The Power of a Sincere Thank You (11/23/24)

"Thank you-so much!" How often these words, or words like it, are uttered by one who has received a grateful favor! But what is within the words? How often are they merely the expression of delight at the fulfillment of some desire, an utterance of grateful self-service.  

No doubt the utterance is sincere at the time, but it is a sincere expression, not of gratitude to the giver, but of satisfaction by the receiver. And if perchance the giver, at some other time, does something to offend or displease the receiver, how often is the latter prone to think ill of them, and even to speak ill! 

Such a form of thankfulness is merely the expression of love to another because they are the source of benefits to oneself. "If you love them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same?"-that is to say, such gratitude is felt by the evil as well as by the good.

These reflections came to me on reading in (our theology) concerning a newcomer to the spiritual world. Angels greet him, and show him every kindness. Doubtless he expressed his gratitude. But the ruling thought of his heart was, What can I do in return for so great a kindness? This expresses the essence of all true gratitude,the desire to do something in return, and, above all, the will not to injure.  (NCL Editorial, Gratitude 1945)

Announcements (For: 11/24/24)

Thanksgiving Potluck And Non Perishable Food Donation:

Please bring your non perishable food items to service (donation basket in lobby) to be donated to Arizona Community Food Bank.  Stay after church for our Annual Thanksgiving Meal.

Sunrise Chapel Meet Yourself:

After service we will break into small groups for 15 minutes and have a chance to introduce ourselves to each other and get to know each other a little better.  Join us!  

Arizona Mountain Camp Lunch (12/01/24)

After Church at the beginning of the month will be our traditional Arizona Mountain Camp Lunch.  Join us after worship for BBQ fare and donate (if you can) to a worthy cause!

Bonfire and Reading of the Christ Child (12/7/24, 6pm):

We will gather for smores, a fire, and reading of the Christ Child (adaptation of the Nativity) around the fire pit by the Memorial Garden.  Join us!

Tuesday Discussion Group (NO GROUP THIS WEEK):

  Join us next Tuesday in the Chapel @ 1pm.

Gospel of John Bible Study (POSTPONED To New Year):

Come to our Gospel of John Group meeting at the home of Lori and Emilio Lopez (8972 E Linden St).

SRC Semi Annual Meeting (12/15/24)

This is your official notice that the Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation will be after church on December 15th.  Come hear a review of our year and help look forward to the year ahead for the Sunrise Chapel congregation. 

Final Notice For ASGF Fundraiser (12/01/24)

Deadline for purchasing tickets is Sunday December 1st.  "Spiritual Growth groups bring like-minded people together to build community and support each other getting out of the basement of negativity into states of hope, peace, and love!"   Let's work together to bring spiritual growth and caring community to the world!  - Kelly Woofenden, CEO ASGF/Choose Joy Now

BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEKEND!  

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

Click here for an archive of these weekly updates