This November, we will be gathering to give thanks for all of God’s blessings
this past year. This is one of those times when it is good to bring everyone
together since it has taken the sacrifice of all the people in these two
congregations to make this happen; we are now a “Parish.” Who could have
imagined this just a few years ago? This Thanksgiving as we remember all the
hard work and dedication that went into this journey, we are both excited to see
what the future holds and thankful that God has blessed us with this parish
ministry.
Thanksgiving hands are active hands. We have put these hands together in
prayer, but also in holy work. Not being a musician, I love watching a good
musician playing an instrument during worship. When we gather at the altar and
come to receive forgiveness God offers in the bread and wine it is thankful hands
that assist me during Holy Communion.
I have seen first hand the active hands that serve our meals both at Family
of God and at Kenwood. Our dinners and the pasties we prepare are seasoned
with the goodness of home cooking, and the joy of serving our congregations and
community with a deep dedication to ministry. These are Thanksgiving hands.
Our churches are a place were people come for comfort and understanding
when loved ones die and when illness and grief are too much to bare. Here we
serve as pastors and councilors and friends. We also serve as those who
encourage, and support and who lift high the Cross of Christ. Here in this place
new light is streaming, here in this place darkness is vanished away.
The mundane also plays a melodious tune in our parish. Coffee needs to be
made, newsletters must be written and sent out on the parish web sites.
Bathrooms need cleaning and flowers need pruning. The list is an endless list, and
thank filled hands (like Kirby Puckett) touches them all. We are dedicated,
correct? But why are we dedicated?
Thanksgiving hands are the way they are because of one thing; they are
thank filled and actively so because of what God has done for us in Jesus. Here,
too, we are imitators of the one who’s hands set the ultimate example of what it
means to serve. Hands that extended themselves in love for us. On the cross,
Jesus made sure that nothing would be held back, nothing spared. Everything
was on the line, we were being drawn into his embrace and our only response
was this; “Thank you, Lord!” This has always been what motivates us.
Thanksgiving is what gives our hands wings and joy and a heart willing and ready
to serve.
Embrace your Thanksgiving heart--it is yours created by Jesus to be your
way of life!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jeff