Dear New Horizon Family
On Sunday we celebrated the Reign of Christ Sunday, a culmination of all that has gone before us, a reminder of the Christ we follow and our gratitude for all that we have done together. Today we acknowledge the gift of Thanksgiving. Let there be a party atmosphere as we give thanks for God’s goodness and for our place in the body of Christ.
The memories for many people in the U.S., are the smell of a turkey roasting and a pumpkin pie baking. The sound of a cheering crowd at a football game. All these can create warm feelings during this special time of year. Growing an attitude of gratitude that will carry over into the rest of the year. In his commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, John Wesley writes, “Thanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer; it is almost essentially connected with it.”
Giving thanks is as essential to our spiritual growth.
These creative ideas published by the UMC a few years ago will help us get started on Thanksgiving.
- As part of your Thanksgiving preparation, create a Thanksgiving Box write on slips of paper something you are thankful for and place them in the decorated box. The box will make a nice Thanksgiving table centerpiece, and when opened, a way to remember how blessed we are every day. You could add to it all year too of course.
- Serve someone. Thank you to all those who have helped with the preparations for Nourishing Lives Thanksgiving donations, thank you for all you have done to share this love.
- Take time for quiet reflection. As the big day approaches, things get busier. Set aside sometime each day to say thank you to God for all he has provided.
- Share blessings together. When gathered around the table, together offer “thanks for the Earth and all with which we are blessed in the world God created.”
- Prepare for Advent, as we celebrate on Sunday the start of Christmas 2022 “God’s Unimaginable Surprises”
However, you can find ways to thank God for all his blessings throughout your celebration this year. Instill the habit of an attitude of gratitude, which will extend far beyond Thanksgiving Day.
Happy Thanksgiving
With love, Jacqui
P.S.: Join us for Family Worship Sunday, 10:00 am. No Children’s Church.