Decorations
Create a fall-like atmosphere using autumn leaves, pumpkins, fall colored tablecloths, napkins and plates. Place the tables in a circle with different activities at each table so the women can interact with each other and have fun with the activities.
Activity Tables
Grateful Jar Craft
Check the following websites for instructions on how to make the jar.
https://becrumbled.co.uk/gratitude-jar/
https://lazycrafting.com/gratitude-jar/
Throughout the year family members take a minute to write down what they are thankful for and place them in the jar. At Thanksgiving 3 or 4 slips are chosen and read. This can open the door to good conversation with family members, especially those who may not attend church or declare a faith in God. An alternate idea is to read some of the slips of paper on a more regular basis.
Scripture Writing Table
There’s something inspiring and renewing about writing the Word of God. Download a copy of the Scripture writing plan for November that is available on the following websites:
https://www.thescribesportion.com/30-beautiful-verses-about-gratitude/
Writing Scripture: Why it Helps to Grow Your Faith
https://rachaelwalkup.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/30-day-scripture-writing-plan-for-november/
The Gratitude Challenge
There is much to be thankful for. The following website gives directions on how to be thankful each day. This can be done individually or as a group. https://womanofnoblecharacter.com/the-gratitude-challenge/
Refreshment Ideas
Serve leaf–shaped cookies. Provide small frosting tubes and invite the women to write something that they are thankful for on their cookie. Examples: family, friends, God, church. For a fall slant, serve a fruit tray with a pumpkin dip.
Serve this 3-ingredient Thanksgiving punch. The recipe can be found at: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/thanksgiving-punch/
Group Games—Just for Fun
Pinterest is loaded with good ideas for fun. Check the following link for some simple and fun minute-to-win-it games: https://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/fall-minute-to-win-it-games.html
Grateful Hearts
Read Psalm 103:1–5 from The Message.
My little cousin Jerad was five years old and had just started kindergarten. We were having thanksgiving dinner and he asked if he could pray for our meal. Of course we said, “yes.” He started out with:
“God is good, God is great and we thank Him for our food.”
There was a slight pause … then he launched into:
“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the republic by which it stands…”
We all started laughing. However, he wanted to pray and that was all he could think of to pray. It’s not so important what we say when we pray, it’s the fact that we come before the Lord and share our hearts with Him. Sometimes all we can muster up is our scripted prayers and formal approaches when we come before our Lord. The bottom line is that we just need to come. Come and thank Him. Come and bless Him. Come and worship Him. Just come and be reminded that you are His child.
Sharing: Ask the women what some of their thanksgiving traditions are and what they are grateful for.
Read the beautiful reminders in Psalm 103:1-5 of how the Lord has blessed us beyond measure. He forgives us, heals us and renews us when we are weak.
Closing Activities
Place some long twigs in a tall vase or Mason jar. Prepare a basket of paper leaves with twist ties to attach to the twigs. After a time of prayer and reflection, invite the women to write on a leaf why they have grateful hearts and to thank God for what He has done for them. Invite them to hang their leaves on the tree as a symbol and reminder of their collective gratefulness.
In closing, invite the women to write a note to the person on their left. It can be a simple word or phrase about why they are grateful for their sister in Christ.
Close in prayer.
