Thanksgiving Day 2004

Here it is, Thanksgiving Day 2004. I've left the comfortable confines of Portsmouth and have traveled north with Jenny and the boys to visit with my parents in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This morning we attended the Eucharist at Old Union Church in Audubon. What a wonderful service, using the 1928 Prayer Book and the 1940 Hymnal. A traditional Thanksgiving Day Eucharist; reminded me of services growing up, although it was less patriotic then those services in my father's church. And during the service, between Elliot's cooing and the hymns, I thought about how much I have to give thanks for. I am thankful for much.

And this thankfullness is really at the heart of our stewardship effort here at Trinity. I hope that each and every member of our parish community stops and thinks about the gifts they have received. We have all been given much in terms of time and talent and treasure. Today is a day set aside to give thanks for all of it.

And our stewardship focus is a time to not only give thanks, but to give back. What we have in time, what we have in talent, what we have in treasure, has been given to us by the Almighty. He has given it to us to use, and to use wisely. Part of that using wisely is to return time, return talent, return treasure for the work of the Church, for God's work here on earth and in our community.

Be thankful today. Be thankful every day. But also, give back.

Peace and thanks to each of you.