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Thanksgiving is a time when we give particular attention to all of God's gifts and express our gratitude. Our celebrations are rooted in the rhythm of rural and agricultural life, recognizing the season when crops come to maturity and are harvested after their summer of growth.

I grew up on a farm, so have a firsthand appreciation of the wonder of watching crops and gardens grow and mature. Picking fresh peas and raspberries were some of my favourite activities. Harvest was that time of year that came with the urgency of getting the produce into storage or off to market. Then came the sigh of relief, knowing that the work had been completed. It was then time to reflect on God's goodness and provision once again.

Living in the middle of a city, not many of us are closely aligned with those agricultural practices, but there are so many things for which we can be grateful. Life and health for each day are common to us all. In the Lord's Prayer we thank God for our daily bread and ask for that provision to continue. With the Psalmist we recognize that "The heavens are telling the glory of God..." (Psalm 19:1).

Of course, we know that the thanksgiving season is a reminder that we can be thankful all through the year. Despite the challenges that come to us all we have abundant blessings that come from our Creator, and spiritual strength and encouragement because we have been redeemed.

Please plan to join us at our Thanksgiving Service on October 11 at 11:00 a.m. Your presence and participation are an act of gratitude and an encouragement to all who gather. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Prayerfully,

Rev. Dr. Ken Bellous
Interim Minister of the Congregation