10/09/2026
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! 🍁
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I thought it might be nice to share a little bit about how this special day came to be.
Did you know that Thanksgiving in Canada is believed to date all the way back to 1578? That’s when an Arctic explorer by the name of Martin Frobisher and his crew held a celebration of thanks after safely arriving in what we now know as Nunavut following a long voyage.
Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada in 1879. Back then, it was celebrated in November, but in 1957 the date was changed to the second Monday in October, where it has remained ever since.
Of course, there are different thoughts about how Thanksgiving actually began. Some believe it started as a way for early settlers to thank God for a plentiful harvest. In many countries, Thanksgiving is still closely connected to harvest time, which explains why we celebrate it in the fall.
For those of us who are Christians, Thanksgiving has an even deeper meaning. It’s a special time to thank God for His goodness, His love, and the many blessings He has given us. Through prayer, music, and worship, we have an opportunity to show just how grateful we are. After all, God is at the heart of it all!
Thanksgiving celebrations have certainly changed over the years. Life seems to get busier and busier, doesn’t it? Between work, appointments, activities, and all the little things that fill our days, we sometimes forget to stop and appreciate just how much we have to be thankful for. And yes, sometimes we even forget to say a simple “thank you” to the people around us — and to God.
But one lovely thing about Thanksgiving hasn’t changed, and that’s the joy of getting together. Whether it’s a big family dinner, a small gathering with friends, or simply sharing a meal with someone special, it’s a time to enjoy one another’s company, share a few laughs, make some memories, and appreciate the blessing of being together.
So, however you’re spending this Thanksgiving weekend, I hope you’ll take a little time to think about the good things in your life.
Here’s a little challenge for you: Can you think of five things you’re thankful for? I bet once you get started, you’ll find it hard to stop at just five! Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that turn out to be our greatest blessings.
And while we’re counting those blessings, let’s not forget to thank the One from whom they all come.
🍂 Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, good food, happy memories, and grateful hearts.
Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless! 🧡
What's happening this week:
* Sunday service with Rev. Dana Feltmate at 11 am.
* Sunday school classes during morning service.
* ChairYoga on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am. $5
* Youth Group meets Wednesday evenings , 6:30 - 8:00 pm.
* The Glace Bay Hospital Foundation is holding a fundraiser and dinner in honor of Glace Bay Hospital's 40th Anniversary - Celebrating 40 Years of Care, Compassion and Community - Thursday, October 15/26 at Flavor Top Shelf, Miners Forum, 6 pm. Silent Auction as well. Tickets ( $50 ) can be purchased from Morah Hemsworth ( 902-565- 9724); Ann Ley (902-578-7898)
* We are having a fundraiser. For $10 you can purchase a ticket for a mini pizza or two pizza burgers(gluten free buns available)at Kayla's Pizza and Grill on Union St. Contact: Morah Hemsworth(902-565-9724),Susan Hiscock (902-549-0744) or Jo-Anne Lambert(902-578-7347) for tickets.
* Fishcake and Beans takeout on October 16th . Pickup 3-5 pm . $16 Call any name in the ad above for tickets.
* Coady Credit Union on Reserve St. is having a shredding day on October 17th . People in the community can bring their paper there from 10 am to 1 pm to have it shredded .
* The UCW is holding a Fall Fair on October 24th from 2-4 pm. Admission $2. Bake table, Craft table, book table, and miscellaneous items for sale. There will be hot chocolate, c***r and cookies and games for the children to play.
* St. Luke’s United Church, Donkin, invites you to celebrate with us 118 years of spiritual guidance and support for our community. Sadly, our time has come to an end and we will be holding a decommissioning service on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 2 pm. with lunch to follow. Everyone welcome!
* If anyone wishes to book the hall for meetings, parties, etc., please contact Brenda McMullin at (902)849-7319 H or (9O2)322- 6703 C, Laurie Ross at (902)849-8051 or Jo-Anne Lambert at (902)578-7347.
* Please keep in mind the food cupboards at the front entrance of the church. Also, please do not put any perishable items in the cupboard !
* If you know of any members of the congregation who may need some cheering up for whatever reason, please contact Jocelyn Budden-Lee (902-574-0083) and she will ensure that they receive a card or a letter to let them know we are thinking of them.
* Memorial Fund donations - Dena Wareham at (902)849-2591.
* Weekly bulletin announcements - Jo-Anne Lambert at (902)578-7347; [email protected]; Facebook Messenger. Thursday deadline!
* Our church building is a scent free space to accommodate those with allergies and lung issues. Please be mindful of this!
