Immanuel United Church of Christ

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A Heart of Thanksgiving

11/26/2025

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Thanksgiving invites us to pause and notice what God has been doing below the surface of our lives. Paul reminds the church in Colossae—and us—that gratitude is not something we simply muster up; it grows from being rooted in Christ. When our lives sink their roots deep into His grace, His Word, and His presence, we become steady and nourished. And when we let Him build us up—shaping our character, strengthening our faith—we naturally begin to overflow with thankfulness.
 
This kind of gratitude is more than polite appreciation; it is the overflow of a life connected to the Living One who sustains us. No matter the season—whether full of abundance or marked by challenge—our roots in Christ hold us firm. And as He continues His quiet, faithful work within us, our hearts can respond with joyful, overflowing thanks.
 
(verse of the week)
“Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7
 
Prayer
Lord Jesus, root my life deeply in You. Build my faith, strengthen my heart, and help me see Your blessings in every season. As I celebrate Thanksgiving, let my life overflow with genuine gratitude for Your goodness and grace. Amen.
 
Quote of the Week
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough because it reminds us who our Provider is.”
 
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!—Pastor TJ
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages

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Strength from On High

11/20/2025

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Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted verses in Scripture, yet it’s true power shines when we understand it in context. Paul wasn’t talking about winning a competition or achieving a personal dream — he was talking about enduring all circumstances with contentment, whether in abundance or in need.  His secret? Christ’s strength, not his own.  The Apostle Paul reminds us that the strength Christ gives is not always the strength to escape challenges, but the strength to endure them, grow through them, and remain faithful in them. When our strength runs out, His begins. When our limitations loom large, His grace proves sufficient. Whatever we face today — pressures, uncertainties, burdens — Christ meets us there with sustaining power. You don’t walk today in your strength alone--you walk with His. 

(Verse of the week)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”— Philippians 4:13 

Prayer
Lord Jesus, When I feel weak, be my strength. When I feel challenged and stretched, be my peace. Help me rely not on my own ability but on Your faithful power that carries me through every moment. Strengthen me to do all You have called me to do today. Amen.
 
Have a great week!—Pastor TJ
 

Quote of the Week“God does not call the equipped; God equips the called” — Unknown
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com
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The Secret of Contentment

11/13/2025

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Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with a remarkable declaration: “I have learned the secret of being content.” The secret to contentment is something most of us would like to discover.  The culture around us does little to satisfy or point to this secret.  Contentment wasn’t something Paul stumbled into—it was something he learned through seasons of abundance and seasons of need. His secret was simple yet profound: Christ was enough. Christ strengthened him, sustained him, and supplied his every need, often through the generous partnership of fellow believers.
 
In these final verses, Paul reminds us that God’s provision often arrives through the kindness and generosity of others. The Philippians’ gift became “a fragrant offering” to God—an act of worship as well as support. And Paul responds with one of Scripture’s most comforting promises: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
 
True contentment grows when we trust God’s provision, practice gratitude, and participate in generous living. As we loosen our grip on circumstances and tighten our grasp on Christ, we discover that His presence really is enough—and His people are His chosen vessels of blessing.


Prayer
Lord, teach me the secret of contentment in every circumstance. Help me trust Your faithful provision and rest in Your strength. Make my life a channel of generosity and encouragement to others, just as the Philippians were to Paul. May everything I give, say, and do bring glory to You. Amen.
 
Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ


Quote of the Day
“Contentment is not having everything you want, but trusting God with everything you have.”

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/

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Perspective

11/6/2025

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It is easy sometimes to let things discourage or disappoint us.  Disappointments are part of life.  But the Apostle Paul reminds us to not let discouragement rule the day.  He encourages us to rejoice whatever the circumstances and find a positive focus.  However dark the moment might seem, God loves us, and God will see us through.  There is power in a thankful attitude and a prayerful life.  However dark the night or turbulent the storm, the love of God shines through the blackest night, and the power of God will see us through to safety.  Paul writes these incredible words from prison, yet they ring with a message of faith and jubilation:
 
(scripture of the week)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!
Do not be anxious about anything,
But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
Present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, sisters and brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
Think about these things.
For I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4.4-9, 13).
 
(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, thank you that your grace and strength are over all.  I surrender all the disappointments of life to you.  Grant me grace to see the abundance of your blessings all around me and to lean into your grace and strength, confident of your great love and thankful for all your mercies, through Christ our Lord, amen.
 
(quote of the week)
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it—Helen Keller
 
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com
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    Pastor Dr. TJ Jenney
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1526 South 18th Street

Lafayette, IN 47905

Phone 765-474-6496

Worship Service:
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Sunday School & Adult Ed 9:00am

Coffee & Conversation 9:45am

​Worship Service 10:00am  
 

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No matter who you are, or where you

are on life's journey, YOU are

welcome here!