5 ways to reach your community this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has a way of softening hearts. Families gather, gratitude is a topic of conversation, and even those who don’t think much about church during the year might find themselves more open to connection. For church leaders, this season is a chance to meet neighbors in meaningful ways and remind them of a simple truth: God sees them, and He cares.

Here are five practical ways your church can extend generosity and build bridges with your community this Thanksgiving.

1. Open your doors to the community

There’s something powerful about sharing a table. Hosting a Thanksgiving meal at your church (or partnering with another local congregation) creates space for those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. Encourage your congregation to invite not only friends, but neighbors, coworkers, and even acquaintances who don’t yet have a place to go.

Don’t worry about pulling off a perfectly staged dinner. A warm, welcoming environment will do far more than the menu. Many churches have found that lasting relationships grow out of these meals, sparking connections that continue long after the last slice of pie is gone.

Heart Revolution Church in San Diego has seen this impact firsthand: “We share thousands of pounds of donated food each Thanksgiving, to a line of cars that stretches nearly a mile long around the block.” That kind of generosity shows an entire community what it looks like when the church lives out gratitude.

2. Strengthen local partnerships

Local food banks, shelters, and community nonprofits are often stretched thin during the holiday season. Your church can make a significant difference by coming alongside them with people and resources. Whether you’re collecting canned goods, donating grocery store gift cards, or organizing volunteers to serve meals, a partnership multiplies the impact.

This approach also helps your congregation see the broader body of Christ in action, as they link arms with other organizations meeting tangible needs.

3. Mobilize your church to serve together

Thanksgiving outreach doesn’t have to be limited to one big event. Sometimes the most powerful impact happens when small groups, families, or friends take on projects together: delivering meals to seniors, raking leaves for neighbors, baking pies for firefighters and first responders.

The challenge is often coordination. That’s where technology can help. With Pushpay’s volunteer scheduling functionality, you can create a simple way for members to sign up for projects and roles. No more juggling paper sign-up sheets or spreadsheets—just a clear plan that ensures every opportunity is filled and no one falls through the cracks.

4. Extend hospitality online

Not everyone in your community will walk through your doors this Thanksgiving. Some are homebound, others are traveling, and many are simply curious about your church but not ready to attend in person. You can still reach them.

Consider live streaming a Thanksgiving service, sharing short devotionals on social media, or offering a simple online form where people can request prayer. A strong digital presence can serve as your church’s front porch—the first step toward meaningful connection.

5. Celebrate generosity through special giving opportunities

Finally, Thanksgiving is the perfect season to invite people into generosity. Create a dedicated fund for holiday outreach, benevolence, or global missions so givers know exactly where their gifts are going. Pushpay’s Giving platform makes it easy to set up these designations, whether someone gives online, through your church app, or by text.

And don’t stop at one-time gifts. Encourage recurring giving as a way for members to sustain ministry long after the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone. A spirit of generosity in November can become a rhythm of generosity all year long.

Gratitude in action

This season is about more than food and football. It’s a chance for your church to embody the gospel in practical ways. A shared meal, a well-organized service project, or a simple livestream might be the very thing that helps someone encounter Christ’s love.

And with tools like Pushpay’s volunteer scheduling and digital giving, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on what matters most: people.