has shared with me. From the incredible Redland Baptist community to the cool neighbors next door, to the friendly people of France, and to my wonderful friends, family, and extended family; You have truly blessed us. You have truly blessed me with an incredible partner, companion, and wife to share in this remarkable union. And I cannot thank You, God, enough for placing her here with me. She is my pillar of support and I am hers; together we take on challenges—conquer fears, explore new places, and grow together in ways we have not imagined. And thank You for presenting us with all of the ministry opportunities and showing us numerous ways that we can reach out to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. You have blessed us with great set of tools, skills, and people to show compassion, love, and grace to all those in need. Thank You for this year of rejoicing. Kit Lau
Patrick and Sharon Germain
Heavenly Father, we bow our hearts to You and pray. We give You thanks for all that You have done for us. If we have ten thousand tongues, they would not be enough to thank You for all that You have done for us. Thank You for elevating me to be a deacon in Your church this year to serve You and Your people. The devil attacked our marriage and our family. Thank You Lord that we were able to overcome the enemy’s tricks with friends like Don and Ronda Mayberry who stick closer than family. Thank You Lord for the new addition in our family, our puppy Max.
Thank You for the spiritual growth in our children. Lord we thank You for provided us with our own full size van. We will be able to transport our children, my nephews and nieces to church so that they can hear from You. Thank You for making so many other situations in our lives which seem to be impossible, come true. Thank You for joy, health, friends, and family, for daily provision, Your mercy, and care. You have blessed us with so much. If You don’t do anything else, You have done more than enough. So we give You the honor and we praise You. Hallelujah to Your name: our Redeemer, our King, the Prince of Peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
Paul Owens
Dear Lord, I come to You today, to offer up my thanks. I thank You for all that You have blessed me with. Thank You for the opportunities I’ve been given throughout my life to be able to pursue what You have planned for me. I thank You for the encouragement that I’ve gotten from coaches, teachers, friends, to challenge myself to be better. You’ve given me a wonderful family, one that I know loves me so much. I thank You for my parents that have and always will be there for me when times get rough. I can’t thank them enough for raising me and making me the person I am today. My wonderful sister has tolerated me and made me a better person through all of my shortcomings. I thank you so much for the relationship I have with Rachel. Additionally, You’ve given me the best church family and I can’t thank You enough for that. Here I have a youth group who supports me and friends who care about me. I’d also like to thank You for the men in my life that have inspired me to follow you and lead a grace-driven life to the best of my ability. Men like David Williams and Rev Kev who have always been there to talk to and get advice from. Men like Pastor Mark, Pastor Bobby, and Pastor Bill who have shown me what it looks like to be a true Christian. God, You’ve given me so much to live for and I will try to the best of my ability to give back to you through my actions. Thank You so much God for everything You’ve given me to put to use for Your glory.
Mike, Mary Ann and Emily Moore
Mike Moore: At a time when there is so much going on in our lives and in the world, we thank You Lord for the opportunity to be still and reflect—and to humbly give you praise and thanks for every good and perfect gift that you have given us. I know that there is nothing I have done to earn the many ways You have blessed me through my family, so I am thankful for having been born into a stable home with good parents—and for my wife and kids. There is nothing I have done to earn the ways you have blessed me with good health and with the God-given ability to receive an education and contribute to my work. There is nothing I have done to earn the blessing of living in a country where food, clothing and shelter are plentiful, and where we can travel and worship freely—and without persecution or fear, and where we have so many opportunities. There is also nothing I have done to earn the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the privilege being able to trust in Him. Lord, help me not to take any of Your blessings for granted, and help us all as Christians to know better how to bring Your blessings to others around us and around the world.
Emily Moore: I am thankful for my parents for taking their grown child back in for this year and for cooking me dinner and being there when I need them but not so “there” I’m ready to leave. I’m thankful to have this time to be with them, and I feel like I have a little bit of perspective now —and realize how fortunate I am to have two parents that I can respect and appreciate as individuals. I want to give thanks for new experiences and learning more about myself even when it’s not something great, because I know that challenges are how I grow—so I want to be thankful when I encounter them. I am thankful for perspectives different than my own—and am thankful when people choose to share them in a way that broadens our horizons and challenges the way we see the world. I am thankful for the freedom to debate, to ask questions, and to learn—three things I love, and three things that so many people don’t have. I am lastly thankful that even in the midst of tough times when the way forward gets muddy and confusing I can find a foundation in being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good—full of faith, self-controlled, and gentle, and I am thankful that this will give me roots no matter where I end up.
