“Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks, because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son…”
You may recognize this text from this decades old Praise Chart by Henry Smith titled “Give Thanks.” Written in 1978 when Smith (who was born and raised in Crossnore, North Carolina), just graduated from Seminary, the hope and inspiration he found in the words of II Corinthians 8:9 transcend across the years and are just as relevant today, in 2024. And, out of 300+ worship songs written, this is the sole work Smith has ever had published.
Annually, as the end of November approaches, we focus attention on thanks—specifically the holiday of Thanksgiving. Celebrations gathering family and friends accompanied by vast quantities of food take center stage. A beautiful time of year but what about the other 364 days?
There is so much….to “give thanks” for.
Here at St. John’s,
- For the people, this congregation, the friends and family which enter this campus throughout each week—we “give thanks.”
- For the many ministry opportunities here and beyond our campus 7 days each week—we “give thanks.”
- For all who work for the greater glory of our Lord, through volunteering of their time and talents in a myriad of ways—we “give thanks.”
This past week, as the 2023-2024 Season of Ringing & Singing closed, Music Ministry celebrated the many hours, weeks, months we’ve been blessed with working together to prepare musical offerings for worship throughout the Liturgical Year. It was an incredible evening of community, food, fellowship, conversation, SURPRISES, and sharing in Christian love to celebrate all we’ve been given by the Creator and to “give thanks” for everyone who has given so much of themselves to serve through the arts.
“Give Thanks” with YOUR grateful heart each and every day!
Soli Deo Gloria.
Karole Badgley, Director of Music Ministry