Dear Church Family and Friends,
Since it’s been 400 years when the first Thanksgiving of 1621 in Plymouth took place (the first that we have any report of happening on this continent), I thought it might be interesting to compare that event with our modern-day version, Perhaps we may gain some insight into the original purpose of our holiday, and that, in turn, may lead us to look at the act of “thanksgiving” with new insight.
The Thanksgiving of 1621 was a harvest celebration that lasted for three days, likely between September 21 and November 1. Their harvest was plentiful that year, after a year of suffering from hunger and disease, having lost 50 of their 102 who first arrived in 1620 on board the Mayflower. What possible reason could they have to celebrate after so many losses? As devout Christians, I believe, they practiced what Paul had written to the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Fifty two colonists participated in the event, along with approximately 90 native Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, who presumably were invited, since they brought at least 5 deer to the feast. (That’s some Pot Luck!). Besides meals, the event included recreation and entertainment. (football, anyone?).
Giving thanks wasn’t new to the native people. Every time anyone went hunting, fishing, or harvested the crops, they expressed thanks through prayer or some acknowledgement of a higher power.
May we be as thankful to God.
If you wish to give a special gift to the church, please do so by mailing back the enclosed envelope in the Thanksgiving mail sent to you or present your gift on Sunday during the worship service.
“All good gifts around us are sent from heaven;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
In Christian Love,
Marilyn Glover