Watch the Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Humphrey

Dear siblings in Christ throughout the Virginia Synod,

As we all prepare for Thanksgiving amid increasing COVID-19 infection rates and deep divisions and uncertainty in our country, I invite us all to take time to count our blessings, to support one another, and prepare together for the coming winter.

In this time of thanksgiving, caution, and preparation, here are five things I invite us to do as we follow Jesus, love God and serve all:

  • Make an actual list of all the things for which we are thankful. Post it on our mirrors or refrigerators and thank God each day for all the ways we receive God’s blessings – even and especially in challenging times. Gratitude can offer a wonderful balance to the concerns and frustrations we so easily feel and see.
  • Express our love, appreciation and support for our Rostered Ministers! I know you are anxious to return to worship indoors and warmly greet your friends. I am too! But, please, don’t put your Pastors and Deacons in the impossible position of choosing between caring for you and caring for all. Honor their hard, faithful work. Support their hard, faithful decisions (along with our elected lay leaders). Remember all God’s people in our daily prayers.
  • Go above and beyond to protect one another and those in the communities in which we live. Revise or reaffirm clear guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine has helped make it safer to gather again indoors. The signs are very hopeful that help is coming in the Spring and Summer. Until then – redouble your efforts and PLEASE, observe without complaint all the guidelines at church, just like we all do when we go to the doctor’s office. And, take extra precautions with your extended family and friends over the holidays. Let’s all go the extra mile.
  • Insist Pastors and Deacons take time for self care. Our Pastors and Deacons have been working overtime since March to respond safely to the pandemic, care for members, preach, teach and lead worship in new ways. Many have delayed or simply not taken days off and vacation. So, please, encourage them to take time off for rest and renewal. Let’s all take good care of ourselves, as well! These are stressful times. We need each other more than ever.
  • Firstly and finally, pray! Continue to ask God to guide our every action and word. St. Paul often spoke of thanksgiving. In this season of Thanksgiving, give thanks and support one other! We Are Church Together. All of us in the Office of the Bishop are giving thanks and praying for you!

—Bishop Bob Humphrey