calvary updates 11/28

George Winfrey
Nov 28, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Thanksgiving is a special time to reconnect with loved ones and reflect on the blessings in our lives. This year, the joy of gathering felt even greater as our family welcomed four new grandsons over the past three years. Being able to see all of our children and celebrate together brought a deep sense of gratitude and warmth. In this post, I want to share the meaningful moments of our Thanksgiving, how family growth enriches our lives, and ideas to make your holiday gatherings memorable.

Eye-level view of a cozy family dining table set for Thanksgiving with autumn decorations — Thanksgiving family dinner with autumn decorations

The Joy of Family Gatherings at Thanksgiving*

Thanksgiving offers a unique chance to pause from daily routines and come together. For many, it is the one time each year when extended family members travel from different places to share a meal and stories. This year, having all our children under one roof reminded me how important these moments are. Note we missed our daughter-in-law, Lindsay, who had to work :(.

Reconnecting after time apart: Life’s demands often keep family members busy and distant. Thanksgiving creates a natural reason to reunite.
Sharing traditions: From cooking favorite dishes to playing games, traditions build a sense of belonging and continuity.
Creating new memories: Each gathering adds new stories and experiences that strengthen family bonds.

Our house was filled with laughter, the aroma of roasted turkey, and the happy noise of children playing. Seeing the grandsons interact with cousins and grandparents was a heartwarming reminder of how family grows and changes.

Tips for Making Thanksgiving/Christmas Special When Family Grows*

As families expand, organizing Thanksgiving can become more complex but also more rewarding. Here are some practical ideas to keep the celebration smooth and meaningful:

Plan ahead for space and seating: Ensure there is enough room for everyone, including comfortable spots for children and elders.
Delegate tasks: Involve family members in cooking, decorating, and setting the table to share the workload and create teamwork.
Include everyone in traditions: Invite grandchildren to help with simple tasks like setting napkins or arranging centerpieces to make them feel involved.
Create kid-friendly activities: Set up a craft table or a small play area to keep young children entertained.
Capture moments: Take photos or videos of the gathering to preserve memories and share with family members who couldn’t attend.
Express appreciation openly: Take moments during the day to tell family members what they mean to you.
Share stories of family history: Passing down stories connects generations and builds a shared identity.
Look forward to future gatherings: Planning for next year’s Thanksgiving can keep the spirit alive and give everyone something to anticipate.
Be sure to include prayers of Thanksgiving for blessings received. Have everyone go around the table and share what their thankful for from the past year.
* I used an AI assist to help create most of the content above. Thank you WIX.

I love the words of this old hymn.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.

Come, ye thankful people, come; Raise the song of harvest home;

All is safely gathered in. Ere the winter storms begin.

God, our maker, doth provide. For our wants to be supplied.

Come to God's own temple come; Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield.

Wheat and tares together sown, Unto joy or sorrow grown.

First the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we. Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home.

From His field shall in that day. All offenses purge away.

Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast.

But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.

Vereses 1-3

Thank you God, our maker, for all you have provided!

WHAT TO EXPECT SUNDAY

SNOW MAY CANCEL US OUT: WATCH FOR UPDATE TOMORROW

Our message will look into the heart condition of the nation to which Jesus was to minister. From his Christmas birth and beyond Jesus would face obstacles to reach his nation. Their hearts were by and large very calloused, thus the title of the message will be "Calloused Coalition." Our worship begins at 10:30 am and Sunday School kicks off our morning at 9:15am. Come for a cup of coffee and a donut.

Here is a song you will hear Sunday, Chris Tomlin, Holy Forever, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHgxKemCRk&list=RDGpelLskGwQY&start_radio=1

Note: We will be in the fellowship room again this week due to furnace issues.