The end of September in our latitudes is the traditional time of harvest. For believers all around the world autumn is a special time of thanksgiving to God for the gifts of the earth. For that reason last week the congregation of Salvation Church brought the best fruit from their orchards and gardens to the Christian Ministry Center in order to celebrate thanksgiving time together.

 

On Sunday, September 29, there was a celebratory service. The sermon emphasized the historical aspects of the holiday, and also our complete dependence on God - both in the material and in the spiritual aspects of our lives. Radislav Tsurkan said: "The Feast of the harvest is not so much about our labor invested in the gathering and storing of the harvest as it is about the power of God, who has created and nurtured all this wonderful variety of good things".

 

The thanksgiving produce display was not only a symbol of that variety of natural gifts, but also evidence that for another year the Lord has shown us his mercy and abundantly blessed us. In a congregational prayer we thanked the Creator for all the good things in life that so often go unnoticed. All too often, because of our complaints we do not notice that these familiar things: daily bread, peace and security - are a luxury for the great majority of the people on earth.

This year, special emphasis was given to time together, which we often do not have because of everyday busyness. The celebration concluded with friendly conversation and a wonderful dinner party that was open to everyone. Harvest time is often a time for work, but sometimes an overcast autumn day presents a wonderful opportunity to stop and thank God together for all that we have.

Vlada Ryabukha