Thanksgiving Letter – 2007

The Old Testament Scriptures chart the history of the people of Israel .  A closer look at their history reveals ups and downs in their relationship with God, each other, and the nations around them.  Their history of captivity in Egypt , the miraculous exodus, the wilderness, the promised land, and their exile from the promised land is a tale beyond the scope of a single sermon.  However, it is interesting to note what brought this tribe of people to Egypt in the first place.  It was hunger.  Scarcity, brought on by famine in their homeland is what brought Abraham’s grandson Jacob and his family to live in Egypt .  Egypt was where food was available.  And, at that time, Egypt was under the influence of Joseph, the eleventh child of Jacob, and a God-fearing leader.  Hunger is a basic human drive and when there is a deficiency, suffering and desperation abound.  As a Christian church, we are both aware and concerned about our neighbors who don’t have enough to eat.  For Example, in the United States alone there are an estimated ten million, six hundred thousand people who don’t have enough to eat.  Furthermore, we are aware that our commitment to following Jesus brings us face to face with the necessity of working in partnership with others to help alleviate hunger.  What is so unique to our place in the world is that we are in a position to work to alleviate physical hunger and spiritual hunger too.  What we are in a position to do is not only feed the hungry, but lead the hungry to eternal blessing in Christ Jesus.  The challenges brought forth in this message are not new problems, but rather ongoing problems.  The question of newness comes from us: how does an organized, worshipping congregation become innovative in addressing the concerns of God’s own heart?  How will our hunger and thirst for righteousness contribute to the help and redemption of the suffering?   Step one comes when we take a long, honest look at the needs of people around us.  Step two comes when we stride in faith to some action that is beyond our self and beg God for the ability to carry forth the work of the Christian Mission.  As we look to a new season together, we can keep our miraculous place in this world on the forefront of our minds.  We can use the many opportunities in our church body to bless others in the name of Jesus.  Finally, we can remember that each of our lives contributes to the pages of human history, and when we do our part to fulfill the Christian mission, we return thanks to our God.   During the upcoming holiday season of feasting and celebration, we can take specific action to feed and nourish our soul.  When we receive, we can consistently return thanks by sharing what we receive with someone else.  We can have the attitude that what we have is a gift of God, not for our boasting.  We can remember that who we are and what we possess is available to others.  Finally we can remember that what is most significant in life is of eternal value and is cared for by God.   

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