Thankful Thursday 3-9-2023
Stories
Thankful Thursday holds a space of gathering for me tonight. Once a month for over the past twenty years, a small group of ladies gather together for our book club. Tonight is our gathering evening.
When I am able to carve out time to settle down with the agreed upon book to absorb the story, I eagerly eat up the words and craft a movie in my mind of how the storyline is playing out. Then when our group gathers to discuss the book we read, the conversations covers characters, motives for choices, lessons learned, and appreciation (or lack there of) for the author’s direction with the story. These conversations can be quite lively at times. And have gathered many moments of treasured memories in my heart.
Stories and gathering lie at the heart of connection in the bible. In the new testament (Matthew 13 is one place to find these stories), Jesus reaches the masses (and in those times often unschooled) through storytelling. Through stories, people gathered to hear and learn lessons being shared by Jesus. To think about the conversations that happened after hearing those stories, I’d image they became quite lively as each listeners shared their perspective and lesson received.
The greatest part is the both the people who lived in biblical times and those in the world today are all a part of the greatest story of all: God’s creation. How are you connecting with your creator to fulfill your part in His story? You are worthy and valuable to your role. Step into that role with God as your guide in the greatest story of all!
Blessings!
Thankful Thursday 3-9-2023 Experience Opportunities:
All are invited to Worship both online and in person. Worship services occur at 8:00 am*, 9:15 am, & 10:30 am*. (*8:00 & 10:30 AM worship services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: @GravelHillUMC. Subscribe & click the bell to be notified when streaming starts.) Christian Education occurs at 9:10 am. To learn more about online worship, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.
Want to be part of a prayer group? We come together in a collective effort to support and lift up others during your time with God. Join our Facebook group: Gravel Hill Prayers. It is a closed group to be mindful of the private and sensitive requests made. And it’s purpose is for you to be a prayer warrior both interceding where others are asking for assistance in prayer and requesting prayers for situations that need lifting. To join, please send an email to Katie.
