All the Colorful Details

Thursday, as I’m sure you’re aware, will be Thanksgiving: Pandemic Edition.  Most folks who occupy the middle third of our continent are making, breaking, and redesigning plans in order to celebrate the holiday somehow.  Many have tossed aside travel itineraries, but will visit instead over Facetime or Zoom, each loved one bringing an individually plated pumpkin pie slice along to the screen. Some folks have been channeling their inner-Norwegians by learning to entertain safely in the chilly outdoors. Friluftsliv. These are the ones who have upgraded their garages with propane patio heaters, twinkle lights, spacious tables and piles of blankets, all in a bid to reduce the risk of re-breathing contaminated indoor air. Others have miniaturized their guest lists and, accordingly, have snapped up all of the available small turkeys. The holiday will go on, and it will be memorable if only because it is odd.

Besides being a holiday, though, thanksgiving is a practice, and one that far exceeds a single, measly day set aside for gratitude. Thanksgiving is about naming names. It’s about identifying all of the elements that add up to satisfaction and contentment, wonder and delight. It’s about discovering and appreciating all of life’s gifts. And it’s about crediting the One who hands out life’s gifts in the first place.

Everything comes from God;
Everything happens through God;
Everything ends up in God.
Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. (Romans 11: 36, The Message)

Perhaps, at one time or another, you have participated in a Thanksgiving Day exercise in which all who are gathered around the table are asked to mention something for which they’re grateful. It’s meant to be a reflective pause. A precursor to prayer. Perhaps this has been a meaningful tradition for you. If it has been, please find ways to incorporate it even in a year of alterations. In my experience, however, even though well-intended, the ritual usually falls short of its potential. Those asked to speak their piece might feel self-conscious. Words fly right out of their heads and they are left to answer appropriately but unimaginatively, “Family.”

Everyone nods.

“That’s what I was going to say.”

“Me, too.”

And maybe the process gets rushed because the green bean casserole is getting cold.

If you are hoping to be more purposeful than that, I invite you to plunge deeper into the territory of your mind and heart. One method I enjoy when I’m trying to recall details and make connections is to “web” my thoughts. When I do this, one thing leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another….

I start with a blank sheet of paper, a favorite pen, and a topic. In this case, “Thanksgiving.” I let myself free-associate everything and anything that floats through, and I rapidly jot down those fleeting bits: stories and scriptures and lyrics and quotes and inside jokes and serious notions and things that make me laugh and things that make me cry. It’s my habit to fill up a page with circled words and connection vectors, but plain old lists can work well, too. This is how I brainstorm with myself!  I’ll do this for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes, or until the thoughts slow from a gusher to a trickle. When I’m done, I have a detailed, personalized, colorful collection of vivid memories and ideas! From there, I can launch into any project, any devotional essay, any sermon…

Or any prayer. This collection of colorful details is what I offer to God as my prayer of gratitude. This is the basis for my giving thanks. If it’s helpful to you, please give it a try. And if it’s helpful to the spirit of your Thanksgiving: Pandemic Edition, please encourage others in your dining room bubble, or your Zoom gathering, or your cold-but-cozy garage to give it a try as well. Share your responses and increase the connectedness of your pod.

The pandemic days can be harsh. It can be difficult to find the inspiration to want to be grateful. And yet, practicing gratitude is the way to uncover more peace, more perspective. Giving thanks generously is a way to knit together a closer relationship with God on Thanksgiving Day or every day.

Celebrating God’s Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Join us in the parking lot of College Hill Moravian Church every Sunday morning where you may praise God from the safe bubble of your own vehicle. The service, broadcast from the church sanctuary and transmitted through your car’s radio, begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Attendants are on hand to make sure you have worship materials, receive your offerings, and help you find the best place to park. Smile and wave and worship!

Virtual Fellowship Time on Zoom – Sundays at 11:30 a.m.

This casual online gathering has taken root over the last few months and become a wonderful way to keep connected. Whether you’ve become a “regular” at these gatherings, or you’re thinking about dropping by for the very first time, please use the Zoom link and password provided below, or join by phone if you do not use a device with a screen.

And if Zoom is new to you and you’d like to be coached on how to get started, please email me at  moravianpastorchris@gmail.com  or call me at 484-894-9077.

To join by computer, tablet or smart phone, please go to:https://zoom.us/j/99831347702?pwd=Vk1VWDk0RkdlUXJacWtCRGEvNFpnZz09

Passcode: 789162

To join by phone (no video), dial:

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

Meeting ID: 998 3134 7702  

Zoom Prayers–Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

We are also continuing to offer Zoom Prayers on Sunday evenings at 6:30. We come together to share simply in intercessory prayer on behalf of our congregation, community, and world. We usually conclude by 7:00 p.m. All are welcome! 

To join by computer, tablet, or smart phone, please go to: https://zoom.us/j/91961743369?pwd=S3FYVG1NSFBrb1BoaTl0dnV5ZmNFUT09

Passcode: 073131

To join by phone (no video), dial:

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

  Meeting ID: 919 6174 3369