At the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, I sat in a packed church listening as small church choirs sang praise to God and it was good.  My heart sang.

I remembered coming into a church, tired, worried, and anxious. Over time, music, scripture, and the love of a small congregation opened my heart and soul to God.

The church of Jesus Christ is in trouble. It is shrinking. It is becoming irrelevant. Yet all around us, remnant communities are gathering together and making a place for the stranger to come in and experience the love and power of God. Small churches are offering prayers, food, and companionship.

I give thanks for all the faith communities, formal and informal, that welcome the stranger and feed the hungry.