One of the most joyful services of the year is our annual Thanksgiving Worship Celebration. It takes place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 18th. There are many reasons this is a Sunday of Thanksgiving. I hope each one of them leads you to express gratitude and deep appreciation for all God has done for us.
First, there is only one worship service on Sunday, November 18th. We will all combine for a united day of thanksgiving. The 8:30am group and the Chinese Fellowship will join us at the 11am service. This is one of the few times during the year that we combine our worship services. The Chinese Church is planning to sing two songs during the service. This is always a favorite.
Second, we will celebrate the two ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. If you are waiting for baptism or are interested, please call the church office at #762-0244. It is always a moving part of worship to welcome new believers and new members into the family of God here at James Island Baptist. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper as Eucharist…thanksgiving. Reflect on what God has done for us in sending His only begotten Son. Remember the ultimate love Jesus showed in being obedient even to the point of death on a cross. Hallelujah, what a Savior.
Third, we will have the recognition of all new members since last Thanksgiving. One of the blessings we are most thankful for are the new members God has brought into our church family. If you have joined JIBC, one of our connection groups, Sunday School,...etc, we would like to welcome you and give God thanks and glory. Janie and I, after the Celebration of Communion, will invite all of our new members to come and join us. We will have a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. It really can be a moving moment to see how the Lord has blessed.
Fourth, we will have a church wide Thanksgiving Meal. Our fabulous Kitchen Krew is preparing food for the entire church family. It is not necessary for you to bring anything. If you would like to, why not bring a dessert or one of your favorite dishes. Just take it back to the Fellowship Hall, and they will put it out for everyone to enjoy. Trust me; it will be a feast and great fellowship.
Last, if you have any strength left, the annual James Island Community Thanksgiving Service. This year, the service will be hosted at St. James Presbyterian Church located at 1314 Seccessionville Road. You are invited to bring a canned goods and a financial offering for the James Island Outreach. This is always a great gathering of the family of God here on James Island.
Give thanks; this is the will of God for your life! See you Sunday, good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
