November 23, 2021
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, the diocesan staff and I are reminded of our gratitude to you all for the countless ways in which we walk in faith this year. During this time, our shared journey causes us to reflect more deeply and live more fully. We are thankful to share this pilgrimage together along The Way of Love.
I remember Thanksgivings in my own past, where we planned and shopped, and prepared and set the table with so much care. In our family, this was an opportunity to sit together, often elbow to elbow, and share in conversation and food. Often, there were remembrances of someone in the family or group of friends, who had created a Thanksgiving fiasco, or who was missed at the table that day. There has often been much hilarity, and sometimes a few tears.
Thanksgiving Day is a celebration that reaches deep into our faith journey. It is a day that we set aside to remind us all to be grateful and to express that gratitude—to God, to our loved ones, co-workers, people whom we encounter in our daily lives. It is an opportunity to find belonging and expand our family boundaries. It is also a time to let our gratitude be transformed into actions of generosity, as we feed those who are hungry and help those who are in isolation to find community.
In your quiet moments of meditation in the days ahead, I invite you to join in the Litany of Thanksgiving (BCP p. 836):
Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, We thank you, Lord.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, We thank you, Lord.
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, We thank you, Lord.
For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
My husband, Bob, also joins me in wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!
Faithfully,
+Lucinda
