Remember and Give Thanks

 

11 20 2022

Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Philippians 4:4-9; John 6:25-35

When I think of Thanksgiving, I remember 2 stories with my family. There are others, of course, but these two stand out as worth telling today.

First is the year Mom made a red Jell-O™ dish with fruit. You all know the one if you’re originally from up north. Somehow, it got shoved way to the back of the refrigerator, against a cooling coil. Yes, it was that long ago! The Jell-O froze. We had some fun teasing Mom that day, and asked for frozen Jell-O every year after that. Mom was NOT pleased.

The second story is from several years later. I was married with children and a nice home of my own. Mom was not feeling well, and asked me to cook the meal in her house instead of in my house. That way, she could stay home and rest. So, I did. As I cooked, I remember looking in all the drawers for a spatula of a particular size and sturdiness. As I pulled out drawer after drawer, Mom asked, What are you looking for? And my response was, My things.

As a family, we remember those days, and give thanks. I give thanks for my family, gathered around that particular table. I give thanks for the times we shared, and the love we shared, even though it didn’t always look like love.

… Today, we remember what has been called the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Colony, even though there were others before the one we officially remember.

On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and 800 Spanish settlers founded the city of St. Augustine in Spanish La Florida. As soon as they were ashore, the landing party celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. Afterward, Menéndez laid out a meal to which he invited as guests the native Seloy tribe who occupied the site.

And … Contrary to popular belief, the first American Thanksgiving was in Virginia. On December 4, 1619, after ten weeks at sea, thirty-eight English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred, about 20 miles upstream from Jamestowne. On that day, Captain John Woodleaf held the first service of Thanksgiving as the newly-landed settlers fell to their knees to thank God for their safe arrival. This thanksgiving meal was held a year before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, and before the fabled New England feast in 1621 or 1622.

As we remember the history of our country, we give thanks for those who dared travel here, who worked to establish communities here, and who gave their lives in those endeavors. We remember those indigenous folks whose lives were lost as a result of the European arrivals on their native lands, and we give thanks for them as well.

… Our scripture readings are also about remembering and giving thanks. The Exodus passage describes in a formal way how the Israelites should remember their exodus from Egypt and give thank offerings in remembrance.

Paul gushes his love for the Philippians in this letter to them. In the whole letter he urges them to be thankful for Jesus and for each other, and to rejoice in the Lord always and often.

The reading from the Gospel of John is Jesus’ reflection on the people’s response to a miraculous feeding. One day, Jesus fed thousands with bread and fish; now, they want that every day, the same way Moses gave manna to their ancestors. Jesus chides them to remember the manna was given by God.

Now, he offers them something even better than manna, or fish sandwiches—he offers himself to them. He offers life to them, and to the world. They respond by saying – Give us this gift daily! I have to suppose they don’t really understand what they are asking for, on that side of the cross. But we do, and we give thanks to God for the gift of life through Jesus.

… I posted a blurb in the newsletter and in last week’s announcements asking for your own stories of thanksgiving. Shari Obrien sent two stories of remembering and thanksgiving, from former Campus Ministry students who became pastors.

Chuck came from a very strict church background and was determined as a young student to give up on church. He was surprised to discover there were more generous ways to worship and to be involved in the worship service. He was grateful for the open doors which eventually led him into seminary and serving in parishes and as a military chaplain. Chuck credits the people of University Lutheran Church and the Campus Ministry folks for helping him find his way to where God called him to be.

Robb arrived on campus with no church background. As he was in the process of signing up for electives to fill his schedule, Robb discovered he had no choice but religion classes. His heart was being opened as he read Thomas Merton who reminded him that we are all members of the same body. He also met Lisa, a Lutheran student and peer minister, who invited him to join her at ULC Campus Ministry events. Later, he was ordained and currently serves a congregation in Georgia. He gives the credit to God, forever drawing him closer, to his wife Lisa, and to the peer ministry that changed his life.

Shari also shared her own story, giving thanks to the people of ULC who first drew her in and offered her family-like shelter away from her own family, and sent her off to serve in campus ministry for a lifetime of memories and thanksgiving.

And, as I read the obituary for Ron Gronwall, whose life was remembered yesterday, I noticed he was part of the Lutheran Student Center at University of California – Davis, and had met his wife Bev there.

… Today, as a congregation, we remember and give thanks for all this congregation has meant to us, whether we have been here forever, or for just a short time. We participate in the ministries of UELC with our own gifts: of hospitality, or financial management, or leadership, or caring for folks of all ages. Today, we ask you to share your plans for financial support of the congregation, with the use of a commitment card. This estimate of giving helps guide the future of the congregation financially, as we develop the 2023 budget, and make plans for calling a new pastor.

This week, as you enjoy a meal or three with family and friends, remember all that God has given you, put in your path. And give thanks. Amen