"To bless a person, place or thing means to leave a little bit of yourself with them. To bless, is to leave some of your energy, your power, your goodness and mercy behind you or to send it on ahead."  These are the words of Macrina Wiederkehr in her book "A Tree Full of Angels; Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary".
 
In this fast paced world, living with the uncertainties in the economy, the proliferation of H1N1 and other pressures, I find Macrina's words helpful.  She reminds us to reach for the spark of God's divine gift of light and share this blessing with others so that amidst the pressures of life we choose to rediscover the Spirit of God.  She encourages us to offer blessings instead of unnecessary criticism. When money is tight, when patience is short and when worldly pressures overwhelm, she suggests stepping back to gain perspective and remember that Jesus preached healing and wholeness not despair.  "How blessed are those who know their need of God the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs". (Jesus' words from his first sermon). As we turn back our clocks and the days shorten in day light let us look to the teachings of Jesus as our light and our hope.
 
Many thanks to Rev. Wells and the Outreach for Social Justice Action Group that led worship while I was on study leave.  This past week gave me the time to begin the preparation of the Advent and Christmas Services.
 
Fifty people were served a tasty pork chop dinner while they participated in a Murder Mystery at the church on October 30th.  Thanks to Janet and Barbara for organizing and to all the actors. Thanks to Sonja, her son Lorenzo and Joan Brailey and helpers for the delicious dinner and kitchen help.
What a great night it was! $580 was raised for the Operating Fund
 
Please look at the coming events that are listed below and plan to attend!
Come to the Stable (with a new twist), Santa Parade, Christmas in the Park,
Breakfast with Santa
 
FLU SEASON AND H1N1
This week a mailing went out to the congregation outlining Westminster United Church Emergency preparedness plan. This document will help us to know what to do in the event of a natural disaster or pandemic. Please read it carefully.
There are some families that have been ill with the virus and I send to them my personal prayers for health. It is so important to be vigilant, to use common sense and to not panic. There are hand sanitizers placed throughout the church building....please use them. Thanks to Anne Richardson, her ad hoc team and to Brian Heimbecker and his Communications Action Group for their work on this important document.
 
During Flu season, I will be cautious with my visiting and some of the visits may be by phone call! If you hear of someone ill...please contact the church office.
 
Next week November 8th we will recognize Remembrance Day with the traditional Last Post and Reveille, a video of those who lost their lives in the wars as their names are read. During the service, we will hear the debut performances of our new junior choir "Junior Joy" and our new "Male Chorus".
 
Saturday November 14 Northern Waters Presbytery meets in Durham for a full day. Sue Scottinwood, Jim Lindsay and myself will attend on Westminster's behalf.
 
Congratulations to Sue Scottinwood who has completed her requirements for Lay Worship Leader in The United Church of Canada.  Once the presbytery licenses her, we will celebrate this designation formally with her at Sunday morning worship.  Janet Jones continues her study towards her Lay Worship Leader designation.
 
The Blessing of the Children Sunday November 22 is an opportunity for you to reaffirm with your child the desire for him or her to have the knowledge of God's blessing upon them. Even if they have not been baptized, come and share the gift of God's grace.
 
Can you believe it???? November 29 is the First Sunday of Advent
The Worship and Sacrament Action group will be seeking some help with Advent and Christmas services. Folk of all ages.  If you have a desire to help in any way, please contact Rev. Sandra.  We are looking for a family or individuals who are willing to dress up as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, kings and be a part of the outside stable  for the 4:00 p.m. children's service "Come to the Cradle".
We will need volounteers for the nativity tableau for the 7:00 p.m. service as well.
Sign up sheets will be in the auditorium starting November 8th or contact Rev. Sandra minister@westminsterorangeville.ca
 
Our Minister of Music, Wayne Gilpin has created a wonderful play that will be part of the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. You will not want to miss it. The play is called "A Mall and the Night Visitors".
 
Furnace
Last Sunday November 1, Bob Borden, Chair of the Board, kicked off the Furnace Fundraiser. Our goal is $65,000.00. To date we have raised over $11,700.
A mailing went out to you to buy a btu (a flame for $100.00) if you can mange it or join with another - your generosity would be appreciated.
 
I guess that is all for now.... May God bless you in the ordinary moments of our days. May God give us peace when we need peace and challenge when we become complacent. May we look for God's love in the lesser things of life. It is often in the quiet and gentle moments that hope springs eternal.