Friends,

Thanksgiving and the holidays are soon upon us!  Through the years, Clint and I have gathered around the Thanksgiving table with people from all walks of life—Christian, Jewish, and those of no particular or declared faith.  People tend to look to me to offer the blessing, as I am the so-called “religious” one in their midst, and I have usually begun by going around the table asking what folks are thankful for.  As a church person, maybe folks also look to you too to offer grace or lead words of gratitude before the big meal.  I’ve included a few words for the celebration of Thanksgiving that you may want to use.  

The first is Psalm 100, which is a psalm of thanksgiving.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him, bless his name.  For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

The second is from Rabbi Naomi Levy.

For the laughter of the children, for my own life breath, for the abundance of food on this table, for the ones who prepared this sumptuous feast, for the roof over our heads, the clothes on our backs, for our heath, and our wealth of blessings, for this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, for the freedom to pray these words without fear, in any language, in any faith, in this great country, whose landscape is as vast and beautiful as her inhabitants.  Thank you, God, for giving us all these.  Amen.

The third is our simple doxology, which is lovely to sing together at the table.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow: Praise Him, all creatures here below:  Praise Him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Co-Pastor Sandi