November 26th, The Peace Islands Institute NJ hosted Rev Jessica Campbell in a luncheon themed Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful time to get together and share with each other.
Rev Jessica Campbell spoke to the guests about the following.
Thanksgiving by giving thanks
“The day before Thanksgiving an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York and said to him, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; 45 years of misery is enough. We’re sick of each other, and so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her.”
Frantic, the son called his sister, who exploded on the phone. “Like heck they’re getting divorced,” she shouted, “I’ll take care of this.” She called Phoenix immediately, and said to her father. “You are NOT getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” The man hung up his phone and turned to his wife. “Okay, honey. The kids are coming for Thanksgiving and paying for their flights.”
This week I’ve been questioning why on earth I gave not one, not two, But three weeks to the daunting topic: thanksgiving.
Came across this passage I realized why, Thanksgiving is not a feeling that can be conjured on demand on a particular day just because it’s expected. Thanksgiving is a worldview that Christ calls us to live by.
This passage in Colossians calls us to thanksgiving and gratitude three times
1st- for being a part of the community.
Sequoias
Pat Bruger
Want to believe we can stand alone but are called to be thankful our roots are connected to make us stronger.
2nd- sing songs of gratitude to God
Is this for God or for us?
Lysa turkhoust made to crave…when we sing songs of gratitude we crave God and let go of the cravings that defeat us
Finally-in every word or deed give thanks to God.
Author of this letter might have been a little optimistic thinking that in every word and deed we’d give thanks to God but the point is the same- we are called as Christians to be known by our thanksgiving and gratitude.
We are called to be thankful by actually giving thanks So, we have prepared little thanksgiving packet…thank you card, thanksgiving game, and a Bible Verse
Invite you to get in the spirit of thanksgiving by actually practicing giving thanks.
May Christ be our vision as we strive to be thankful people! Amen”
Pictures from the event:
