Anticipating THANKSGIVING

Quick...what's the next stat holiday to be celebrated? Well, here in Canada, it's Thanksgiving. I'm sure images of turkey, pumpkins, creative displays, fall colours, and more are running through your mind, perhaps even an image of a pumpkin spice latte! I was reminded of autumn (and Thanksgiving) this past weekend on a trip up north (see picture).

I've often wondered something about Thanksgiving. As much as we set apart a day a year to celebrate and be thankful (and, in the case of King Road Church, also focus on missions), why is it that a spirit of thankfulness isn't discussed every day? Maybe we are thankful every day, but if I were to ask you to list 20 things quickly for which you are thankful, could you do it? What if we audibly stated at least one thing every day for which we are grateful?

Paul writes: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

So, as we observe the signs of autumn falling all around us, will you join me in giving thanks.  I want to challenge you to list one thing you are thankful for EVERY DAY for the entire month of October.  Actually list them...write them down somewhere, post it online.  Don't just think about it in your head.  You can post them here in the comments, on our facebook page, or on our twitter account (@kingroadchurch, use hashtag #krmbthanks), or download here. Will you join me? Let's give thanks!

Intentional "ONE ANOTHER" Living

Yesterday we tried something different during the sermon in the English service.  We sang together in the middle of the sermon. We heard a testimony. And we read several scriptures together.  I would love to hear some responses as to what this did for your experience of the sermon.  Does some level of interaction help or hinder you from listening?

This afternoon I find myself drawn again to reflecting on the "one another" passages in the Bible.  They really are a key to our intentional living with each other in the kingdom of God.  Click on the link to access yesterday's sermon handout, as well as a page of more texts where "one another" is used in the New Testament.  Print them out. Find the verses.  Study them.

List of some "One Another" passages in the New Testament.

Will you join me in reading, reflecting, praying these verses? How might we love each other more? Please discuss this with others in your conversations.  Blessings as you intentionally live.

"A new command I give you: LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  As I have loved you, so you must LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you LOVE ONE ANOTHER." (John 13:34-35)

Wasn't that a party?

(photo courtesy of Sindy Janz)

Yesterday King Road Church gathered to celebrate.  We "worshiped without walls," we ate, we visited, we played games, we saw the staff dressed up in strange hats and aprons serving the BBQ, and we welcomed the fall weather with jackets and blankets. It was an incredible way of kicking off the fall ministry season.  Thank you to the many, many volunteers who helped organize this event.

This morning I was reminded of the words in Hebrews 10:24..,"And let us consider how me may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging on another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

We all need the encouragement of walking together with others.  We had people of all ages at the service yesterday.  Old and young interacted.  New faces stopped by. Conversation was held in at least 5 different languages.  To me, it was a small preview of God's much larger kingdom.

Yet, I have some questions rattling around in my head.  I'll simply throw them out there and welcome your responses.

1. Should we continue an outdoor celebration service even though only about half of our congregation attends?  How do we care for and offer something for those who did not attend?  Thoughts? Suggestions?

2. We were at a new location this year?  Any feedback for us on the switch?

3. What would it take for all of us to invite someone to the next celebration service who wasn't there yesterday? Can you imagine 500 people worshiping together outside?

We do want to hear from you.  Contact us in whatever way suits you best.  Our desire is to enable as many as possible to worship together as we enjoy a deepening relationship with God and others.

Happy New Year!

What?!?!? Happy New Year? Um, hate to tell you this Leonard, but you're off by about 4 months.  Can't you wait for January 1st?

Please read on for my explanation.  In many ways, September feels like the beginning of the new year.  It's back to school for students. There is a feeling of autumn in the air. Many ministries start again after a summer hiatus. New clothes are purchased, new school supplies are in hand, and there is a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.  So, in many ways, it feels like the new year.

As I thought about this, I figured it might be a good time to remind all of us of our commitment to spending time in God's Word.  I'm not sure if you make new year's resolutions, but you may have committed to reading through the Bible in one year, or to some other reading plan.  How is it going? Still on track? Having some struggles? I'm guessing I'm not alone in finding the summer schedule distracting to my daily reading plan.  It's not too late to start again, or start for the first time.  Spending time in God's Word is important and valuable.  Read Psalm 119:11. If you are looking for some plans to consider, check out You Version.

So, happy new year!  Are you with me on this, or would you disagree?  Join the conversation in the comments below.  And blessings as you read your Bible.