Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

So Much to Be Thankful For!

The Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was well known for his public prayers of gratitude. One Sunday morning there was a terrible

and destructive storm, and some of his parishioners were wondering what he could possibly be thankful for on such an ominous and dreadful day.  Whyte got into the pulpit and prayed these words: “Lord, I thank Thee that not every day is like this!” 

Life isn't always smooth sailing, but there is always something to be thankful for. In October, many of our Dismas groups held Thanksgiving gatherings (since Thanksgiving is in October in Canada) and reflected on the many blessings of life. But we don't have to wait for the Thanksgiving holiday to exhibit thankfulness! Every day we can count the blessings in our lives, both large and small.


What are you thankful for? How do you exhibit gratitude in your daily life?

Paul Tuck

Community Coordinator

On Thursday, October 23 Harry Nigh, and Paul Tuck along with Teemann (tech support) conducted an online training session with the members of the new Kingston Dismas Fellowship. The new group is eager to get underway! It was a great meeting. Tee has already edited the training session, so if your group wants to use the video for training, just let us know!

Toronto West had a good sized group of people on Friday October 3. After a wonderful meal, Harry Nigh did an orientation/training presentation. This new Dismas Fellowship is off to a great start!

Dismas Fellowship Guelph enjoyed Paul's smoked bbq pulled pork with Nancy's famous cole slaw.
For dessert there was pumpkin pie (with real whipped cream) and Eileen's homemade butterscotch squares.
Mark H shared the reflection and everybody shared some things for which they are thankful.
A great time was had by all!

Dismas KW met on Friday, October 11. WIlliam cooked an amazing pork dinner with mashed potatoes and two types of squash. Others contributed salads and desserts.

Lynda T led our singing time and Mark brought the reflection. Also there was a brief discussion time regarding Christmas plans.

Cambridge: An Attitude of Gratitude

Dismas Cambridge had an intimate gathering on Monday, October 20. Although they are having to rebuild after the loss of 8 participants (Goshen Renewal Ministries has closed) they are in great spirits. A special well behaved puppy was also in attendance!

Everyone enjoyed the spiral sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggies along with some apple pies for dessert.

Pam Tuck brought a classic thanksgiving reflection called "Stone Soup."

Eric Richards reports...

We had an awesome Dismas on October 6th as we had 3 chaplains from Kingston come to sit in on our meeting. The meal was prepared by Lazlo and Yvonne which was a macaroni dish with a "Thanksgiving Twist." We had another fine man from another country come to visit us. He usually comes to Canada once a year and we are always blessed to have him join us for Dismas. I read one of my own reflections called "Where do you see God around you?" A great time was had by all.

Dismas Hamilton met on Friday, October17. Instead of turkey, the kitchen opted to serve a Thanksgiving Ham Dinner with potatoes and salad and a variety of pies.

Doug P brought a fabulous reflection (his first one) which was about being thankful despite hardships in life.

Elvera Reimer writes...


In Niagara we celebrated our Dismas evening on the fourth Monday of October with 20 people in attendance. Good food, good conversation, lively singing and a great circle time let by Pam Tuck. There were two new faces in our group that evening which is always exciting along with those who choose to return to our growing fellowship. Our thanks to all who participated in sharing, setting up and serving. It was a great evening!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

By mid October, most stores already started putting out Christmas merchandise. So it's certainly not to early to make plans for your "Dismas Christmas."

What do you plan to do for Christmas in your local fellowship?

Paul Tuck is writing a new short Christmas program called "Holy Moments."
It has 4 reading parts and is about taking some time to absorb the real meaning of Christmas. If you are interested, Paul is happy to share!

If you need any other help or ideas, please contact Paul Tuck, our Community Coordinator.

Chaplain Juliane Martin shares with us a great opportunity!

"You may have heard of 'sunshine bags' being distributed over the Christmas Season to folks in custody (both provincial and federal). The Sally Ann has been doing this for many years and it is typically well received.  Any amount would be appreciated but we typically pull this off with a budget of $2500 ....... pretty good value for reminding 3000 prisoners they are not forgotten."

Please give a little something to our brothers and sisters inside.

Here is the donation button (directly below).

EZ RECIPES FOR DISMAS DINNERS!

Texas Style Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot, Simple and Simply Delicious!

For many Dismas Fellowships, the crock pot is our best friend! Here's a recipe that's easy to follow for juicy and zesty Texas style bbq pulled pork.

Did you know that you can support your local Dismas Group and receive a donation receipt for income taxes?

The easiest way to support your local Dismas is to go to the Friends of Dismas Canada Helps Page, scroll down and select which Dismas you want to support.

You can click on the button below and make a secure donation.

You can also make a donation to Dismas Fellowship Network or to the local Dismas of your choosing by scanning or taking a picture of the QR CODE.

It will take you to a secure location to make the donation. There is a box where you can select where you want your donation to be applied.

Do you need help, training, supplies or just someone to bounce ideas off of?

Call Paul Tuck at

(647) 525-8245

Or click below to send an email.