Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet? If you hang around the church for any length of time this week you will almost certainly find some of it. The church is decorated beautifully - I am especially enjoying the ornaments on the tree that have been shared by our members - but the poinsettias, the greenery and all the special touches contribute to that feeling of joy. A big thank you to all the helpers for your creativity and commitment.
The choirs have been sharing the music of the season throughout the month. And don't let their sweet sounds fool you! Although it sounds effortless, they have put in hours of rehearsing with Len and Nancy to produce those lovely pieces. I really hope that you will be able to come out this Sunday evening, Dec 17 at 7:00pm for the Candlelight and Carols Service. The Chancel Choir, Impromptu, Off the Cuff and the Bell Choir will be performing and leading us in our favourite carols. It is sure to put you in the spirit! Thank you to all who share their musical gifts with us at Christmas and all through the year.
The parcels for our Christmas program have been delivered or picked up. If you could hear the gratitude with which they have been received it would melt your heart. As a faith community, you have risen to the need of our neighbours. What an important ministry that is! The team of volunteers who gather up the donations, package them and distribute them are Christmas angels and we are very grateful for their compassion and care.
Wednesday was the Christmas Tea, and it was a lovely afternoon. The tables were set with care, the food was fabulous, Mora kept us entertained and we finished with carols and communion. There was a lot of laughter and great conversation. Thank you to the Membership and Pastoral Care team and to all who were a part of making this event a success.
If this time of year is difficult for you, if you are not feeling like celebrating because of a loss of any kind, or if you would simply like an evening of quiet reflection on Christmas, I hope that you will come to the Service of Hope and Healing on Dec 20 at 6:45 pm. This service is open to anyone who would like to join us. There is Christmas Spirit to be found even in the quiet times.
There has been a change to the services on December 24. This year we will have only two: at 10 am an all-ages service with another chance to sing your favourite carols and an interactive children's story; and at 9 pm a service of music, candlelight and communion. You are welcome to join us at either or both.
Many, many people contribute to spirit of this faith community. They are those who sit beside you on any given Sunday morning, who greet you at the door or share a conversation after the service. Please remember to say thank you for all they do to make Erin Mills United a special place.