Gratitude Bible Study to launch at Our Saviour's Naperville June 4

A new, gratitude-focused Bible study at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Naperville will explore what it means to nurture a grateful spirit - and how to do so.

The six-week study, which kicks off June 4 at Our Saviour's, 815 S. Washington St. in Naperville, is open to all. Participants will look at calls in Scripture for thanksgiving for the gifts of God's grace, peace and unfailing love, as expressed in the Bible's book of Colossians: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Study leaders Kelly Holden and Susan Ferguson, who are Our Saviour's members, say the study will offer a chance to consider what having an "attitude of gratitude" looks like, especially amid busy daily lives. From a Christian perspective, says Holden: "We come together in our community of faith bound by the Word and the love of God—a peace that passes all understanding. Any differences we have fall aside when we celebrate together a life made alive in Christ."

There can be real health benefits to a gratitude-focused mindset, as well: Numerous research studies from psychologists in the U.S and abroad have found higher self-reported happiness scores, better attitudes about interpersonal relationships and even fewer physician visits among individuals who regularly practiced gratitude.

Our Saviour's Gratitude Bible Study meetings will begin before the church's Sunday worship services in the quiet of Sunday mornings; participants are invited to come as they are and bring their coffee.

The June 4 session of the study will run from 8:15 to 9:25 a.m. in the Epiphany Room at Our Saviour's; subsequent sessions will run from 7:45 to 8:55 a.m., also in the Epiphany Room. Dates are June 4, 18 and 25, and July 9, 16 and 23.

For more information, visit oursaviours.com/home/news-events or call the church office at 630-355-2522