Sermon Overview & Key Insights
(Full Service Video Below)

Full Service Video

Clickable Time Stamps
10:00 Special Music – “We Gather Together To Ask The Lord’s Blessing” – Eva Cartwright, Kenese Cartwright, Havilah Bruders
12:10 Call to Worship & “Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation” – Elder Thoric Smith
22:15 “I Would Like To Exchange My Life” – Skit with Pete and Dawn Peterson
30:20 Special Music – “Come Ye Thankful People, Come” – Eva Cartwright, Kenese Cartwright, Havilah Bruders
33:53 “Mall Missionary” – Skit with Emma McLean and Rachel Miller
39:46 Sermon _ “Thanksgiving and Thanksharing” – Elder Elzy Lasley
66:21 “Ingratitude Syndrome” – Skit with Chris and Katie Campbell, Andrew Dunning
82:18 Closing Comments – Elder Thoric Smith

Summary
Elder Elzy Lasley reflects on gratitude, emphasizing the importance of agency and the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. Elzy discusses the value of serving others and shares historical examples, like the early pilgrims, to illustrate the challenges of communal living. Ultimately, Elzy stresses the need for a united community that shares and supports one another, rooted in love and charity, as a way to cultivate a Zionic society.

Highlights
1. Gratitude Reflection: Elzy contemplates what we should be truly thankful for beyond material blessings.
2. Agency Appreciation: Elzy expresses gratitude for his agency and the grace of Jesus despite personal shortcomings.
3. Community Importance: The necessity of serving one another to reflect God’s love is emphasized.
4. Pilgrim History: The story of the early pilgrims illustrates the struggles of communal living.
5. One Heart and Mind: The need for unity in purpose and love within the community is highlighted.
6. Zionic Conditions: The goal of achieving a society where everyone is supported and cared for is presented.
7. Trust in Promises: Elzy encourages reliance on God’s promises for community and personal growth.

Key Insights
1. Deep Gratitude: Acknowledging deeper sources of gratitude, like personal agency and divine forgiveness, can bring a profound sense of peace and purpose. This reflection encourages a more meaningful appreciation of life’s gifts.
2. Role of Agency: Understanding one’s agency in choices and actions fosters accountability and spiritual growth. Elzy’s gratitude for his agency underscores the importance of free will in a faith-based context.
3. Service to Others: Serving others is portrayed as a fundamental expression of faith. This insight emphasizes that personal fulfillment and spiritual growth come from actively engaging in the well-being of the community.
4. Historical Lessons: The pilgrim narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities of communal living and the necessity of ownership and personal responsibility for success. It illustrates how societal structures can impact community dynamics.
5. Unity in Diversity: The call for being of “one heart and one mind” suggests that true unity is achieved through love and respect for individual differences. This insight champions diversity as a strength.
6. Zion as a Goal: The vision of a Zionic society is an aspirational goal that requires collective effort and a shift in personal attitudes towards sharing and caring, pointing to the importance of charity in achieving community harmony.
7. Faith in Promises: Trusting in God’s promises can inspire individuals and communities to strive for a higher standard of living and interpersonal relationships, reinforcing the belief that divine guidance leads to fulfillment and unity.