This has been a week for social activity, that’s for sure.
Today, Premise celebrated its Thanksgiving fellowship. Rather than our usual evening of intensive prayer in our small groups, we gathered together for a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner and a large group time of worship and prayer.
We do like to talk with each other a lot.
The above group are waiting for the last dishes to be heated up. I believe it was the mashed potatoes that we were waiting on. When they were brought out, and the pans with the cut turkey, and all the other sides that were brought in (pot luck), we could all dig in. The turkey was wonderfully juicy and delicious.
That’s Nathan Scoggins with the guitar at the far end of the room. Our current fearless leader played host and master of ceremonies for the afternoon (we gathered at 3 and broke up in the early evening). He’s been doing a terrific job leading the fellowship the last few years, fostering excellent teamwork all around. His wife, Kate, did a lot of the coordinating for the day’s festivites – for which we gave her special thanks.
There was a bit more time over dinner for simple conversation, something at which Premise members excel!
The table decorations were simple but satisfying, visually, a nice autumnal display. Dried split peas were added for a dash of color (well, of course they were dried – I can’t imagine decorating with wet split peas!). And because I was relaxed and enjoying the occasion, I felt like being a bit silly briefly. I was curious if I could hold my hand still enough to balance a split pea on each of my fingernails — ta da!
Yeah, “amazing” achievement, isn’t it?
In all seriousness, it’s a wonderful thing to be in the midst of such a warm company. The joy of our time of fellowship creates a special atmosphere for those who are striving to stay constant in their faith while dealing with the stresses and strains of working in the entertainment business. The original definition for Premise had been for writers, directors and producers (with a few agents and lawyers added to the mix), where the members meet together and pray for each other. That’s the biggest activity we have: an hour and a half or two hours of intensive prayer for each other. In this last year, we’ve fostered the start of a second group for actors, following the same model. And those who are participating in the Premise Actors’ group also joined in this Thanksgiving celebration.
There’s also something special about being in a room with 60 or so people all raising their voices in harmony singing praise songs. It is indeed a “sweet, sweet sound” – in our ears, at least, and hopefully in the Lord’s.
The last of the desserts were inhaled by the dining scavengers as we wrapped up. I like to think of this as an excellent beginning to the Thanksgiving season. (Because Christmas for me does not begin until Advent.)
