All Saints' Day - November 1st, 2026
All Saints' Day is a time to remember that holiness is found in everyday faithfulness, connection to God, and the great community of believers. All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1 - a time to remember not only the famous and official saints, but also those who have been saints to us in our lives by pointing us in the direction of God.
The retired Rev. Porter Taylor, Assisting Bishop of the Episcopal Church's Diocese of Virginia, in his meditation for All Saints' Day, writes: "We think of saints as kind of mythic figures who lived a long time ago and lived legendary lives. We think saints are people in stained-glass windows. We think they are saints because of miraculous deeds in their lives that made them so different from us."
He goes on to write: "Let us remember that our common calling is to be saints. Sainthood is not about stigmatas, or visions, or levitating, or making the sun stand still, or miraculous healings. It's about being so connected to the love of God in Jesus Christ that this love radiates out from you in your life 'like shook foil', as they poet Gerard Manly Hopkins says.
Saints are God lovers."
It is these last four words that speak to me the most. The idea that in order to achieve sainthood comes through the love for God and living out that love in everyday, ordinary ways. It comes in the interactions we engage in with God's people and with all of God's creation. It is about how we live our lives not only in the big life-changing moments, but also in the small, barely noticeable ways.
I think it is rather bold to call oneself a saint. Even saints have their flaws, after all, they are human. However, it is the way their words and their actions have a ripple effect, leaving the world a better place than before.
We can all strive to be better, if not for sainthood, then to leave a legacy of compassion, grace, care, love and courage. Let us encourage each other to be the best version of ourselves and in so doing create a stronger, healthier, bolder world than the one we were born into.
Rev. Deborah
Source includes https://heartspoken.com/.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OCTOBER 18, 2026
STONY PLAIN
SUN. NOV 8 - LUNCH SUNDAY: After the service on Sunday there will be lunch. Please contact the admin office if you are able to help.
WED. NOV 11, 1:30 PM - UCW MEETING: Each person is invited to share one Remembrance Day story. All women welcome.
SAT. NOV 21, 10:00 AM - 12 NOON - UCW MUFFIN CAKE BAKE AND CRAFT SALE: Craft and banking donations are appreciated. Please wrap and label ready for sale. Clean, clear, repurposed food-rated containers can be used. Set up is in the afternoon of Nov 20.
PURDY’S CHOCOLATES: Back by popular demand! Since 1907, Purdy’s chocolates have been proudly made in Canada, with premium quality ingredients and sustainable cocoa. Get your holiday gifts for everyone and support our church. There are no-sugar & vegan options as well as treats for Hanukkah too! Join on-line at Welcome to the Purdy Fundraiser: "Christmas Chocolates for Stony Plain United Church" https://fundraising.purdys.com/fundraising/campaign/000030698.
You may submit a paper copy and leave at the church office. Place orders and pay by Thurs. Nov. 26 at the latest. Pickup is Dec. 13 (or earlier) at Stony Plain United Church, 5012 – 51 Ave, Stony Plain, AB 780 963 4745.
SUN. DEC 13 - CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Christmas Cantata/Supper event! Please save the date!
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES: Stony Plain has Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) that can be used for the service or other events as needed. For more information or if you would like to try one out please see the Audio-Visual Tech team.
COMMUNITY
SAT. NOV 14 - SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS GRIEF EVENT, 10:00 AM - 12 NOON: Sunshine Room, Grace United Church 6215 104 Ave. This event is designed to help Grieving people understand how holidays can exacerbate and trigger grief and gives valuable tools for helping you get through the
holidays. Open to everyone. Please invite someone you know that might benefit. There will be an introduction, short video and discussion. There will be a free booklet for participants and access to the video online. Contact the Grace United Church office at
WHISPERING WATERS SERVICE - 7:15 PM: First Wednesday each month at Whispering Waters Center.
REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES invites you to join the Friends of Rehoboth Campaign and the Building a Well Campaign. Together, these initiatives help provide safe homes, life-enriching programs, and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to flourish in their communities. Friends of Rehoboth supports ongoing ministry and services across Alberta, while Building a Well creates a lasting legacy of hope and belonging. Every gift helps create space for people to flourish. Become a Friend. Build a Future. To donate, visit www.rcmflourish.ca/donate or donation materials along with the latest Flourish newsletters are available at the church. As well, the digital version of the Flourish newsletter can be accessed through this link: https://rcmflourish.ca/who-we-are/flourish-newsletter/. For questions: please reach out to Linda Maki.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah or the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:
Sun. Nov 8/26 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Nov 15/26 Rev. Deborah on holidays
Sun. Nov 22/26 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon SP Presider: TBD MEW Presider: Fran Scherlie
Sun. Nov 29/26 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
WEEKLY & RECURRING ACTIVITIES
SP Cantata Practice - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
SP Ukulele & Choir practice - Wednesdays, 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
SP Card Recreators - Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Whispering Waters Community Service - first Wednesday of every month, at 7:15 PM.
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
| Sunday, November 8 | SP Lunch Sunday directly after the service |
| Wednesday, November 11 | 1:30 PM - SP UCW meeting |
| Saturday, November 21 | 10:00 AM - 12 noon - SP UCW Muffin Cake Bake and Craft Sale in Church |
| Sunday, December 13 | SP Choir Cantata & Supper Event |