Chardon United Methodist Church

When giving thanks I believe there is a special joy when we name specific things for which we are thankful. This is true whether we are thanking other people or thanking God.   When we say, “thanks for everything” we are kind of vague and generalized in our mind and heart. But when we develop a truly thankful heart we are able to name the things that bring us particular joy and appreciation. As Johnson Oatman Jr.’s hymn says “Count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” It will not only surprise you, it will please you and raise your level of spiritual awareness.

As we approach the “Festival of Thanksgiving” in November of 2010, I have a number of specific things for which I am particularly thankful for this year, three of which I want to share with you.

First, I am thankful for our trip in July to the Rock Foundation School in Masindi, Uganda. I still cannot fully capture with words the ways in which this journey fully changed Debbie and me. The images, memories, and learnings will be with us for the rest of our lives. So thank you to Dave Weir and those who organized this opportunity. Thank you to the congregation for allowing me the time as your pastor to go on this very special mission trip. Thank you to Christine and the people that we met in Masindi that made the trip so memorable.

Second for me this year is thanks to all who helped us after our auto accident on July 29th. Debbie and I have felt special care and love from the church family, the hospital staff, the EMT’s and even those who came upon the scene. Further, a special approach to Thanksgiving this year as we thank God for still being alive and having a future to share with our family and friends. We are very thankful for the gift of life when we come to face our mortality.

Third, I want to focus on Thanksgiving for my faith. The sermon series on what we believe has made me more in tune with my connection with God. As we approach worship this month leading us to the holiday of Thanksgiving, I will be asking you to focus on your faith and what part of your “faith system” you are particularly thankful for in 2010.

May God touch all of our hearts with Thanksgiving!
Pastor Dan