Dear Church Family,

     If you’re like me, once November begins you start thinking about Thanksgiving. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family for a wonderful meal. However, this year will look very different. In a recent article dealing with holidays in our “new normal” it stated that,

Fifty-three percent of consumers say their family holiday get-togethers will proceed 

amid the pandemic, but 47% say their get-togethers will be canceled, according to 

a Morning Consult survey of 2,212 U.S. adults conducted in early September; 74% say 

they’ll be having a smaller gathering than usual. Meanwhile, 68% say they’ll be traveling 

less than usual for the holidays, with most people reporting they aren’t planning to 

travel for or around Thanksgiving (75%) or any winter holidays (72%).

This Thanksgiving is going to look different for many. Due to the health risk we have decided not to have our church family Thanksgiving meal that usually occurs the Sunday before Thanksgiving. In my conversations with many of you, I know that many of your get-togethers will be very different this year as well. You may cancel your traditional plans or you may decide to meet outside or perhaps even meet virtually. 

     Even though the day will look different one thing should remain the same. We should give thanks. Paul writes to the Christians in Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

We must be intentional in giving thanks. If we simply look at the circumstances we will probably be tempted to complain and get discouraged. However, if we look to God we will be reminded that although our circumstances change He remains the same. Because of HIs unchangeableness, we can move into Thanksgiving confident of His love for us, His presence with us, and that in Christ we have a future and a hope. 

     I want to encourage you this Thanksgiving to be thankful, be grateful, and get creative in how you can celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family. In whatever way you chose to celebrate the holiday this year let us be sure to give thanks!

In Christ,

Pastor Ron Jones