Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul's,

Thanksgiving greetings to you and your family!

In a world that contains needs and problems, we do find it difficult some days to say "Thank you", to God or to others. Recently we sang a hymn at St. Paul 's entitled "It Is Well with My Soul." The songwriter was Horatio Spafford. After learning that his daughters died at sea, he hired a boat and traveled to the very spot where his daughters perished. He wrote these stirring words at that time: "When sorrows like sea billows role, whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, It is well with my soul.'" At the place where his daughters lost their lives, he declared that it was well with his soul. He did not say he was happy. He did not say everything was wonderful. But it was well with his soul. His faith allowed him a fuller perspective.

A thankful spirit does not pretend that sad things are happy things. A thankful spirit does not deny the pain and suffering that afflict us in this life. But a thankful spirit does allow us to say, "It is well with my soul." When we are beaten down, Jesus is beaten down with us. When we see no way through the wilderness, there is a way with God. A thankful heart allows us to see the whole picture. We worship a God who experiences with us all that we face. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for God is with us. The "thank you" in our prayers allow us to gather God's perspective and know His presence. I hope that this Thanksgiving you will find the time to put "thank you" into your prayers. Everything may not be perfect. But may it be well with your soul.

St. Paul 's continues to pray and plan for the future, and you are important to us! During this Thanksgiving season, please join us each Sunday at 10:00 am, followed by a time of fellowship. Christian Education is held the 2nd and 4th Sundays, after worship.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rev. Brad Thompson