September 26, 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
This harvest season, I give thanks to God for you. I am grateful for your warm welcome and your cultivation of God’s gifts. Thank you for revealing God’s love and generosity in your care for one another and Creation, your community outreach, your learning, your music, your prayers, and more.
During my first month at Christ Church, I have been especially moved by the quiet generosity of the community breakfast program. Almost every Saturday morning, 30 to 60 people come to share a hot meal served with dignity and care by dedicated volunteers. Every guest is greeted warmly—regulars by name—and all meals are served on porcelain dishes at decorated tables: little touches that tell people they matter. The program is about much more than food: it’s also about community and belonging.
All of us need to belong. One of our most important signs of belonging is the Eucharist. When we share bread and wine in holy communion, we give thanks to God for the divine love we know through Christ, who welcomes us as we are and joins us together in God’s family.
The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” We give thanks to God by offering “ourselves, souls, and bodies” in the words of the old prayerbook. We give thanks at the offertory, during communion, and by sharing our gifts with people in need. All these actions illuminate God’s love and goodness.
This Thanksgiving, I invite you to give thanks to God by donating to Christ Church and the community breakfast program.
For food in a world where many walk in hunger;
For faith in a world where many walk in fear;
For friends in a world where many walk alone;
We give you humble thanks, O Lord.
(“For Food in a World,” Manfred Wester.)
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed harvest season.
In Christ,
The Rev’d Canon Dr. Alison Falby
Incumbent, Christ Church Deer Park
