The Feast Of Thanksgiving

The Scriptures mandate: "You shall observe the feast of the harvest of the first fruits of your labors" (Exod. 23:16). Throughout the history of the church, worshiping communities have designated certain days for common thanksgiving to God. In North America, the anniversary of the early Puritan thanksgiving feast has become the day on which Christians of every tradition gather for worship. In the United States, it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November; in Canada, it is celebrated on the second Monday in October. An Order of Worship for Thanksgiving The following service is designed for worship in the free-church tradition. It includes elements that can be used in many worship traditions. Adapt to local use and customs. The Approach to God Call to Worship Leader:Our help is in the name of our God, who made heaven and earth. People:Amen. Leader:Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. Make music upon the harp. How good it is to celebrate God's presence and sing praise th…