Truly Thankful

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39

The leaves have fallen, and the brisk chill in the air reminds us that a long winter is on its way. But before it arrives, we’re given this beautiful season to pause, reflect, and remind one another to be grateful. Before we know it, it will be 2026—so think of Thanksgiving as a week carved out in our calendars to gather with those we love and to look back on God’s steady faithfulness throughout the past year. It’s also a time to open our homes and hearts to those who don’t yet know the incredible love of our Savior.

Every table will soon be covered with unique stuffings, smoked and savory meats, and (hopefully!) more pies than we can count. But more importantly, these tables will be filled with people—people with different stories, backgrounds, and personalities whom we welcome into our homes for warmth, food, and fellowship. For many, the holidays are not easy. So I encourage you now to take action: as a church family, let’s intentionally show our neighbors and communities the confidence we have in Christ.

We get to show them the goodness of our great God—a God whose love is so secure, so unshakable, that nothing in all creation can separate us from it.

As the snow begins to fall and the smell of turkey drifts through the air, I encourage you to reflect, give thanks, and remember the blessing of today. You have breath in your lungs right now, and this day is a gift! Treat it as an opportunity to show the lost in our communities the confident hope we have in Christ—and not only in our communities, but to the ends of the earth.

Have a warm, joyful, turkey-filled Thanksgiving—and let’s keep encouraging one another to be truly thankful.

-Mercy Shustella