Westminster’s Year of Gratitude

From Pastor Scott

Jesus based his ministry on gratitude. The act of giving thanks was how he taught people to respond in faith. The sacrament of Holy Communion is affirmed in gratitude. “After taking a cup and giving thanks, he said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves’”(Lk. 22:17). “After taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them” (Lk. 22:19). Any time we share a meal, sacrament or not, we are called to offer gratitude in offering a prayer before the meal. “Then Jesus took the bread. When he had given thanks, he distributed it to those who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, each getting as much as they wanted” (Jn. 6:11). Gratitude is the recognition that all things come from the One God.

Unfortunately, most of us spend our lives counting our problems instead of our blessings. Without divine gratitude, our lives evolve into cynicism and despair. Gratitude is a sacred act of spiritual enlightenment. When our hearts and minds choose gratitude instead of resentment, we recognize God’s hand at work. Life without gratitude is despair. Westminster is focusing on gratitude in 2024 to prepare our hearts to honor God, care for others, and find joy in our lives.

Gratitude exposes excuses and helps affirm our power in God’s name. Throughout 2024, we will provide examples and opportunities to offer gratitude. Be intentional and focus on how God supports you, your church, your community, and our world. The more you can live with gratitude, the better you will model gratitude for others. Give your children, grandchild, friends, and neighbors the gift of God only found in a grateful life. When you participate in the gratitude activities in the coming year, you receive a gift from God and then pass it on through your transformed life.

Let’s get started!

Scott Paczkowski, Sr. Pastor!