Ideas for Thanksgiving Service?

Dr Griffin
How do you feel about this idea? Have a look around to see what musical talents you can find for a concert,this may mean looking over the hill buts thats ok.I did this for some missionaries who needed a bath tub, We held a State concert and called it Operation Bath Tub.When in doubt call upon THE HOLY SPIRIT.It works ever time.
Yes you can contact me
John

 

You could check out the Jews, "Feast of Tabernacles" may find some theme there.Also Jesus teaching on the last great day of the feast in John 7. Just an idea. Blessing,WP

 

Dr. Bob,

You could use some of the verses in Psalms and let the people pick a favorite song out of the song book for all to sing, but first they have to tell what they are thankful for from this past year.

Just a thought.

Richard

 

I like the soup & bread supper idea!

A few thoughts:

1) Read Bible verses with the word thanks or thanksgiving in them.

2) Candlelight always works & makes any service special.

3) Incorporate a short history of Thanksgiving with special music.

Christmas Eve service we sing carols, of course, maybe have some special music, Pastor gives a sermonette, and we always have Communion by Candlelight.

It is customary in Northeast Ohio to set out luminaries on Christmas Eve. They can be small brown or white paper sacks filled halfway with sand (or kitty litter) and a votive candle lit & set inside. They are set on either side of the sidewalk or driveway to welcome the spirit of Christmas. Look real pretty, especially if it is lightly snowing outside.

And then of course.....WE EAT!

My son's in-laws traditionally serve Swedish meatballs & mashed potatoes & gravy on Christmas Eve after Christmas Eve Service. (They are of Swedish descent & not even Baptist! LOL!)

Sorry, I digressed....

 

Dr. Bob - There is quite a lot that has been written on the first Thanksgiving from a Bible believing Christian perspective. Since there is so much revisionist history being spouted these days I think it is refreshing and educational for a congregation to be taught the true story behind Thanksgiving.

I have a book called What Hath God Wrought by William Grady that has a nice section on the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.

 

We're continuing our series on The School of Hard Knocks, talking about thankfulness even in times of desparation. Sometimes God uses some difficult situations in our lives for His ultimate plan, and for that we can trust and be thankful to Him.

Kind of an interesting twist on Thanksgiving in our Student Ministry.

Josh

 

Bob,

I have always used the format which Dr. Schafer showed us at Jefferson. We would have testimonies, music from those present (this can turn into kareoke night), poem/readings and a pie fellowship to follow. I never preached at this service, and over the years these times have had a life of their own. Some years it was praise for blessing and growth, other years it was sadness and sorrow for challenges faced. Just a thought....I especially like the pie afterwards

 

Pastor just left on vacation, so I've got the chance to host the main service as well. Here's what we're doing at night:

4 segments of praise and worship, all centered around different aspects: thanksgiving, praise, heart, salvation (?). Between songs Scripture is read and testimonies are given. Should be fun.

That and this whole two services on a Sunday thing is pretty hard for a youth pastor - but since I can't get us to one yet I guess a P&W night will do.

No pie, though, Uncle Wayne. Should have thought of that earlier, I don't have time to get it arranged now. Rats!

Josh