Give Thanks for Jesus

SERMON TITLE:   “Give Thanks for Jesus”
SERMON TEXT:    Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:           November 6, 2022, at Ogden FUMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                As I begin this sermon, I want to say “Thank you!” to those of you who have participated in our church’s ministries in this past week.  One of the things we did was volunteer at the Western Jurisdictional Conference, which was held at Christ UMC in Salt Lake City.  I know Austin Barron volunteered some time there yesterday.  On Friday, David Barron, Karen Lee, Tim Conrad, and Jennie Sambamurthi went to staff the refreshment table and keep the coffee pots and water jugs full.  Thanks to all of you who brought cookies, fruit, and other snacks for that.  The delegates and observers were very appreciative of the quantity and variety of refreshments that we had available.  Your contributions helped keep them alert and functioning through long hours of important decision-making, as they voted ballot after ballot until three new bishops were elected.
                I’m also grateful to Steven Loy, Marty Smith, Paul Kriekard, Ray Christian, and the other volunteers who organized and assisted in yesterday’s Veterans Tribute Run.  The proceeds from that 5K fundraiser and the Mission Emphasis donations that many of you have made will go to the Residents Activities Fund at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home.  Those men and women who have served our country will now enjoy some fun activities, thanks to all of you.
                I also want to say “thank you” to those of you who have cared for our new Cuban immigrant friends Yanier and Yusimi.  Our congregation provided them shelter for a week and a half, so they had time to find a little studio apartment.  You have also helped with transportation and other supplies.  Our congregation’s assistance has been a miracle to Yanier and Yusimi, for which they are very grateful.
                Here at First UMC, where we have many people doing many good things, there are always many reasons to be thankful.  And that’s good, right?  Gratitude is one of the basic ways we express our Christian faith.  So, during this month of November, we are going to focus our attention on this subject.  Today, to get us started, I’d like us to consider our scripture reading from Hebrews and find some reasons that we can give thanks for Jesus.

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