Mary Ann Moore: Dear Lord, I thank you for the many ways you have continued to bless me this year. I am grateful for my stable, loving family as Mike and I celebrated 25 years of marriage in 2015, Emily graduated from college, and Erin has completed half of her college studies. Thank you for a job that I truly enjoy, working in a special education classroom – where the children do have special needs but also give their teachers a very special love. I know that in coming years our personal circumstances may change since difficulties are inevitable in life, so above all I thank You for the blessings that will never change. As Paul says in Ephesians 1, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. In love he chose us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace—which He has freely given us in the One He loves.” Amen.
11:00AM SERVICE
Chad and Julie Kelly
Let Us Pray, Dear Gracious God, we come before you praising you and giving you thanks. Thank you for the Redland Baptist Church and the faithful members. Thank you for blessing our congregation with so many good and faithful servants and the opportunity to come today to learn about You. In the unknown and troubled world we live in, we thank you for the all that you provide and for keeping us safe and healthy. God, we pray for the many people who are suffering and who are in pain today. We pray that you show Your face to them and let them know they are not alone. We take the sick, hurting, and lost and lift them up to You. Let them feel your comfort in their times of darkness and need. Help those who are hurting from disease, from broken relationships, and from loss. Please take them in your palm of your hand and comfort them. God, we pray for countries around this world and we pray for the United States of America. Please be with and guide our leaders in making the right decisions with the future and the unknowns. We pray for France and those who are hurting from the events from the past week.
In the aftermath of all of the destruction, we know that You will be there to mend the broken hearts and heal the physically and spiritually wounded. Thank you for meeting our financial and spiritual needs as a family. We are blessed to have a roof over our heads and a safe pillow to lay our heads down at night, as so many are not as fortunate. Thank you for giving us each other to rest upon when we are tired and drained. You have put us into each other’s lives and we are eternally grateful. Thank you for our supportive families and friends. Thank you God for the jobs that Julie and I have. You have blessed us both with careers that we enjoy. As a fireman and nurse, guide us to make the right decisions in the most critical of times. Help us take care of the rich, the poor, and the hurting in the time of their greatest need. Work your magical ways through our hands and our actions to create healing. We pray that you give us the strength and ability to exhibit Your ways in our daily interactions with the victims and patients we see. Use us to share Your grace and Your Word. We thank you for blessing us this year with our beautiful daughter, Emery. As we stare at her in awe, she is a true reflection of the miracles you are capable of. Guide us as parents to teach her right from wrong and to guide her to get to know You. Show us how to be Godly parents each day. Let us be steadfast Christ-like examples for her in a world that sometimes seems so broken. Allow us to provide for her and meet her needs every day. We ask you to keep our family safe, healthy and full of joy in the upcoming years. God hear our prayers today and forgive us of our sins We understand that we are sinners and continually fall short of Your glory. We pray that we continue to become better Christians through Your word. Keep us patient while we wait for You and Your answers. Thank you for hearing our prayers today and every day. In Your Name We Pray, Amen.
Carl and Lora Conner
Our Dearest Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your might and power and for the beautiful creation You have given to us to enjoy. Like the Psalmist, when we look at the magnificence that surrounds us on the earth and in the skies, it is almost unfathomable that You think of each one of us—and that You done so from before you created the earth, loving us with an everlasting love. You loved us so much, you sent only son to pay the price for our sins so that we can spend eternity with You. For that, words cannot express our gratitude. We thank You for your faithfulness to us each day. We know day will follow night, the seasons will always have an order, and that all things are under Your control. We ask that You give us more ability to not worry, but just to rest in Your loving arms and know that all things work together for good for those who love You and do your will. We praise You for the beautiful country, America, in which we are privileged to live. We once sat in the room where our founding fathers labored and prayed for days, creating a nation founded on Godly principles. You then blessed this country incredibly and gave our leaders the willingness to help others throughout the world from our abundance. We thank You for the men and women who were willing to give their lives or their wholeness of body to keep this country free. We thank you Abraham Lincoln, who, although he had few worldly goods, had the innate desire to learn from borrowed books, which led to his becoming the president of this great land. In this way, You provided the freedom for all who live within our borders. We thank You for so many answered prayers throughout our lives, and that when it seems they are unanswered…we can rest assured that the results of our prayers are being answered in a way that is for our best. Lord, we thank You for the blessing that You had we two planned for each other since before we were born, and that You have blessed our marriage for over 51 years. We praise You for the two children You gave to us, for their salvation, and for the people they have become with integrity, responsibility and generosity for others. We thank You for the grandchildren that You blessed us with, and that they are also believers. We are so grateful that, even though they were admitted to several colleges, all three of them chose Christian colleges so that they could be with fellow students with like minds. For all our family, we are so grateful for the good health You have given us, and that You brought Lora through some serious illnesses and restored her to what she is today. We thank You for our friends, some of whom we have known for a lifetime, and some that are new. What a special gift they are to us, new and old, and scattered across the country. We thank You for Redland and the beautiful people we have met here and for the opportunity to serve You in ways we can to promote Your message through this great church. Thank You so much for the our wonderful pastor and for his wife who works so faithfully alongside him. Thank You for all the staff and the work they do to make Redland a wonderful place to worship. For these and countless more blessings upon blessings, we give You praise and glory forever. Amen
Amaris Galik
Lord, thank You for loving us. Thank You for sending your only son to die for us so we can live with you. I thank You for my amazing family and awesome church family; both of which have helped me grow and mature in so many ways. Thank You for this beautiful time of year and this time of thanksgiving; for this national tradition that we set aside to celebrate and be thankful.
