This nation has been celebrating this holiday in some way since the 17th Century, though it was not formalized as a national holiday until 1863, in a Civil War era effort to unify the country. The holiday exists in our collective cultural consciousness, largely disconnected from what really happened that fateful Fall of 1621. But we celebrate anyway, for it is a chance to share a meal in community, in the spirit of what we imagine might have happened between the English pilgrims and the Wampanoag people when they, legend has it, shared a harvest feast. Whether in your mind you see the storied 1621 event or the 20th Century Norman Rockwell version, or you are comfortable with our own UUSM celebration, the holiday has something for you.
This year, our church again put up quite a nice meal. The Green Living Committee was leading and coordinating the efforts of UU Animal Ministry, Green Living, Hospitality, Peace & Social Justice, and Women+ to make our Thanksgiving event more welcoming and sustainable. In a quick turn-around after Worship and in a speedy hand-off from the Craft Faire, we managed to collect the tasty contributions from congregants, heat the food as necessary, and set up tables and chairs, plates, cutlery, cups. The food swiftly moved from kitchen to shade structure, people found places to sit, and the meal was underway. Thank you to all who helped!
As the years go on, the vegetarian and vegan presence in our Thanksgiving celebration is stronger and more visible, and we are a better people for it. The Green Committee (which includes Green Living, UU Animal Ministry, Peace & Social Justice, Women+, and Hospitality Committee members) has taken it upon itself to normalize certain eco-friendly practices, so that our celebration should leave less of a footprint. The group’s specific goals include sustainable food, waste reduction, and limiting fossil fuel emissions.
Leading up to the Sunday, November 24th event, this committee pledged to bring “vegan and vegetarian main dishes as alternatives to traditional turkey”; showcase ways of cooking with clean power … (induction hobs and instant pots)”; reduce waste by eliminating disposable plates, cups and utensils; and diverting kitchen scraps from the landfill. I welcome this new spirit in the church and in the holiday itself, nationally. We omnivores will likely continue in our dietary practices, but many others are transitioning to diets that are easier on the environment. These practices are the future. I am proud to be part of a church that is leading that movement.
Karl Lisovsky
