Giving Thanks

        Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say, “I am strong,” let the poor say, “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks!

     I love how we bring back that song every fall with banners and everything. I remember first encountering it two congregations ago while gathered around the altar receiving holy communion.  It always feels like such a blessed holy moment to give thanks and share a meal!

     I’m currently sitting here among family I don’t get to visit very often,  but whom I love dearly. Family that continues to grow as I joyously play with my grand niece Carys and grand nephew Everett. (Is it really possible I have a ‘grand’ niece and nephew?!  Where DOES the time go?!) With whom might you enjoy this holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years Day? What holiday traditions do you engage in and with whom do you share it? With whom will you not? People past and present?  My husband John was thinking in the night of all who will be represented around our table this Thanksgiving--from those gone by to marriages past and present to little ones we’ll meet for the first time. People gathered around the table who have never been together before.  Perhaps you too will experience this during the holidays or have experienced it before at family reunions, weddings, funerals, or other special events.

      It’s phenomenal to be so gathered, every time we are invited to do so. It’s been wondered if what we state in worship at holy communion—‘all are welcome here without exception’—is true? What a good question! There are times and places where the table of holy communion has not been inclusive, due to age, tradition, or the rules and beliefs developed around this holy meal.  For me, the life, message, and practices of Jesus the Christ is one of inclusion. Jesus was a gatherer, one uniting and connecting people, especially outsiders, the revelation of the One who promises to gather all creation as one. For me and the faith communities I have served, practices at holy communion must exemplify this all embracing grace-filled life!  We do indeed mean it at Coastside Lutheran Church when we invite all in welcome to the table of holy communion without exception—whether member or friend, child or adult, lucid or lost, receiving or not.  All are welcome to gather and be present in whatever way is right for you.

        However, this doesn’t mean that all may feel that welcome or be near enough to hear the invitation.  There are many standing outside for one reason or another. Perhaps they don’t feel worthy, have never felt included, or are so caught up in merely surviving that the message is lost to them.  Or, maybe all they’ve known is being alone. Holidays can be very lonely. I remember more than once when I had nowhere to go to share a meal, despite being well loved and cared about. It happens more than we think. How might we be aware of this reality or how necessary and significant our welcome may be to those on the outside no matter the reason, especially right now?

        There’s a buzz arising within our faith community—a continued growing sense of care for those on the outside. There are activities further developing to reach out to those unable to imagine a Christian church is welcoming, accepting,  generous, imaginative, or open. Yet, Coastside Lutheran Church is! We aren’t the only ones and will always be seeking to improve what it means to be truly welcoming and clear that whomever you are, whatever your story of faith, you are welcome here as you are, because that’s the God we worship, the One who leads us, and empowers us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

        “Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God the Beloved is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of God’s Beloved Son and our Master Jesus, who will never give up on you. Never forget that.” 1 Corinthians 1:7-9, The Message.
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        I thank God we get to walk in faith together and I am praying that you get to experience a sense of belovedness and grace when you least expect it as this year comes to a close.  May you know we are holding you in heart and prayer, whether you are a part of this community in any way or not. May you know you are loved, cherished, and forgiven, that you are blessed even if you cannot feel it or imagine it.  I recently learned Leonard Cohen, a man who knew what it meant to be connected and alone, often ended his concerts with these words, words I now offer to you as well: “May you be surrounded by friends and family, and if not, may the blessings find you in your solitude.”  May you experience grace upon grace and a welcome that transforms deep within should you decide to take the chance to come to any of the offerings here at CLC or beyond, for this IS the way of God the Beloved! 


In love and grace,

​Pastor Dawn Teuthorn