Message from Pastor Jim 9/30/2025

Dear Church Family,

If there’s one thing we’ve all done, it’s forgotten to say “thank you.” Maybe it was to a server at the restaurant, the neighbor who brought your trash can in, or even to God for a blessing we prayed for! In Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy, and He healed them all. Yet only one—one!—came back to say “thank you.”

Can you imagine Jesus’ surprise? Ten prayers went up, ten healings came down, and only one person circled back with gratitude. That’s a 10% thankfulness rate—not exactly something you’d want to brag about!

But here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t take back the healing from the other nine. His love wasn’t conditional on their manners. Still, He pointed out the importance of a thankful heart. The one who returned not only received healing for his body but also wholeness for his soul. Gratitude has a way of doing that—it makes us whole.

In our busy world, it’s easy to forget the simple power of thankfulness. We pray, God answers, and we move on to the next need. But gratitude is like the “replay button” of faith—it helps us pause, reflect, and remember where our blessings come from.

This week, I challenge you to play the role of that one leper. Take time to thank God for the obvious blessings (health, family, friends, food on the table) and the less obvious ones (the red lights that saved you from speeding tickets, the stranger who smiled at you, the morning coffee that actually tasted good).

Let’s be known as a church that says “thank you.” After all, gratitude doesn’t cost us a dime, but it pays back more than we could ever imagine.

So, here’s our “gratitude homework”:



1. Thank God daily. Even if it’s just, “Lord, thanks for letting me wake up again.
2. Thank others freely. A note, a text, or just a smile with the words “thank you” can brighten someone’s day.
3. Thank yourself occasionally. You’re God’s handiwork, and He delights in you!

Let’s aim for more than a 10% thankfulness rate in our lives. May our voices, like that one leper’s, ring out with gratitude that honors God and encourages others.

With a grateful heart,
Pastor Jim