HELLO!

Thanksgiving Sunday fascinates me, in 36 years it is the one Sunday when “regular” attendees are most absent (away visiting relatives) and where the most “visitors” appear (relatives, “encouraged” to come to church). It makes for a different energy, as I can feel the “what will this be like” curiosity etched on the faces of those in our gray chairs. I am NOT one to notice colour, design, changes to décor, but I do pay attention to the people who I am looking at as I speak. I don’t use notes, nor do I stand behind a lectern, I am able to take in the spirit of those in the church. It allows me to adjust my words, examples, tone, to meet that moment.

Because I do not assume everyone is like me, I like to “mix in” voices and vibes and prophetic information, not typically my own. I never want worship to feel stale. I look for voices that supplement or complement what I offer, an energy, perspective, I do not typically offer. When Louise shared with me a recent story from her personal experience, I knew it would fit with a Thanksgiving service and offer an insight to God’s presence we might not otherwise hear. I know her 10 minute story will fill you with the Holy Spirit. I also will add a 5 minute reflection, as I do know some come (you may find this hard to believe) expecting to hear the ways I am hearing God’s voice in our unique community of faith. I will be watching your eyes to know when it is time for me to say, Amen!”.

Our text for Sunday will be 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Paul is teaching a group of early Christians what it means to respond in gratitude toward what God requires of them. Paul wants the Corinthians to be “cheerful givers”, not self-righteous (expecting to be rewarded) or resentful (“I guess I can help…”) but rather to give as they receive, as an act of grace because all of life is a blessing from and to God. Corinth was a wealthy city. There is a famine in Jerusalem, Paul is writing to leverage his connections in churches he'd planted for the purpose of raising an offering for the church at Jerusalem. Paul reminds them one of the most enduring blessings of life is to give, just as they have been given life and relationship in love.

It is easy to count blessings, to give thanks when things are going well - when health is good, work is satisfying, relationships are fulfilling and supportive; when there are no money worries, job security issues, family dysfunction, or health crises to worry about. We then say, "Thank you, God," with ease. But as we know, life isn't always sunshine and success. Anne Lamott writes, "awful stuff and beautiful stuff happen, life unspools in cycles, some lovely, some painful, but in no particular order." The truth is good times and bad times intermingle throughout life. It is not all darkness, but neither is it all light. Barbara Brown Taylor writes, "I am willing to thank God for my life even before I know how it turns out." She goes on to say thanks must stretch beyond only those things we approve of because gratitude and approval are not the same thing.

What makes a Thanksgiving meal special to you? For me? Brussels Sprouts! Happy Thanksgiving. Peace, Kevin