A Thanksgiving Reflection | |
As we gather this Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude is not just a response to life’s joys, but also a practice of faith and hope. Even in times of uncertainty or challenge, God’s blessings surround us, and God's steadfast love sustains us. The psalmist reminds us, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1 NRSV). Thanksgiving invites us to pause and see God’s grace at work in the gifts of each day—the beauty of creation, the kindness of others, and the assurance that we are held in God's loving hands. | |
We also recognize that Thanksgiving is not a joyful holiday for everyone. For some, it is a time of loneliness, grief, struggle, or unmet expectations. As the body of Christ, we are called to show God’s love to our neighbors — through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and prayers. This weekend, whether you are surrounded by loved ones or walking a quieter path, know that you are not alone. Together, as God’s people, we can reflect the hope we have in Christ, sharing in the promise that no matter what we face, God’s grace is enough. | |
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May your Thanksgiving be filled with a sense of peace, gratitude, and the abiding presence of our Lord. | | |
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Your weekly guide to resources from the Kaufman Resource Center (KRC), where Rebekah Wissler, our dedicated Resource Specialist & Archivist, thoughtfully compiles resources to empower and engage you and your congregation. | |
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Thanksgiving is more than just a meal or a holiday; it's a sacred moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Whether this year has brought joy, challenges, or a mix of both, gathering with family to focus on thankfulness can be a powerful way to celebrate.
To help make your Thanksgiving extra special, I’m sharing Gratitude Around the Table Thanksgiving Devotional and a Gratitude Tree activity. These are perfect for bringing your loved ones together for a moment of reflection and creativity, no matter how busy the day gets.
The devotional draws inspiration from Psalm 100:4, encouraging us to see gratitude not just as a feeling, but as a way of life that draws us closer to God and each other. It includes a reflection, a prayer, and family sharing prompts, offering a meaningful way to ground your Thanksgiving in faith and connection.
Alongside the devotional, the Gratitude Tree activity offers a creative way for everyone, young and old, to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Using the included template, your family can build a tree by writing or drawing things you’re grateful for on paper leaves. These leaves are then attached to a tree trunk and branches to create a beautiful, growing display of your blessings. It’s a simple, fun way to involve everyone and create a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness that can stay with you throughout the season.
In the midst of cooking, hosting, and carrying on traditions, it's easy to lose sight of Thanksgiving's deeper significance. This devotional and activity are crafted to help you focus and bring purpose to your celebration, centering around faith, love, and connection. No matter the size of your gathering, these resources offer a simple yet profound way to honor God's goodness and share gratitude together.
You can download the devotional and printable template using the buttons below. We hope these tools add joy and meaning to your day.
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From our hearts to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with peace, love, and abundant gratitude. May God's blessings be upon you and your family this holiday season. | | |
News, Updates, & Resources
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Advent Bulletin Stock Available for Churches in Need: | | |
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This Advent season, we’re pleased to announce that Advent-themed bulletin stock and other materials have been made available through generous contributions from churches eager to support congregations with limited funds. If your church could benefit from these materials, please reach out to Rebekah Wissler (rwissler@neos-elca.org), and we’ll connect you with the available supplies.
If your church has extra bulletins or other materials to share, please contact Rebekah Wissler to arrange a donation. Let’s join together to support one another as we prepare for this season of hope and celebration.
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Looking for Advent Devotional Resources?
We've been collecting them on our webpage! | |
Growing in Faith is a ministry committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. They believe that lay members of our parishes are integral to healthy discipleship in our churches and communities. So, they gather followers across congregations and synods to grow in faith together. | If you are new to the program, we recommend beginning with Intro to the Old Testament (a Foundations Course). If you are interested in exploring how we share the gospel in your context, consider taking Communicating the Gospel al a carte. All classes can be taken individually! | |
From our friends at the Hunger Network in Ohio: | |
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Join us for Advocacy in Advent: A Lame Duck Lobby Day
December 10th, 9:00am at the Ohio Statehouse
Hunger is on the rise in our communities, and the voices of those who hunger often go unheard. Join us at the Ohio Statehouse on DECEMBER 10th for a day of advocacy, lifting up the voices of our hungry neighbors in the final days of the General Assembly.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! All we need is you, we will set up legislative meetings, print off materials and provide a policy briefing beforehand. Your stories and passion are enough as a powerful witness.
RSVP's are needed to allow us to schedule legislative meetings before the event.
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Join us for the Ohio Rostered Ministers Gathering January 21-23, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.
Being a rostered minister is no easy task in our time. Institutions are weaker, budgets are in decline, people are uninterested, and commitment is wavering. But these are only symptoms of a bigger issue. During this gathering, we will seek to peer beneath the symptoms and explore why many pastors and deacons find themselves in an identity crisis. As we engage with the presenter and colleagues, we will examine what living in a secular age does to ministerial identity and how rostered ministers can find new footing within it.
This event will be commuter-friendly as housing arrangements will be on your own. A daily schedule and other details are available on the website.
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Pastor Jack Delk
Pastor Scott Anderson
Pastor Bonnie & Pastor Brian Peltomaa
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Pastor Keith Baker, on the passing of his wife, Judy | |
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Prayer concerns will be removed after four weeks unless otherwise requested.
Consent is required for all submissions. Thank you.
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These pages are updated every week with new trainings, events,
opportunities, and more! Be sure to check them out.
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