As we approach Thanksgiving, it gives us an opportunity to look back at 2026 and remember the blessings God has given to Faith Lutheran Church.  It also a time for each of us to look back upon our lives and to recognize the things we can remember to thank God for providing.

St. Paul in many of his letters to the different churches he started begins with some form of thanks to God.  One that I usually remember, comes from his letter to the Philippians.  Sitting in a jail cell, Paul begins his letter to them, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). In the midst of his struggles, Paul looks at all the ways the people of the Philippian church continue to bless him.

I can understand a bit when it comes to Paul’s struggle of not being able to do ministry the way in which I would like to do it, in the way in which it should be done.  There is only so many hours in a day, days in the week, etc.  And yet in the midst of everything going on…you all continue to remember me and my family.   And for this, the Treglown family continues to thank God every time we think of you.

There is a hymn, written by Henry Smith, that you might catch me singing around the church halls.  It is titled, “Give Thanks” or maybe better known as “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”.   You may know the hymn but here is its story:

Henry Smith wrote this hymn as he struggled with life.  He had trouble finding work after college.  He struggled from a degenerative condition that left him legally blind. At his church in Williamsburg, VA, his pastor inspired him with a reference (2 Corinthians 8:9) to how Jesus made Himself poor to make others rich through Him.   Throughout the hymn, Smith is giving thanks to God for the precious gift of Jesus.

And so with Smith, Paul, the writers of the Psalms, and with each other – We Give Thanks to God.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1)

This Thanksgiving 2026, we have so much to be thankful for at Faith Lutheran.  I pray that you take a moment to pause and reflect and see great things which God has blessed you.  As you and I recognize these blessings, may we joyfully return thanks to God.

God’s blessings to you and a blessed Thanksgiving to you from me and my family.

Pastor Don