Thanksgiving in Canada arrives at a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing colour, the gardens are being cleaned out, and across the Prairies, farmers are hoping to finish harvest before the next rain or snowfall decides to make an appearance! Such a harsh realisty this year.
For many of us, Thanksgiving means gathering around a table, sharing a meal, enjoying family and friends, and perhaps eating just one more piece of pumpkin pie, but let us be reminded that Thanksgiving is about much more than food.
Thanksgiving is also a time to recognize God’s goodness in our lives and to remember that gratitude is something we are called to practise every day, not just once a year.
Psalm 100 reminds us:
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.” — Psalm 100:4
Living in rural communities, we understand that the harvest doesn’t happen without hard work, patience, cooperation, and a little faith. Some years the crops are plentiful, while other years the weather tests everyone’s patience. This year, with all the rain, I would guess that there may have been a few extra prayers offered from the tractor cab! Let us be reminded that even when things don’t go according to plan, there are blessings to be found.
Thanksgiving also reminds us that not everyone has a full table, a warm home, or family nearby. As people of faith, we are called not only to give thanks for what we have but also to share what we can. Have you dropped of some food for your local food bank? Cheked on a neighbour? Have you offered a helping hand, or simply made room for one more person at the table. Our faith reminds us that God’s love is made visible through kindness, generosity, and community.
The beauty of the changing seasons, the kindness of neighbours, the food we share, and the people who make our lives richer are all reasons to be thankful, and perhaps the greatest way we can thank God is by becoming a blessing to someone else.
Happy Thanksgiving! May your hearts be grateful, your tables welcoming, and your pumpkin pie plentiful!
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
October 11- There will be no Zoom set up at the church on Sunday- you are welcome to join Zoom from your home
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
October 18 – Tanis – Virden…Muffin Morning, Sunday School. We will be having a guest speaker from the WMCA.
October 20 – 1:30pm Worship Committee
October 21 – 7:00pm Church Council
October 25 – No Worship Service
Guest Speaker – We are pleased to welcome Lois Reston from the Westman Women’s Shelter on Sunday, October 18th. Lois will share about the shelter, its operations, and the important work they do in the community.
The Outreach Committee has been a long-time supporter of the Women’s Shelter, and we look forward to hearing from Lois and learning more about this important ministry. Please join us for this special presentation!
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.
