Thanksgiving 2020

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Thanksgiving, a time when we thank God for his gifts of love and grace, is often accompanied by the symbolic cornucopia. A cornu is a goat’s horn, which in Greek mythology would produce anything that was asked for.

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Introduction

What an apt metaphor for God’s promise that he will provide, far beyond what we can ask or imagine. The living body that is our church feeds our desire for companionship in Christ’s name, and answers our desire to give to each other and to receive as God answers our prayers.

With so many of our abilities and offerings being upended, this year especially we address the world wide pestilence with innovation and imagination in our acts of kindness and generosity. The church continues on and offers many different opportunities to share. Like the fruits of the Spirit among us, this cornucopia holds the gifts of God’s harvest, each piece representative of a part of the church:

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Sheaves of wheat

Sheaves of wheat—music: choir, contemporary worship, caroling, Lucia Festival singing, sound board, special music

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Grapes

Grapes—worship service: greeter, usher, reader, candle lighters, nursery, children’s church, worship friend for Bhutanese refugees, serving refreshments

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Apples

Apples—education and teaching: Sunday school for children, youth, adults, men’s Bible study, women’s Bible study, Vacation Bible School, special Bible encounter groups

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Acorn and Butternut squash

Acorn and Butternut squash—serving others with support: Wonderful Wednesdays, Christmas pageant, Lucia, Fall retreat planning, building maintenance, Winter picnic, Loaves and fishes, Noah-neighborhood outreach, decorating the church (Advent, Easter)

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Berries

Berries—nourishing programs: coordinate Dine with 9, Covenant Women, camp counselor, publications

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Ears of Corn

Ears of corn - coordinate: Bethlehem Child Care, Council commissions, ie: Finance, Strategic Planning, Celebration and Spiritual Life (working as liaison with pastors and staff), Outreach, Missions

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What's next?

As we look with gratitude at the love and grace of God, he invites us to reflect on the particular strengths and passions we have that may help each other. What do I want to do to be a “joyful noise to God”? What is God wanting me to do now and later?

What are the new things God is bringing to us and what will he restore to us?

Let God speak to your heart … and be thankful for his timing.

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Galatians 6:10

So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all, and especially toward those that are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

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Credits

Artwork by Becky Anderson
Music by Dianne Jelle

Thank you to Becky Anderson, Dianne Jelle, Jon Jensen, Judy Cummings, Dan Cummings for putting this together!

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Thanksgiving 2020