It was actually 240 years after the first Pilgrim at Plymouth that Thanksgiving Day was put on the calendar and declared an official American holiday. It took the tragedy of the Civil War and the strength of Abraham Lincoln to recall our Pilgrim heritage. As he began the process of healing the nation’s wounds he said, “We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and strengthened us, and vainly imagined all these blessings were produced by some superior virtue or wisdom of our own. Intoxicated by unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace; too proud to pray to the God who made us.” Lincoln was reminding our divided nation, and reminds us, of the connection we all have through God, and of the responsibility we have to live thankful lives.

So, during this week, and in every week to come, reflect on the opportunity you have to live a thankful life, rejoicing in the wonder of being alive and the opportunity that gives to us. One specific way people in this church have lived out their thanks recently is through pledging for 2019. Thanks to all who have taken that individual step of faith that enables us to grow in ministry together. If you have not yet pledged, please do so and join in making this exciting journey of faith come alive in our church.

Thank you for your thanks-living and see you in church.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Herb Taylor

Pastor