October 2026 Blog
A Time to Give Thanks
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Gratitude is paired with prayer, even in times of worry. As a church family we come together in October for our Harvest Festival. We begin with a wonderful, community breakfast. [Everyone’s favourite.] We give thanks for the wonderful crops and food produced during the year. It’s also an opportunity to be truly grateful for our family and friends. During the service we welcome donations for the local Foodbanks. Such a worthy cause and the local families value our ongoing support.
Building on our strong community links, the uniformed groups play an integral part of the service. Lots of the children stay behind to participate in the craft activities and apple pressing, outside.
I am thankful for the volunteers who assist with the children’s activities. At baby and toddlers, assemblies and on a Sunday morning too. Everyone enjoys the “Cake Evening.” Where we invite our volunteers and leaders to enjoy a social get together to give thanks for their kindness, with delicious cake, of course.
It’s been a fantastic experience visiting the local schools and engaging with the children and staff. Reading bible stories, saying prayers together and singing lively songs with actions. It’s always a great start to a new day and fills me with hope for what lies ahead. I am again, thankful that the Head and staff welcome me into their schools.
I hope and pray for peace in the world and am hopeful that the right decisions are made to end the suffering. I pray to God and ask for his guidance in these troubled times. May the leaders be influenced and make steps towards a peaceful world.
People practice gratitude in lots of different ways. It’s a very personal thing. Some write in a daily journal, send thank you cards, write down 5 things they are thankful for that day or by singing songs with actions, or dancing to music and hymns. For me the most important thing is to be kind to everyone we meet. A quick text or email to check in with your friends and family means so much. It’s so vital that others know they are thought of and valued. We all have personal worries or issues as part of our daily life and never truly know what a person hides behind a smile.
I must mention the amazing NHS staff that I am eternally grateful for. Their unending care and compassion under extremely difficult circumstances is wonderful to see. After spending most of 2024 visiting my mum, in hospital and witnessing their budget restraints, first hand. I have nothing but admiration for them all. Under-staffed, they were asked to stay late as someone hadn’t turned up for their shift. Which they did willingly to help their colleagues. I am truly thankful for the NHS.
Giving thanks is a powerful tool and helps with our own happiness and well-being.
Verses such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, and Psalm 107:1 emphasize giving thanks through prayer, praise, and reflection on blessings. Gratitude in faith is not limited to joyful moments but is a posture of worship that fosters peace, humility, and joy.
I am grateful to the amazing team at St. Mark’s church for their ongoing care, support, faith and love.
Tracy Almond