Apart from the calendar, there are seasonal triggers that turn our attention to Thanksgiving: the smell of wood fires, the crunching of fallen leaves beneath our feet, the chill that clings more closely throughout the day, and the explosion of colors that bathe in the fall afternoon sun. These sights, sounds, smells and feelings can stir memories of hearth and home.

Many of our Thanksgiving thoughts center on the table and favorite family recipes. If you have not already, purchase and leaf through the newly arrived FPCJ cookbook; the recipes are a testimony to God’s gracious bounty for us. The inviting aromas, delicious flavors and colorful beauty of God’s food are all reminders of God’s good gifts coming to us through God’s good people.

 This church has been blessed in so many ways, and as we say thank you to God, may our words turn into actions in continuing to share with others the generosity of God. Even in the economic ups and downs of 2009, let us continue to reach out, to be generous on every occasion in our pledging, our serving, our praying and our worship of God.

In this season of Thanksgiving, as we bundle up and cud-dle up this fall, give thanks to God for home and health, family and friends, and especially give thanks for this church, for all are gifts from God.

                                                            Grace and Peace for the Journey,

                                                            Sue