A Thanksgiving Message from Archbishop Anne Germond
October 2025
This time of year, as the fields are gathered in and the colours of creation turn to autumn glory, I am reminded of Jesus’ words:
“Look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.” — John 4:35
Thanksgiving invites us to rejoice in God’s abundance and to recognize the many ways Christ’s light and love are bearing fruit among us.
Across Algoma and beyond, I have seen new signs of growth in our churches — signs of hope and renewal that remind me that the Spirit is very much at work among us.
At our Lay Readers’ Conference, we celebrated the gifts of lay ministry and the deep friendship we have long shared with the Diocese of Moosonee. It was a joy to have Bishop Rod BrantFrancis with us for that gathering. As part of our thanksgiving, we gifted him the Survivors’ Flag, which now travels with him as a sign of memory, resilience, and hope. This was a meaningful way of sealing our friendship and affirming our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation.
I give thanks, too, for the wider church. Over the past year, I had the privilege of serving as Acting Primate and witnessed the Spirit at work in powerful ways — renewing our witness and strengthening our bonds across the country. One of the great joys of this season has been seeing Moosonee’s return to full-time episcopal ministry, a sign of God’s faithfulness in a place that has always been close to Algoma’s heart.
Closer to home, I am deeply thankful for the many ways parishes across our Diocese are responding to the needs of their communities. The work being done to address food insecurity and homelessness is inspiring. Congregations are providing free community meals, running food banks, growing gardens, offering rides to grocery stores, and advocating for change. In each of these acts — large and small — the love of Christ is being made visible. This is what it means to live the gospel in action: “You give them something to eat.”
This Thanksgiving, I also want to offer heartfelt gratitude for the people who helped make Doors Open at Bishophurst such a success. More than 170 people visited the residence this year — our most well-attended Doors Open event ever! It was a day filled with history, hospitality, and heartfelt joy. The Blessing of the Animals on the grounds — the first ever at Bishophurst — was a wonderful reminder of God’s care for all creation. I am so grateful to the people of Algoma whose generosity and pride in this historic home allow us to share it with the community as a living sign of our shared story and ministry.
Wherever I go in the Diocese, I see how simple acts of hospitality are drawing people into conversation, prayer, and fellowship. Whether through feeding ministries, open church doors, or blessings offered under autumn skies, the Spirit is moving among us — quietly, faithfully, abundantly.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, my heart is full. I give thanks not only for the fruit of the land but also for the fruit of the Spirit that is growing among us — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the true gifts of the harvest.
May we continue to give thanks in all things — for the beauty of creation, the strength of our friendships, and the generosity of our people. And may God’s grace continue to bless and sustain the Diocese of Algoma in every good work.
With gratitude and every blessing,
+Anne: Algoma
Archbishop of Algoma