Dear Siblings in Christ,
This Thanksgiving will likely look different for many of us. Maybe you’re spending the holiday at home to help keep your extended family safe. Maybe the gathering of 15 people that you’re accustomed to sharing turkey and stuffing with each year has now whittled down to four. Or maybe instead of boarding a plane or driving several hours to another state, you’ll begin a new tradition of cooking at home while you spend time with your out-of-state family by chatting with them on the computer.
Yes, things have been different for the past eight months since the pandemic began. It has forced us to look at our traditions and how we’ve always done things, and it’s been a tough year of not being able to spend time with those we care about. As we go through yet another holiday wondering when things will return to “normal,” we are reminded that God walks with us through the uncertainty. Through the times when we feel alone, confused, stressed, worried, and anxious, and all the other emotions that run though our minds, God — our creator, who made us in God’s image — understands what we are feeling and loves us so much.
In the midst of these turbulent times, please remember that we still have so much to be thankful for as we remember our many blessings this Thanksgiving. Let us consider how we can share those blessings and the goodness we receive from God with others in need. Please continue to stay safe, and may you and your family have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
God’s Peace,
Vicar MJ
PS – Have you ever made a turkey out of your handprint? Even if you haven’t, it’s never too late to do something fun, creative, and stress-relieving on Thanksgiving! But here’s a twist on the traditional way of decorating it — instead of simply coloring it to look like a turkey with colorful feathers, write a blessing in each of the feathers (fingers). An example is shown below to give you some ideas!
