On Sunday mornings, in worship, and on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. at our new Bible study we are currently focusing on the New Testament book of Philippians. One way to view the contents of this book of the Bible is to see it as a great big thank you note to a church with the apostle Paul is grateful for because they have cared for him. This is why it think it such a holy coincidence that our local church council has chosen this moment to launch our new emphasis on catching people doing good at St. Martin’s and saying thanks! When you are at the church please notice the “angel” box in the narthex and consider writing a note telling us about someone whose servant hood you appreciate and place the note in the box to let us know about it. I know that people who are ‘angels’ and who give of themselves do not do it for the purpose of recognition, rather, these are people who understand the secret to joy which Paul writes to the Philippians about – giving thanks for blessings is the path to increasing blessing in our lives! All of this gratitude has got me thinking about some of my favorite gratitude quotations. Here are a few:

"Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot." -- Hausa proverb (Nigeria) 

"If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner 

Try leaving a friendly trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips. You will be surprised how they will set small flames of friendship that will be rose beacons on your next visit." -- Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People 

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you." -- Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance 

"An attitude of gratitude creates blessings."
-- Sir John Marks Templeton 

Join us in worship and in Bible study as we focus on the New Testament book of Philippians all about gratitude and, also, join us in expressing your gratitude to others and you will be truly blessed – you can quote me! 

Thanks, Pastor Scott

“Thank you so very much!!!!” writes one of the one of the community members served at our monthly Community Dinners. “All who enjoy the meals asked that a note of thanks be mentioned so that the congregation knows how much they appreciate it. Thanks to all who volunteer, 30-40 community members enjoy the free community dinners on the 2nd Monday of each month. Each month a volunteer takes care of a different portion of the meal– meat, vegetables, salad, drink, dessert and tables. To help, check out the sign up sheet by the kitchen.

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