Not sure if I’m ready for this wintry weather yet. The geese are not happy either, as the pond across the road keeps freezing over on them. While I love the changing seasons, winter seems to have come a bit too early this year.
What a powerful and moving service we had on Sunday commemorating Remembrance Day and the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War. The first person readings from actual soldiers and their wives and loved ones, really hit home and gave you a different perspective of how awful it really was for those at the front and those waiting at home. Kudos to Rev. Keith for getting us out on time to walk over to the Cenotaph. That service was not nearly as inspiring.
A reminder to everyone that we will be holding a congregational meeting directly after church on Sunday November 25 to decide which option we want to go ahead with to support refugees. I have attached the report from the committee, which includes their recommendations. My thanks to the committee for their due diligence in this matter, and for their presentation after church on November 4. Please read the report and come prepared to ask any questions that you might have, and to vote on the recommendations.
The mitten trees are up, and are starting to fill up with handmade warm mittens, scarves, hats and head bands and socks. This initiative is spearheaded by Pat Berry, and she has many elves helping her to trim the trees and fill the boxes underneath. Some of her elves are not members of our congregation, but friends and neighbours who want to contribute. Last year, Pat collected over 300 items to be distributed to agencies dealing with the vulnerable in our community, and she has already surpassed that number. If you would like to contribute to the mitten trees, items need not be handmade and they can be for adults or children. Please bring them by early December, so that we can get them out to people before it gets really cold. This has become a wonderful annual project. Sincere thanks to Pat for her work in leading this.
Our 20th!!! Annual Choirs and Carols will be held on Sunday December 2 at 7:00 p.m. This is a glorious evening of Christmas music and carol singing. I’m not sure how many choirs Rick has coming this year, but this event has become the signature way to usher in the advent season. We are soliciting donations of cookies to serve afterwards. Again, these do not have to be homemade, and can be brought to church in the morning, which will be the first Sunday of Advent.
On Sunday December 16 we will hold our Wesley Family Christmas Dinner. Stephanie has tickets in the office. Cost is the same as last year - $10 for adults and children 12 and under, free. Santa will once again be paying a special visit to all of the children 12 and under. We are looking for financial donations to help Santa fill his sack. If you would like to contribute, please see Stephanie. This contribution will be added to your givings. This year, we would like to invite some refugee families connected to the YMCA and some of our volunteers from Saginaw and Ancora Houses. If you would like to purchase an extra ticket and donate it; that would allow us to invite them. This is a great family event with a delicious turkey dinner, and we would love to have everyone there.
Jim and I will not be at church on Sunday as we are making a flying visit to our cottage to check on everything. But we have some good news to share! Very early Tuesday morning, my daughter had her third child, and our fourth grandchild; a brother for Evelyn and Garrett, who have been to church with us a couple of times. They are both very well, and he is beautiful. We feel incredibly blessed.
Peace,
Anne Tinker
“Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.” ~ Doris Lessing
