Thanksgiving in a rural community makes us stop and count our blessings.
Of course, this year we might also be counting rainfall totals, muddy roads, ruts in the field, and the number of times we have looked at the weather app hoping the forecast has changed! There is an old saying that farmers always talk about the weather, lord knows we, we have had plenty to talk about.
Rain is a blessing—until it isn’t. In spring, we pray for rain. Then it comes. And comes. And comes some more. By fall, the prayer sometimes changes to, “Okay God, we appreciate the enthusiasm, but could you turn the tap off for a while?”
Our rural life teaches us that we are never completely in control. We can prepare the soil, plant the seed, repair the machinery and make our plans, but eventually we have to look toward the sky and wait.
This Sunday we also celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday, when Christians around the world gather around Christ’s table. Some will worship in great cathedrals. Others will gather in tiny country churches. The language, music and bread may be different, but the invitation remains the same: Come. There is room for you.
We understand tables in rural communities. Our tables hold meals, coffee cups, garden vegetables, newspapers and sometimes a parts catalogue beside the Thanksgiving pie. Our tables are places where stories are told, neighbours are welcomed and somebody eventually asks, “So, how much rain did you get?” Communion reminds us that God’s table works much the same way. There is room for everyone.
Thanksgiving reminds us to notice what we have—even in a year when things haven’t gone according to plan. We give thanks for crops harvested and for patience when they aren’t. For gardens, livestock and food on our tables. For neighbours who pull us out when we’re stuck, lend a hand when machinery breaks down, and listen when we need to complain about the weather one more time.
Psalm 24 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” That includes the beautiful harvest days—and apparently the rainy ones too.
This Sunday as we celebrate Thanksgiving (I know it’s a week early), may we gather around our tables grateful not because everything has been perfect, but because through muddy fields, delayed harvests and changing plans, we have not travelled alone.
And as we gather around Christ’s table with people around the world, may we remember one of the greatest gifts rural life teaches us: We need one another.
For the harvest, for our neighbours, for laughter in frustrating times, and even for the rain—although perhaps we’ve had enough for now— Thanks be to God.
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
October 4 – Tanis – Virden. This will be our Thanksgiving service with communion. There will be Sunday School. St. Paul’s is worshipping at the homes – Westman 2pm and the Sherwood 3pm. Extra voices are always welcome to come along to help with singing hymns. It is also Food Cupboard Sunday and we invite you to bring a non – perishable food item for our hamper.
October 5-9 – LeAnne is out of the office and will be in Saskatoon attending the United Church Office Workers Conference. Should you need immediate assistance during this time please contact Tanis at 204-851-5505 or at vrdnstp.minister@gmail.com.
October 11 – Tanis will be worshipping in Griswold and Oak Lake.
October 12 – The church office is closed for Thanksgiving.
October 14 – 1:30pm SAIL Sing Along at St. Paul’s
October 15 – 11:00am Finance Committee
Church Office Hours – The church office is now open Monday – Thursday at regular hours of 9am – 12pm & 1-3pm.
Knit or Knot -Starting Tuesday, September 22, the knitting & Crafting Group will begin meeting again after our summer break! 2:00pm in the upper hall.
knitting isn’t your thing? No problem! Come and join us for the fellowship, fun, and good company. Bring your needlepoint, card making, or whatever craft interests you. So gather up your crafting supplies, bring your project, and come join us for an afternoon of creativity, laughter, and fellowship! Everyone is welcome!
Coffee Time – Join us Thursday mornings at 10:00am for a time of coffee and fellowship! This is open to everyone and all are welcome!
Food Cupboard Sunday – The first Sunday of the month is Food Cupboard Sunday and we invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for the Virden & Area Food Cupboard.
ALF Youth Retreat – Minnedosa, MB – Oct 23 to 25, 2026 – Faith in Film
Calling all grade 7 to 12s from Prairie to Pine Region (and beyond) to explore with peers for a weekend how movies inform our faith. If this interests your or you know someone in this age category that are interested in attending please let me know.
Registration Open: Click here for info Any youth from St. Paul’s who wish to attend will have their registration fee reimbursed. Registration deadline is October 12, 2026.
Change for Change Campaign – How is everyone’s change collecting coming along? Are your bags full? Change bags are due back in for Sunday, October 4.
The Outreach Committee is inviting everyone to collect their loose change over the summer and donate it to the Mission & Service Fund. Lovely decorated collection bags are available at the church, or you may use a bag of your own. Please return your collected change by the end of September. If you would like your donation included on your year-end tax receipt, please be sure to clearly label your bag with your name.
If you are not into collecting coins, our campaign is online also… help us turn change into change! Click here to help https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/119197150RR0001-st-pauls-united-church/p2p/change-for-change
