A Heart of Thanksgiving
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, it is a fitting time to pause and reflect on the many ways God has blessed us as individuals, families, and as a church community. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is a posture of the heart that draws us closer to God and allows us to experience His grace more fully.
Gratitude Rooted in Scripture
The Bible is filled with exhortations to give thanks to God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” These words remind us that thanksgiving is not limited to times of abundance or joy. Instead, it is an act of faith and obedience, recognizing that God’s hand is at work in every aspect of our lives.
In the Psalms, we hear the refrain, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). This powerful truth anchors us in gratitude. God’s goodness and steadfast love are unchanging, even in seasons of trial or uncertainty.
A Season of Reflection and Worship
Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on the blessings of the past year. At Christ Methodist Church, we have seen God at work in remarkable ways. Through our worship, ministries, and outreach, we have witnessed lives transformed, relationships deepened, and faith strengthened. Whether it is the joyful noise of our children’s choir, the vibrant fellowship of our men’s and women’s groups, or the quiet moments of prayer shared among friends, we are reminded of God’s provision and care.
This season is also a time to consider how we can worship through acts of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just something we feel—it is something we do. When we give generously, serve selflessly, and offer our prayers and praise, we are living out a spirit of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving as a Way of Life
As followers of Christ, our thanksgiving is not confined to one day or one meal. It is a daily practice that shapes our perspective and deepens our relationship with God. This Thanksgiving, consider these ways to cultivate gratitude in your life:
- Start with Prayer: Begin each day by thanking God for His presence, His blessings, and His faithfulness.
- Serve Others: Find opportunities to extend God’s love by serving those in need. Whether it’s volunteering at a food pantry, visiting a homebound neighbor, or donating to a local mission, your service is an act of gratitude.
- Celebrate Together: Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends. Take moments during your celebrations to share what you are thankful for and how you’ve seen God’s hand in your life.
- Give Generously: As we approach Commitment Sunday, consider how your giving reflects your gratitude. Every gift, whether of time, talent, or treasure, is a response to God’s goodness.
This Thanksgiving, may your heart be full of gratitude and your life a reflection of God’s abundant blessings. From all of us at Christ Methodist Church, we wish you a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving season. See you Sunday!
In Christ, Pastor Tony
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Worship Service, Sunday, November 24th @ 9:30am
It's going to be a glorious day of celebration as we join for worship at Lee-Scott at 9:30am this Sunday. We'll be celebrating our first Stewardship Sunday as a prelude to the week of Thanksgiving. Pastor Tony's message entitled "Grateful Hearts" based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 will guide our hearts and our thoughts as we give thanks for our many blessings. Joining us as a musical guest on Sunday will be violinist Beth Mason. Beth will prepare our hearts for worship with Gary Klarenbeek on the organ as they play the moving "Meditation" by Chaminade. Our Genesis Children's Choir will be singing one of their favorites, "Sing, Sing, Sing Alleluia" as a joyful Call to Worship.
Also, our CMCA Chorale will be sharing two beautiful anthems by Heather Sorenson. The first is entitled "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" based on the familiar Thanksgiving hymn tune. The second anthem is a new composition entitled "A Giving Place." This moving anthem is a prayerful and reflective composition that serves as a prayer for our church. The closing text is so poignant for Stewardship Sunday as we strive to be His church; "Lord, make this church a light of hope, a beacon bright, a welcome home, a gathering where Your love is shown. Lord, make this church a giving place." Will Mooty and Mark Wilson will also lead the congregation in the timeless worship song "Give Thanks." Don't miss worship on Sunday as we join in thankfulness and praise for all the Lord is doing through His church.
We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning!
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Sunday, November 24th @ 4pm
First Methodist Opelika (Sanctuary)
CMCA to Host "Act of Congress" on November 24th
Mark your calendars for November 24th as Christ Methodist Church of Auburn welcomes the amazing acoustic band, Act of Congress, to start the Christmas Season of performing musical artists. There is no admission charge but a Love Offering will be received.
Act of Congress has been touring as a band for over 15 years but it feels like they're just getting started. Dave Higgs of NPR's Bluegrass Breakdown called them “one of the freshest sounding, exuberant bands in all of the known acoustic universe." This genre-bending acoustic quartet's unique blend of pop, folk, gospel, and bluegrass shines on their new Christmas EP, Here Comes the Joy, and on the cascade of original singles they've begun releasing this year.
"It's hard for us to record anything truly authentic without including the language of faith." said violin player Connie Skellie. “These songs are the soundtrack of our lives.” "The older I get, the less I'm interested in putting on pretenses," says Adam Wright, the band’s mandolin player who shares lead vocals with violinist, Skellie. "The songs we're releasing now have so much to say about who we are and what we believe. I want people to see authenticity. I want them to feel served. I want them to find the joy we feel in this music."
The state of Alabama has proven to be rich soil for the creative growth of Act of Congress. They have consistently been voted a "Must See Live Act of Alabama" and were the featured artist in the state's “Keep Alabama Beautiful” campaign. Their global audience has also continued to grow after completing five tours as U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors in Thailand, Oman, Palau, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Philippines, East Timor, Bali, Liberia, and Jordan.
