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
