Pastor Kurt Thomas, Senior Pastor
Apple Creek Celebrates a Thanksgiving Sabbath Filled with Praise, Hope, and the Joy of Baptism
Creek Connect | October 10, 2026
What a glorious and memorable Thanksgiving Sabbath at Apple Creek Seventh-Day Adventist Church! Under the inspiring theme “Faithful God, Grateful Hearts,” our church family gathered in a beautiful atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, music, and Christian fellowship. It was a celebration that reminded us not only of God’s blessings but, more importantly, of His unfailing faithfulness through every season of life.
Our Ebenezer: Remembering the God Who Has Helped Us
In his Thanksgiving message, Pastor Kurt Thomas directed the congregation to the powerful account in 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel erected a stone and called it Ebenezer, meaning “Stone of Help,” declaring, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”
Pastor Thomas highlighted a striking contrast between 1 Samuel 4 and 1 Samuel 7. In chapter 4, Israel suffered defeat while placing misplaced confidence in the ark of the covenant. However, in chapter 7, following repentance, prayer, and renewed dependence upon God, the nation experienced divine deliverance.
What a powerful Thanksgiving lesson! Our security is not found in religious symbols, material possessions, or human accomplishments, but in the living God who has faithfully sustained us.
The message challenged every family to remember its own Ebenezer moments: the prayers God answered, the doors He opened, the storms He carried us through, and the grace that continues to sustain us. We were encouraged to look back with gratitude, look around with thanksgiving, and look forward with confidence, knowing that the God who helped us yesterday can be trusted with tomorrow.
Heaven Rejoices! A Precious Soul Baptized
One of the most beautiful and spiritually significant moments of our Thanksgiving celebration was the baptism of Sister Anashe!
What greater reason could we have to give thanks than witnessing a precious soul publicly declaring her love for Jesus and commitment to follow Him?
As our church family celebrated this wonderful decision, we were reminded of Jesus’ words in Luke 15:10: “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
We praise God for Anashe and warmly welcome her into the fellowship of faith. May our church family continue to surround her with love, encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support as she grows in her relationship with Christ.
A Thanksgiving Celebration Enriched by Music and Love
The spirit of thanksgiving was beautifully expressed through the uplifting ministry of our Music and Praise Team, whose inspiring selections helped lift our hearts heavenward.
Another touching highlight was the Thanksgiving greetings from our students studying abroad. Though separated by distance, their thoughtful expressions of love and gratitude reminded us that the bonds of our Apple Creek family extend far beyond the walls of our church. We continue to pray for God’s protection, wisdom, and success as they pursue their studies.
Celebrating the Spirit of Collaboration
A celebration of this magnitude is made possible through many willing hearts and helping hands.
We extend heartfelt appreciation to all the departments and ministries that collaborated to make this Thanksgiving Sabbath such a meaningful experience. Special thanks to our Music and Praise Team, Worship and Platform participants, Audio-Visual and Communications teams, Hospitality Ministry, Deacons and Deaconesses, and everyone involved in planning, preparation, decoration, coordination, and service.
To those who worked quietly behind the scenes, investing countless hours, creativity, energy, and love, your contributions did not go unnoticed! Your spirit of unity and service reflected the beauty of a church family working together for God’s glory.
Let Our Thanksgiving Become a Living Testimony!
As we reflect on this memorable Sabbath, may its message continue to inspire us long after the celebration has ended.
Let us remember our Ebenezer, cherish the blessings of Christian fellowship, encourage one another through life’s challenges, and rejoice whenever another precious soul chooses Jesus.
Apple Creek, we have come this far by faith, and the God who has brought us this far will not abandon us now!
May our hearts continue to declare:
“FAITHFUL GOD, GRATEFUL HEARTS — HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US!”
To God be the glory for the great things He has done!