It’s that time of year when we transition toward Thanksgiving.  But before we get there we are finishing our Stewardship Theme and Sermon Series: “A Season of Growth.”  Harvest Sunday is in a few short days on November 21st, when everyone planning to attend the in person service is asked to bring their pledge card to worship.  It is a collective and symbolic time when we will dedicate our financial commitments to the work of God in and through our church.  For those not attending, please send your pledge card in to the church office by Thanksgiving Day, November 25th.  
 
Harvest Sunday hearkens back to both the Hebrew scriptures and the offering of first fruits of the harvest to God - and the early Pilgrims who after gathering in the fall harvest offered gratitude to God for the bounty of their crops.  God, the giver of all gifts, is worthy of our gift-giving and gratitude.
 
I can think of no better combination with Stewardship than Thanksgiving - gratitude for the gifts entrusted to us - and seeking God’s guidance for their responsible use through us.  When we focus our future growth with gratitude, we will sense the fullness and goodness of the life God gives us.  It is in joy and thanksgiving that we share in the quality of Christ’s life-giving spirit.
 
In closing, these beautiful song lyrics:

We thank you, then, Creator,
For all things bright and good:
The seed-time and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food;
Accept the gifts we offer
For all your love imparts,
And what you most desire, 
our humble, thankful hearts
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, 
O thank the Lord, for all his love.

 
Gratefully,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

This post originally appeared in The Wave on November 16, 2021