The special Thanksgiving Sunday service, held on November 24, was a blessing to all. The music throughout the morning encouraged worship and praise. The message from God’s Word reminded individuals of the importance of having an attitude of gratitude. The Spirit of God was felt around the altars of prayer, and the fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters was an additional benefit of God’s goodness.

Attendees who arrived at Sunday school were treated to a collection of melodies presented by the Junior orchestra followed by an inspiring trumpet and trombone duet. Next, Marcus Luka led the children in two songs of worship. Before dismissal to the various departments, a young lady from the Junior Department performed a lovely solo bass violin. During class time, the children enjoyed a Bible lesson and an pies and cookies.

Sungun Yune and Janice Calhoun opened the Thanksgiving worship service with an organ and piano arrangement of “Holy,Holy” followed by “The Worship Medley,” which included several familiar hymns. Preceded by Reverend Dave Lambert reading Psalm 100, the choir, with accompaniment orchestra, sang a beautiful composition of “This is the Day.” Next, with grateful hearts, the congregation joined in singing, “Now Thank We all Our God,” “We Gather Together,” and “Lord, We Praise You.” After prayer by Reverend John Musgrave and announcements, a mixed quartet sang, “Thanksgiving and Praise Medley.” The Scripture reading, Luke 17:11-19, was read by Reverend Darrel Lee. For last special, Sarah Asaya, accompanied by the choir, sang “When we see Your Face” with “It is Well with My Soul.”

Brother Dave read Psalm 32:11 and Psalm 33:1 and opened his sermon by asking the question, “What is true praise?” The Word of God says praise is comely for the upright. The word comely means “pleasing, suitable, attractive, beautiful, appropriate, and fitting.” In Matthew 15:8 Jesus spoke of the hypocrites, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Many people try to offer Jesus praise and worship with their mouth, but they haven’t given Him their hearts. True praise comes from hearts that are right with God. Jesus said those that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. The purest form of praise is obedience. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  

Brother Dave spoke of how God can turn a bad day into a very good day, sharing various examples. Even when Paul and Silas were in prison, they prayed out loud and sang praises to God. As the praises began, the victory instantly came. It doesn’t matter what kind of prison one is in, there is a way out. Deliverance comes after a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

In closing, Brother Dave referenced the account of Jesus healing the ten lepers when only one returned with a grateful heart. Not only did that leper experience the goodness of God, but also the grace of God.  Brother Dave reminded the congregation that gratitude is a choice. It is the key to unlocking God’s grace.