“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46
As we absorb the sad news from Wainwright, AB, we remember our Presbyterian chaplains offering care across the country, as well as the entire Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
God of loving-kindness, creator and sustainer of all,
Your steadfast love endures from generation to generation; great is your faithfulness. Though there is much that we don’t understand, O God, and there are no words that can fully express our grief for these young lives deeply changed or lost – we lean on your Spirit who sits with us in the darkness, and who responds with groans too deep for words.
May your loving strength be upon the families, friends and colleagues who grieve this day, Canadian Armed Forces members lost in Wainwright. Be with each one in hospital, and with their families, friends, and colleagues. We pray for healing and courage for each one on the long road to recovery. Shine your light, and work through your people to ease the suffering brought on by this event.
We pray for Presbyterian chaplains who faithfully carry out your ministry. Work through them. Enable them to care for others and care for themselves.
We pray for the community of Wainwright, giving thanks for their generous response, and we pray healing for them as they grieve and process what has happened. May all those who are hurting find comfort and strength in the days to come. Wrap your loving arms around them and grant them peace.
We give you thanks that neither the present, nor any powers, nor anything else in all creation,
will separate us from your love that is in Christ.
In whose name we pray, Amen.
Rev Lara Scholey
Moderator of the 2026 General Assembly
Presbyterian rep, Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy
DAILY PRAYERS
Monday, October 26 (Intersex Awareness Day) We give thanks for intersex advocates who promote respect, human rights and informed consent in health care.Tuesday, October 27 We pray for presbytery Ministry Committees and Students’ Committees, that God’s grace and wisdom would guide them in their work of discernment with candidates for ministry.
Wednesday, October 28 As Christians in the Middle East live with daily fear, we thank God for the commitment and faith of Nader Abuamsha and Bassem Thabet and pray for the work of the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR).
Thursday, October 29 We pray for the Change Leadership Team as it works with interested congregations to implement a professional payroll system, reducing administrative burden on local ministries and relieving stress for ministers and staff.
Friday, October 30 We pray for music directors, organists, praise bands, choirs, and all who lead God’s people in joyful song and praise each week.
Saturday, October 31 (Reformation Day) We pray that the Church may always be renewed by God’s Word, rooted in God’s grace, and led by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus Christ with humility, courage, and love, serving the world for the glory of God.
Sunday, November 1 (All Saints Day) We give thanks this day for all the saints who have gone before us—and remember the work of the Reformers.
Praying for and with PCC congregations, committees, agencies, people and partners is one way of engaging in God’s mission in the world and focusing our lives on God. Join in prayer with people across the country and celebrate the mission and ministry we are doing together by using the daily prayers submitted by congregations, committees, presbyteries and PCC staff.
Invest in learning how to fund ministry now and into the future. Send a team to the Funding Ministry conference, hosted by The Presbyterian Church in Canada at Knox PC in Waterloo, Ontario, and collaboratively planned by church stewardship professionals spanning a broad range of denominations.
This conference will help you put stewardship at the heart of your congregational life.
Keynote speakers:
Grace Pomroy (gracepomroy.com ) author of Funding Forward and other stewardship resources for congregations, and Paul Nazareth, an expert on giving and tax, financial and estate planning, will share effective ways to raise funds for ministry today. Stewardship experts from across Canadian denominations are excited to share practical workshops between plenary sessions. You will develop your skills to encourage generosity, talk about money, share the stories behind your budget and thank donors.
The conference begins at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov 20 and will end by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 21. Registration includes Friday snacks and dinner, plus snacks and lunch on Saturday. Beyond learning new skills, you’ll have time to network and share experiences.
Schedule and workshop descriptions are online at presbyterian.ca/stewardship/events/funding-ministry-into-the-future.
Early bird registration and special rates are available for groups from one congregation.
- Early Bird Registration until Oct 30: $125 for the first person and $95 for each additional person from the same congregation.
- Registration after Oct 30: $170 for the first person and $125 for each additional person from same congregation.
Please go to https://www.presbyterian.ca for more news from the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
