A Thankful Heart

Proverbs 15:15, "All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a grateful heart has a continual feast."

I hope you were able to enjoy some good feasting with your dearest loved ones over the past several days. What is more satisfying than getting your fill (and then some) of turkey, dressing, pecan pie, and all the rest, then catching up with family and friends? Throw in some college football or basketball, and I think you are really living. 

The writer of Proverbs reminds us there is a sort of heart that can be even more deeply satiated all the time: a grateful one. The person with a thankful heart is contrasted there with the kind of person who chooses to dwell on or wallow in their troubles, and it makes them miserable and perpetually unsatisfied. They miss the forest of good providence for a few trees of trouble. But a thankful heart nourishes its owner with the sustenance of contentment even through struggle and darkness. 

How then can we cultivate a more thankful heart? Certainly not by beating ourselves up about our lack of thankfulness, though we may need to repent of it. And not by buckling down and trying extra hard to be thankful even if it kills us. We cultivate a thankful heart by focusing on the gospel. We become more thankful by forgetting ourselves and fixing our eyes on Jesus and what he has done for us. 

Behold what manner of love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! Drink deeply of the gospel. Then we can in all things, by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, present our requests to God, and enjoy his incomprehensible peace as a byproduct. May his peace be yours this Advent season.

Bryan Bult

Associate Minister to Seniors

Special Family Parking Begins Sunday

Are you driving to church by yourself with small children? We have reserved parking for you! Beginning Sunday, December 4, the eleven parking spots in the Family Life Center parking lot that face Washington Street will be reserved for adults traveling alone with small children. This is in an effort to make walking to the church campus safer so adults are not finding themselves having to cross busy streets alone with small children. There will be signs designating these spots, and they will be reserved for Sunday mornings only. 

Handel’s Messiah, Part I

Sunday, December 4, 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary



The Chancel Choir, soloists, and orchestra will present the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah; A reception will follow in Jackson Hall. Parts II and III will be presented in the spring on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. 

Evenings in Advent 

Christmas Lullaby

Join the Children’s Choirs, Youth Chorus, and String Ensemble during the evening service on Sunday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. for “Christmas Lullaby.”

Friday Organ Concert for Christmas

December 16

12:00 p.m. - Lunch in Jackson Hall

12:30 p.m. - Concert in the Sanctuary

Thomas Russell will play music for the Advent and Christmas season including carol settings by J.S. Bach, Bill Bates, and Andrew Carter.

WOC Christmas Cheer

Please join the Women of the Church for "Christmas Cheer" Tuesday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. in Jackson Hall. Our Christmas celebration will include coffee, treats, and a hymn sing. No registration is required to attend. Childcare is available by registration on the church website or app. 

During this event, we will take up the White Cross Offering. This offering goes to the White Cross Project at World Witness for medical needs in Pakistan. Please consider making a donation to this worthwhile cause at the Christmas Coffee.

Seniors Activities in December

Encouragers Christmas Caroling and Dinner

Friday, December 16: Encouragers are invited to a Caroling event. We will meet at the church at 3:00 p.m. to carol in West Columbia, then have dinner back at the church in Jackson Hall. 

The Majesty of Christmas

Anyone age 50 and over is invited to the Seniors Ministry Christmas event, "The Majesty of Christmas"

Friday, December 9, at 5:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall. 

There is no charge for dinner. Please make reservations by Friday, December 2, on the church website or app.

Please make reservations for any of these events on the church website or app. 

Operation Christmas Child 

Because of your help, we were able to collect 283 shoeboxes for this year’s drive. Many thanks to our Local Outreach Diaconate Committee for their help in manning tables and publicizing this important ministry of our church and to everyone who put one together!