Thanksgiving is such a beautiful weekend, as all across the nation people pause and offer thanks for all that they love and enjoy in life. Many will gather around food-laden tables with family and friends to reconnect with one another and the greater purposes of life. It is all about, of course, the Harvest Thanksgiving, which in rural communities is central and affirming to the way of life. Most of us who live in cities or large communities can get far removed from the land and agricultural production, but this holiday helps us all come back to our connectedness to the land, and the gathering of family and friends ties us closer to the gift of love.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, take some time to name those things for which you are thankful but which are too often overlooked in the hurriedness of life. The acorns beneath an oak tree. The spider’s webs glistening in the dew. The fluttering of a leaf as it falls to the ground. The last rose of summer. The gorgeous blue of the autumn sky. The call of geese overhead. The call of children out on the school playing field. A crisp apple fresh from harvesting. The range of fruit and vegetables at the supermarket. Friends who surprise and encourage us. The list goes on and on, but being attentive opens our hearts and minds to offer thanks a little more often.

Thanksgiving really should be a way of life. It should be our starting place in our relationship with God. It should be our guide as we meander through our journey of life. Thanksgiving breaks us free of greed and opens up possibilities of compassion. So make that list of the things for which you are thankful and then take the next step of thanking God for all that you have and all that you are. When you do, it changes you to see that life is an incredible gift, a gift from the One who calls you beloved.

Please join us as we celebrate on Sunday October 8th at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

With Thanksgiving to God for each of you,

the Rev. Canon Stephen Vail

Calling All Saints Youth!

We are very excited to promote the upcoming ReCharge Fall Retreat for Youth at Muskoka Woods on October 27-29th.

Youth (ages 12-17) from around the Diocese of Toronto will be gathering to learn more about God and how working  together in the Spirit we can challenge injustice and be agents for change in the world.  The cost is $85 and there are some bursaries available.  We encourage All Sts youth and their friends to participate in this great weekend!  Speak to our Assistant Curate, Molly Finlay for more information.

You might also visit the Diocesan registration page where you can  download waivers, register online, read about the theme for the weekend, and see the itinerary.  Be sure to scroll down the full page to get all the details. It looks like a fun weekend.

You can learn more about Muskoka Woods by clicking  here. And check out this great vimeo.  (Moms and Dads, don’t you wish you were a teen again!)

All Saints’ Whitby is hiring!

Join our vibrant, committed community of Christ Followers as our new part-time Youth Minister! We are looking for a leader who, for 10 hours each week, will help us to inspire and encourage our young people in their lives of faith.

If you are looking for an opportunity to put your faith to work in the lives of youth while you pursue your studies or other employment, this might be a great fit for you. This position will work closely with the Assistant Curate, with leadership from the Incumbent.

The Youth Minister will exhibit the following gifts and skills:

• Theological training
• Ability to share the Gospel with young people in an easy to understand way
• Openness to questions and diverse theological views as expressed by our youth
• Fun-loving and collaborative
• Responsible and safety-conscious
• Strong writing skills (able to prepare a simple written report for Vestry)
• Musical ability is an asset
• Familiarity with Youth Alpha programming
• Police check and screening is a requirement

All Saints’ is a Christ-centred community that seeks to share the message of God’s love and put faith into action.

Interested candidates should contact the Rev. Molly Finlay at finlaymallsaintswhitby@nullbellnet.ca or (905) 668-5101 ext. 24.