A Message of Gratitude from the Congregational Leadership Team

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Perhaps we have heard this passage many times. What does thanksgiving mean? What does gratefulness mean? It seems that spiritual writers make a distinction between the two. We are thankful for the help of others or their gifts – individual events. Being grateful or living a grateful life is much broader. It is an attitude that helps us be grateful for the opportunities that life offers us all day, every day.

During this Thanksgiving Holiday Season, we take time to appreciate what we have relating to relationships of family and friends and for the privileges we enjoy as free citizens. Our country also offers us opportunities to look at issues that seem very contrary to what we believe as Gospel Values. How will we meet these opportunities, these challenges?

Let us keep each other, our nation, our world in prayer that we meet God who is present to us at all times and in each situation.

We, the Living Word Community, are grateful for your companionship.

Sisters Barbara Mass, Ruth Platte, and Donna Williams
SLW Congregational Leadership Team