Theme: Thanksgiving

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS

One pastor began this way: We meet to praise, in a sense, to "Cheer for God." The amen literally means, "hip, hip, hurray!" Call out some praise words; and ask the people to respond with "hip, hip, hurray!" Then, conclude with Iranaeus statement, "The glory of God is man/woman fully alive!" so, rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, as thanksgiving, thanksliving people!

You may want to continue with this response between pastor and the people:

Pastor: Come on, friends, let's celebrate life with our whole selves.
People: Praise be to God for our minds that we may know the mind of Christ, for our emotions that we may love in Christ's name, for our wills that we may choose to serve Christ in the common life.
Pastor: Do you know that you are God's temple, and …