Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thursday All are welcome to join in the Community Meal at First Lutheran Church of the Trinityon Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26. This is a potluck meal, and while a dish to pass is recommended it is not required. All are welcome, and we expect a fun mix of church members, students, homeless neighbors, community, and friends. Cooking and fellowship begin at 2, and dinner will be at about 5 pm. First Trinity is located at 643 W 31st Street. This is a free event, donations welcome! Those wishing to make a donation to help support this event are encouraged to contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com. If you are interested in how our community meal came to be, see Rene's essay Thanksgiving is a Word of Action in this 2013 newsletter.   Prayers of Intercession offered for Thanksgiving Day: United into one by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray with all God’s saints for healing, wholeness, and peace in all the earth. For all who seek you, gracious God, we give thanks for your goodness and their openness to the Spirit. Surround them with a community of love and guidance. Nourish them with your holy word. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, sustaining God, we give thanks for your creative act. Provide clean air, rich soil, and fresh water for all plants and animals. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For nations with little and nations with plenty, gracious God, we seek your mercy. When we have an abundance of food, help us to share. When we are hungry, empower us to ask for food. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For children with empty stomachs and grandparents with empty cupboards, eternal God, we seek your mercy. Stir up your Spirit and move your church to act for justice and peace. Give us our daily bread. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For our local food pantries and all who strive to provide food for everyone who needs it, triune God, we rejoice in their service. Equip us to love you and our neighbors. Make us the hands and feet of Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We remember with gratitude family and friends who died this year and will not share our Thanksgiving meal, loving God. May their lives teach us how to share your love until we join them at your heavenly feast. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Into your care, Alpha and Omega, we entrust all for whom we pray. Be with us now and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.