Alongside their busy touring schedule, Act of Congress is also regularly invited to play with symphonies, having put together a must-see Christmas event and a new "Bluejeans and Bluegrass" pops concert. Their current song licensing catalog includes placements with Showtime and Google. They have performed at SXSW and the International Newgrass Festival and their full set from Newgrass is still in regular rotation on National Public Television. They are also regularly featured guests on the nationally syndicated Rick & Bubba Show.
This Christmas EP and their original Christmas single, Here Comes the Joy, are just a taste of all that's on the horizon for this electrifying acoustic quartet.
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We have experienced a wonderful inaugural Stewardship Campaign! Over the past few weeks, we have been focused on our faithful response to fund our 2025 General Fund Budget which was adopted at our recent charge conference. So many of you have been so generous ever since our inception as a church and you have always met every need that has been requested. God continues to be faithful and true to our work as a church as we impact our community and the world with the love of Christ. We ask that you consider your part for the coming year and then prayerfully respond by filling out a printed or digital commitment card and submit it to the church finance office before Sunday, November 24th. This Sunday, near the end of our worship service, we will gather all the pledge cards that have been submitted and have a holy time of prayer and consecration to surrender them to the Lord as our first and best for Him. 2025 holds so much promise to be the best year we have ever experienced in our lives and in the life of the church we love and call home. Thank you in advance for your faithful response! Below is a link to the digital form of the pledge/commitment card for your convenience. | Campaign Update as of Friday, November 22nd | |
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2025 Advent Devotional Now Available!
Our 2025 Advent Devotional is ready for you to pick up and use as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This year’s booklet includes 24 devotionals written by our very own CMCA family. This special resource is filled with daily Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers to guide you through this holy season. The booklets are ready for pick up for you to use for you daily Advent readings. Please only take one per family. You may pick them up at Greystone during the week (M-H, 8-4 and F, 8-12) or on Sunday mornings in the main lobby. Devotionals are also available through the church website and digital newsletter. Let’s journey together as a church family, anticipating the joy of Christmas and celebrating the hope, peace, love, and joy of Christ’s birth!
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The Shepherd on the Search
Meet Chris the Shepherd. He was in the field when the angels told him and his friends about the birth of Jesus. From now until Christmas, he will be on a search for the manger. Follow Chris on our Facebook page (Christ Methodist Church of Auburn) as he begins his journey beginning December 2nd. Each weekday Chris will take a photo of where he is and ask that you participate in the activity included with his instructions. This is a great way for our children to get involved in the journey to the manger.
We look forward to this Advent Season with Chris helping our children prepare for the birth of Jesus. If you would like to know more about the Shepherd on the Search you can go to their website: www.shepherdonthesearch.com
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, November 24th
Stewardship Campaign - Commitment Celebration Sunday @ 9:30
Act of Congress concert @ 4pm (First Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 1st
Hanging of the Greens Worship Service @ 9:30 (LSA)
Guy Penrod concert @ 3pm (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 8th
Mat and Savanna Shaw concert @ 6:30 (Bottling Plant Event Center)
Friday, December 13th
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra concert @ 6:30 (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 15th
Youth Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - @ 6-7:30pm (Hutcheson home)
Monday, December 16th
David Phelps concert @ 7pm (Lakeview Baptist)
Sunday, December 22nd
Lessons & Carols Worship Service @ 9:30
Ian Mulder concert @ 3pm (LSA)
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve Family Service @ 3pm (LSA cafetorium)
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service @ 5pm (LSA gym)
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit | |
John MacDonald (Mac) Starr | |
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School - December 1st @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Devo & Pickleball/Dinner - December 1st @ 4-5:30pm (Moore's Mill CC)
Sunday School - December 8th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Sunday School - December 15th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - December 15th @ 6-7:30pm (Location TBA)
Tentative Youth Winter Retreat - date TBA
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Children's Music Ministries
We're thrilled that our children's choirs are up and running on Wednesdays. It's not too late for your children and grandchildren to join the fun.
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
All groups will continue to meet each Wednesday at Greystone.
Sign up today by sending an email to gary@christmethodistauburn.com
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Needed for the Family Christmas Service
For our family Christmas Eve service at 3pm, we need a portable wooden stable and manger to serve as a backdrop for the children's nativity scene. The stable will need to be portable so we can remove it from the Lee-Scott Cafeteria following the service and store it in the basement of Greystone. It will need to be large/stable enough to be seen on the stage and allow room for a number of children to gather inside and around throughout this fun Christmas service. If you have the ability and desire to help construct these items (or know someone who could help us), please contact the church office (334.209-0074) ASAP. Thanks!
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As we give from the heart, we sow seeds into God's kingdom. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Our giving will bring a harvest of blessings beyond what we can imagine. | |
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Congregational Care
As a caring community of believers, we commit the names listed below for your prayers and expressions of love and care:
CMCA Family:
Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Melody Cruz, Pat Douglas, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jessica Flurry Blalock, Nancy Flurry's granddaughter; Tim Boosinger; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Adam Cannon's (one of our New Birth helpers) brother; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Carolyn Hill, Marlene Bowman's mother; Matthew Hood; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Stephanie and William Philpott, Gayla Seller's daughter and son-in-law; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Sandy Robinson, Wanda Ptomey's cousin; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson; Chuck Dupree and Martha Cauthen, friends of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel
As a congregation, we extended our deepest sympathy to Mark Taylor and family on the death of his wife, Jan Taylor.
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
