Wow a lot has happened this year that my family and I are grateful for (Rachel & I have got to travel for ministry and our relationship, Lily returned home safely after 9 months on the Mission field, Julia & Mitch got married, our Amesbury Church family has grown and been a force For Our Community, etc etc). With Thanksgiving a week away, my heart is reminded about the blessings and joys we have experienced this year and what is still yet to come. So why does this time of year seem to be a time where people (including me) are more anxious and rushed rather than at peace and relaxed. Holidays, family, end of the year deadlines, health concerns, the list goes on! One of my favorite statements Paul shares in his letter to the Philippians 4:6-7 ”6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Easier said than done but when done things are much easier!
I left the house this morning with a lot on my mind but I was forced to slow down for a moment as the ATM was being serviced and saw so many peeps taking to Facebook to share the things they are thankful & grateful for. I have preached on the first Thanksgiving, how to live gratefully and why we all need to be thankful for what God has provided, so it was refreshing to be “preached” to by my friends who are celebrating why and what they are giving thanks for. Amazing the peace and joy that invades our hearts & minds when we recognize how good God is and fathom what He’ll do next in our lives to blow us away, even in the small ways.
So please join me in taking a moment every day in prayer and petition to be reminded in your heart, renewed in your mind and refreshed in your soul by how much you are loved.
Peace & Joy,
PJ (Pastor Jon)
PS. Here are some opportunities to experience His love together:
Hospitality Training in Amesbury this Sunday November 19th starting @ 12:30 p.m. Please join us as we prepare and explore how we can be inviting and welcoming to our community as we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Lunch will be provided so please email deb@rock-church.org to let her know you’re coming.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner On Thanksgiving Day we will be doing a brand new outreach, providing a full Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who would like to join us. We need help and donations to prepare the meal. We are also providing transportation where needed, so we will need drivers. Contact Laurie Duff care@stmattumc.org for more info.
Membership Inquiry Class If you are not currently a member of the church, we will be holding a membership inquiry class Sunday November 26th at 2:00 p.m. at our Plaistow campus. Please contact Lynette lynette@stmattumc.org if you would like to attend.
