Thanksgiving Sunday Service, October 12 at 10 am
Event Details
All are welcome to join us for Sunday Service on October 12th at 10 am.
Here are Rev. Marlene’s thoughts for the sermon:
Marlene’s Rev. Notes:
“And now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me. Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.” Deuteronomy 26:10
The Old Testament lays out many rules and regulations. Deuteronomy makes it clear however, that the law was meant to penetrate a person’s heart. Unless the law becomes part of a person’s inner attitudes, it will probably make no difference. This section marks the conclusion of a long series of laws. It provides instructions for what the Israelites should do once they have entered the Promised Land and are enjoying its’ blessing. It’s a ritual of gratitude – a liturgy of thanksgiving – an acknowledging that everything they have comes from God.
True thanksgiving leads to action – giving, sharing, and serving. Gratitude opens us outward – to community, justice, and hospitality. Thanksgiving is not complete until it’s shared. “Remember, Rejoice, and Respond” are the keys to God’s faithfulness, God’s blessing, and in grateful giving.
Upon entering and getting settled on the land provided by God, the requested action of people is to bring a basket of the first fruits of the harvest to the Temple, as a gesture of gratitude, recognizing God as the source of the land’s abundance. This act shows that thanksgiving is an act of worship, and not simply emotion – it is embodied in the giving. By bringing the basket, the worshipper is making a confession of faith, thus acknowledging the fulfillment of God’s promise. The priest takes the basket and sets if before the altar, thus symbolizing offering it directly to God. A simple harvest ritual becomes a moment of worship and storytelling.
The offering culminates in joyful celebration and inclusive fellowship. The gratitude is not hoarded but shared – even with the outsider and the vulnerable. But for a moment – there go I.
