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Harrowsmith-Verona Pastoral Charge THE
MID-WINTER 2011/12 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ADVENT – CHRISTMAS – EPIPHANY |
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“SPOOKTACULAR” P.A.
ADVENTURE DAY
CHRISTMAS AROUND
THE WORLD: Did you Know?
THE TSP BRIDGE “ADVENT
CALENDAR”
OUR MINISTER
Hi Everyone:
We
are almost there – Advent, Christmas and Epiphany – my most favourite times of
the year, and I am feeling very blessed to have the privilege of sharing it
with you! At the time of writing this
message, I am taking a two week break from routine church activities in order
to prepare for the marvelous season soon to be upon us.
This
week will be spent in preparation for Advent and Christmas at Church, and in
preparation for the events of the season at our home, Mission Ranch. I am so
looking forward to the special events of the season:- the exceptional work of the
choirs and the beloved music, the contributions of our children to special
worship times made possible through the dedication of our Sunday school staff
and their generous concern, and sharing which our pastoral charge extends to
those in need within our community. Don and I would like to take this
opportunity to thank you for your kindness, friendship and support since we
joined you in August. We are very much looking forward to the remaining months
of sharing your ministry with you. I would like to close with a favourite poem
of my which was written by Ann Weems and is found in her book entitled: “Kneeling
in Bethlehem”
Star-Giving
What I’d really like to give you for
Christmas is a star…..
Brilliance in a package, something you
could keep in the pocket of your jeans or in the pocket of your being.
Something to take out in times of
darkness, something that would never snuff out or tarnish,
Something your could hold in your hand,
something for wonderment, something for pondering, something that would remind
you what Christmas has always meant:
God’s Advent Light into the darkness of
this world.
But stars are only for God’s giving,
and I must be content to give you words and wishes and packages without stars.
But I can wish you life as radiant as
the Star that announced the Christ Child’s coming, and as filled with awe as
the shepherds who stood beneath its light.
And I can pass onto you the love that
has been given to me, ignited by countless others who have knelt in Bethlehem’s
light.
Perhaps, if you ask, God will give you
a star.
Love and peace to you and yours, Patsy
DAILY PRAYER
Psalm
26: O LORD, I love
the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells … My foot
stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
ST. PAUL’S NEWS
There have been many busy events at St. Paul's since the
fall and some especially good news from Nancy Moore-Carr and Don Coleman that
our deficit is now down to $4,366.05. What a wonderful way to end the year!!
The Social Committee has served five funeral luncheons. This
is a much needed Community Outreach and it is marvelous to see how our
congregation's women “come up to the plate” as soon as the call goes out.
Thanks to all those who helped make each reception such a success!
Just after a beautiful Thanksgiving, our 162nd Anniversary
Weekend was a huge success. On Saturday, October 15th, we had a great roast
beef dinner which was open to the public and on Sunday, October 16th, the guest
speaker was our very own Rev. Judy MacGillivray. Judy and her family made St.
Paul's their home Church for many years. After retiring from the Board of
Education, Judy studied to become ordained as a Minister in the United Church.
She served in Kingston for over ten years, after which she accepted a call to
Nipawin, Saskatchewan, which is a 3-church Charge. She has now retired and
returned to the Kingston area. Marni Pedersen is very proud of her sister!
The Sunday School children have been very busy raising funds
to help a foreign child in need. The Bike-a-Thon was fun and there was a
beautiful photograph of some of the participants in the local EMC! Thanks to
all of those who sponsored the riders.
At the annual Craft and Bake Sale the Sunday School also had
lots of stuffed animals – enough to open a zoo! – tasty treats and Christmas
decorations for sale. The children have decided to sponsor a child from the
Congo, specifically to help with school expenses, through the United Church of
Canada.
The recent Craft and Bake Sale, November 12th, was a huge
success! We sold out at the bake table, served three pots of chili at the
luncheon and had eleven craft tables booked. The Multi-Prize Draw featured the
lovely “Holly”, a 5 foot tall, giant teddy bear holding a huge red star,
donated by none other than our very own Rev. Patsy Henry. “Holly” was actually
won by a gentleman who sat with Patsy at lunch time – did you influence him in
any way, Patsy? He was overwhelmed to learn that he had won “Holly”. Thanks are
being extended to all the local businesses who so generously donated items and
gift certificates for the Draw and especially to Helen Lamb for the donation of
her three popular theme baskets.
