Dear Aspen Grove Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we gather in gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon us, I am compelled to reflect on the significance of cultivating a heart of gratitude within our church community.

1. Recognizing God's Faithfulness:

In times of joy and challenge, let us acknowledge the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Every breath we take, every moment we share, is a testament to His enduring love. As a church, let our collective hearts overflow with gratitude for His faithfulness.

2. Thanksgiving in Prayer:

The apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7 to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Let us be a community characterized by prayer infused with gratitude, lifting up our praises alongside our petitions.

3. Grateful Hearts in Worship:

Our worship is a symphony of thanksgiving. Each song, prayer, and word of encouragement offered in our gatherings is an opportunity to express our gratitude to the One who is worthy of all praise. May our worship be a reflection of the gratitude that fills our hearts.

4. Acts of Kindness and Generosity:

Gratitude is not merely a sentiment; it is a catalyst for action. In our church family, let acts of kindness and generosity flow naturally from hearts brimming with gratitude. As we have freely received, let us also freely give (Matthew 10:8).

5. Encouraging One Another:

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Let our words and actions be sources of encouragement, lifting each other up and expressing gratitude for the unique gifts and contributions each member brings to our church family.

6. Gratitude in Times of Trial:

Even in the midst of challenges, there is room for gratitude. Romans 8:28 reassures us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. Let us find gratitude in the refining fires, trusting that God is shaping us for His purpose.

7. Overflowing Thankfulness:

Colossians 2:6-7 encourages us to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him, "overflowing with thankfulness." May our church be a community known for its abundant thanksgiving, radiating the joy and hope found in Christ.

As we journey together as a church family, let our gratitude be a unifying force, binding us closer to one another and to the source of all blessings. May the fragrance of our thanksgiving rise as a pleasing aroma before our Heavenly Father.

In gratitude and love,

Bill Doane