Given that this week’s Relaunch Progress Update lands on Thanksgiving Day, it is appropriate that we pause to share some of the things for which we are grateful! So here is a list:
- Jesus. Even if we have nothing else, we can always be thankful for his life, death, and resurrection, and for the forgiveness he offers us.
- God’s abiding presence. The last year has been a rollercoaster, but you know what makes rollercoasters better? Having someone beside you in the car. Let us be grateful that the Holy Spirit has been present with us throughout the past year!
- The cloud of witnesses. Hebrews 11 recounts the stories of some of the saints who have gone before us. These witnesses provide an example of faith and perseverance to encourage us today.
- Clear direction. Throughout the last year, our congregation has often had more questions than answers. We must be grateful that God has opened the doors he wanted us to step through exactly when he wanted us to step through them.
- Rekindled passion. Just like the wind can either blow out a match or kindle a great wildfire, challenges and adversity can either blow out a church or rekindle its zeal. We have lost much over the past year, but there is growing within us a new passion for faith and ministry.
- Scripture. When he was weary from grief, the psalmist prayed that God would strengthen him through his word. We have found great encouragement and strength in the word of the Lord!
- Dawning clarity. The shape of who our church is supposed to be and what our church is supposed to do is becoming clearer every day.
- New faces. There is no escaping the fact that some have left our fellowship through this transition. It is appropriate to lament this, but let us also be thankful that there are several new faces that have joined us!
- Ministry opportunities. God continues to open the door for New Foundation Church to minister in unique ways.
- Provision. God has provided us what we need.
These are some of the things we are grateful for! For what are you giving thanks today?