No. 6 The Sense of Gratitude

Facilitator______________
Date___________________

Group Session Plan from TOCWSGM** - Rev. Glenn H. Turner

Chalice/Candle Lighting

Opening Words:

"Who can make an accounting of gratitude?

For the universe we give thanks, an expanse of life to stretch us with wonder…

For the earth we give thanks, fragment of the stars that is our home…

For life we give thanks, the burning of stars ordered and tempered here
allowing us life and breath…

For growth we give thanks, for the heritage of the spirit, for all the
forces past our knowing, power past our control…

For the ages which follow us, for the eternity of days, in which life is
ever renewed and fulfilled, we give thanks."
Adapted from Kenneth Patton, Hymns for the Celebration of Life

Check-in/Sharing

Topic:
There are things in life that just sort of hang there: like free-floating guilt and angst. But, what about a sense of gratitude? Doesn’t that well up at times and demand expression? A blessing, a song of praise, a shout, a loud HURRAH! I’m talking about a sense of gratitude that goes beyond just what another person does for you. I’m talking about the fiery sunset, the smell of the rose, the very existence of the artichoke and the giraffe. It should take our breath away. And our breath, oxygen—yes, thank you!

Questions we should answer:

How do you cultivate a thankful heart?
How do we stay aware of that in Life which is sheer blessing?

Select the topic and location for the next meeting

Check-out / Likes and Wishes

Closing Words:

"God,
my our ears be open to little birds who are the secret of living,
may we take time to see flowers and people for the beauty they are,
may we make room in our lives for one another."
Richard F. Boeke

** Transforming Our Churches With Small Group Ministry, Revised - February 2000