Thanksgiving
by Pastor Michael Taber
I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders.
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God. (Psalm 9:1-2 MSG)
Hello Highrock MetroWest,
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love The Message’s translation above of Psalm 9:1-2. What comes to mind are the times my kids are so excited to show me something or after they receive a gift. I remember a time when Grace and I got Kiah a pair of slippers and she was SO excited she literally jumped for joy exclaiming, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” And they were a cheap pair of slippers! It didn’t matter. Her heart was full, and she couldn’t help but jump for joy.
I want my heart to be that full this Thanksgiving, even if it’s only for one day. I want, like Kiah, to be so full of gratitude that all I can do is shout, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Ironically, this isn’t the most natural thing I tend to do on this day, a holiday called THANKSgiving. It’s so easy for me to complain, to get annoyed with the conversations going on around me, or to criticize myself for eating more than my jeans can handle.
Maybe you can relate.
If so, I want to invite you to consider how Thanksgiving can actually be an intentional time where we do more than fill our stomachs. It can be a time to remember how giving thanks is a practice that fills our hearts and the hearts of those around us too.
This Thanksgiving, intentionally direct your attention toward expressing gratitude. Give thanks to God for all you have been given. Give thanks for the people you get to be with. Remember how God owes us nothing, and yet gave us everything through Jesus. What a gift to give thanks for!
I hope this Thanksgiving, we are reminded that every day – not just one day a year -- we have the opportunity to give thanks for someone or something
In Christ,
Michael
Special Service Note for this Sunday, Nov. 27
Sunday, November 27, is a Family Service meaning there is no Kidsrock (our Sunday morning children's program) and children are encouraged to be in worship with their families. However, there is childcare for nursery through pre-Kindergarten on the first level of the building.
Support Highrock's Advent Offering!
Pastor Dave Swaim and Executive Pastor Drew Hunter have shared with us a significant need related to Highrock’s ability to fund its ministry objectives. We are confident in God’s faithful provision while also mindful of the importance of being good stewards of resources. With that in mind, if our communal life together is a meaningful part of your ongoing faith journey, we ask you to prayerfully consider contributing any amount to ensure that our partnership in God’s work can continue to thrive and flourish in the next season. We are calling this effort our Highrock Advent Offering -- more information here.
New Sermon Series!
This Sunday, Nov. 27, begins our Advent Sermon Series The Hopes and Fears of All the Years. Pastor John Mury will be live and in person at Highrock MetroWest to kick off the series with his sermon, Advent: Is it True? See you on Sunday! (Note: there will be some Advent resources available to you that have not yet been released as of this publication date. Watch this place in the newsletter for updates).
Other Ways to Be Involved!
Prayer Requests and Prayer Meetings
Please send your prayer requests to our Prayer Team Leader Foluke Ajayi at mofoluwake09@gmail.com. The prayer team meets weekly by zoom on Wednesday evenings at 9 pm for 20 minutes and in-person at Highrock Metrowest monthly. The next in-person meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 pm in the Prayer Room.
MomsRock! Fridays, 9:30 - 11 am. Meets weekly in Fellowship Hall. More information here.
Men's Bible Study and Fellowship. Tuesdays, 7:30 pm.
For men in the middle time of life. Join Pastor George and a small group of men from around the country by zoom in Bible study and fellowship time. The group is comprised of businessmen in a variety of enterprises Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. Contact Pastor George for the zoom link: GeorgeC@highrock.org.
NOV. 30. , 7 -- 8 pm. Prayer meeting. Meets for an hour in the prayer room at church. All welcome.
DEC. 4, 1 pm -- Jog for Joy
On Sunday, December 4th, 2022, at 1 pm join us for a classic 5K race experience with professional timing, pre- and post-race snacks, and some holiday fun for the whole family! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or a volunteer in hosting the event. This event benefits youth mental health agencies in our area. More information HERE.
DEC. 12 -- Burger Brothers!
Save the date. Patriots vs. AZ Cardinals at Andy Wasynczuk's. Chili, etc. More to come! Contact Lee Core for more info: leecore123@gmail.com.
LOOKING AHEAD -- Holiday Worship Services
Sunday, Dec. 18: Highrock MetroWest will include many elements of Christmas worship and music on December 18 because so many are away for the holidays. The new MetroWest Choir debuts this day.
Saturday, Dec. 24: Traditional Christmas Eve worship at 5 pm.
Sunday, Dec. 25: the combined Highrock campuses will worship at 10 am at the Lexington Campus, 7 Clematis Road in Lexington. There will be NO service at 754 Greendale Ave., Needham.
Sunday, Jan. 1: Family service at MetroWest. No Kidsrock.
Mission and Outreach Opportunities
Mision de Caridad. Check out the latest video about this Highrock Mission Partner in Mexico. More information HERE. (Pastor George says, "I'm giving these bags from the MdC store to some of my friends this Christmas." Check them out here).
Jog for Joy: On Sunday, December 4th, 2022, join us for a classic 5K race experience with professional timing, pre- and post- race snacks, and some holiday fun for the whole family! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or a volunteer in hosting the event. This event benefits youth mental health agencies in our area. More information HERE.
Homes for Hope. Members of HRMW led by Brad and Amanda Turner travel to Mexico annually to do a two-day house build for an impoverished family. The 2023 build will be April 20-23. Visit http://www.homesofhope-turner.org for info. Contact person is Amanda Turner at amanda_turner007@yahoo.com.
Resources for Growing Deeper!
