Cultivating Seasons of Joy

When my church’s singles’ group decided to host Friendsgiving the first year I lived in Cleveland, I had no idea how big an event it would become—or how much joy it would bring to those involved in it.

When we think of Thanksgiving, we picture family members gathered around a table to eat, give thanks, and catch up on life. We all bring our contributions—a pie, a side of mashed potatoes, or the green bean casserole. But the ownership of the feast usually belongs to the matriarch of the family.

This year, my church’s singles’ group (the Young Professionals) will host our fifth annual Friendsgiving. As our church’s Friendsgiving has evolved, one benefit that has surprised me is the opportunity for singles to take ownership for their role in our feast.

My role has been to organize the event. I outline the schedule, plan games, collect prizes, choose the songs and passage for Scripture reading, and enlist people to lead singing and read the passage. Then, since I have the vision for how the night should flow, I moderate the event.

Friendsgiving is on my mind throughout the year, prompting me to scour clearance racks everywhere for suitable prizes. If a game at an event resonates with me, I tuck it away in my mind as a potential Friendsgiving activity. In this way, I get to host Thanksgiving dinner—even though I do not have a family of my own to host it for.

In past years, another friend took on his dad’s tradition of preparing the turkey. As I decorated the fellowship hall with final touches, he played The Muppets Christmas in the adjoining kitchen as the turkey baked and he experimented with cheesecakes and pumpkin pie.

Last year, another friend cooked the turkey for the first time. But she said the men would have to carve it!

Others bring corn casseroles, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, specially prepared vegetables, and desserts that are special to them and their Thanksgiving traditions. Our serving counters are not simply loaded with food—they are overflowing with family specialties and traditions represented by a host of friends who come together to give thanks to God in community.

As a single woman, I find it is easy to grieve what I do not have. The same is true for all people—widows, widowers, those who have lost a friendship, those who have lost a child or another loved one, and so on.

But those same situations can breed opportunities for joy. The missing pieces of our lives push us to fill those holes in unique ways. A childless, single woman may choose to adopt a child from foster care. A grown man whose mother has passed may become someone’s adopted son or grandson. A couple who has lost a child to cancer may minister to families whose children suffer from chronic illnesses.

Or, a group of people may come together to celebrate Friendsgiving, each filling roles they might not otherwise fill. While contributing their time and efforts, they build beautiful memories and forge new connections.

As we look ahead to the upcoming holiday seasons, may we consider how to contribute to the celebrations around us. Although every season can have moments of loneliness or pain, let us be active participants in making every season of life a season of joy.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. –Romans 15:13 (KJV)

Copyright © 2026 by Carmen Dillon. All rights reserved.

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