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As we look ahead to Thanksgiving week, I’ve been reminded how easy it is to rush through this season without ever pausing long enough to truly give thanks. So before we step into a Sunday full of worship and stories of God’s grace, I want to invite you to slow down and remember why gratitude matters—not just once a year, but in every season of life.
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Give Thanks
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This coming Sunday, we will hold our annual Thanksgiving Worship Gathering. And this year looks to be as great as any other! We will get to not only thank God by worshipping Him through song, Scripture, and prayer, but we will also get to hear some individuals thank Jesus for His work through the cross and empty tomb by being baptized. (And for the traditionalists, we will also keep the "Open Mic" tradition alive!)
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But as we prepare for this annual tradition, let's just take a moment to consider: why should we give thanks?
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The Why
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We live in a world that constantly pushes us to want more—more stuff, more comfort, more recognition, more control... more everything. But this clamoring for more keeps our eyes fixed on what we don’t have, making it difficult to be thankful for what we do have. Yet over and over again, Scripture calls us to pause and give thanks.
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As he began to close his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul wrote,
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“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV, emphasis added)
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Notice he didn't say, “for all circumstances,” but "in all circumstances." This means gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect or we have to love every minute of every day. Rather, it’s about recognizing that even in the middle of chaos, disappointment, or uncertainty, God is still faithful, loving, and good—and for that, we can be thankful.
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This practice of giving thanks also helps us shift our focus. Gratitude lifts our eyes off our problems and onto God’s presence. It reminds us that every good thing we enjoy—from our morning coffee (or honey-spiked hot tea!) to the people we love, to even our next breath—is a gift from Him. James, the brother of Jesus, declared, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17, ESV)
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This shift of focus helps to transform us. Studies have shown that people who regularly express gratitude are happier and more resilient. But long before science caught on, God already knew a thankful heart leads to a thriving soul. Psalm 100:4-5 reveals this connection...
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"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 100:4-5, ESV)
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So whether you are in a season of abundance or struggle, may you pause this Sunday and this coming week to give thanks. Not because everything is Instagram-perfect. Simply because God is good.
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Open Mic + Baptisms
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Invite someone to our Thanksgiving Open Mic on Sunday, November 23rd! This will be a time of singing songs, celebrating baptisms, hearing a devotional, opportunities of giving thanks, and partaking in communion together—we're looking forward to it with you!
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Impact Gift Announcement
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Every year, we band together and take up a special collection for our Impact Gift! We will announce our recipient toward the end of this weekend's Worship Gathering, so we invite you to be praying over what you/your family might give above and beyond this year. We will collect our Impact Gift in-service and online on Sunday, December 21st.
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'Sounds Good' Update
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Riverwood is in need of a new sound system! So far, we have been able to raise $23,733.65 out of $28,000! Please consider giving today!
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Winter Merch Store
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Want to represent Riverwood with your wears as colder weather approaches? You're in luck! From long sleeve tees & hoodies to caps & beanies, you can order new Riverwood Church *and* Riverwood Worship apparel right here before the November 30th deadline!
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