Scripture Reading(s): (all from the NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18: 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord; thanks be to God
Opening Joke:
I heard about this pastor. He bought a new horse. He trained it to respond to “Praise the Lord” meaning giddy-up and “hallelujah” meaning woah. Every time he said praise the lord, the horse would take off running. When he said hallelujah, it would quickly stop.
One day he was out riding and the horse got spooked and took off straight toward a cliff going full blast. In the panic, he couldn’t remember what he taught his horse. He said “blessed God”, “glory”, “Amen”, nothing worked!
At the last second, he shouted “HALLELUJAH”, the horse came to a screeching halt inches before the edge of the cliff. He breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Praise the Lord!”.
Sermon: Appreciation
Appreciation: recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something. It’s easy to show appreciation or appreciate things and situations when the vibe is good. You appreciate a raise when your hard work pays off; you appreciate when someone compliments your unique style or a new haircut. You appreciate a rainbow after a storm. And we can certainly appreciate everyone here, right now, because each of us brings something to this church that makes it thrive. I’m going to highlight members of this church who deserve some recognition on this Appreciation Sunday:
Mike and Sue Conklin (with Ava assisting at times): your musical talents are magnificent. Thank you for filling the congregation with melody and joy.
The Choir (and today’s pick up choir): you add emotion, rhythm, and harmony when you sing. Thank you for singing praises and making us feel the music.
Our organist, Penny: you set the tone for all of us to begin each Sunday. Thank you for your talent and commitment.
Elizabeth: you are task-master supreme! You keep our church organized and prepared each week. Thank you for your structure and your passion.
John and Maurice: it would be very difficult to see and hear, both in house and online, without you! Thank you for your knowledge and technology skills.
Brenda and Bonnie: every Sunday I am here, you both are happily handing out the church bulletin. Thank you for friendliness and hospitality.
Maggie: speaking of church bulletin…our bulletins and other secretarial needs are always handled with accuracy and humor. Thank you, Maggie.
Kevin O’Connell: handy-man extraordinaire and lighter of the candles. Thank you for your persistence and dedication.
Candy: this woman is a walking resource: extremely kind and knowledgeable. Thank you for your leadership.
Joan, GG, Tammy, and Mark: they have kept us all fed and content. Thank you for curbing our hunger and hanger and for always serving the congregation.
All of our Sunday School teachers and leaders: faithfully guiding our youth in Christ’s ways. Thank you for your patience and teachings.
Our deacons (Travis, Sue, Lisa, Will, Laura, Malorie, Frank, Phil, Sodelina, Vanessa, Marie, and Avangeline): serving the congregation without fail. Thank you for your faith and hospitality.
Kathy Card, Liz and Lee Runnalls, and everyone else who helps with the food pantry: diligently serving people who have food inconsistencies in our local communities. Thank you for your time and tremendous efforts.
Anne and Edgar Hayes: consistently providing food for the food pantry. Thank you for your service.
Our elders: you have all helped carve a path for this church. Thank you for your wisdom and faith.
Finally, the rest of the congregation and those watching online: you are all committed to keeping this humble church going. Your consistency, faith, and love fill this church and help sustain it. Thank you for your exceptional faith.
Like I mentioned, it’s easy to appreciate when the vibe is good. It’s a lot more difficult to appreciate during trying or difficult times. It’s very easy to give into the feelings of worry, panic, and doubt. But we are commanded to “give thanks in all circumstances”. Jonah certainly learned that. He originally ignored God’s instructions to warn the people of Ninevah and wound up in the belly of a huge fish. It wasn’t until Jonah repented and thanked God before being spit out in order to follow God’s command.
Daniel was enslaved as a teenager and refused to pray to the King therefore resulting in being thrown into the lion’s den. Daniel could’ve given in and blamed God for the injustices but rather, he kept praying and thanking God and ultimately wasn’t eaten by the lions.
I was traveling on the highway, en route to Target on July 4th. At precisely 1:20pm, I spotted something small and gray coming toward me. I thought it was some kind of insect, but when it made that hard-higher-pitched clunking sound and left a crooked smile on the side of my windshield, I knew it was a rock. I immediately started to stress and rationalize how it happened and why. But as soon as I started to get upset, I switched gears and thanked God that my entire windshield didn’t break and that I was still safe.
The next time you are placed in a trying situation, try to remember to thank God because He will guide you through it. Appreciate that you are destined to live right now and experience all the good, bad, and in betweens. Appreciate it all. Amen!
By Andrea Decker