Thanksgiving Day 2002 (Thursday)

To the ADELPHOI in the USA
Greetings.

Have a great day and holiday -- but in a Christian sense!

We are all very aware that one daily task of the Church of God is to adore, glorify, praise and thank the Lord on behalf of the whole of the created order.

As the People of God we have been given minds to think, hearts to feel and wills to act. We are made in the image and after the likeness of the Lord, the Creator, and thus are uniquely placed as members of both the old creation (Genesis 1) and by grace members of the new creation (Rev 21-22) to speak out on behalf of all creatures (except the angels who can speak for
themselves) the thanksgiving of the whole creation to its Creator.

The Daily Office(s) of the Church of God has always been seen as not merely the prayer of the Church as Church, but the prayer of the Church as the priest of creation, representing the whole order.

On THANKSGIVING DAY the Church of God in the USA is surely called to exercise this priestly ministry with special joy and divine efficacy as She thanks God not only for her own receipt of blessings but also for the varied harvests of provision of food and clothing, shelter and providences that He provides for all men.

If there is any nation upon earth that has reason to be thankful and to express that thanksgiving to Almighty God the Father it is the United States of America.

Let THANKSGIVING DAY be more than feasting, revelling and sporting. Let it be what it was intended to be when instituted, and may the Church of God fulfil her priestly ministry of uttering & expressing thanksgiving and making intercession for all, including enemies!

We shall be with you in spirit in Great Britain!

See the BCP 1928 for Collect & readings for Thanksgiving Day.

The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon