The MAGNIFY: Giving Thanks
Issue no. 3
October 2026
The MAGNIFY
MY SOUL PROCLAIMS. MY SPIRIT REJOICES
Welcome to Church
Author: Pastor James Sholl
We don’t do Thanksgiving in England, but I’d like to think I’m still a thankful person. The idea of having an entire day to reflect on things that I am thankful for is still new to me! I sometimes worry that I focus more on things that I wish I had, rather than on things I’ve already been given.
Many years ago, my mentor, probably sensing this in me, gave me a challenge. She told me that for one week, every night, my prayers should consist solely of thankfulness. Thanking God for the good that happened in the day, even thanking God for the place where I was yet to see Them at work.
In the busyness (and sometimes the terror) of daily life, it can be easy to lose sight of all the beautiful ways God is moving throughout the day. And it was, at that point, through this challenge, that I realized just how much God was already doing and how much, I truly had to be thankful for.
Dear reader, I challenge you this Thanksgiving week. Why not give it a try?
Lifted in Prayer
Lord, draw my eyes to all that You have given me. Let Your generosity toward me be a reminder of my call to be generous to others. Help me to thank You without expecting for more, and to give without expecting anything in return. Amen.
THE WELL SPEAKS
Generosity: A Thanksgiving to God
Author: Elder Bill Ryan
Duane Westacott and I volunteer at a drop-in centre called The Common Table. Duane helps distribute clothing, while I am part of a team that serves lunches on Bloor Street. The people who come are looking for more than just food. The drop-in community reflects many of the qualities that make us human. One of those qualities is the ability to express gratitude.
Duane and I are continually amazed by how often we hear the words, “Thank you.” That gratitude is communicated ot only through words, but also through emotion as well. It comes with a smile, with sincerity sometimes with tears, and sometimes... with a story.
One such story came at the end of last month. A senior who regularly visits the drop-in said to me, “I am always thankful for the generous meals you provide, but I am espeically thankful this month. I had some unexpected bills to pay and that left me short until tomorrow, when my pension cheque arrives. The meals I have received here over the past three days are all I have had to eat. Thank you again.”
I was reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:12; “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” The generosity of strangers here leads others to express gratitude to God! May you experience the same gratitude today.
COMMUNITY SPRING
When Failure Led to Thanksgiving
Author: Congregant Erin Kenny
I was nine years old when I first heard God’s call, and at nineteen I was sent to Chile to help run an orphanage. After that, I expected to enter in it as a full-time ministry. Thirteen months later, I developed schizophrenia and had to be sent home. The guilt and shame nearly killed me. I felt that I had failed God.
Eventually, I came to believe that Jesus loved me enough to forgive me, but that didn’t change the fact that I believed I had failed Him. Years later, I went through a period of drug addiction. Again, even after several years of sobriety, the guilt continued to haunt me. However, I have now begun to see both experiences in a different light.
“Give thanks to the Great Spirit in all things, for this is what He wants from you as you dance in step with Jesus the Chosen”
My new job is giving me the opportunity to serve people who struggle with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. It feels as though I am re-entering the ministry and that the intervening forty years were part of what God was doing to prepare me for this moment.
For all of these things leading to this moment, I am so grateful!
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on Their name. Make known Their deeds among the peoples; make them remember that Their name is exalted. Praise the Lord in song, for They have done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth.”
Join the Welcome Ministry
Author: Curator Simone Nieuwolt
Welcoming visitors and members of our community is a ministry shared by the entire church. If you arrive early, you will be offered a coffee and a greeting. After the service, there are snacks and a chance to meet our members. We also have greeters who make a point of saying hello and getting to know you. If you would like to know more and is considering to become a greeter, please contact Mary Lavoie or approach any of our greeters.
Church Community Partners
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Curated by Simone Nieuwolt
Designed by Ronald Dator
Edited by R. J. Edwards
With Special Thanks to:
Bill Ryan, Mary Lavoie, Erin Kenny, and James Sholl
Inspired? Have a story to share? Need someone to listen to you? You matter to us and we want to hear from you. Write to GodListens@wellspringtoronto.ca. Pick up a paper copy of the newsletter (with additional graphic design elements) by visiting Wellspring Worship Centre in person!