Great Ideas 101: Gratitude and Peace (September 17, 2025)

September 21 is World Gratitude Day and International Day of Peace. It is also the fall equinox.
One church I know is putting out portable white boards inviting people to leave messages of gratitude. Is there a local public space you can invite sharing of expressions of gratitude? Beyond the immediacy of this Sunday, you might tie it in with World Communion the first Sunday in October, October 5, or Thanksgiving weekend the following weekend. Is there a community partner or partners you can work with to extend gratitude among your neighbours? A community of faith is planning to offer a “free lunch” to passers-by from their picnic table, while delivering a “free lunch” to the people who work in the shops in their area. Plan to take a table to a local fall theme event, such as at the local high school, offering some refreshments, support, encouragement, and prayerful presence. Connect with annual Terry Fox runs, fall football and other sports events. What a difference a cup of water might make! There is great gratitude in giving. Gather a group to visit a long-term care facility to visit, to read, to residents. Deliver greeting cards to brighten a day. Connect with the local humane society and visit some furry friends awaiting adoption. Write a note of thanks to someone. …Add sharing of gratitude moments to worship.
Share your ideas with me.
Everyone is reminded to also join our casual virtual drop in each Wednesday morning on Sharon’s zoom 9:45 Atlantic and 10:15 NL for thirty minutes.