“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”. 1 Thessalonians 5,18; Hebrews 13:16.
Siblings in Christ,
It is with great joy I greet you today in the mighty name of Jesus. I hope this letter finds you well or will contribute to bring you wellness in the Same name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Few weeks ago, I sent you a letter for the “Homecoming Service”, inviting all of you to come to worship together. By doing so, I was grieved when I remembered some of you would not be able to make it because of illness. I knew you would love to come but your body would not cooperate, as it is written in Matthew 26,41 “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. However, I rejoice because I know your spirit is always with us and your faith remains healthy. I pray that the Lord keep you in his favour. I congratulate and thank all of you who have come out that day to worship together, especially those we had not seen for a while, while we continue to pray for those who are sick or/and shut in.
Now we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is celebrated in numerous countries around the world. The origin and the meaning are different, but they are all celebrating <<gratitude>>. I am sending you this letter to invite you once again, as you do every year – and you know how to do it! Hats up! – to join with us to give thanks to the Lord on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
The same way the origin and the meaning of Thanksgiving are different in the countries, the reasons of giving thanks to the Lord vary within us also. But the good thing is that everybody has a reason to be thankful for even amid sufferings: For the breath of life, your good health, your food; your home, your family, your friends, etc. Give thanks in all circumstances.
Beloved, as we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances, let us also show gratefulness in every way, by our songs of praise, our offerings, our acts of generosity, as the apostle eagerly encouraged the early Christians: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”
As you will gather with families and friends to celebrate, do not forget to make the Lord your first guest.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Your servant,
Incumbent
The Rev. Lazard
