Recently we celebrated Thanksgiving at our church. Before you assume that we are totally confused, let me add that this was not an American Thanksgiving (which is coming up later this month), but rather it was the Ukrainian version. It's called Zhatva. It was quite different. There were no family get togethers. No turkey. Not even a Lion's game on TV (thankfully). In fact, Zhatva is celebrated only by believers at their respective local churches. It is a time of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks to God for His abundant mercy. It's a time to reflect on the God who not only provides us with fruits and vegetables, but who is at work in the lives of His people, resulting in the fruit of His Spirit.
At our church, there was a sermon on discipleship and bearing fruit. There were songs of praise and thanksgiving (including recitations from the children and special music from several musicians). After the service there was a simple pot luck dinner with some favorite Ukrainian dishes featuring produce from their dachas (gardens). There was not an overwhelming amount of food. Just enough for a tasty but modest meal. The focus was less on the quantity of food and more on thankfulness to God and delighting in the fellowship of His people. While I like a good American Thanksgiving meal as well as anyone, I came away thinking less about the food and more about the feast of fellowship that we enjoyed (and needed!) Though we are inostrazhi (foreigners) and clearly stick out in public wherever we go, at this gathering we were treated as brother and sister. It was refreshing. Turkeys and football may be fun, but a real Thanksgiving they do not make.
For photos of Zhatva, our recent trip to Sumy, and other experiences here in Ukraine, be sure to check out the photo albums on our blog.
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Dear Kellie and Jerry,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your latestet update! I so enjoyed looking through all the pictures and videos to see how God is using you and working in the lives of Ukranians! In any language, hearing His Word preached and praises sung is beautiful! I couldn't help but smile as Kellie was video taping your conversation with Sasha! I was shaking my head right along with you! It sounded like you were asking him how or where he got his accordian from or when he started taking lessons??
I love the simplness of the wedding and Thanksgiving ceremonies! Sometimes we get so caught up in the pagentry of it all, while they seem to truly focus on the meaning!
So thankful that Karissa will be able to fly out and be with you as you celebrate the birth of our Savior! Will definatley keep her in prayer during her travels!
You are in my prayers!
Blessings!
Julie