In last week's Chimes, I told you about my nickname for the month of November: "The Thanksgiving Month." Throughout the month of November, we have several occasions which give us pause to say "Thanks." The month started off with All Saints Sunday. If you recall our service on Sunday, November 3, I read the names of McMurry saints who had died over the course of the past year. After reading each name, Tim Burke rang a handbell from the balcony. What a moving experience.
Election day was on Tuesday, November 5. Voting is a privilege that I don't take lightly. Even if we might think that our individual votes don't count, it is important to participate in our country's democratic process. On Sunday, November 10, we took time to honor the veterans of McMurry. As their photographs were projected onto the screens, I read their names. With the help of Zac and Kaleb, each veteran present received a card and a pin as a sign of our appreciation
Thanksgiving Day is next Thursday, November 28. The first American Thanksgiving was held in November 1621 when the Pilgrims set aside three days to give God thanks for seeing them through their first tumultuous year.
These days we celebrate thanksgiving with special church services, parades, football games, family gatherings, and food. As we gather to give God thanks for the many blessings we have received, many people take the opportunity to share blessings with people in need, so that they may give thanks also.
Next Sunday, November 24, we will celebrate Christ the King. Also known as "Reign of Christ", Christ the King Sunday ends the Christian year which began the previous Advent. In a world filled with wars, violence, hatred, illness, poverty, pain, and many other hardships, we give thanks that Christ is indeed our King who reigns over Heaven and Earth.
I hope I've convinced you that Thanksgiving is not just a once a year event that happens on the fourth Thursday of November. The entire month of November is a time for giving thanks. We give thanks to God for our faith, our church, our country, our family, and our friends. We give thanks to God not only for the blessings we have received, but for the opportunities we have to be a blessing to others. I encourage you to make the most of the days that remain in "The Thanksgiving Month." Thank you!
Grace & Peace
Pastor Clayton