Now Thank We All Our God. I am deeply thankful for sharing God’s ministry with the faithful GSL community, could go on about why, and want to know why you also love GSL. This Sunday, November 20, in life at GSL marks the beginning of an intentional season of thanksgiving for our life together. While many make plans to observe Thanksgiving Day in a myriad of ways and we will host a 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, the Church begins “Thanksgiving Week” on the Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King. Likewise, this day marks Pledge Consecration Sunday to thank God for and bless at the High Altar pledges to Every Member Canvass 2023. Spread the word!
Considering where we’ve been as a society and Church since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the present gift of being able to gather with fellow parishioners in person and continually online calls for daily thanksgiving. In small and large group settings, our parish family is rekindling old and fostering new relationships, which we’re seeing in the increased number of adults, youth, and children participating in worship, formation, service to others, and special events.
I’ve enjoyed connecting with and listening to the remarkable stories of all sorts of parishioners who also have appreciated more conversation and quality time with me and countless others including my fellow clergy and staff members. I am thankful for the financial contributions (pledges and contributions) and all other gifts that are essential for GSL to faithfully support our mission and vision and look forward to where we might end up on the goal to have 100% participation in the stewardship campaign. Most of all, we owe all thanks and praise to God.
A hymn that prays my gratitude for life at GSL, where have been since our founding 1940, where we are today, and where we could go is, “Now thank we all our God.” Now thank we all our God, with heart, and hands, and voices, who wondrous things hath done, in whom his world rejoices; who from our mother’s arms hath blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. | O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us! With ever-joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed, and free us from all ills in this world and the next. | All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given, the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven, eternal, Triune God, whom earth and heaven adore for thus it was, is now and shall be, evermore. - Martin Rinkart (1586-1649); tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), alt.
The Mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. Grace-St. Luke's Vision is to be a thriving community of hope, belonging, and healing through worship, parish life, and service, and who rejoices in the love of Jesus to transform the world.
Gratefully and in peace,
Ollie+
The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector
901.252.6320 |orencher@gracestlukes.org