We gather in warmth, mutuality and gratitude – with each other, for each other; The God of all our understandings greets the human/divine sparks of and in all around. We join now in unity and diversity (resisting uniformity and conformity) - walking a common way with common values, coming in from the cold and gray in the beauty and uniqueness of the season. We pause to consider the lingering gratitude in these Thanksgiving days. May the traditions, the meals, the gatherings, love, tenderness and blessings continue to guide us now into the coming weeks – that we would be transformed and transforming into healthier, happier, more compassionate persons filled with a drive for justice and kindness in all our words and actions.

Indeed, may our thoughts begin with gracious intentions that translate into life-giving words; may these words be articulated into actions that bring together and support. May our actions turn into habits that heal and transform; our habits, then, into character that mark our lives; our character, then, into our destiny. Would we not only be remembered for having contributed to the gentling of our communities, but celebrated now for being salt and light in this often tasteless and drab world.

We honor and celebrate those who migrated to this land ….long ago, from far away. Those we call native, indigenous, original inhabitants of this bounteous, beautiful land. We humbly and with pride honor their customs, traditions, their values upon family; their honoring of mother earth. We also repent of the ways we have been part of a 500 year old tide of destruction, greed, violence and arrogance which has so threatened the richness and dignity of countless peoples. In silence we remember and celebrate the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land – as well as native peoples from all lands.

We now remember ones we love and care for – both near and far. Those who have lost parents or friends. We think of and pray for all those in transitions with jobs and relationships, those with health issues, fears and concerns. Those on dialysis, undergoing chemo, those under Hospice care. We remember as well all those who care for parents and other ones loved. May their efforts be satisfying and filled with patience and love. All others close by and around the world we lift up in love, hope and encouragement.

We think both locally and globally, sending our thoughts, energies, intentions to those who do not have the luxury to enjoy so much in life. We re-collect those living in war-torn lands; those countless millions not enjoying even rice or beans or clean water this day. We re-member them with our efforts here and now – our generosity, our local peace and justice causes, that would make for a more equitable, more sustainable environment for us all. We commit to live this day fully; we remember what has been; we repent of our almost-actions and almost commitments; we relish what is now, working toward futures and realities when all will have enough to eat and drink. In humility and peace we now renew our energy for the rest of this morning – new learning, new hoping, new possibilities – in honor of this beautiful land, beautiful people and God in everything. Amen.

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