Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB)

Always. Constantly. In everything. Thanksgiving is the one day every year we set aside to intentionally practice some time what we are called to do all the time - give thanks. That can be hard to do, especially in situations when “God’s will” seems to not be clear or happening at all. This Thanksgiving, let’s rejoice, pray, and give thanks for it all - knowing that as we do, God is working all things together for good in His perfect will.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to give thanks together...
1 | Listen to Worship Music. Play Paradox's 'Songs of Thanksgiving' playlist on Spotify as you prepare!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63oSdHSUN8tfrqwkhR9tuI?si=7m4X23dcTmiRdrv7l0x6Ng
2 | Read Scripture. I love Psalm 136 in the Message - turn it into a responsive reading (One person reads, everyone else says 'His Love Never Quits' before your prayer.) Or find a few scripture verses about thankfulness to put in front of each plate.
3 | Thank God for who He is. Pick one thing (attribute) about God that you're thankful for. During prayer, say 'God, we worship and thank you for being...' Pause to let a few people say their word out loud. 
4 | Thank God for what He's done. Wake up early and make a list of 3-5 things you're thankful God has done this year. Go around the table and ask everyone to share one highlight during dinner.
5 | Thank God for each other. Take time to honor, encourage, or share something you're grateful for about someone else. (If they're not there with you, share it with them later if you’re able.) 
6 | Be Together. Set the screens aside for the day, or make the dinner table a phone-free zone. Turn off the TV. Play a board game or a game of football. Take a walk outside. Start a new tradition!

…and a few resources from some leaders I love.
1 | The Power of Gratitude (Bill Gaultierre, Soul Shepherding)
2 | Top 10 Things to Do for a Powerful Thanksgiving (Jimmy & Laura Seibert, Antioch)
3 | Gratitude Family Challenge (Parent Cue)

As I reflect on the past year, we’ve seen God faithfully work as we have pursued being “built together into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22) at Paradox. We’re in scripture & prayer together every day through the Focus and the House of Prayer. We’re practicing following Jesus together in Lifegroups. We’re growing, building new partnerships and growing more diverse as we see new people connect with Jesus every week at Paradox. I’m looking forward to celebrating more with you at our New Year Meeting on January 14, 2024 after church. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Look for more details to come.

I’m so thankful God has connected our hearts as a church family and “on purpose” as a body to impact the world together by connecting people with Jesus. So much of how we do that is made possible by the generosity of the people that call Paradox their church home and our mission theirs. When we choose to live generously, we can make a difference in the lives of people in our neighborhood, the nations, and the next generation. As Giving Tuesday approaches, imagine what could happen if the entire Paradox family joined together and leaned into generosity. As we enter a season of giving, let’s pray and ask God how He is inviting us to be generous right now by giving a year-end gift at Paradox at paradoxchurch.com/give.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas season, and many of us will be turning our attention to the holiday season right after dinner (if we haven’t already!) One of the best ways you can prepare is by joining us for the Advent study in the Daily Focus. Give the gift of God’s Word to someone through the end of this month and we’ll say “thank you” with a drawing from new subscribers to win a steak-dinner on us! We also know that December calendars fill up quickly, which is why we wanted to let you know that we’ll be celebrating Christmas at Paradox with two services: a Christmas Candlelight service on Saturday, December 23 at 7pm and a Christmas service on Sunday, December 24 at 10am. On Saturday, December 23 our younger Journey rooms (Tree Frog & Toucan) will be open, while elementary students will be in service. On Sunday, December 24 all our normal Sunday morning Journey classrooms will be open. Because we anticipate a higher number of guests on holidays like Christmas and Easter, we’re encouraging our members to “Sit-One, Serve-One.” If you haven’t heard from your team leader, please reach out to let them know when you’d be available. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel, you fill our hearts with joy!

As 2023 comes to a close, here is a look at what lies ahead.

Upcoming Events
November 28, 2023 - Giving Tuesday
December 23, 2023 - Christmas Candlelight Service, 7pm
December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve Service, 10am
December 31, 2023 - Online Service Only
January 14, 2024 - Vision Sunday (New Year Members Meeting)
January 20-27, 2024 - Puerto Rico Mission Trip
February 14, 2024 - Lent 40 Day Journey Begins
February 24, 2024 - “World Mandate” at Paradox w/ Bill & Kristi Gaultierre
March 1-3, 2024 - Revolution Winter Retreat
March 16, 2024 - Love Where You Live
March 29, 2024 - Good Friday Prayer (All Day) & Service, 7pm
March 31, 2024 - Easter Services, 9am & 11am

Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for you, Paradox. The best is yet to come!
Pastor Dave

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6