Change has a way of showing up when we least expect it, and when we are not prepared for it. Change sometimes arrives as an invitation to try something new, sometimes as a week away from our usual routines, and sometimes as a reminder that the world—and our faith—are always growing and –
I have been blessed to have the wonderful opportunity to reflect on change through three meaningful experiences: the Alf youth retreat focused on faith and film, an upcoming week of educational leave, and this Sunday we celebrate Reformation Sunday.
Our youth retreat has brought together two powerful ways of exploring life’s big questions: faith and film. Stories have a unique ability to help us see the world differently. Through characters, struggles, choices, and moments of transformation, films invite us to consider our own stories and the ways God is at work in them. For our young people, it has been an opportunity to reflect, ask questions, build relationships, and discover that faith is not about having every answer. It is about being willing to wonder, to listen, and to grow.
Taking a week of educational leave will offer me a similar opportunity. Stepping away from the familiar rhythms of daily responsibilities creates space to learn, reflect, and return with fresh perspectives. Sometimes we need to pause in order to move forward. We need room to ask new questions, consider different possibilities, and imagine how our work and ministry might grow.
This Sunday we celebrate Reformation Sunday, a reminder that change is woven into the story of the church itself. The Reformation challenged established ways of thinking and invited people to return to the heart of their faith. It reminds us that the church is not called simply to preserve what has always been, but to remain open to God’s ongoing work among us.
Of course, change is not always comfortable. Familiar routines can feel safe, and new possibilities can bring uncertainty. Yet faith invites us to trust that transformation can lead to deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and renewed purpose.
Whether we are young people discovering meaning through film, educators learning new approaches, or a church remembering its history, we are all part of an ongoing story, and part of that story includes being continually invited to grow, to reconsider, and to become something new.
Perhaps that is the good news of this season: change does not mean abandoning who we are. It means discovering who we are still becoming.
As we move forward from this week, may we embrace the opportunities before us with curiosity, courage, and faith. May we welcome new stories, learn from the past, and trust that God continues to work through change—shaping us, challenging us, and leading us toward what comes next.
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
October 23 – 25 – Tanis attending the ALF Youth Retreat in Minnedosa
October 25 – No service at St. Paul’s. Worship Service in Oak Lake at 11:00am.
October 26 – 30 – Tanis attending “Women in Ministry Conference” in Keene, Ontario
November 1 – In Person Worship with Marilyn Warkentin. Salt Shakers – Sunday School, Food Cupboard Sunday.
November 6 – Chatter in the Church — An Evening of Wine, Cheese and Stories Friday | 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Church | 286 Nelson Street, Virden
We’d love to have you with us — settle in for an evening of wine, cheese, and relaxed stories about community figures from our history. Enjoy wine & cheese, charcuterie, and local storytelling featuring our local Theatrick Players.
🎟️ Tickets: $50 in advance ($25 tax receipt included) Tickets available at the church office or call to book: 204-748-1295 – Reserve a table with a group of 10! All are welcome — we hope to see you there!
November 9 – 3:30pm Planned Gift Committee
November 11 – Church Office Closed in recognition of Remembrance Day
November 15 – On Sunday during regular 11pm worship, the service will include an… Act of Commemoration. – Commemorate .. to hold in precious memory! At this time, names will be read and candles lit in memory of family and friends who have died. Names entered into St. Paul’s Burial Register over the last twelve months will be included, as well as names which are specifically requested by members of the congregation. If you wish to submit a name please contact the church office before Thursday, November 12.
November 27 – Save the Date – St. Paul’s Christmas Bake Sale and Tea Friday!
Knit or Knot – The knitting & crafting group meets in the upper hall on Tuesday afternoons at 2pm.
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.
Celebrating the UCW – The UCW is celebrating their 65th Anniversary and are holding a celebration July 19-23, 2027 at the Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport, Ottawa, Ontario. You do not need to be a UCW member to attend as it is more about celebrating the women of the church. If you would like to know more you can contact Karen Coreett at karen.coreett5@gmail.com or you can keep up to date on the Facebook page National United Church Women NUCW.
