GIVE THANKS...
The Psalmist, in Psalm 136, begins with "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." This verse speaks volumes of why we should be thankful.
Did you know that the first "Thanksgiving" actually took place in Berkley, VA. On December 4, 1619, Captain John Woodlief and 37 men landed at Berkeley Hundred on the James River. Upon landing, they wasted no time in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for their safe travel. Captain Woodlief proclaimed that this day should be recognized annually . No feast. No Native Americans. Only Prayer. Then in 1621 the settlers at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Pilgrims, gathered together for a huge three day feast with the Wampanoag tribe. They jointly celebrated the settler's first harvest.
However, it was not until October 3, 1863, during the middle of the War Between the States, when President Abraham Lincoln made the proclamation making Thanksgiving a National Holiday. It was to be observed on the last Thursday of November. His proclamation included an invitation to all citizens to observe the day as a day of thanksgiving and praise to God. Also a request to offer prayers for the healing of the nation's wounds and the restoration of peace, harmony, and union. Finally, in 1941 Congress established the fourth Thursday in November as a legal holiday.
For many of us, probably most, Thanksgiving has become a Holiday of feasting, family, and football. And then the frenzy of "Black Friday". This year, during this holiday, I challenge us all to actually take time and focus on being thankful, truly thankful. Take time to have a talk, hopefully more than one, with our Heavenly Father. Pray for yourself, your neighbor, our Church, our State, and our Country. And most of all "Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever." Here is our ultimate reason for having an attitude of gratitude...
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:16-17 ESV
Last Sunday following our time of Worship, we had our annual Ministry Celebration Business Meeting. Thank you to all who participated. We thank God for His presence and the way He continues to bless our FCC Family. We want to continue to love others like Christ and make a positive impact in our community.
In this season of thanksgiving, please know that I am very thankful for YOU! I look forward to seeing you and worshipping with you tomorrow. And...
Always Remember,
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"Celebrating 175 Years of Ministry"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or texting 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)