Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  – 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We had a wonderful day celebrating our 50th anniversary. Your joy, enthusiasm, and willingness to share together is such a gift and strong attribute to who we are as a community of faith. Our guest preacher, Mark Anderson, recognizes the Spirt moving in our midst as well. I am excited that the next 50 years of Sun City Christian Church’s ministry starts now!

So… How should we start? Taking Paul’s advice in his letter to the church in Thessalonica is as good as any. “Rejoice Always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Fred Craddock agrees that these three actions alone might just be the heartbeat of a Christian life. These commands are not about rigid rules or unrealistic ideals, but rather an invitation to develop patterns that sustain faith. Craddock notes that these practices aren’t based on circumstantial happiness but rather on a life rooted in God’s grace, which allows joy and gratitude even in difficult times.

Over the next three Sundays, we will explore what it means to be a people of “Thanks-living.” Our first theme will be “Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude.” This week, we will emphasize the call to gratitude as a foundational Christian practice, grounding life’s joys and challenges in a thankful perspective. We will explore how gratitude draws us closer to God and helps us recognize God’s presence in all situations.

In these times we find ourselves in, thanks-living might be one of the hardest things for us to do. But God is present, the love of Christ propels us and the Holy Spirit flows through us. We have much work to do as Church, followers of Jesus and those who called to love our neighbor. The next 50 years of faithful ministry begins, and this hard work starts while trusting God is in our midst. 

Brett