How Christian Churches in America Approach Thanksgiving

Christian churches in America approach Thanksgiving in a variety of meaningful ways, blending national tradition with spiritual reflection. While Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday in the liturgical calendar, many churches view it as a natural opportunity to focus on gratitude, generosity, and God’s provision. Here are some common approaches:

1. Worship Services of Gratitude

Many churches hold special Thanksgiving services during the week of the holiday, often on the Wednesday evening before or the morning of Thanksgiving Day. These gatherings focus on:

• Praising God for His blessings throughout the year

• Reading Scripture passages about thankfulness (e.g., Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6–7)

• Singing hymns like “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” or “Now Thank We All Our God”

• Sharing personal testimonies of gratitude from members

2. Emphasis on Stewardship and Generosity

Churches often use the Thanksgiving season to encourage acts of giving and service. This may include:

• Organizing food drives, community meals, or turkey giveaways for families in need

• Partnering with local shelters or food banks

• Highlighting missions and charitable programs that reflect Christian compassion and thankfulness

3. Sermons on Thankfulness

Pastors frequently preach about cultivating a heart of gratitude, not just on one day but as a daily spiritual discipline. Sermons might explore:

• Recognizing God’s hand in all circumstances (Romans 8:28)

• Guarding against materialism and entitlement

• Using blessings to bless others

4. Family and Fellowship Events

Some congregations host church-wide meals, potlucks, or community celebrations, fostering unity and fellowship among members. These events reflect the spirit of sharing and togetherness that Thanksgiving represents.

Visit New Covenant Church in Athens Today

In essence, Christian churches in America approach Thanksgiving as a moment to worship God, give thanks collectively, serve others generously, and reflect on blessings, turning a national holiday into a spiritually enriching expression of faith.

At New Covenant Church, we have much to be thankful for all year, and that includes our veterans. On November 9th, we will be honoring our veterans.  As a way to say thank you for their service, we are giving all our veterans a free copy of the book, “The Last Rescue”, the testimony of a former Navy Seal Team 6 member’s journey to redemption. We encourage you to visit us on Sunday and you can find out more information on our site.