“The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”  Matthew 11:28

Across the country today congregations will be collecting turkeys and canned goods.  During our “Thanksgiving Sunday” service here in East Woodstock, our Sunday School children will parade down the center aisle of our sanctuary to present bountiful food offerings brought in by our congregation.  We will keep some of the food in our church cupboards for times when we are called upon to provide an emergency meal. The surplus will be distributed to nearby food pantries and emergency shelters.

Following worship today, members of our outreach committee will prepare 28 Thanksgiving “baskets” (actually sturdy boxes) that will be filled to overflowing with fresh carrots, onions, potatoes, celery, stuffing mix, oven-ready rolls, apples, and of course a turkey. These will be delivered to local families who are finding the holidays a challenge for any number of economic or emotional reasons.

We won’t solve world hunger or even local food shortages today. But I hope we will share God’s Good News of concern and caring, along with a much-needed meal.

I give thanks for the compassion and generosity of my congregation.

What are you thankful for today?