As is the tradition in most Romanian churches at Thanksgiving, people gather to thank God for their blessings. While the testimonies follow a common pattern — words of thanksgiving and stories about God’s work in their lives — what makes…
Thanksgiving looks different at churches but the spirit of helping goes on
As families rethink their Thanksgiving plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have churches. In accordance with public health guidelines, many congregations have shelved plans for churchwide meals and high-touch canned food drives. For example, Melissa United Methodist Church in…
Searching for gratitude amid the chaos, calamity and confusion of 2020
Thinking about Thanksgiving from the sinkhole otherwise known as 2020 seems at once harder and easier than it has in years past. Unless you got married or had a baby or backed into a positive life-transforming event, you’ll probably agree…
Gratitude and holy kisses in a pandemic
As we approach the season to count our blessings and celebrate earthly abundance, for many, gratitude will be hard to find in 2020. How is Thanksgiving going to work amid a seemingly endless pandemic with the loss of more than…
Getting into the holiday spirit is hard this year
Along with the election next week, I cannot ignore the fact that the darkest, loneliest period of the year begins Sunday with the end of Daylight Savings Time. Before my husband’s death in April 2009, I never paid much attention…
Rather than ‘surviving’ family conversations this Thanksgiving, here are 4 ways you can thrive
Are our family dynamics and table conversations really going to be so awful that many of us just want to “survive” Thanksgiving this year?
Three years after Standing Rock: another oil spill and reminders of indigenous peoples’ fight for justice
Ignoring indigenous voices has become the social norm in the United States, even among its faith communities.
Practicing gratitude
Gratitude is an essential practice that positions us to receive life’s blessings and burdens with openness and trust. Giving thanks with a grateful heart is transformative.
Savoring the moment when the sacredness of the present is made plain
It is only in suspension that the sacredness of the present is made plain. What lies ahead cannot be seen, but each day has enough trouble of its own. For now, there is this moment. This breath. This being here.