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October 11, 2019
As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts turn to turkey... Or in the case of the vegetarian members of my household, to pumpkin pie.
I am grateful for daily food and for occasional feasting, but I am taking a moment this week to remember some of the other things I am grateful for. I say some, because whatever list I jot down here will be incomplete. Life is bountiful. (These are in no particular order...)
- Our Church’s full communion agreement with the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, which was celebrated this past weekend in worship and fellowship, generously hosted by the Broadway Disciples congregation in Winnipeg, a joint congregation of our two denominations.
- Having a General Council Executive that is willing and ready to grapple with tough issues: like racism, and the needs of small and rural ministries.
- Technology that lets us meet with colleagues at a distance without the cost (financial and environmental) of participants always having to travel.
- Thousands of Canadians who made their statement for climate justice by marching through their communities on September 27 (and being able to be part of that crowd myself along with some of our young church leaders).
- The humbling and moving experience of attending the ceremony in Gatineau on September 30, Orange Shirt Day, as the National Student Memorial Register was introduced with a long, long banner containing the names of the children who died in Residential Schools.
- The evening Bible study group in my congregation, as we follow The Story
- Those in all our churches who support Refugees in finding new lives in Canada, something that United Church congregations have been doing for forty years.
- Hearing the Rev. Christopher White on the CBC early one morning this week, talking about his congregation’s partnership with their municipality to accompany Canadians in need in a similar way to refugee sponsorship.
- Worshipping with colleagues at our weekly chapel services in the General Council Office.
- All those Canadians who are offering themselves for political office in the upcoming election.
- Our ecumenical relationships through the Canadian Council of Churches, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year (and getting to attend their recent worship service to mark the occasion).
- The glorious sunshine that these early October days have brought to this part of Ontario.
- All of you in your ministries and service.
- The generosity of all who make the work of the United Church possible by support to the Mission and Service Fund and The United Church of Canada Foundation.
- Time to enjoy with family and friends this weekend.
[Chalices exchanged between between the United Church and the Disciples of Christ as symbols of our full communion. Photo credit: Daniel Hayward]
The list is long, but could be so much longer. Just starting this list helps me be aware of the goodness of God, and the many ways in which I take this for granted. I pray for you to enjoy God’s many blessings, at Thanksgiving, and always.
Blessings,
Nora
Nora Sanders is General Secretary of The United Church of Canada.
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