BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Pastor James Gottwald of St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station, offers Thanksgiving thoughts for this very unusual time.

“Thanksgiving may be different this year, and, perhaps, this is all the more reason we need to practice the spiritual discipline of giving thanks,” Gottwald said.

He reports the church will focus this month on a growing list of what to be thankful for.

These include thanks for the lives of saints who have gone before us; thanks for creation, wonderful crops and blessings of forests and wetlands; thanks that Jesus calls us to be part of the solution to problems; and thanks for the assurance we will know the fullness of God’s reign.

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Pastor Gordon Camp of Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, explains, “God is going to more than make up for the limitations of this year, its griefs and its losses.

“God is going to bless us with life, joyful and fulfilling life, life abundant and eternal life in the presence of God.”

Union Lutheran is providing drive-in church every Sunday at 9 a.m. Those attending can stay in their vehicle and tune the radio to 94.3 FM, or open the window and listen live.

On Dec. 6, Pastor Camp will offer a drive-through communion at the church portico.

Remain in your vehicle to receive prayers, communion from sealed cups and a blessing.

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Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, is offering virtual Sunday opportunities for youth.

Associate Pastor Kayli Stevenson says,

“I know that so much of what we are used to doing is different, but together we will still be able to stay connected and share our lives.”

The Munch Bunch for grades 5-7 meets online 9-9:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Confirmation class takes place virtually each Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

The high school Happy Hour is offered from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every other Sunday.

Pastor Kayli sends a virtual classroom to high schoolers before the class. During the virtual get-together, the group discusses topics raised in the advance package.

“All the Sunday programming looks a little different this year, but it will be filled with the same love, support and God, as always,” reports Pastor Kayli.