Thank You for the incredible way you have made us and that we are all so incredibly unique. Thank You for all the men and women who risk their lives trying to keep us safe—for the things we cannot see, hear, smell, or taste such as courage, fear, and love. Thank You for the eternal love and life You give us when we accept You into our hearts and the love we feel for friends and family, for all the emotions You have blessed us with. But help us to remember not to be thankful for material and non-material things just at this time of year, but throughout the year, at every moment. Help us to not forget the real meaning of this holiday in the midst of all the stress it can cause. Help the amazing emotions You blessed us with not get in the way of a personal deep connection with You. Help us to remember Who is in control of everything; Who blesses us and teaches us. Help us to be calm and trust in You in times of chaos. Help us reach out to strangers and people who need Your love at this holiday season—to remember our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering in different parts of our world. Help us to be humble, but at the same time be confident in Your love. Lord, help us to fearlessly represent You in all that we do. The list of ways we need Your help is very long. But the list of all the things You have given us, which we don’t deserve, is even longer. Yet, you have given us so so much, including the greatest gift imaginable; eternal life with YOU! Help us to be thankful always, not just at church or Thanksgiving. Thank You for loving us, and help us to remember that in everything we do, we should do for You—because You are the One Who gives us the capabilities and strength to do everything. Thank You for this beautiful day and everyone here today. Amen.
Ed and Betty Summers
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD AND HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR ALL HIS BLESSINGS. THAT GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS SON JESUS TO DIE FOR OUR SINS, AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN THAT WE MAY LIVE ETERNALLY WITH GOD. WE GIVE THANKS FOR OUR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND ALL WHO HAVE
GONE BEFORE—-FOR ALL THOSE WHO SHARED THEIR FAITH THAT WE COULD GROW UP IN A CHRISTIAN HOME AND ACCEPT CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES. WE GIVE THANKS FOR OUR HOME, AND FOR THE LOVE THAT WE SHARE WITH
ONE ANOTHER. WE GIVE THANKS FOR EACH OF OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE GIVE THANKS FOR OUR CHURCH, FOR PASTOR MARK, FOR BOBBY, FOR KEVIN, FOR BILL, FOR PEGGY—AND ALL THE LEADERS OF OUR CONGREGATION. WE GIVE THANKS FOR DAVID AND CONNY HOUSER FOR THEIR MINISTRY WITH FEEDING THE HOMELESS AT SAINT MARTINS. WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE MINISTRY OF SAMARITANS PURSE—AND FOR ALL THE WORK KAREN FREEMAN IS DOING TO HELP AS MANY CHILDREN AS POSSIBLE TO KNOW ABOUT JESUS. WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD THAT HE HAS INSTILLED INTO THE HEARTS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY A ZEAL FOR MISSIONS—THAT WE HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO GO AND SHARE OUR FAITH—THAT WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE OUR RESOURCES TO HELP THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH PASTOR CARLOS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND SHARING WITH THE PEOPLE THERE. WE GIVE THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE SERVING ON THE MISSION FIELD—TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE ENDURING HARDSHIPS THAT THE GOSPEL MAY BE CARRIED TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. WE GIVE THANKS FOR RICK AND JILL THOMPSON IN BRAZIL, FOR GREG AND
AMY FREESE FOR THEIR SERVICE OF 24 YEARS ON THE MISSION FIELD. WE GIVE THANKS FOR CATHY BURKE IN KENYA AND HER INCREDIBLE WORK WITH THE REFUGEES. WE GIVE THANKS FOR PAT AND DAVID CASH AND BRIAN KEEN WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH TO MINISTER TO THE ORPHAN CHILDREN IN MOROCCO. WE GIVE THANKS TO THE STRYKERS IN SENEGAL AS HE IS SERVING AS A VETERINARIAN. WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO LIVE IN A NATION THAT WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO WORSHIP AS WE BELIEVE. WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS THAT WE HAVE. BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN MUCH, WE GIVE THANKS THAT WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO RETURN A SMALL PORTION TO GOD.
