Thanksgiving Appeal Letter 2025

April 2025

I’ve heard it said that the only fixed thing in the universe is change. Does it feel that way to you? Autumn is a season of change. The leaves are changing and falling, the daylight is getting shorter–and nights are cold. We’ve all been here before and can find beauty in this change. However, I still hear people wishing to go back to summer.

Change is hard. Unexpected change is perhaps the hardest, but change is hard even when we know it needs to happen or is predictable–like the seasons. This week, for example, I had to change to a new computer. I know it was necessary, and I know I’m blessed that I could afford it. Still, adapting to the unexpected ways in how it works has been a challenge.

Thankfully change isn’t the only fixed thing in the universe. …

…but change is hard even when we know it needs to happen or is predictable–like the seasons. This week, for example, I had to change to a new computer. I know it was necessary, and I know I’m blessed that I could afford it. Still, adapting to the unexpected ways in how it works has been a challenge.

Thankfully change isn’t the only fixed thing in the universe. There is the promise of God’s constant presence and love. As many of the psalms say, “God’s steadfast love lasts forever.” As we all live our lives with expected and unexpected changes, God’s presence and love are good news.

One way that God helps us through change is with others. We pray that our community at Kensington continues to support you and nurture hope in you. The Bible also teaches us that God invites us to help others. This year the funds collected through our annual Thanksgiving appeal are directed to the Presbyterian World Service and Development to help people change the way they grow food to support their families. In partnership with local organizations farmers learn to improve and multiply crops, protect their land and sell their goods—providing food for today and an income for the future. Some examples of how the money could be used include:
    $20 supplies seeds for household gardens
    $60 provides one goat for income and nutrition
    $85 trains a farmer to cultivate high value cash crops

If your curious about other projects you can check out the Gifts of Change booklet. We also have some copies at the church we could get to you (perhaps a source of Christmas gifts?)

Thank you for your generosity,
and may you have a happy Thanksgiving
filled with God’s presence and love.
Rev. Peter Rombeek