Fall is a wonderful season, full of vibrant colours and cooler temperatures, but I wonder, as I sit here writing this why I am filled with sadness and, yes, some anxiety. With each tomato plant that I rip out of the earth, my garden gets that barren, depleted look about it. I spent 3 days cutting down all of my Black-Eyed Susans. That part of the garden looks empty and unloved. The lawn is littered with shrivelled leaves that have been dropping from the trees for some time now. Yet, I also look upon this with satisfaction. Things are getting cleansed, being prepared for the long winter and then, Spring when everything comes to life once more. I do love having a swimming pool in my backyard, but once it is closed and covered for winter; once the pumps and the gas have been turned off, I feel a sense of freedom. I no longer have to constantly check chemical levels, ensure that the skimmer basket is clean, vacuum the pool etc.etc. Everything is getting tucked away and put to sleep until the reawakening in Spring.
I also wonder why I am sleeping so much better. It seems that the change in the season affects people in many ways.
“The days are shorter with darkness encroaching earlier and earlier each evening. Temperatures drop
affecting the way we dress, heat our homes and spend time outdoors. Fall schedules appear with more
structure, expectations and obligations. It’s no wonder that “Ah summer, don’t go…” is an oft-repeated
phrase on social media these days. The ease of living in a bright, warm, alive climate is fading day by day.”
So, let us all now embrace Fall and all that it has to offer. Let us relish that crisp air. Let us go apple picking and make some pies. (Nothing like biting into a macintosh freshly plucked from the tree). Let us TRY to enjoy the raking of the tons of leaves that have fallen on our lawns. Let us sleep with the windows ajar while we snuggle warmly under our blankets.
Albert Camus said, Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote; Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.
L.M.Montgomery famously shared; I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
Delia Owens noted; Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only
chance to soar.
Happy Autumn, everyone. Embrace all that nature has to offer.
Bible Study
Session #1 got off to a great start with 14 people in attendance. Jacob Birch from the Canadian Bible Society led us all very knowledgeably in this the first of 8 sessions. Next week we delve into Genesis as we begin our journey through the Bible.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Outreach is organizing a food/cash drive for the St James Food Basket to provide them with selected food products for their client families. The following items have been suggested: canned tomatoes, canned tomato paste, tuna, canned beans (e.g. chickpeas), and 1-pound (454 grams) packages of pasta (not in boxes). We will put a large tote bin at the front of the church beginning on Sept 27 th to hold your items. If you prefer, you can make a cash donation (cash, cheque or e-transfer) which will be used to buy these items in bulk by the Food Basket. Please mark your donation for the Outreach account, Food Drive, and include your envelope number. Let’s aim to fill the bin to overflowing by Sunday, October 18 th and share our blessings with those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Kento’s New Musical!!
Kento has created a new musical entitled REIMU which is a modern reimagining of the Japanese folk legend, Snow Woman. The world premiere will take place on Friday, October 16(evening) and Sunday, October 18 (matinee) at the Array Space Studio (155 Walnut Avenue). Here is the link for more information. The production is endeavouring to raise funds through a GOFUNDME page. That information is also in the link that I have provided.
Well done, Kento. We, at Graceview are so proud of all you have accomplished.
https://www.hibikiproject.org/reimu-hp
A Taste of Italy Dinner
Outreach plans to host a dinner on Friday, October 16 th at 6 pm in the downstairs hall. It will feature an Italian themed dinner and will be prepared for us by Chef Keith and the students in the culinary program at Thistletown Collegiate. Ticket prices are $30 and all proceeds from the dinner will go to the Thistletown Euro Trip to Italy which will take place during the 2027 March Break. Please save this date on your calendar! Tickets can be purchased from Jean Ross, after service.