October 11th 2026 - Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving is observed annually on the second Monday in October to align with the completion of the autumn harvest.
Rooted in early European harvest traditions alongside long-standing Indigenous harvest and winter-survival celebrations, it was officially declared an annual national holiday in 1879, with the current date fixed by Parliament in 1957.
Canadian Thanksgiving has deep roots in Christian and harvest traditions, though it has evolved into a largely secular civic holiday. In the mid-19th century, Protestant church leaders in Ontario and across the United Provinces of Canada heavily lobbied the government to establish an annual day of public prayer and thanksgiving to God for the autumn harvest.
The practice mirrors traditional European and Judeo-Christian harvest festivals, drawing on biblical themes of gratitude to God as the ultimate provider of life and sustenance (such as passages in Deuteronomy and Ephesians).
It’s safe to say that as long as humans have farmed, they’ve celebrated the harvest, offering thanks to their gods. By the time of the Hebrew Bible, this tradition was well established. For instance, Deuteronomy 16:10 says, “Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you.” This shows that the Jewish people were expressing their gratitude to God for a successful harvest, a tradition carried into Christianity.
In England, long before Christianity, harvest festivals were tied to the autumnal equinox rather than a fixed date, which is why Canadian Thanksgiving has a moveable date. The first Thanksgiving on what is now Canadian soil occurred in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving his perilous journey. For someone in Frobisher’s time, giving thanks to God would have been a natural expression of relief and gratitude.
Canadian Thanksgiving evolved from these early beginnings into what it is today: a time to give thanks for the harvest and to spend with family and friends, typically marked by a festive dinner celebration.
Rev. Deborah
ANNOUNCEMENTS OCTOBER 11, 2026
MEWASSIN
SUN.OCT 18/26 9am The Congregational Board Meeting will be held. The Sunday service will begin after the meeting followed by Coffee Sunday and viewing of the power-point presentation from our 100th Anniv. Joann will add pictures from that day as well.
WED. OCT 21/26 6pm There will be a sustainable discussion evening with a chili supper held in the Church. A congregational email will be sent regarding food contributions.
STONY PLAIN
WED. OCT 14/26 1:30pm UCW meeting will be held in the Church. Sharon McRann will do a Thanksgiving program. Everyone welcome.
FALL FOOD DRIVE- Leading up to Thanksgiving we will be collecting items for the Parkland Food Bank. If you are able, please bring non-perishable food, hygiene products, baby food, pet food and toilet paper. Items can be dropped off at the Stony Plain United Church.
FRI. OCT 30/26 HARVEST SUPPER – There is still a need for donations and workers, if you are interested there is a sign up sheet in the lobby of the Church. Please invite your friends & neighbours all are welcome. Doors open at 4:30pm. Supper from 5:00pm-6:00pm tickets available in admin. office during regular business hours. General Admission $27.00 per person, children 6-11 $13.00 per person, 5 and under free.
SUN. DEC 13/26 Please save the date for the Christmas Cantata/Supper event. More details to follow in upcoming weeks.
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES Stony Plain has (ALDs) that can be used for the service or other events as needed. For more information or if you would like to try one out please see the Audio-Visual Tech team.
COMMUNITY
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE October is the time to renew your subscription, or begin a new subscription. The group rate is still $30 per year and you may pay with cash or a cheque made out to Stony Plain United Church with BROADVIEW on the memo line. Sample copies of this award winning journal are on the table in the narthex. The renewal list must be submitted to Broadview by Oct 21, 2026. Susan Oleskiw will be available Sundays Oct 4, 11 and 18 to receive your money . Changes of address or contact information must be submitted at the same time.
TOWN OF STONY PLAIN has announced the upcoming programs and events for the month of October. Please see the bulletin board for more information including phone numbers and email addresses or go to the Town of Stony Plain website for more information.
REFERENDUM October 19, 2026:The 10 referendum questions are quite long and somewhat confusing. As you prepare to vote, here is the link to see the potential implications from the Northern Spirit Regional Council's perspective: Know the Nine . And here is a link to the plain language questions: Alberta's 10 Referendum Questions — and Which Results Bind
Please be informed. And please vote.
WHISPERING WATERS COMMUNITY SERVICE – The first Wednesday of each month is the Whispering Waters Service at 7:15pm at the Center.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah or the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:
Sun. Oct 18/ 26 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Oct 25/ 26 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Nov 1/26 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon SP Presider: TBD MEW Presider: TBD
Sun. Nov 8/26 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Nov 15/26 Rev. Deborah on holidays
WEEKLY & RECURRING ACTIVITIES
Card Recreators 10:00am SP Thursdays
First Wed each month Whispering Water Comm. Service 7:15pm
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Wed. Oct 14 1:30 UCW meeting
Sun. Oct 18 9am MEW Congregation Board meeting & Coffee Sunday
Mon. Oct 19 Referendum vote
Wed. Oct 21 6pm MEW Sustainable discussion & chili supper in Church