Nebraska Synod ELCA

By Deacon Timothy Siburg

Come, ye thankful people come; raise the song of harvest home.
All be 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.

It’s no secret, that I love Thanksgiving. It’s long been one of my favorite holidays. Because it begins and ends with gratitude. For someone who loves stewardship like me, it’s not hard to understand why. I remember many Thanksgivings past, gathering around the table with friends, families, and acquaintances without another place to be. We would always begin in prayer, and often share words of gratitude. These words often led to stories. Stories of loved ones from long ago. Stories of adventures and new discoveries. Stories of God’s love made real.

So as I imagine coming to the table feast soon, I give thanks for you- for all of God’s people of the Nebraska Synod. You may not know this, but you are a leader not just in your congregations but in the whole wide church. Across this world, people give thanks for you- for your faithfulness, generosity, and love. Thank you for all that you do and make possible by being part of this church together.

As I think about the table though, I also wonder about how we are doing at making room for one another. I saw a post recently from my friend and colleague Deacon Eric Haitz, the Director for Evangelical Mission in the Western Iowa Synod. He wrote, “Accessibility is being able to get in the building. Diversity is getting invited to the table. Inclusion is having a voice at the table. Belonging is having your voice heard at the table!” I have been sitting with these words and wondering about how we are doing as the Nebraska Synod related to this.

The congregations of the Nebraska Synod have long been working towards accessibility through the generosity of the Krabb-Kraft Grant, but the work continues. Diversity and inclusion are things we all strive for but know that there is always more to be done. That goes double for belonging. So as I look at the synod’s table, I know we have work to do. This is the work of Cultivating Love through Community. It’s the work we share together as God’s people. So that all might be heard, fed, included, and seen and known as beloved Children of God.

As I think about this, I also wonder about my own table this Thanksgiving. How am I doing? I know my neighbors have a lot on their plates right now. Some are overjoyed. Some are in deep discernment. Some are fearful about what might be coming next for them, their families, and friends. What I can do is to make room for their voices. To bring up another chair and set another place at the table. I will keep doing this. Because if I have learned anything through Thanksgivings past, it’s to always be ready for someone in need of community. Believing that our own table is a reflection of God in Christ’s table, where all are welcome, no questions asked. Where there is always enough to share. Where is there is always more than enough to go around. And where there is always space for another at the table.

If you and your household celebrate and gather for Thanksgiving, have a blessed gathering! If you and your household do not celebrate this day, and you are one of my indigenous siblings, please know that I hold you in prayer on this upcoming national day of mourning. Wherever you may find yourself, know, that around whatever table I find myself at, I want you to join me at the table- for food, fellowship, and conversation. To share the stories, wonders, joys, worries, and hurts on your heart. Because we are God’s people together. And this is what it means to truly be in community together. Come and join me around the table.

Even so, Lord, quickly come to thy final harvest home.
Gather then thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified, in thy garner to abide.
Come, with all thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home!

Reference: Henry Alford & George J. Elvey, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” as found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2006), 693.