Here at the Neighborhood Church, two seasons go together at this time of year – Stewardship and Thanksgiving.  Harvest Sunday was held November 18th when we had the ingathering of our pledged intentions for the financial support of our ministries during the coming year of 2019.  The symbolism is strong as we bring together the fruits of our labors monetarily for the sake of our community of faith.

On November 25th we will celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday, giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  Not only are these two Sundays tied together with Thanksgiving in between – but on the 18th our congregation presented leaves on which were written personal expressions of gratitude when they also brought forward their pledge cards during a time of offering and dedication.  Those leaves will be hung on trees in the sanctuary for worship on Thanksgiving Sunday as our Trees of Gratitude compliment all the Thanksgiving decorations and theme.

Here you will find pictures of some of those leaves.  Please note the variety of expressions from some of our youngest members and youth to our more mature in years.  These special Sundays provide everyone a way to offer gratitude and gifts – as part of the receiving and giving - that make up the rhythms of a faith-filled life.

In his book, Haircuts and Holiness, Louis Cassels writes,

“it is indeed good to give thanks to God.  For thanksgiving is the other face of faith.  You can’t have one without the other.”

 And as our Pilgrim ancestors sang before us and so we will sing on Thanksgiving Sunday,

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storm begin;
God our maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

Thankful for all the blessings of our life together as the family of faith at the Neighborhood Church!

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister