It was not until the 22nd Thanksgiving Day of my life that I was far from home on a major holiday for the first time. A friend's family adopted me for the day, and I was graciously included in their celebration. Although many things about the observance seemed familiar enough, from the turkey to the cranberries, it was eye-opening for me to realize that this family's gathering was of another stripe altogether from the ones I was accustomed to.

Where my family came together casually, this one "dressed for dinner." Where my family came in through the backdoor and settled easily around the TV to catch the parades or the football game prior to being called to the table, this one came in the front door and mingled over hors d'oeuvres. Where my family looked forward to eating "stuffing," this one served "filling." Where my family prized the vast selection of pies made at the hands of my great aunts, this one contented itself to serve pumpkin cheesecake.

I found it interesting to compare and contrast the ways each family practiced its traditions, and while I couldn't help but admit to certain prejudices and preferences, my sense of what was normative was challenged that day, however slightly. As I examined the differences that seemed so obvious, I wrestled with their significance, and it occurred to me that the variations in the details weren't really that important after all. The reasons for coming together remained constant: a deep desire to express gratitude to God, and an equally deep desire to do so in the company of loved ones. And in the end, I made a personal discovery: there is no sacrilege in replacing pie with cheesecake.

When the family of God gathers together for worship, it is like a family coming together for a Thanksgiving Day celebration. Or rather, it is like many families coming together. When the congregation at East Hills meets in worship, it is primarily because we want to come into God's presence, and because we want to do so in the company of loved ones. As our church family expands, though, so do the flavors and tastes we crave. As we are exposed to new seasonings in new songs, or to rearranged perspectives in rearranged liturgies, or to fresh notions from fresh voices, it's important for us all to keep in mind why we gather, and for whom we gather.

Over the next few months, I plan to address some of your Frequently Asked Questions about worship. Why do we do this and not that? How come we used to.... but now we don't? But as we address all these things, please keep in mind the metaphor of Thanksgiving Day, remembering that the items served may certainly vary, but the purposes for gathering do not.

May God's Whole Cornucopia of Blessings Be Yours,
Pastor Chris