Gratitude is really a choice as we see from Job’s words in scripture: “The Lord gives…and the Lord takes away….blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) He chose to be grateful and bless the Lord’s name in good times and bad. Paul wrote the following words to the believers in Philippi: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:12-13) We have the same choice each day and we have a special chance to practice that choice during our celebrations of Thanksgiving this month. So let us give thanks to the Lord!
Thanksgiving Potluck at JCC / 感謝祭の持ち寄りパーティー
As we give our thanks to God for all His blessings, we hope you will join us for our Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 18th. Following our worship service, we will have a potluck lunch where a turkey and ham will be served, so please bring a side dish to share at this meal. Also during this time, we will be putting together our Gift Bags that will be distributed at our December Homeless Feeding/Lord’s Table on December 3rd. We have collected socks and will be adding toothbrushes/toothpaste as well as any other small toiletries that have been collected throughout this year. Therefore, if you have any of these items, especially toothbrushes or toothpastes, please let Sue know by Sunday the 11th as she will be purchasing needed items the following week.
11月18日（日）礼拝の後に感謝祭の持ち寄りパーティーが行われます。是非、皆さんが一品づつをお持ち寄りくだされば嬉しいです。
Please remember to pray for the missionaries that we are supporting:
Anna Rosengren serving in Japan with SEND International
Several years ago while some friends and I were riding our bicycles along the Tama River in Tokyo we saw this sign at a small temple. The words echo what Job and Paul expressed above. The translation of the words: “We don’t give thanks because we are happy…. we are happy because we give thanks.”
- 11.11 Shun Takano preaches
- 11.18 Pastor Tim Preaches / Thanksgiving Potluck
- 11.23 (Friday) JCC Volunteer team at St. Mary’s Food Bank (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
- 11.25 Richard Nakamura preaches
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Tim
Japanese Congregational Church 