Our White Gift Sunday and the Children's Christmas Pageant
and party will all be on Sunday, December 18th. Shortly after that, the
Christmas Food Hamper outreach will once again provide between 30 to 35 food
hampers, with turkeys generously donated by Costco, for local families. They
will be packed this year at St. Paul's on Wednesday, December 21st, at 9:00
a.m. and the more the merrier, so please don't hesitate to come out and
volunteer!
A combination Food Drive and Caroling Evening is being
planned to take place in Harrowsmith and everyone is welcome to participate!
Keep listening for news of the always popular free Pancake Breakfast on
Saturday, December 3rd, just before the Santa Claus Parade.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
SPECIAL NOTE: Today is Children's Sunday and the children
will be hosting our service. Please join them for Fellowship and special
refreshments downstairs after the service.
Marni Pedersen
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Old Farmer’s Advice: * Every path has a
few puddles * Life is simpler
when you plow around the stump * When you wallow
with pigs, expect to get dirty * Always drink
upstream from the herd |
TRINITY NEWS
October
has been a busy month at Trinity. Our Apple Pie Bee crew made over 100 pies
this year for a net profit of $748.04. Great work and thanks to the pie crew.
On
October 15th, Trinity hosted its Quilt Show. The church sanctuary
was adorned with colourful quilts, both old and new. A luncheon was also served
in the hall. A large crowd was in attendance. During the Quilt Show, a draw was
held on a quilt that was made by the Trinity quilting group. The winner of the
quilt was Helen Hoogsteen from Arden. The draw generated a profit of $3,546.
Half of this profit was donated to Southern Frontenac Community Services for
their enhanced adult day program.
On
October 21st, Trinity hosted its annual pig roast. This event was a
tremendous success. We served over 150 people. We had to turn some people away
because we ran out of food. A special thanks to John and Andy who helped
organize this event.
On
October 19th about 40 people from Trinity and St. Paul’s attended
the Thousand Islands Playhouse to view the play Tempting Providence. This
was a fundraising venture organized by Jennifer Bennett.
During
October, a new roof was installed on our church sanctuary. The existing roof
was the original one installed when the church was built in 1910. We hope that
the new roof will last us another 100 years. As a result of water damage,
repairs have been made to the inside the church. Our next project will be
repainting the church interior.
At
the worship service on November 6th, special Remembrance ceremonies
were held. Two of our World War II veterans, Bill Campsall and Ted Lansdell
laid wreaths in memory of those who have died in battle. It was a fitting
tribute to those who gave their lives for our country. Fraser Strong played The
Last Post and Reveille on the trumpet.
Our
choir, together with members from St. Paul’s and from the communities, is busy
rehearsing for our Spirit of Advent Choral concert to be held at Trinity
on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30. We look forward to seeing your there.
Trinity
hopes to continue its Winter Wake-Up Breakfasts on Saturdays in January and
February. We are looking for volunteers to help organize this event this year.
Doug and Lynda Boulter and John and Ann McDougall have been doing it for the
past years and need a break. We hope someone will step up since this has become
a popular community event.
Don Coleman
A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
To all those wonderful people in our
pastoral charge – to our members, to our office administrator and to our
custodians – who are always so ready and willing to ‘step up to the plate’ on a
minutes notice when there is a special need, the provision of funeral lunches,
or the preparation of church facilities - thank you for your generous and
faithful contribution of time, energy, skill and resources. Your dedication to
our two churches and to our communities touches us all.
Patsy
THANK YOU, KATHARINE
Katharine Hennig has reluctantly had to leave her position
as our administrative assistant in order to care for her parents in London,
Ontario who are currently having severe medical issues. She felt that she could
no longer adequately serve us and be with her parents as well.
Katharine had been with us almost three years. Katharine
used her organizational talents not only in creating the Sunday bulletin each
week but in her other duties as well. She collected data to set up a computer
data base of membership and their families. She also helped organize two
temporary moves of the church office from St. Paul’s to Trinity and back again.
During much of the time she was with us, her husband Ralf was posted in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Thank you Katharine for the efficient way you have served
us. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and your family at this difficult
time.
BAPTISMS
Trinity welcomed into the church
family:
·
Mikayla
Elizabeth Maron Williams, daughter of Edward James and Kimberly Joan Williams Oct. 2, 2011
St. Paul's welcomed into the church family:
·
Kyleigh
Joanne Marie Teal daughter of David and Marissa Teal, on Sept. 25, 2011
IN MEMORIAM
St. Paul’s congregation mourns the loss of Nellie Elizabeth
Snider on Oct. 30, 2011
ST. PAUL'S HAPPENINGS
* There will be a sewing bee to prepare pageant costumes at
the church on Monday, November 21st from 9 a.m. Please let Marni or Suzanne
know if you can help, and if you have a sewing machine. We have an assortment
of cloth, adornments and garments we can work with. Bring sewing shears,
thread, etc. This should be fun!
* The Christmas themed P.A. Day will be held on November
25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please let Marni know if you can help as we will
need adult volunteers. Please register your child with Marni 613 374-9929.
* Once again, St. Paul's will host a pancake breakfast prior
to the Harrowsmith Christmas parade on December 3rd. If you can help, let us
know. This is a good Community Outreach and very tasty!
* The cookie tin campaign has begun! Orders are bring taken.
We have three sizes priced at $10, $15, and $20. The orders will be filled and
available on the morning of the parade. Pam Ludlow is our spear-header. Call her
to order tins or to offer assistance at 613 376-3754. Let us know if you need
an order sheet. Empty tins in good condition are needed.
Merry Christmas!
“SPOOKTACULAR” P.A. ADVENTURE DAY
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Twenty-two
children came to St. Paul's on October 24th for a great day of Halloween
activities. The children made luminaries, and a Halloween craft to send to the
shut-ins.
Our costume parade took us to "Something Cool" and to the people
dining at Ella's who got a special treat as we stopped there to show off
our costumes. Thanks to Terry Freeland for judging the costumes. Everyone got a
medallion! Our lunch consisted of Spider dogs, worms and punch with a bloody
hand in it! Thanks to Jeannette Pixley for preparing the meal and snacks.
The Mummy
contest was fun to see who could wrap the best mummy in toilet tissue.
Thanks to Rev. Patsy for attending and getting into the Halloween spirit
with us! We all went into the sanctuary, formed a very large heart, and
learned that God is in our hearts.
This was special for all of the children. The
next "Christmas" Adventure Day will be on
Friday, November 25th from 10 until 2. Please contact Marni to register
your child at 613 374-9929.
HEAVENLY HUMOUR
A little boy in
church for the first time watched as the ushers passed around the offering
plates. When they came near his pew, the boy said loudly, "don't pay for
me, daddy, I’m under five."
BOOK REVIEW
TRAITORS GATE
By Anne Perry
Reviewed
by Don Coleman
Anne
Perry is a prolific Scottish writer whose mystery novels are set in London near
the end of the 19th century. This is similar in setting to the
Conan-Doyle Sherlock Holmes novels. Her novels feature two main characters -
London Police Superintendent Thomas Pitt and his wife Charlotte. In this novel,
Pitt is investigating the apparent suicide of a friend, Sir Arthur Desmond. The
body of a society lady is found in the Thames River at Traitors Gate, a small
laneway beside the Tower of London. Thus begins an intricate plot with
connections to the British and German exploitation of Africa and the search for
diamonds. Perry has a way of making her stories sound immediate and very much
alive.
Traitors
Gate and other Anne Perry novels can be found at the Kingston Frontenac Public
Library
JUST FOLKS
Doug
and Lynda Boulter
Doug
was born in Peterborough and Lynda in Courtice, Ontario. They met in the summer
of 1975 at Trent University, and were married one year later. Their first home
was south of Sharbot Lake which they rented for two years while teaching in the
area. In 1978 Lynda and Doug moved to their present home in Verona, a
convenient location for teaching at several schools in the county. A highlight
was experiencing a one year teaching exchange to Whitehorse in the Yukon.
Doug
and Lynda have been very active in their community, which extends from Sharbot
Lake to Kingston. They have been active participants during the past 35 years
with North Frontenac Little Theatre, Lions International, Trinity United Church
committees and the Verona Community Association. Lynda enjoys being a member of
the church choir as well as quilting and card-making. Doug is a musician in the
military band at Canadian Forces Base Kingston.
