Monday, November 21, 2005
Thanksgiving gratitude at Princeton Church
During the week the CICW staff learns about worship and ministry from congregations throughout the world. But on Sunday each of us worships in a local congregation. This Sunday, at Princeton Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids we gave thanks for God’s gift of Annie and her family who have come to us from Liberia.
During worship this morning, Elizabeth Smith of a local refugee resettlement program reflected on how she first brought a prayer request to Coffee Break about a year ago. She was praying for a church in Grand Rapids to sponsor Annie who would soon be coming to Grand Rapids to be near her sister and family who had come a year earlier. The Holy Spirit stirred hearts and within a short time Princteon committed to be her sponsor, had fully furnished an apartment and had volunteer staff in place. Elizabeth reported that the night Annie, Tarwo (T-Boy), Abraham and Janat, arrived in Grand Rapids, following a tender reunion with her sister and nephews at the airport, Annie offered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude to God.
Within 6 months Annie was self sufficient financially. As she looked for employment she stated, “I won’t work on Sunday. That is church day.” She now works six days a week at a nearby McDonalds and has just been hired as a housekeeper at a local retirement village. It is her plan to continue both jobs. Her hard work is equalled by her children who do well in school and excel in soccer. This morning T-Boy accompanied congregational singing with drums and later sang as a part of the Worship Team.
After the time of reflection, Annie expressed her own gratitude to the congregation. With joy she first sang a song of heartfelt thanksgiving. Her face was radiant like the sparkling gold embroidery on her beautiful maroon African dress. She then led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s gifts to her and her family and petition especially for family and friends who remain in Liberia.
Princeton gives thanks for God’s gift of Annie to our family. We are grateful for what they are teaching us, for the gifts they bring and for the privilege of being used by God in their lives.
Pastor Dave reminded us that this time of celebration is not about Princeton Church but is about God and the opportunity we have to respond to his grace and all that he has given us. Focusing on Psalm 40:1-3 we learned that gratitude is about thanking God for lifting us up, thanking others whom God has used to lift us and looking for opportunities to lift others. This time of worship opened our hearts to give thanks.
Related: Congregational profile of Princeton CRC in Reformed Worship magazine
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