At Hope Chapel, gratitude isn’t just an occasional feeling—it’s becoming part of the very fabric of who they are. In our first-ever Thanksgiving service, Pastor Andrew Cole led the congregation through a powerful, heartfelt message on the deeper meaning of gratitude, the biblical roots of Thanksgiving, and the intentional future of their church community.


A Culture of Gratitude

Pastor Andrew began the service by sharing his hope that this celebration of Thanksgiving would not be a one-time event but a core value embedded in the life of Hope Chapel. He highlighted that gratitude is not seasonal; it’s spiritual. More than a moment, Thanksgiving is an attitude that should anchor the church’s culture and every believer’s heart.

This particular service was also a milestone—it marked Hope Chapel’s birthday and formed the second part of our Vision Sunday. It was an opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness, celebrate testimonies, and look forward to what’s next. Over shared meals and stories, the congregation gathered not only to express thanks but to reinforce the community’s unity and shared purpose.

The Biblical Foundation of Thanksgiving

Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Pastor Andrew unpacked the rich, multifaceted meaning of Thanksgiving in scripture. He explained that in Hebrew, the word for Thanksgiving signifies not just gratitude but a covenantal acknowledgment of God’s presence and provision.

In the Old Testament, Thanksgiving was intricately tied to worship and sacrifice. Through offerings and communal celebrations, the people of Israel expressed gratitude for God’s deliverance and blessings. Pastor Andrew pointed to examples like Noah’s burnt offering after the flood and the Levitical laws that made gratitude an integral part of Israel’s worship.

But the call to give thanks wasn’t reserved for seasons of abundance. Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, he reminded the congregation that God’s will is for believers to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude isn’t conditional—it’s an act of faith, even in the midst of trials.

Jesus Modeled Thankfulness

Moving into the New Testament, Pastor Andrew highlighted how Jesus himself lived a life of gratitude. Whether it was giving thanks before breaking bread at the Last Supper or blessing the five loaves and two fish to feed thousands, Jesus demonstrated the power of thanking God even when there seemed to be little in hand.

The Apostle Paul reinforced this truth, encouraging believers to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to be thankful in all things (Colossians 3). Thanksgiving, as Pastor Andrew taught, isn’t a reaction to good news—it’s a posture of the heart rooted in God’s unchanging character.

Set for Purpose: The Vision for Hope Chapel

The service wasn’t only about reflecting on God’s goodness—it was also about looking ahead. Pastor Andrew shared practical and purposeful plans to prepare Hope Chapel for future growth. He spoke about how the church has felt like it’s been in a holding pattern, but now is the time to be intentional about moving forward!

Using the phrase “Set for Purpose,” he cast vision for how Hope Chapel’s physical space and spiritual community will be reshaped. This includes:

  • Restoring the children’s and toddler rooms to create welcoming, dedicated spaces for young families.
  • Opening up the café area to better connect with the main worship space.
  • Upgrading technology and facilities to ensure the environment reflects the excellence and hospitality of God’s house.
  • Creating outdoor seating and connection spaces to foster community and conversation.
  • Reimagining the role of young people, children, and young adults—not just as participants but as leaders and culture-shapers in the church.

Pastor Andrew linked these practical changes back to the heart of the message: everything done must be intentional, purposeful, and aligned with God’s vision.

Reimagining, Equipping & Growing

The heart behind these changes is not to build a fancier building—it’s to build people. Hope Chapel’s mission is to equip the saints, invest in the next generation, and create a place where everyone is welcomed, discipled, and released to grow and serve.

He finished with a powerful reminder from Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The challenge was clear—this is a season to dream again, to reimagine what the church can be, and to walk forward in bold, strong, and courageous faith.