Eliana Flores
I am thankful for my family because they take care of me a lot. I am thankful God can heal hurt people. I am thankful that when I sin God still forgives me. I am thankful mommy can read me books because it helps me fall asleep better. I am thankful I got to live in Hawaii because my favorite playground is there. I am thankful we got to plant flowers together (mommy & Esteban)
I’m thankful I have a pet fish. I’m thankful that God made us animals because they are fun to play with. I’m thankful that my teacher treats us good. I’m thankful for my class. I’m thankful for my friends because they play with me. I’m thankful that Daphne can be my best friend. I’m thankful that God can help me do piano. I’m thankful we have a house. I’m thankful I can jump on the trampoline because it is fun. I am thankful for Legos because they are fun to build with my brother. Father we thank you for the night and for the pleasant morning light, for rest and food and loving care and all that makes the day so fair. Help us to do the things we should do, to be to others kind and good for all we do and we all say to grow like Jesus everyday.
Gabe and Sarah Carbonell
We are thankful for a loving, righteous God Who loves us unconditionally, teaches and extends grace and mercy to us daily, when we don’t deserve it. We are thankful for the love that we share and pray that it continues to blossom. We are thankful to Him for being the greatest provider and in providing us each other and our two smart, beautiful, funny, adventurous, compassionate boys, Cruz and Caleb. We are thankful that they are in His grip and this is evident by the work he is going in their hearts and minds, daily. We are thankful for our friends that help guide us and are there with us through thick and thin, reminding us of God’s love. We are thankful for our family, mother’s, father’s, sibling’s grandparents and so on-(having a Puerto Rican and Italian Family) means that there are too many to list here—-but NOT too many to be thankful for. We thank God for our health and our protection. So easily we can take this for granted but know, painfully but with hope, that health is not a luxury. We are thankful for the ability to worship freely, that we live in a FREE world and despite all the pain and current persecutions, we know that God is in control and we will not be fearful. We are thankful for our Redland family and friends and all the programs our family is fortunate enough to be part of and take advantage of.
Redland has opened many doors for us and we are blessed to be able to serve Him in several different ministries. We are thankful for the boys’ school and that they continue to learn and grow in a safe, kind and Christian environment. We are blessed they have such kind friends and are free to be who they are. We are blessed that our mother, Maritza, is able to take care of our boys daily and enjoy playing and raising them to be Godly boys. We have never gone hungry and have always had a roof over our head and we are so very thankful. God has provided us with enriching careers and opportunities that we never expected and always look for ways to share the love of Jesus with others in our place of work. Cruz’s prayer (Oscar) Caleb prayer While we could go on, lastly, we are thankful for all God promises ahead.
Now it is your chance to join in this time of thanks-praying. As the instrumentalists continue to play, let us all bow our heads and all thank God—praying together at the same time. Pray out loud if you want—in your seat—or on your knees—but pray and thank God for all of His blessings.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Father God, We are Your people—the sheep of Your pasture and we have come this morning to worship You with glad and joyful songs—inspired by Who You are and for What You have done. For, You are good and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations And all God’s people said….A-MEN
Perhaps as we have acknowledged all that God has done for us, you have remembered the many ways He has blessed your life. And as you did, you felt the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit to give back to God in some way. You may feel led to come forward and publicly show your thanks to God by recommitting your life to Him or by joining this church as we use all that God provides us with to minister to this community. You may want to acknowledge for the first time that God gave His Son to die for you…and today publicly give Him your life as you accept Him as Savior and Lord. But however God leads won’t you come and share your decision with us?