Note from Pastor Jana I love fall. It is one of my favorite seasons and I love the month of November because people begin to be more joyous. They live in a spirit of gratitude. Thankfulness changes us and how we approach others. It makes us kinder, more graceful, loving, and it can be contagious. I recently heard that when people maintain the practice of gratitude it has the effect similar to low dose medicine to treat depression. The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit." Our faith points us to give thanks in everything. We are encouraged to give thanks and to rejoice. If we don't it's implied we might be quenching the Spirit. We allow the Holy Spirit to work through us in our gratitude. We know the physical benefits, but do we truly understand the spiritual side as well? Let your thanks flow through you. Open your hearts to the Holy Spirit to flow through you. Watch and see how God will move through you. My gratitude is to you all. I give thanks for those who have shared their musical talents. I give thanks to those who serve faithfully through the food ministries, ushering, acolyte, liturgists, filling in the gaps, visiting the homebound, sharing prayer requests, welcoming those to the church. The list could go on. I am thankful to Wesley UMC for your generous hearts and the way you follow Christ. - Pastor Jana
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