The
couple travels extensively, having visited England, Portugal, the Azores and
Tunisia. Summers usually find Doug and Lynda escaping to the fresh ocean air on
either coast of Canada, but most frequently can be found enjoying the environs
of Vancouver Island from their travel trailer.
OUR KIDS
It was a joy to interview Ava Ludlow for “Just Kids”. Ava is
a precocious nine year-old who attends Grade 4 at Loughborough Public School.
She lives on the Rutledge Road with her parents, Rob and Pam, and big brother
Nicholas.
Her favourite things to do are traveling across Canada,
baking and, of course, singing! Ava has entertained us at Church many times.
Ava states that she has “always enjoyed singing”, but credits Annabelle Twiddy,
our Music Director, for “helping her voice grow”. Annabelle helps by working
with Ava and giving her tips. Ava has also just started singing lessons at
Renaissance Music. She adds to her list of talents the fact that she loves to
write stories and has even written a few songs especially about God.
Ava has been getting experience singing in public by
performing the Canadian and American National Anthems at the Frontenac's hockey
games. She auditioned for the Toronto Maple Leafs' games and placed in the top
twenty out of three hundred! She has also sung for the Marlies National Hockey
League team. Way to go!
It seems that Ava will have a lot of exciting experiences in
the future. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said,”Well,
if I can't be famous, I would like to be a children's author or a family
doctor.”
Good luck to you, Ava! With your talent and ambition, you
could be all three!
Marni Pedersen
OUR PASTORAL CHARGE
Pastor (Supply) - Rev. Patsy Henry
Music Director/Organist - Annabelle Twiddy
Treasurer - Don Coleman
H&V Admin. Ass’t -
Official Board – Glenda Turner
Session (Trinity) – Marg Smith
Council (St. Paul’s) – Sheila Anthony
Stewards (Trinity) – Diane Buchanan
M & P – Denny Buchanan
Sunday School Leaders:-
- Trinity, Tracey Irwin
- St. Paul’s, Marni
Pedersen/Suzanne Hoag
Custodians:-
- Trinity, Joyce Casement
- St. Paul’s, Gayle Robertson
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
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Merry Christmas from The
Bridge Newsletter Committee |
Rev.
Patsy Henry – 372-2525
St.
Paul’s – Sheila Anthony - 376-6164
St.
Paul’s – Helen Lamb – 372-5224
Trinity – Don Coleman – 374-2445
Trinity
- Doug MacIntyre - 375-5282
email
- douglasmacintyre@hotmail.com
DEADLINE for the next Newsletter
is:-
February 13, 2011
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD: Did you Know?
● Why December 25?
From the words Cristes maesse, or “Christ’s Mass”, Christmas
is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Actually, no one is sure
when Jesus was born as the exact date is not mentioned in the Bible. December
25 is a date picked by the Catholic Church to eclipse the festivities of a
rival pagan festival, Saturnalia.
● Mistletoe and Holly
Two hundred years before the birth of Christ, Druids
decorated their homes with mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter. They
believed the plant had special healing powers. Because of the pagan origins of
mistletoe, the early church banned its use in Christmas celebrations,
suggesting holly as an appropriate substitute. Holly’s sharp pointed leaves
were to symbolize the thorns in Christ’s crown and the red berries, drops of
his blood.
● Poinsettias
Native to Mexico, poinsettias were named after America’s
first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, who brought the plants to America in
1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic
of the Star of Bethlehem.
● O Christmas Tree
One of the most recognizable images of the Christmas season,
the Christmas Tree, originated in Germany as early as 700 A.D. The Christmas
tree, as we know it, is commonly credited to Martin Luther, who in 1530 was so
moved by the sight of stars through the forest of firs near his home that he
apparently cut a small one and brought it indoor. He then placed lit candles in
its boughs as a salute to the Star of Bethlehem.
DECEMBER
I like days
with a snow-white
collar,
and nights when the moon
is a silver dollar,
and hills are filled
with eiderdown
stuffing
and your breath makes
smoke
like an engine
puffing.
I like days
when feathers are
snowing,
and all the eaves
have petticoats
showing,
and the air is cold,
and the wires are
humming,
but you feel all
warm....
with Christmas coming!
Aileen Fisher
