“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for the October 6, 2024 worship service: https://youtu.be/JB7W4wDbHwk
Thanksgiving Sunday, October 13, 2024 worship is at 10:45 a.m.
There is Sunday School for the children. They will go downstairs following Time with the Children in the service.
From Damber:
Scripture to ponder and Prayer
Scriptures: Joel 2:21–27; Psalm 126 (VU p. 850); 1 Timothy 2:1–7; Matthew 6:25–33
Commentary on Joel 2:21–27
In Joel 2:21–27, the theme of thanksgiving is intertwined with God’s promise of restoration and abundance. After a time of desolation, God assures His people of renewed joy and prosperity. This passage invites us to respond with gratitude and to recognize the goodness of God in our lives. The imagery of fruitful harvests serves as a reminder that God not only meets our needs but also desires for us to experience His overflowing blessings. This connection between our gratitude and our relationship with nature highlights a divine invitation to care for the environment as an expression of our thankfulness.
Commentary on Matthew 6:25–33
Matthew 6:25–33 emphasizes the importance of trust in God’s provision and encourages a heart of thanksgiving. Jesus teaches us to look at nature—the birds and the flowers—demonstrating how God cares for creation. This perspective prompts us to consider our role as stewards of the earth. When we acknowledge God’s care for the environment, it inspires us to reflect on how we can contribute positively to it. By prioritizing God’s kingdom, we can cultivate an appreciation for nature that leads to responsible actions and a deeper gratitude for the world around us.
Questions for Reflection
– What do you believe God might be inviting us to do in relation to nature, especially in terms of stewardship and gratitude?
– What are some visible signs of environmental degradation you have observed in your community or globally?
– If recyclables and non-biodegradable materials do not decompose for thousands of years, what impact might this have on the soil and the creatures that inhabit it?
– How can our understanding of environmental issues deepen our sense of responsibility and gratitude towards God’s creation?
– In this Thanksgiving month, who are the people or situations in your life that you are thankful for? Make a list of those individuals and consider dialing their number to express your gratitude. How How can reaching out to them contribute to a day of positivity and recreation in your life?
Let us pray:
Gracious God, we thank You for the beauty and abundance of Your creation. Help us to recognize our role as stewards of the earth and to respond to Your invitation to care for nature with grateful hearts. Open our eyes to the signs of degradation around us and inspire us to take action for the benefit of all creation. May our love for You translate into love for the world You have made. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the opportunity to reflect Your goodness in our care for the environment. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Trinity United Church 