Vicar’s Thanksgiving Message

The celebration of Harvest Thanksgiving, is a complicated, falling so close after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and entangled with Columbus Day myths of discovery that obscure conquest. As the leaves are changing colour and the earth is yielding abundance many of us have much to be thankful for: beauty that surrounds us, for grace and forgiveness and love, community and family, health and bodies, meaningful work and time for rest and leisure. Part of the Christian life to cultivate not just a day but a life of giving thanks to God. At this busy season of feasting and celebration, I remember the words of St. Theresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish nun, mystic and doctor of the church who said both “God walks among the pots and pans,” and “thank God for the things I do not own.” I hope that in her spirit, our thanksgiving for God’s abundance spills over into our own generosity to others whether that is to a local Indigenous organization, St. George’s, Sources Food Bank, Alongside Hope or a friend who is lonely or in need. I pray that we will share the blessings we have received, Rev. Laurel