Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I welcome the opportunity to write my first Thanksgiving letter for this parish. The past month has seen its share of challenges, but we have weathered them well and we have much to be thankful for.

We have the ability to worship God in a manner consistent with our Anglican faith and tradition without fear of retribution or interference. As a result I see a growing congregation confident in its expression of faith as well as in their expectations for the future. We have many young families who will carry this tradition on long into the future.

We have a vibrant parish family who welcome the opportunity to stand together and help support one another. I, and my family, have certainly felt this support and I thankyou all. As we look ahead to this busy autumn season, this support bodes well for our parish activities. I encourage you all to participate fully in these events for through participation you will reap rewards. Thanksgiving is the first such occasion.

This ever changing world, in which we live, with its myriad technological innovations, can result in many of us not giving a second thought to where our food comes from. “Isn’t it Safeway?” In today’s modem world a crop failure or poor harvest does not necessarily mean starvation or hardship. Such was not the case for our forefathers who depended on a successful harvest for their very well being.

I would ask that each of you give pause this Thanksgiving season and reflect on this special mercy that God has given us. While you are at it, give Him thanks for the other blessings you have in your lives; a supportive and loving family; a caring spouse, ajob that enables us to put food on the table, or perhaps simply the ability to walk to the post office. All things come of God, take the time to thank Him for them.

Blessings,

Tony +