Thankful (11/18/23)

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people. (Psalm 116:12-14)

Thanksgiving is not only a call to worship; it is also a call to action. While worship is important, merely expressing gratitude to the Lord has little effect. Still less does a satisfied counting of our [just our own] blessings!  True gratitude is never completely self-centered. Instead, it inspires us to reflect on what we can do in return for the benefits we have received. 

[This kind of] reflection leads us to see that the return that the Lord most desires is for us to cooperate with and seek to further the purpose for which all His benefits are given-the spiritual welfare of humankind.  True gratitude goes far beyond formal expressions of thanks. It shows itself in our support of the Lord's uses. So truly to praise the Lord is to go to His Word from love to Him. There, we seek out His wisdom on the use that the Lord created each of us to perform-to promote the true happiness and eternal welfare of others.

We are truly grateful for the Lords benefits when we choose to be spiritually reborn, when we choose to live in charity, according to His Word. This is clearly stated in the inspired words of the Psalmist, "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."

May our reflection on these words inspire us to renew our dedication to cooperation with our God. Let us turn to Him with an outpouring of love for the Divine Giver, in response to His love for us which is manifested in His many gifts. (NCL, edited - Cairns Henderson)

Announcements for Sunday (11/19/23)

SRC Service, Thanksgiving Meal, and Semi-Annual Meeting

Our worship experience this year will feature the opportunity to give a non perishable food offering.  Bins will be available for items in the lobby. (List available here).  After church will be our traditional Thanksgiving Meal together in Friendship Hall. Afterward, this is your official notice that we will have our congregational Semi-Annual Meeting.

Winter Clothing/Food Drive For Those In Need

Together with our friends from Tucson Country Day School, Sunrise Chapel will be participating in a winter clothing and food drive for the homeless.  We will be collecting non perishable food items (see thanksgiving offering announcement above).

We will also take men, women, and children's clean and new (or gently used) items, including: 

Coats, Sweaters, Sweatpants, Sweatshirts and Hoodies, Socks, Sleeeping Bags, Blankets, Hats/Beanies, Gloves, Rain Ponchos, Umbrellas, Hygeine Kits, First Aid Kits, and Backpacks.

We are asking people to bring their items to church on Sunday, December 3rd for the collection.  Join us!

Jim Click Raffle

Do you find spiritual growth and Sunrise Chapel of value in your life?  Does knowing you have the power to get out of the basement of negativity into states of peace and joy enhance your life? If so, then consider giving to our annual Jim Click raffle fundraiser. 

Each ticket is $25 and all the proceeds go to Sunrise Chapel and Choose Joy. Plus each ticket gives you a chance to win a brand new Ford Bronco Raptor and other generous prizes. If you want to participate see Kelly Woofenden after church, email her at kelly@choosejoynow.org or go to the website choosejoynow.org and buy tickets there. ONLY 3 more Sundays till we end. 

Last day to buy tickets is Dec 4th! Drawing is Dec 14th. Everyone is a winner for supporting spiritual growth!

Luminaria Walk

December 9th, 6-8 pm SRC will host a Luminaria Walk around our church property.  There will be 1000 luminaries set up and narration from the Nativity by Jack Baty - organized by the Casto family.  This will be followed by a fire, refreshments, and a reading of the Christ Child story.  (As the outside path around the property is uneven, there will be images from the story and music also available in the Chapel for those who cannot do the walk).  

Celebration of Life for Betsty Green

Many people remember Betsy Green and her significant contribution to the uses and life of our congregation.  She transitioned to the spiritual world on the 15th of October.  We will hold a celebration of life for her at Sunrise Chapel on December 2nd at 11am. 

Choose Joy Small Group (11/20):

Again this Monday in the Chapel at 6pm will be our small group experience led by Kelly Woofenden on the Spiritual Growth tasks from the Choose Joy card deck.  To sign up, email Kelly: kelly@woofenden.net.

"Off the Left Eye" Class, Tuesday:

This Tuesday (11/21) will continue a small group discussion on "the effect of gratitude" (accompanied by an Off the Left Eye video) hosted by Sue Carr in the Chapel @1pm.  A reminder to avoid wearing scents for class.

BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEKEND!  

Your church home for partnering with the Lord and each other in helping people experience heavenly joy through spiritual growth! 

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