Chads News - 17th June
17 June 2026 12:00
Dear Church Family,
"Thank you" is such a simple phrase, yet it carries enormous power.
On Wednesday evening, we will gather to thank our volunteers, a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge all that it takes to give your time and gifts within our church family. The LifeCentre and Cherry Tree Project will also be celebrating and thanking their volunteers at different times.
At the end of this term children will be thanking their teachers, families and others who have supported them throughout the year. On Sunday we will thank fathers and men in our church for being who God has called them to be, It seems that, wherever we look, there are opportunities to pause and say those two important words: thank you.
My husband often tells me that I am very good at saying "thank you" but that I could do with working on my "please"!
That got me thinking: where and when does Jesus say thank you? As followers of Christ, we are always seeking to learn from his example.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus is often described as giving thanks, even if the exact words vary between translations.
One clear example is found before Jesus raises Lazarus:
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me." (John 11:41)
The Gospels also tell us that Jesus gave thanks before meals and significant moments:
- Before feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:19; Mark 6:41; Luke 9:16; John 6:11)
- Before feeding the four thousand (Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6)
- At the Last Supper (Luke 22:17–19)
In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word often used is eucharisteō, meaning "to give thanks" or "to express gratitude". Our English word "Eucharist" comes from this same root.
What struck me most was that the thanks often came before the action.
Jesus gave thanks before the miracle. Before the meal was shared. Before the answer was seen.
Perhaps there is something for us to learn here. Maybe gratitude is not only something we offer after someone has done something for us. Perhaps we can thank people in advance, for their willingness, their generosity and their faithfulness.
I still need to reflect more on that. But one thing is certain: I am deeply thankful for each one of you, for all that you do, for the gifts you share, and for the privilege of walking this journey of faith together as disciples of Jesus.
Thank you.
Blessings,
Katie