Season of gratitude: a celebration of church

by Rachel Bushre

As we near the Thanksgiving season, I find myself filled with gratitude to the Lord for His Church, this local Calvary congregation, and those within that inner circle – our small group.

Life is full of ups and downs. To have brothers & sisters in Christ with whom we can share our joys and sorrows is such a gift. Our small group provides a place where we pray for each other, listen to what’s going on in each other’s lives, and dive into the Word with each other to see more of Christ. These relationships – the ones where we study the Word together and call upon it for our source of wisdom – are so important, for through them the Spirit challenges & changes us.

Many times I’ve found myself reaching out to one of those really close sisters in Christ in  difficult times to ask for prayer. Some of those same friends are close enough to be willing to call me out when they see sin in my life & to ask the tough questions. Although this is never easy, this too is a mercy.

The local Calvary body holds a special place in the hearts of all in our home. Almost 3 years have passed since we first arrived, and Calvary has become like family. We’ve all found friends to walk through life with, new ministry opportunities to get involved in, and have places to grow. I often say that Sunday & Wednesday are my kid’s favorite days of the week because it’s so true. 

And when it feels like a taste of Heaven coming in each week, that’s hard to beat! I’m so blessed by the reading of the Word and the leading of Jamie & the worship team. The words of the songs we sing are gospel-rich reminders of Who our Lord is & what He’s done out of His amazing grace to heal broken sinners like us. To be able to lift our voices in praise to our great God together is an amazing experience. One day we’ll get to praise Him for eternity in His very presence!

But until that day, we have been tasked by Him to make His name known here on earth. He has chosen His Church as the tool to spread His fame. May we be about this mission – through the local church with the help of those in our small groups, leading more worshippers to Him – for glorify our King.

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Rachel Bushre is wife to Kyle, Mom to 2 great teenage kids, and growing daughter of her Lord & King.  You can find her at RCTC most weekday mornings. Afternoons are for driving kids around and cheering them on in their various sports. She enjoys going for walks, putting together jig-saw puzzles, and dating her husband.