Remember It’s Thanks-GIVING!

Almost 400 years ago a group of Christians surviving the harsh environment in the New World, decided to set aside a day in the fall at which they would express thanksgiving to God. They brought an offering to God, experienced a banquet and shared in fellowship together. Today we know this as Thanksgiving and we will celebrate it today as a national Holiday.

The Bible tells us that God’s will for every Christian is to give thanks.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Below is a good formula that will help you to thank God in these three areas of time, Past, Present and Future.

Thank God for the Past. We can thank Him for choosing to birth us here in this land of freedom and abundance. We can thank Him for saving us. Thank Him for people, places, and things, even difficult things that He has used to help you grow. Thank Him for giving you chances after chances when you did wrong.

Thank God for the Present. Thank Him that you are alive. Thank God for your present blessings and enjoyments, such as hugging your children or grandchildren and talking to a friend who really cares. Thank Him for the good times you are experiencing today.

Thank God for the Future. Thank God in anticipation of tomorrow and for securing your place in heaven for all time through your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

God has moved in mighty ways throughout the Celebration Community Church family and in our community in the past, present, and God willing, in the future. We have a multitude of reasons to be thankful!

As you gather with your family and friends whether in a home or at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall as a part of ECMA’s Thanksgiving Day Feast, do more than eat turkey and watch football. With joy, give your heartfelt thanks to God with song, an offering of praise and acts of service. Tell your children the history of Thanksgiving and the real meaning behind this holiday and be sure to take a few moments to thank God for all He has done for you. And while you are at it thank those around you for what they have done for you too!.

Thank you to the all of the C3 folks who in one hour shifts from 9am-5pm, collected over two vans FULL of groceries and filled over 400 sacks on Wednesday night that will be given to needy families after Today’s ECMA Thanksgiving Day Feast.

If you know of anyone who does not have a place to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, invite them to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall TODAY. Doors open at 11:30 with a meal served at 12 noon.