This Thursday, we are going to celebrate with family members and give thanks to God as we eat and fellowship with one another. The word for giving thanks is a Greek verb, from which we get the word, “eucharist,” which means to give thanks or thankfulness. Beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, in the church, we celebrate a communal meal where people are fed. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper in worship on Sunday, December 6, and again on Christmas Eve at 11:00 pm.  

This is also a thanksgiving meal which integrates liturgical movements of giving thanks through the blessing (the giving thanks), the breaking (the participation) and sharing of the meal (eating together). This preparation, participation, and thankful celebration is what makes us a community of faith at Chestnut Level, as we re-enact the self-giving love of Jesus Christ at his table of grace.

Wednesday Night Alive has been a wonderful time of food and fellowship throughout the Fall. This is also a meal where we as a church gather as God’s people. There is a lot of love, energy, and time put into this meal, whether people are dining in, or taking it to go. This dinner, the preparation, the serving, and clean up takes a lot of dedicated people to bring it to fruition. I just want to say, “Thank You!” to all involved, and I can’t wait to be with you again on Wednesday, December 2. As one of our members said to me, “This is one of my favorite moments!” This person truly understands the meaning of eucharist, giving thanks for the fellowship, the love for the gathered church family, and the sharing of the food.   

Friends, Jesus set our example of what it means to be thankful. Every meal where Jesus gathered people to eat he offered thanks to God his Father. Let us all remember to give thanks for all of the blessings God has bestowed upon us!   

Pastor John Hartman