Hearty Heart of Gratitude
Being positive is difficult in a rattled world. Being thankful is difficult in a suffering world. Yet, a hearty heart of gratitude delights the eyes and strengthens the soul.
NOVEMBER
FEASTING ON GOD’S GOODNESS NOURISHING HEARTS OF GRATITUDE
ADDING GOODNESS - 1 Peter 1:5
Goodness enlivens faith. At our celebration service, Manni unpacked the rich meaning of goodness. It is not about the outward doing of good deeds. It is about incarnational presence to others with unbiased listening. It is faith because we are letting go of our own thoughts, our time, and invest our energy entering into the life experience of the other. We re-enter our own reality enriched with a larger view of life and a meaningful relational experience. Adding goodness deepens connections.
How do we add goodness to our faith? Acknowledge God’s very own presence with you right now. Just take 5 minutes and practice resting in silence pondering on these 5 words “Be still, God is here.” It may be difficult at first, but soon you’ll be enjoying a special moment with God. Do this as a regular rhythm of soul care. And in addition, go and be fully present to others.
BUSY & EXHAUSTED! CAN’T GET IT TOGETHER!
Even though we are a small group of 3s, getting together has been tough and at times discouraging. We are already exhausted from responsibilities, zoom meetings, and social distancing. This pandemic has brought us into a more intense level of busyness and higher drainage of our emotions and mental health. Yet, this is doing life together. Making time for each other may be a hurdle, but its not the end goal. These are opportunities to uncover things that may have become distractions from what we truly long for, and also sense our hidden capacity to love. Let’s press on! Be refreshed in the joy of goodness pouring out grace to one another.
Communion: Spiritual Interconnectedness with Jesus and Each Other
I’m fascinated with Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me.” I’m also amazed that Jesus was eagerly awaiting to have this meal with us. Jesus longs to have our company. He came into our world to set up a home where we can get to know him and each other. Jesus is not being idealistic, but realistic. He wants us to remember how he spent his human life hanging out with people eating, praying and sharing thoughts about their daily lives.
This month, we spent time knowing Jesus by sifting through a list of character qualities of Jesus. Each one of us chose 2 qualities that attracts us most. Which character qualities of Jesus attracts you? How can these qualities help you connect deeper with Jesus? What qualities are you attracted to which you lack? Ask Jesus to be that for you.
MIRRORING GOD’S GOODNESS
The love of God. It does not need to be earned because God is love. It is the fullness of his being. Yet, I see how restrictive we have been in dispensing this love. Although we are made in the image of God, love became something to hand out to a chosen few rather than mirroring it to all.
At one point I had difficulty accepting the LGBTQ community. I did not know anyone personally who identifies as as LGBTQ. I was taught that you can’t be queer and Christian. They were also negatively portrayed in the entertainment world. However, when I heard that there were Christian queer folks, I decided to read their books and kept up with the news. Our church invited LGBTQ pastors and ministers to come and share their stories with us. I was amazed by their story of God in their lives. Soon, I was growing a community of queer friends. If God is graciously loving and present to the pain and suffering of the LGBTQ, how can I not align with God and mirror the same goodness to this community or any community?
Journaling is a great way to pause, spend time with Jesus pondering on what’s been happening in your life. What are these stories, thoughts, feelings inviting you to see.
Upcoming Events for December
Join us for our upcoming virtual events!
Monthly Celebration Service (Every 1st Friday of the month)
Supersized Faith - Adding Knowledge to Goodness 2 Peter 1:5-7
Friday, Dec. 3rd • 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 895281
Come celebrate the love of God that has been poured out to each and everyone of us. Through songs, sharing from God’s word, we are receiving and expressing God’s love as a community so that people can have the opportunity to know more about the sweetness of life with God.
JOG (Journey of Grace) Small Group
Weekly on Sundays • 11AM - 12:30PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
Join us for a time of inner reflection through contemplative listening for the Spirit’s voice, journaling and sharing our stories and insights with each other. We want to help each other notice God’s presence in our daily activities growing our faith.
Communion Fridays (Every 3rd Friday of the month)
Come and be part of God’s commutual community deepening our spiritual relationship with Jesus and with one another. Through fellowship, prayer and breaking of bread, we will learn to live, laugh, lead and love the world with Jesus.
Monthly - Dec. 19th • 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 895281
Bible Study (Every Saturday Evening) The gospel of Luke ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 895281
Offering / Donations!
We currently allocate 90% of tithes towards our staff stipend and 10% towards an organization supporting our community during this time.
Your donation is tax deductible. For administrative purposes, please fill out this Google Form each time you donate to GAF.
Donate via ACH/Wire: Use Account #: 875101564230; ABA #: 031101169; Alternative ABA #: 031101279 (ACH payments only).
Donate via Check: Mail your donation to Manni Lee, 275 South Street, Apt 19D, New York, NY 10002.