by Diana Davis

Try this simple, fun way to inspire church members to give thanks to God this Thanksgiving season. Use it for your entire church, or adapt it to fit a Bible study group or family Thanksgiving celebration.

Step #1: Use white, legal-size cardstock paper to print a sign with huge black letters reading “#ThankYouGod.”

Step #2: On the back side of the sign, print these instructions:

A Church-wide Thanksgiving Project

You are invited to participate in this unique way to express thanks to God for His blessings. It’s for all church members and guests, teens and kids and grandpa’s and single adults—everyone! We want every person who attends this church to submit at least one photo. Here’s how:
o Take a few digital photos to show things that you thank God for. The “#ThankYouGod” sign must be visible in each photo.
o Be creative. An artsy shot of your refrigerator’s interior could show thankfulness for food. Consider how to use a photo to show thankfulness for salvation, creation, your allowance, friendship, peace, etc. Use the ThankYouGod hashtag thoughtfully.
o Be creative with angle and pose. Examples: grandpa napping, a profile of dad’s smile, a child at play, a silhouette, your Bible class praying.
o Submit your favorite two photos to [your church office email address.] Submissions begin today.
o Bonus: If you use Social Media sites, please upload your photos using #ThankYouGod and #FirstBaptistLakeside (your church name/current hashtag.)
o Photos will be used in our worship services this month as a special thanks to God for His blessings, so don’t miss a Sunday.

Step #3: Distribute a copy of the #ThankYouGod sign and instructions to every person in your church on the last Sunday of October.

Step #4: As photos are submitted, create a looping slideshow or Powerpoint. Add new photos weekly.

Step #5: Every week in November, use the slideshow for pre-service or post-service visuals, as backdrop for a song or offertory, or sermon illustration. If your church celebrates with a Thanksgiving dinner, play the slideshow during the meal. A church may also make prints to create a #ThankYouGod photo wall in the church foyer.

This Thanksgiving season, keep your entire church family thinking about God’s innumerable blessings.

© Diana Davis, author and columnist, lives in Pensacola FL. www.dianadavis.org