Read our latest community newsletter to learn about news and activities at Royal Atrium Inn Assisted Living!
NOVEMBER 2026 Life Style
ROYAL ATRIUM INN Life at Royal Atrium Inn A Message from Rick VandenBerg
Thanksgiving: A Tradition of Gratitude & Giving Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays—a time when families and friends gather, share a meal, reflect
But gratitude should inspire more than simply saying “thank you.” It should encourage us to share our blessings with others. We can invite someone who may be alone to join us for a meal, donate food to a local pantry, volunteer our time, or offer a listening ear. Sometimes the greatest gifts cost nothing—a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can make a tremendous difference in someone’s day. As Christians, we are reminded that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God. Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity not only to recognize those blessings but also to become a blessing to others. When we share what we have, we demonstrate compassion, kindness, and love. This Thanksgiving, may we gather with grateful hearts and remember that true thanksgiving is expressed not only in what we receive but also in what we are willing to give. Let us look beyond our own tables and find meaningful ways to share God’s blessings with those around us.
on their blessings, and give thanks. While traditions have changed over the years, the heart of Thanksgiving remains centered on gratitude and generosity. The story of Thanksgiving is often traced to 1621, when Plymouth colonists and members of the Wampanoag people shared a harvest gathering in what is now Massachusetts. Although the relationship between Indigenous peoples and European settlers was more complicated than traditional accounts suggest, the gathering became an important part of the holiday’s history. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving, establishing a tradition of reflecting on our blessings.
www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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November Life Enrichment Activities Catholic Communion Thursday, November 5th 1:30 p.m. — 1st Floor Dining Room
Veterans Day Program Wednesday, November 11th 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room More Than Just Design with Nancy Buchanan Friday, November 13th 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room Catholic Communion Thursday, November 19th 1:30 p.m. — 1st Floor Dining Room Linda’s Piano Program Friday, November 20th 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room
to God for My Redeemer
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny! Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply! Thanks for pain and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair! Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!
Musical Memories with Paul & Joyce Carmichael Friday, November 27th 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room
Verse 2
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Chaplain’s Corner: Give Thanks Rejoice always, pray
the town killing 8,000 people including fellow clergy and Martin’s wife. He is reported to have buried 40-50 people a day 4,480 until it was necessary to bury without services because of the overwhelming number of deaths. During this suffering and sadness, he created the words of the hymn, Now Thank We All Our God . It was first used as a prayer for the beginning of meals to thank God for the blessings they still received. It was later put to music and used as a hymn of thanksgiving we can continue to use today to give thanks during this holiday in all circumstances. Now thank we all our God, with hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, in whom the world rejoices; Who from our mother’s arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; And keep us in His Grace, and guide us when perplexed, And free us from all ills in this world and the next. All Praise and thanks to God the Father now be given, The Son, and Him who reigns, with them in highest heaven, The one eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Are you thankful? In all circumstances? During
this time of the holiday of Thanksgiving, it is easy to offer thanks to God. We feast with our families, remember the blessings of the past year, and anticipate a joy filled Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Other situations can be in our lives that may make it difficult to feel thankful and offer thanks. Sickness, broken relationships, and unwanted change could limit our desire to give thanks. Paul in 1st Thessalonians, however, says to give thanks in all circumstances. A beautiful example of a person who testified thankfulness through words he penned, while enduring very severe hardships with many people is Martin Rinkart. He lived in Germany from 1586-1649 and was a pastor during the 30 years war. The city he served in suffered many hardships during the war: quartering of soldiers, confiscation of food and household goods, and an overcrowed population from people who had become refugees in the surrounding area. This resulted in plague which swept through
Martin Rinkart 1636; Translated Catherine Winkworth 1858
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A Brief History of the Thanksgiving Meal
As the holiday became more established, certain foods became traditional. Turkey became the centerpiece, while stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie became familiar favorites. By the 20th century, Thanksgiving had become one of America's most beloved family holidays. Of course, every family has its own Thanksgiving traditions. Some recipes have been passed down for generations, while others have become favorites only in recent years. Whether the meal is large or small, Thanksgiving remains a wonderful opportunity to gather around the table, share good food, and give thanks for the people and memories that make life special. We Wish You a Happy Thanksgiving! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings that make Royal Atrium Inn such a special community. To our residents and families, thank you for the joy, kindness, and trust you share with us. It is truly a privilege to be part of your lives. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, cherished moments, and the comfort of knowing how much you are appreciated. Warmest wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving, Your Royal Atrium Team
For many of us, Thanksgiving brings to mind a familiar and comforting meal: roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But the Thanksgiving dinner we know today has changed quite a bit over the centuries. The story often begins with the harvest celebration held by the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621. They shared a three-day feast with members of the Wampanoag community. While turkey and other wild game were likely served, the meal was quite different from today's Thanksgiving dinner. Foods may have included venison, seafood, corn, beans, squash, and other locally available foods. Thanksgiving celebrations varied from place to place for many years. In the 1800s, writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for a national Thanksgiving holiday and helped popularize the idea of a special family feast. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be observed in November.
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