Gratitude in November

A note on November 2022

Now that November 2022 has passed, we hope you enjoyed the materials we created. Check back in August for new materials for November. In the meantime, the most recent materials November are available below and formation resources for any time of year are available here. Our next set of season resources are for Lent 2023, which you can find here.

November Resources

UTO places a huge emphasis on intentionally practicing gratitude throughout the entire month of November, not just on Thanksgiving Day. We have created a variety of resources to help people of all ages explore their personal practice of gratitude. It is also crucial to understand the historical context and truth of Thanksgiving, so we have multiple resources from Indigenous Communities linked below.

Resources for Adults

Liturgy Booklet – Liturgical resources that highlight the importance of gratitude created by The Rev. Erin Jean Warde. Download here.

November Gratitude Challenge – Four weeks of daily prompts to reflect on disrupting the bad, monotonous, and laborious aspects of daily life with gratitude.  Download here.

Thanksgiving Day Prayers – For use at home. Download here.

Resources for Children

At Home – Materials for families to teach elementary-aged kids about gratitude during November. Download here.

At Church – Materials for faith formation leaders to teach elementary-aged kids about gratitude during November. Download here.

Alternative Craft – Both lesson plans include a craft, but if you want to switch it up, we’ve included a supplemental painted turkey craft. Download here.

External Materials

Thanksgiving Lesson Plan – Created by Native American Student Services at Oklahoma City Schools created. Learn more.

Harvest Ceremony: Beyond the Thanksgiving Myth – Created by the National Museum of the American Indian. Learn more.

Rethinking Thanksgiving – Created by the National Museum of the American Indian. Learn more.

Investigating the First Thanksgiving Game – Created by Plimoth Patuxet Museum, this interactive game explores Wampanoag life. Learn more.

Recommended Books

  • I am thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall
  • Thank you, Thank you, Thank you by Melissa Peck
  • Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
  • Giving Thanks: More Than 100 Ways to Say Thank You by Ellen Surrey
  • We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
  • 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill Grace
  • We are still here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell