Bishop David Graves

Friends in Christ,

In a few days we will gather around tables with family and friends as an expression of gratitude for one another and all God has richly blessed us with. This year will feel more reflective to me as I process the loss of my father. Perhaps you share these sentiments, remembering loved ones who are no longer at the table. Yet we give thanks that they are at God’s table celebrating eternal life. I want to express my deep appreciation for the many ways you have shown love and care to my family and me after the death of my father.

Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter his gates with Thanksgiving, go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” I’ll admit, in the day-to-day busy-ness, I often take this verse for granted. How many times in the day do we truly stop and acknowledge our gratitude to God? If I may boldly say, not enough. At times, it can be difficult to see our blessings in the midst of pain and suffering and digest all of the worldly issues.

God addresses this challenge in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It states, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” In all circumstances! That challenges me to change my perspective on what life hands us.

We’ve endured Covid, church disaffiliations, political polarization, the death of loved ones, and a myriad of other circumstances. Just one of these major events can impact our daily attitudes and emotions. We tend to miss the goodness of God and all He is doing around us.

Nancy and I have been assigned to this conference for almost three months. We give thanks to God for your kindness, your ministries, and your friendship. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, my strategic scheduling plan of meeting as many people as possible over the conference has taken me to many places throughout Tennessee and Western Kentucky. I have met hundreds of people who are doing God-sized ministry in their churches. Your stories, acts of kindness, and resilience have blessed me beyond words.

On Thanksgiving Day, take the intentional time to remember those who are no longer at the table; spend time in prayer offering God thanks for all He has given us; and be present with one another as we are never promised tomorrow. I give thanks for each of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In Christ,
Bishop David Graves
Kentucky-Tennessee Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church