Grande Cache United Church Newsletter

December 2003                                Volume 2

 

Notes From Nancy

Here we are in a new church year.  According to the lectionary, we have begun Year C and are now in the season of Advent.  This is the time when we wait and prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.  The signs of preparation are all around us already. 

The town had its first Santa Claus parade which was well supported and a lot of fun, and the festival of trees has taken place.  The streets are lined with decorations and in the church the trees are up and decorations also abound.  A nativity scene greets us as we enter the building.  Yes, Christmas is on its way! 

Oh, how hard it is to wait.  Yet, like Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of their first child, we too need some time to get ready.  The outward signs have begun to appear, but what about the inward signs?  Are we ready to open our hearts to the Prince of Peace?  Are we ready to let that heavenly light shine into our lives and light up all those dark places?  These preparations are actually more important than those outward ones.  Even if we never hung a wreathe, bought a present or decorated a tree, Christmas would still arrive on Dec. 25th.  Like in the Dr. Seuss story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, it truly is much, much more. 

As Christ’s birth draws nearer, we need to treat each other with more love and care.  We need to smile and greet one another with joy and look for the places where we can plant the seeds of peace and understanding.  This is the way we make sure that the words of Christ continue on and on.  We are the people of hope and promise.  It is up to us to make this world more like the kingdom of God. So we wait for Advent to pass and Christmas to arrive.  I am waiting for the arrival of my husband Glyn, who is coming to spend Christmas in Grande Cache on Dec. 22nd.  

When we gather as a community, we can support each other and walk with each other even when things look dark and hopeless.  It is harder to see it when we are all by ourselves, but God sends us people to help and light to guide the way when we cannot find it on our own.  May this Christmas be a time of people gathering and joy shared.  We are waiting for the birth of a holy child, God’s present to us.  What can be more exciting than God breaking into the world? Let’s get ready. 

A blessed Christmas to all.    Nancy

 

A reminder from Marie:            The UCW have a box in the foyer for old discarded eyeglasses and used stamps.  Please leave a ¼” space between the perforation on the stamp edge and the envelope.  If the perforations are damaged the stamps are useless in a collection.  Foreign stamps are especially appreciated.  Stamps are sent to The Leprosy Mission and they are packaged and sold.  Glasses are sent to a group in Calgary and then sent to be used in other countries. 

 

Heather Landry’s address is:  Box 1666 Stellarton, N.S. B0K 1S0

 

Christmas Happenings:

U.C.W. Candlelight Service is on Sunday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Lessons and Carols for all ages on Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 service.

There will be a quiet meditative service on Sunday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m.  This will be a time to slow down and peacefully reflect on Christmas.

Christmas Eve service is on Wed. December 24th at 7:00 p.m. This is a family service and all ages are welcome. 

There will be an Open House at the manse – 10705 – 104 Ave. on Saturday, December 27th from 2:00-4:00.  Come over and meet and greet.

Regular service on Sunday, Dec. 28th at 10:30 a.m.

Nancy will be on holidays from Dec. 29th to Jan. 5th. 

There will be a regular service on Jan. 5th led by members of the congregation.

Office hours will begin again.  Tuesday to Friday – 9:30 to 12:30.

Looking ahead:

Photo-directory -  pictures will be taken following the worship service on Sunday, January 11th, 18th, and 25th.  If you wish to have your photo taken at home, contact the church at 827-2179.

 

The reading group will be choosing another book for the month of January.  If you wish to be part of a book group keep an eye out for our first gathering so you can be part of the choice of what we read.

 

January 24th/25th – the Sunday School is planning a sleep over for children ages 7 and over.  Sunday, Jan. 25th will be a family service on the theme of camping.  What a better way to do winter camping than spending the night in a warm building.  For more information, talk to Arlene or Nancy.    

 

And on into Feb. there will be some special events are Valentine’s Day.  Watch out for more details on these celebrations.