On Being Thankful

I read an article recently entitled “Gratitude’s Nemesis: The Grumble." In this article, the author suggests that grumbling and complaining undermine the grace of God and poison the heart.

I realize more and more that people have a choice to make when it comes to their opinion and their outlook on life. In Exodus 16, the account when the Israelites are wandering in the desert, the people of God became restless. After 45 days of travel, their resources began to run out. Hunger and exhaustion started to set in. All the excitement of escaping their captivity was in the rearview mirror... and they began to grumble.

“And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness” (Exodus 16:2)

The Israelites focus began to shift from the Lord providing for them to how they were provided for in Egypt. They were slaves – yet their stomachs were full! Time and time again in the following verses, Moses tells the people “You will know it was the Lord” who provided for you. Yet, they missed it. They focused on what they didn’t have (food) – rather than what they did have (God himself providing for their needs).

Are we that different at times? May you and I be reminded that the Grace of God surpasses the grumble! As we enter into in November… and look toward Thanksgiving, may we be reminded to be a thankful people – and a thankful person! We all have something to be Thankful for! I love the power packed passage in 1 Thessalonians…

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Thankful –

Clay Parrett

“What are you thankful for?”

This is one of my favorite questions to ask the kiddos each year. It’s fun to see what is really important to them and what they hold near and dear to their hearts. Each November I teach the younger kids about thankfulness. We do games and crafts each week to help them learn what it means to be thankful, and then as Thanksgiving approaches I do a special craft where they get to tell me what they are thankful for and we write it down. This year I want to challenge you to do this as a family. Each week open up the Bible together as a family and read the different scriptures about thankfulness and then on Thanksgiving go around the room and tell each other some things you are thankful for. With the holiday season upon us it is so easy to get lost in all the commotion and busyness, by stopping and reading God’s Word with our families we are reminding ourselves of the true meaning behind the holidays. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and for the opportunity I get to share God’s love with your children. CCY is more than just a church to me, you are my family and I can’t thank God enough for you. I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

Meet Mia Lambert!

Season of Sharing

“Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

Opportunities at CCY during the Season of Sharing.

Operation Christmas Child

This mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Shoeboxes and corresponding material may be picked up at Operation Christmas Child table in the Gathering Area to take home to fill with suggested items. Filled boxes along with postage funds are due back no later than November 14th, 2021.

Christ's Closet Christmas Extravaganza

Donations needed include new and like-new toys for children of all ages, as well as small gifts for parents. The philosophy is to allow parents to come and shop for clothes and Christmas gifts for their children while the children have an opportunity to shop for a gift for their parents.

Thanksgiving Grocery Bags

Brown paper bags with a suggested list of groceries will be available to pick up. Fill the bags with Thanksgiving groceries and return to CCY by the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The philosophy is if you are in need, take a bag and enjoy the blessing of a Thanksgiving meal. Any remaining bags will be donated to those in need.

Special Mission Fund

A Special Offering (outside the regular general offering), will be collected on Sunday, December 12th, 2021. These funds will be collected and sent to our missionaries to purchase food.