THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995 TAG: 9511230292
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 97 lines
IN 1789, President George Washington issued the following Thanksgiving Proclamation:
``Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors . . .
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.''
During Thanksgiving week, many people reflected on their blessings. The folllowing personal thoughts were shared:
``I'm thankful for my health and for the chance to spend time with my family. I'm also thankful for the opportunity to enjoy and reflect upon what the good Lord has provided.''
S. Chris Jones
mayor of Suffolk
Last week, over 1,000 residents participated in a citywide Prayer Vigil at Main Street United Methodist Church. It was sponsored by the Suffolk Family YMCA.
``Thanks be to God for our glorious Prayer Vigil . . . to God be all the glory!''
Martha Callis
Community Development Director
Suffolk YMCA
``My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the opportunity for us to thank God for His goodness. I'm grateful that this holiday hasn't been over-commercialized like so many of the other holidays.''
The Rev. Mark Croston
pastor of East End Baptist Church
In all times, we should be thankful for whatever life brings our way . . . Most people have a clap-on, clap-off kind of faith, but they won't applaud when things aren't in their favor.
``I'm appreciative of life in general, but most of all my beautiful wife and four beautiful children.
``When I lie down at night, in spite of what's going on outside in the world, there's peace in my house and in my heart because of the love of Christ.''
The Rev. Gary Rodgers
of ``The Tour of Salvation''
The Rodgers family lost their home and possessions to fire on Wed., Nov. 15. They may be reached by contacting New Life Outreach Ministry at 925-0287.
``My favorite family tradition is going away to Williamsburg for a few days favorite recipe. Then we all work together in the kitchen to put together the finishing touches on our Thanksgiving dinner . . . There are about 20 family members in all - it's just nice to be together.''
Rhonda Rowe
owner of Bennett's Creek Floral Designs
Everyone's coming home for Thanksgiving to the Browder residence in Bennett's Creek Landing this year - mom and dad, children, spouses and mother-in-law. ``This is a special homecoming for our family this year. I think of Thanksgiving as a time of homecoming and harvest. I especially love the Thanksgiving hymns, which express so well the spirit of this season.''
The Rev. Richard Browder
pastor of Faith Lutheran Church
``For me, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and remember and be grateful for all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me.''
Carolyn Harris
Title 1 reading teacher
Driver Elementary School
``Thanksgiving has always been a family time for us. We gather together with those who are present and remember those who can't be with us - those who have passed on or for reasons of work or other circumstances cannot join us.
``The focus of our celebration is around the Thanksgiving meal. We begin with prayer and holding hands. It's a long-standing custom that the TV is off during the meal (even the football game). We just enjoy the day and enjoy being together.''
Doug Naismith
president of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy ILLUSTRATION: 1992 file photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Chris Jones is thankful for family: daughter Kaitlin and his wife
Karen, holding their dog, Prissy.
by CNB