“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Those words from 1 Thessalonians 5 are a reminder that—for the Christian—gratitude is not simply a task to do but a way to live. Gratitude is a way of life.
In a few weeks, a friend of mine from London, Rev. Dr. Girma Bishaw, will be with us for an evening of teaching and conversation about his beautiful new book, The Gratitude Way. The book explores the power of gratitude to change not only our personal lives, but also our communities and world.
I was privileged to write an endorsement for the book. What I wrote conveys why I hope you’ll join us for what I am confident will be a fun, encouraging, and challenging evening:
“Girma is my friend, and as I’ve walked with him in good and hard times, I can say without exaggeration that Girma is one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever known. That’s because he embodies what this book is about: gratitude as a way of life. By blending together his personal story, biblical reflection, and pastoral application, Girma has given us all a much-needed primer on why and how we can become people whose lives are marked by gratitude. Read, enjoy, and watch God fill you with gratitude!”
More information below. Hope to see you there.
In Christ,
Pastor Bijan
Monday, November 24 at 7 pm
The Gratitude Way: An Evening with Girma Bishaw
In a world often marked by division, resentment, and unrest, what if the most radical and restorative response is…gratitude? Gratitude, rooted in the gospel, offers a powerful lens for healing broken relationships, rebuilding communities, and reimagining life itself. We invite you to more than just a book launch. This is a call to explore that transformative choice. Join us in welcoming author Girma Bishaw, who will share insights from his journey, from life as an Ethiopian refugee to becoming a voice for gratitude as a catalyst for personal and social renewal. This event is FREE. Click here to save your spot.
Upcoming
- Oct 28 | HFNY Network Talks
- Oct 31 | Candy Handout
- Oct 31 | WS Youth Halloween Hoedown
- Nov 6 | Redeemer Network Prayer & Praise Night
- Nov 6 | Grief & Loss Support Group
- Nov 8 | Autumn Singles Social
- Nov 15 | Manuscript Bible Study Training
- Nov 16 | RWS Congregational Meeting
- Nov 19 | Family Night
- Nov 24 | The Gratitude Way: An Evening with Girma Bishaw
Get Involved
RWS Job Opening: RWS Spiritual Formation Manager.
Listen to songs from Redeemer West Side Music.
Volunteer with West Side Youth on Friday nights.
Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter.
Attend Life & Death in New York City, a one-day summit (November 8).
HFNY: Rising Leaders Social for people in their 20s and 30s to meet and learn how to get involved in serving the city (November 19).
HFNY: Pray for New York (virtual prayer gathering on November 12).
