Black Friday Giveback
Sometimes I wonder if we are capable of living in harmony.
Can we live together without killing each other?
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6
In today's epistle from Paul, he prays that one group of followers, who all believe in the same thing, can live in harmony.
Apparently, they cannot, or he wouldn't have written the letter. If the members of one family have trouble, how can we expect the many families of the world to do better?
This afternoon, we will gather together to celebrate an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Christ's Church in Rye, NY at 3pm. All are welcome.
Every year, the Rye Women's Interfaith Committee asks the members of the clergy of the various houses of worship in Rye to come together for a service of thanks, combining our prayers and readings and songs offering thanks to God.
Donations of non perishable food will be collected for the Caritas Port Chester food pantry and donations of money will go to support Syrian Refugees.
As we begin Thanksgiving Week, we are reminded of all that is precious in this life, all that we have that does not come with a Black Friday Sale.
In a way, though, it is a mixed blessing, being thankful for the life we have, while so many this past year have been lost to violence, natural disasters and disease.
Could we have done more to save them for one more year?
We are the survivors, even though we may have not been anywhere near the tragic event or serious illness or devastating flood or fire. We are here, and that harmony we so desperately seek rests in our hands.
So, what if we pledge to take some of the money we will save by cashing in on these amazing holiday deals, and donate it to help those who have little or nothing?
We can make it a new tradition, Black Friday Giveback, giving half or even a quarter of what we save to help others have a better life.
Oh, and if don't plan on shopping on Black Friday, you can still participate. Just come to the service today, or one in your areas and bring something.
We can find harmony where we sow it. Let's begin here.
More to come...