Feb 15, 2020

Hi folks:

It was -25 on Thursday night, and that's without the windchill, and today we are going up to a high of -5. I can see some snow flurry activity out my living room window right now.  It seems to me that this winter includes many mood swings, and I'm getting a little tired of the up and down, up and down. Didn't the ground hog say we were going to have an early spring?

On Sunday morning after church, our book club met to discuss the Book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone. We had a good discussion, picking out Christian themes in the book, and seeing Christian behaviour in a lot of the characters. For our next session, we are going to the movies. We are planning to see "I Still Believe on Sunday April 5th in the afternoon. I have attached a link for the Trailer of this movie, and invite you to preview it and put the day aside.  All are welcome to join us!  https://youtu.be/YnxHyBbYwQQ

On Monday night, we had another Faith Formation Session of Epiphany and God's Mission.  Our Session looked at Acts 15, when the early church had to meet to work out a disagreement among themselves. Through much debate and controversy, the church met together, talk together, and work together to figure out a solution for these new Gentiles to the faith who did not want to become Jewish to follow Jesus. The text taught us that we are the light of the world when we listen to one another, and make room for the Spirit, as we consider the new things God is doing in our midst.  We are taking next Monday off because of Family day, so our next get together will be on Monday Feb. 24 at 7 pm.  The Episode is called Engaging Culture With The Gospel. Please Read Acts 17 in preparation.

On Wednesday morning I had a church service at Carleton Lodge, and on Thursday morning a worship service at Osgoode Care Centre. At both services, I was focusing on our text for Sunday that talks about how we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. I decided to bring a salt shaker and a flash light as props, and both visual aids helped these long term care seniors interact in a way I have not experienced before. They were able to answer questions about what we use salt for; because I had a salt shaker they could see. I will have to remember to bring more symbols in the future.

On Thursday evening, the Sunday School came by to practice for Sunday's Godly Play Reflection. We needed the practice because we had to make sure the kids understood their role in the candle-lighting part, and fulfilled it in a safe manor. The practice went well, and I am certain things will go well on Sunday, but just in case, I noted where the fire extinguisher is in the sanctuary. 

This Sunday will be your last opportunity to fill out the survey about Same Gender marriage. I have re-attached a copy, but there will also be hard copies in the sanctuary with a box where you can place your survey. Please take the time tomorrow to fill out the survey and give your Council feedback on this matter. Your opinion is important to how we move forward on this issue. 

Also attached is a copy of the Annual Report. There will be some hard copies available tomorrow, but not many, so we would encourage you to bring your I-Pad, Phone or laptop to the meeting, so you have a copy of the report with you. The hard copies we wish to have available for all who do not have computers. We had some difficulties with PDF files, and were unable to attach them into our Annual Report, so we have sent these separately.  Our Annual Meeting will be Sunday February 23 following the worship service. 

Here is what is happening this week at South Gloucester:

Tues. Feb. 18 - Bridge Club at 2 pm.

Wed.  Feb. 19 - Worship Committee at 10:30 am

Thurs. Feb. 20 - Pastoral Care at 5 pm

Fri. Feb. 21 - Girl Guides from 4 pm onward

Sat. Feb. 22 - Piano Recital from 3 pm to 4 pm. 

Sun. Feb. 23 - Annual Meeting at 10:30 am.

On Sunday morning, we will be focusing on Matthew 5:13-20, which talks about how we are the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World. The Sunday School will be performing a Godly Play Reflection using Candle-Lighting to effectively show how Jesus and his followers are the light of the World.

That's it for me folks.

Take care and God bless.

Ed