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Happy Thanksgiving!
Canadian thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays. What joy to celebrate the harvest, to bring in the sheaves, to see the granaries full and the preserve shelves sagging under the weight of summer's goodness.
This year, my harvest wasn't that good. And I've heard the same story from others. A cold, wet spring knocked the blossoms off the fruit trees. The rain kept the bees away. Then hot, dry weather and smoky skies stunted the growth of many vegetables, particularly zucchini, in August. Can you imagine a gardener asking for zucchini? Usually we're trying desperately to give them away!
But even with a poor year, the table at the church is filled with the fruits of the earth.
Still, the disappointment with my own crops made me think about other times and other places. In our world, we don't fear famine. We can always buy what we need, even if we can't grow it. But the people of Israel knew famine, it's what sent them into Egypt, and slavery.
People in parts of Africa and Asia are starving today, sometimes because of warfare, sometimes because of failed crops.
On this thanksgiving weekend, when most of us sit down to too much food, let us be grateful for the feast before us and remember those in need.
A gift to PWS&D reflects our love for God's people everywhere. Closer to home, there's a box in the narthex for the food bank.
Thanks to all who brought offerings for the table at church, including Heritage Acres. Enjoy the feast and family and friends. Rejoice in the goodness of God's world. "Come Ye Thankful People Come!"
SPPC has received a very nice thank you letter from PWS&D (Presbyterian World Service and Development, the mission arm of the national church.) Apparently our givings to PWS&D in the January to June period were considered worthy of comment.
Among other things, the letter mentioned the value of micro loans that allowed women in Guatemala to invest in their own land, improve their agricultural methods and thus increase their food production, which not only allows them to feed their own families, but to sell their excess and provide more income, and employment (and income) for others. The ripple effect of a small donation is truly amazing.
PWS&D has partners all over the world who ensure that our contributions are used wisely and efficiently to promote health, education, agriculture, income-generating businesses, skills training, clean water and emergency relief. For those who attended the Laura Kavanagh presentation earlier this year, you will remember that one of the purposes of her trip was to inspect projects that had received PWS&D funding and to receive an accounting of how those funds were used. With so many charities begging for funds on television, by the mail, door-to-door and via telephone solicitors, it is reassuring to know that 94% of the money given to PWS&D goes directly to those in need.
As the U.N. declares a state of famine in East Africa, it is worth noting that any money made to PWS&D will generate matching funds from the federal government.
So yay for us at SPPC and yay to PWS&D for their amazing work in the world.
For more information on PWS&D, etc. simply follow the links in this post.
