Gratitude For Generosity
Dear Church Family,
As parents, we teach our children many good manners. One of the most important things is to say “Thank You” for acts of kindness shown to us. Whenever our children forget to express their thanks upon receiving gifts, we gently remind them, what do you say?” before they open their presents. Expressing gratitude is not only good manners—it is the right response.
Now, as we enter the eleventh month of the year, November, we look back over the past ten months and reflect on all we have received, experienced, and enjoyed from the Lord. We say thank you to God. We only begin to understand the true power of gratitude when we practice it. The biblical principle is that being grateful for the small things helps us to be grateful for everything. Gratitude is rooted in humility, which shapes our choices and opens doors for lasting opportunities.
In October, we thank God for our Men’s Fellowship Retreat, Prayer Ministries, Women’s Fellowship Meeting, Worship Services,Children, Teen and Youth Ministries, Choir Ministry, and Hosanna Night, among many other blessings. God is good. We are grateful for the new families who visited us and hope they will return. Some of our families have faced challenges—illness, employment struggles, and even loss. Yet God has been faithful through it all.
As we enter this new month, let us hold onto God’s promise from
Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.
எழும்பிப் பிரகாசி; உன் ஒளிவந்தது, கர்த்தருடைய மகிமை உன்மேல் உதித்தது. இதோ, இருள் பூமியையும், காரிருள் ஜனங்களையும் மூடும்; ஆனாலும் உன்மேல் கர்த்தர் உதிப்பார்; அவருடைய மகிமை உன்மேல் காணப்படும்.
In November, we look forward to all our ministries, especially the selection of the new board, the congregational meeting, budgeting for 2026, and the Harvest Festival. We are planning to raise funds for our church building and mission during the Harvest Festival. Please pray for these efforts and participate as you are able.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, let us dedicate this month to praising and giving thanks to God. Let us learn the power of gratitude, remembering to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God is good all the time!
Let us continue to be thankful to God and commit ourselves to the vision that God has given to our church. God is with us and will guide us. Thanks be to God!
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj.
Pastor,
In Christ Washington Church.