Thanksgiving. This year it falls rather late– November 27– unless you are Canadian. In that case it was this past Monday (there are at least two families  in the wider Redeemer clan who know this!). For everyone in the Redeemer community, Thanksgiving always falls on the Sunday before Thanksgiving– November 23rd this year. Somewhere between those “Thanksgivings” we’ll celebrate another– “Commitment Sunday”– on October 26. It’s the day we give thanks for all that God has given us AND the incredible opportunity that we get to share it with others. And it’s the day we recommit ourselves to Redeemer by bringing our pledge cards (financial pledges and ministry sign-ups) to church and placing them on the altar during the offertory.

The truth is that every Sunday is Thanksgiving. As we gather around the altar we give thanks– that’s literally what the Greek word ‘eucharist’ means. In fact, we refer to that part of the service as The Great Thanksgiving.

As you think about the commitments of time, talent and treasure that you are making for 2015, I invite you to do it with a spirit of thankfulness. Are you thankful for the beauty of our sanctuary, the friendships you have with folks here, the opportunities you find for ministry through Redeemer?

Becky and I are thankful for all of this and so much more, and plan to increase our commitment to Redeemer this year. We hope that you will join us in thanks- giving!

Yours in faith,
Cynthia