GIVING THANKS...

As I write Lonnie's Lines, I am in Baton Rouge Louisiana working at the Louisiana Music Educators Association Convention. I have had the opportunity to hear several outstanding High School and College Choirs, Bands, Ensembles. As I enjoy the energy of the Music, I am reminded of how powerful music really is. And how this is one of the purest ways that we can worship and give thanks. David gives us many examples with the beautiful Psalms. Upon hearing the news that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Messiah, she celebrated by singing. You can see the Song of Mary in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55).

This Sunday will be a very special service led by Pastor Lee. This will be a time of giving thanks and worship. (I really hate that I will not be there.). You will be given a chance to share what you are thankful for, so let me start early and say "I am VERY THANKFUL FOR YOU!" As Paul tells the Church in Philippi, "Every time I think of you, I thank my God." (Philippians 1:3) CEV. And I do. I love our Family called FCC and feel truly blessed to be a part of it.

Personally, I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. We will be joining my Mom, Dad, and Sister's Families in East Tennessee to Celebrate Turkey Day. If you are like us and will be traveling, please be careful. I encourage you too to take a moment, reflect, and give true thanks to our Awesome God.

"All Creatures of our God and King" by St. Francis of Assi reminds us...

All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

So take time to Praise Him, Alleluia!

And Always Remember...

You ARE Loved!

Pastor Lonnie

PS. Advent will begin the Sunday following Thanksgiving. I hope you will join us as we celebrate this special, most wonderful time of the year.