Well, the leaves are definitely changing now, and autumn is upon us.

This Sunday at our church service, we'll be celebrating the autumn festival of Harvest. This will include an opportunity to bring items for the Basic Bank, as well as contributions to share in our Mini Harvest Festival after the service.

In the Old Testament, the equivalent celebration was the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasted for seven days rather than our single-day Harvest! Both the Feast of Tabernacles and our modern Harvest Festival are about giving thanks-thanking God for His provision, and also giving thanks for the farmers and all who work to provide the food we so often enjoy without much thought.

It's easy to take things and people for granted. Over the last few weeks, a friend and I have been messaging each other at the end of the day (when we remember!) with something we're thankful for.

This small practice helps us recognise that, no matter how difficult the day has been or what the news may have brought, there is always something for which we can be grateful.

This simple act is one aspect of an ancient spiritual practice called the Examen, found in Ignatian spirituality. It's beautifully described in the book Sleeping with Bread, which offers ways to use this practice on our own, with friends, and in families.

I've found it so helpful to pause and notice those moments in the day that draw me closer to God-and to give thanks for them.

 Perhaps this week, you might try naming one thing each day that you are thankful for.

May we all find new ways to weave thankfulness-and an awareness of God's goodness-into our daily lives.

Blessings,

Paul and the St Denys team.