iHOPE

Wholehearted Gratitude

Did you catch the video we showed in worship this morning? It's from David Steindl-Rast and I never get tired watching it! It is the perfect introduction to this month's theme: Wholehearted Gratitude.

What is the key to living wholeheartedly? Begin with Gratitude.  Gratitude is not only a window into the health of our hearts, but it is also the medicine that makes them whole. More than that, Gratitude makes the world sacred, again. 

Our 5x5* habit this month is to recall at least five things every day for which you can rejoice and give thanks. As you practice gratitude (yes, it takes practice!), watch what begins to happen to your mood, your mindset and the people around you.

Our memory verse of the month:

 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;

I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

Everything changes when we begin with Gratitude (starting with us!)

*5x5 is shorthand for Everyday Spirituality:5x5, which is a Rule of Life for the 21st century.  Check it out and begin the practices that make every day sacred and your own life flourish. 

 

 

 

Names, please

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday, and we celebrate those who have blessed us and have passed. When we do, we acknowledge that we are who we are, in no small part, because of them. 

Beyond our gratitude for the past, there is also the recognition that we belong to the future.  There are people who will one day say they are who they are, for better or worse, because of us. 

 While we will take time to honor all those who have passed, we want to especially recognize those family and friends who have passed since the last All Saints Day (November 2018-October 2019).

We need your help. If you would like us to include the name of an important person in your life who has passed in this time frame, please email us that name no later than noon on Friday, October 25.

Please include their name as you would like it presented as well as their relationship to you.

Thank you for helping make this Sunday even more meaningful for us all.

On All Saints' Day, it is not just the saints of the church that we should remember in our prayers, but all the foolish ones and wise ones, the shy ones and overbearing ones, the broken ones and whole ones, the despots and tosspots and crackpots of our lives who, one way or another, have been our particular fathers and mothers and saints, and whom we loved without knowing we loved them and by whom we were helped to whatever little we may have, or ever hope to have, of some kind of seedy sainthood of our own.

-Frederick Buechner 

Thanks!

In the past couple of weeks, folks have been working behind the scenes to gather notes and expressions of gratitude for Pastor Appreciation month.  They got delivered on Sunday and appropriately, they extended  beyond just the traditional "Pastors."

The heartfelt expressions of appreciation have been overwhelming.  WE are grateful to be in partnership with such a congregation!

Thank you!

The Writing on the Wall: Doing Good

Have you posted on our "Doing Good" Wall*, yet?
Here are five reasons why you should!

    1. It recognizes the good that people have done. Most people do acts of kindness and service without looking for accolades, but they always appreciate when people notice. The Doing Good wall says, "I noticed!"

    2. It encourages others to do the same. Momentum is a motivator. As more people are recognized for acts of kindness and service, more people are apt to join in.

    3. It encourages you. As you notice the good being done by others, you become more aware of the opportunities in your own everyday life to do the same.

    4. Acknowledging the good work of others is an act of gratitude and gratitude is good for our soul. If you want to bring a positive spirit to your day, start with acts of gratitude.

    5. Going "public" with your recognition is good theology. In very concrete ways, it acknowledges how God works in and through the lives of people. Praying for God to act is good. Acknowledging the ways God answers prayers through acts of kindness and service in itself, a statement of faith.

Next time you are here, be sure to add to our "Doing Good" Wall!

*The "Doing Good" Wall is our congregational practice for October's theme of "Doing Good." The theme and practices are part of Everyday Spirituality:5x5. 

Doing- and Looking, Good!

The theme this month is "Doing Good." 

A personal practice is to extend yourself into Acts of Kindness, Gratitude & Service, five times a day. This is one of the Essential Habits of Everyday Spirituality:5x5.*

The congregational practice this month is to "catch" other's acts of Kindness and Service and celebrate them on the "Doing Good Wall" (one half of the Prayer Walk has been co-opted for this purpose.) Every time you come in, make a note (or two...or three) using their first name (only) and a couple of words about what you experienced them doing. Only stipulations:  No Staff, Sports or Politics.  Attach the note(s) with a clothespin and watch what happens as these acts accumulate over the month! It has been three days since and the photo on the left shows what it looks like on one of the boards already!

 

*Everyday Spirituality is our way of helping people grow their souls and flourish in their everyday encounters with God and one another. If you want to know more:

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