Thanksgiving Associates’ Weekend – 2022

Grace and gratitude

All Associates are welcome to join in the annual Thanksgiving work + study gathering – a chance to gather with old friends and new ones, share in work projects around our campus and farm, learn and reflect with each other, and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings!

A word about Worship

Given that we will be hanging out with the Sorrento associates over the Thanksgiving weekend, how could our worship not focus on gratitude! Our brief worship services will be rooted in scripture and wisdom sayings, with maybe a question or two designed to help you deepen your connection to the Divine.  We will include a few traditional and well-loved Thanksgiving hymns as well as some newer and never-heard-before songs of grace and gratitude.  

Rev. Juanita L. Austin, is a retired United Church minister with 35 years of experience in pastoral ministry, and has a passion for honest and creative liturgy, music, and social justice. Juanita recently self-published a book of some of her songs, prayers and dramatic readings. They are now available in a beautiful coil-bound book called “Cup of Wine and a Piece of Bread.”  She lives in Salmon Arm, BC, with her husband Jim McConnell and together they continue to offer gifts of music and worship, including being the spiritual and musical resource team for a week at Naramata Centre this summer.

Jim McConnell is a retired secondary school teacher, who specialized in math, science, drafting and woodworking.  Jim’s love of music came early when, at age 15, he was part of a family trio with his sister and brother.  At age 16, for his birthday, he chose a saxophone rather than a car.  He has been playing saxophone in numerous bands ever since. Jim says, “My biggest delight is doing sax backup for Juanita’s vocals and collaborating with her on new songs.” Jim and Juanita have been offering `Back Deck’ music for their neighbourhood on many Sunday afternoons during the pandemic.