Rejoice always,pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving
 
I am in Tulsa, OK, with my sister after the death of her husband last Thursday. This time of grief so close to Thanksgiving is causing me to ponder Scripture’s instruction to give thanks in all circumstances, good and bad. This week, as you focus on giving thanks, don’t skip over the trials and sorrows of the past year. Ask yourself, “What blessings, mercies, lessons – even in that – can I thank God for?”
 
Calvary Family
 
I had the pleasure of speaking with Lorraine Kratt last Wednesday, one week after her cancer surgery. She reported that she is home, feeling good, and having to remind herself not to overdo. In fact, she had to talk herself out of attending the WOW Bible study that morning! Join Lorraine in thanking God for his care and grace, and pray for her as she hears the verdict concerning two remaining suspicious spots tomorrow.
 
Please continue to uphold Esther Whitney in prayer as she undergoes chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer.
 
I emailed our new associate pastor, Shannon Estell, to ask how we can be praying for him and his family. He wrote, “On our hearts at this moment are a few things: Finishing well here in Santa Maria and at The Harbor. Our last Sunday here will be Nov. 26. The many details and logistics that need to be handled as we pack up our house here and move to Orange County. A quick and as smooth as possible transition to our new church, community and schools down there. We have found a house in Anaheim Hills and so we are hugely thankful to have this taken care of.”

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea