Thanksgiving is a way of life, connected to love, joy, and peace.
Philippians 4:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
For the purposes of this article, I would like to concentrate on verse eight. What do we think about, meditate on, and fill our minds with? In short, both Paul in this passage and Holy Scripture in general encourage us that a person who is “a new creation” in Jesus Christ, learns to focus on those things which lead to hope and joy. The mind given over to selfishness, entitlement, and continual negativity will almost undoubtedly have their focus elsewhere.
If we have learned to “play the victim”, constantly allow our obsessing to dominate our existence, and ignore the honorable, pure, and good around us, we should expect to be anxious, unhappy, and selfish. But, if we learn to discipline our minds, turn off the news, stop obsessing about things we cannot control, and meditate on A. God’s beauty, B. Our blessings, and C. God’s life-giving and divine revelation (Holy Scripture), then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can practice and grow to be people who live with gratitude every day of the year.
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM. No class on Nov 19th.
No Sunday School for children Nov 19th.
Choir Meet/Practice
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM, in the choir/organ loft
Congregational Thanksgiving Celebration
Sunday, November 19th there will be only 1 Worship Service for all members, friends, and guests of St. Matthews, followed by the annual Thanksgiving potluck fellowship meal. Worship is at 10AM for everyone on the 19th, with set-up and meal shortly thereafter. If you have not had a chance to sign-up with a dish to share and the number of people planning to attend: there are still opportunities available! This Sunday, November 12 you can sign-up on the main hallway bulletin board, OR you are welcome to call the church office (309-662-4646) and Pat will add your information for you. Please come join in the feast of Thanksgiving!
Collecting Diapers
St.Mathew’s is holding a diaper drive for Heartland Headstart homebase families. They need sizes 2 – 5 as well as baby wipes. There will be a box for collection items in the Parish hall. The drive starts this Sunday, November 5th and ends November 18th. Contact Patty Pitts with any questions.
Giving Statements
Please remember to pick up your giving statements and pledge cards at the church office.
Christmas Flowers
Poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas need to be ordered very soon. If you want to order plants, the cost is $20 each and order sheets are available near both entrances to the Sanctuary. Please complete the forms and let us know no later than the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.