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Newsletter
I NOVEMBER 2001
THANKSGIVING LADY
Thanksgiving might not be celebrated in the United States today, were it not for a patient, persistent woman named Sarah Hale. It is well known that the first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621 to give thanks for their winter in the New World. In 1789 President George Washington issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation to commemorate the first Pilgrim celebration. Later, however, another president discontinued it. After this, Thanksgiving was observed by some individual states, and on whatever date suited their fancy. Then in 1828, Mrs. Hale, the editor of the Godey's Lady's Book began campaigning for the restoration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She wrote letters and sought appointments with national leaders from the President on down. Time after time she was politely rebuffed, sometimes being dismissed with a "this-is-none-of-your-business" scolding.
Finally, in 1863 President Lincoln listened seriously to her plea that North and South "lay aside enmities and strife on (Thanksgiving) Day" He proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November to be the official "National Thanksgiving Day." This day was finally ratified by the U.S. congress in 1941.
--Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations
LETTER FROM THE ISF ASSISTANT
We extend very warm greetings to all our international friends and their families. In just a short time the beautiful display of God's creation will fade and the leaves of red, yellow, orange, and brown will fall off the trees to the ground. We will enjoy the remaining days of autumn and prepare for the cold blast of wintertime. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. This year that will occur on Thursday, November 22nd. As is portrayed in the picture above of early pilgrims kneeling in humble prayer, Thanksgiving is a time to humbly thank God for His many blessings to each of us. No matter where you live we encourage you to join in with the many Americans who will take time to think about the many blessings of life we have and thank God for His love and goodness to us. If you are near to us in the Pittsburgh area we invite you to join our ISF Thanksgiving celebration on November 9th, in the Ballroom of the William Pitt Union.
On November 7th, 1867 Madame Marie Curie was born. She was the winner of a Nobel Prize for her discovery of radium. In 1731, in the month of November, Benjamin Franklin opened the first public library in the city of Philadelphia. The song "God Bless America" was sung publicly for the first time on November 11th, 1939 by Kate Smith. The historic Mayflower Compact was signed on November 21st, 1620.
We look forward to seeing you at our Annual ISF Thanksgiving gathering at the William Pitt Union. This is always a very special family time for our ISF family. This gathering will be on Friday, November 9th, 7:30 PM in the beautiful Ballroom of the William Pitt Union. The William Pitt Union is located in Oakland on the corner of Bigelow and Fifth Avenue. To get to the Ballroom, use the entrance on Fifth Avenue and then follow the signs.
At this gathering we will have our traditional "Thanksgiving" meal with turkey and all the trimmings! I'm sure you will want to especially invite your friends to this gathering. We will have a special lecture on Thanksgiving and there will be children's activities in a separate room. Come and be a part of our big International family and invite your friends. It's all free!
We look forward to seeing you on November 9th!
--Terry Tiberio, ISF Assistant
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OCTOBER ISF GATHERING
FROM THE BIBLE
A PSALM OF THANKSGIVING
1. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
3. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture
4. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5. For the LORD is good;
HOW TO RECOGNIZE "TRUE CHRISTIANITY"
In the home - by love and unselfishness
In business - by honesty and diligence
In society - by purity, courtesy and humility
Toward the unfortunate - by sympathy and mercy
Toward the weak - by helpfulness and patience
Toward the wicked - by overcoming evil with good
Toward the penitent - by forgiveness and restoration
Toward the fortunate - by rejoicing without envy
Toward God - by reverence, love and trustful obedience
--Sunday School Digest
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