Seeds, scattered on fertile ground, are warmed by the sun and fed by the soil. They sprout and grow, producing great fields of grain.

The grain is harvested and ground into flour and shipped across the nation. The flour is mixed with yeast and water and salt, and kneaded, allowed to rise, and baked to make bread .

The bread is broken in the sacred space of this worship service, and shared in this community of love.

The breaking of bread is an ancient ritual of community and memory celebrated in many different traditions and many different ways.

Today, as we approach the American celebration of Thanksgiving, we break bread together to celebrate the abundance of the harvest, the hard work of all who make our lives possible, and the community that gathers here to worship together.

These loaves were baked with love — abundant love, love that multiplies all that is around it. As you pass the basket to the person next to you, we invite you to turn to them and say “I offer you the bread of community.”

As the bread is passed to you, take a piece from the basket and eat it, in doing so taking in to you the love of this community.

As you eat the bread, bring to mind those things and people for which you are thankful at this time of year .

We offer you the bread of community.