Giving Thanks 09'
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
160lbs of turkey, 30lbs of ham, 50lbs of potatoes, 50lbs of yams, 36 jumbo cans of corn, 36lbs of green beans, 200 dinner rolls, 300 acorn muffins, 120 eggs, 25lbs of flour, 7qts of whipping cream, 25lbs of sugar, 30lbs of butter, 15 apple pies, 12 pumpkin pies, 6lbs of cranberry's, 5lbs of coffee and honey, and 880 combined man hours in three days time, not to mention two weeks of planning, is just part of the details to this past Saturday's Giving Thanks dinner for our local elders and saints here in Jeffersonville.
The sisters worked tirelessly this year to prepare a meal fit for a king. Everyday through the week they were at VGR ironing tablecloths, fixing decorations, making phone calls, and the list goes on. When it came down to crunch time, it was all hands on deck. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the sisters were at it first thing in the morning till late in the evenings, baking the food and making final preparations. It was worth it all, because they knew they were feeding greater than a king. They were feeding the children of The King. What an honor it was to serve these precious saints who are a portion of the Bride of Jesus Christ.
The mood of the afternoon Thanksgiving dinner was established with a soft, yet cheerful background music. As usual, the guests were more than punctual and started arriving over an hour early. They were first greeted by the young brothers in the parking lot, and then again at the front door by the younger sisters before they took their seats.
Once everyone was situated and comfortable, emcee brothers welcomed them with open arms and free reins to the delicious food they were about to eat. They asked Brother Rogers to offer a word of prayer over the food and time of fellowship. The 13-15 year old sisters would be the ones to wait on the tables, while the 16-25 year old sisters were busy preparing and serving the mouth-watering food at the buffet line. The savory smell in the building was more than enough to get everyone hungry and in line for the serving.
After they all got their fill of the food, plus some, our emcee brothers had the guests make their way to the seats in front of the stage. Last year we had a little play for entertainment, but this year, several talented individuals and families supplied their voices and instruments to entertain the saints as they relaxed after dinner. Songs of "Beulah Land," "Down From His Glory," "Amazing Grace," and "Never Grow Old," brought a sweet Spirit in the room. Silent tears were wiped away at the remembrance of God’s amazing grace and a Land where they will never have to grow old. For many of these believers, this Place may not be far away, but God’s grace will take them there.
The dinner was concluded with as much pie and coffee as one could force down. The brothers and sisters sat around for some time fellowshipping and talking about the goodness of the Lord, while they enjoyed dessert and cherished their time together. We thank the Lord once again for a great turn out and the opportunity of giving thanks to these precious saints, and most importantly, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father.
