Page 18 - Presbyterian Connection, Spring 2020

18
PRESBYTERIAN
SPRING 2020
presbyterian.ca
Connection
GATHERINGS
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Scarborough, Ont., held a Brunch with Santa event on Dec. 7, 2019. Families enjoyed a deli- cious brunch of scrambled eggs, fruit, croissants and homemade muffins. There were activities for children that emphasized Jesus’ birth as well as photos with Santa. Admission cost was a donation to the foodbank. The event was an opportunity for outreach and around 50 guests joined the event. The guests gave positive feedback about the event, especially the kids’ activities, so St. Andrew’s PC will do Brunch with Santa again!
On Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, East Toronto Presbyterial met for their annual Christmas luncheon at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Scarborough, Ont. The speaker was Stephanie Chunoo, who spoke about her year-long experience serving as International Ministries overseas staff as a Young Adult Intern with Kalumba Social Services, a refugee ministry of the Reformed Church of Hungary. She talked about her work with the refugee kids, who came from Cameroon, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan and Iraq. Her first task was caring for these children, ages four months to five years—essentially babysitting. At first it felt meaningless until she realized how important this was for their mothers who were taking Hungarian classes. Learning the language is key to employment and friendship. She added that the kids and the friendships made it an unforgettable year. Pictured above is Stephanie holding two of the kids she took care of in Hungary.
On Dec. 1, 2019, St. James Presbyterian Church in Dawson Creek, B.C., coordinated a Christmas community event called “Potluck In The Basement Singers,” led by Judi McGowan. The event was a success last year and it was an even greater one this year. We were pleased with the turnout from the community. There was also great participation from a number of clergy in Dawson Creek, who shared the Luke narrative of the birth of Christ. There was someone to welcome those who had come to sing, and someone to introduce the President of the Dawson Creek Ministerial Association. Also, the clergy who had gathered had an opportunity to sing one of our very own favourites. It was an enjoyable even- ing for all of us and an opportunity to make new friends in the community over coffee and Christmas goodies. A great big thank-you to those in our congregation who helped put all of this evening together.
Under the leadership of new Family Ministry Coordinator, Lorraine Dolbear (a.k.a. Mary), St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Sarnia, Ont., hosted The Miracle of Jesus: A Dinner and Bethlehem Experience. Over 80 participants enjoyed dinner under twinkle lights and kept Christ in Christmas as they connected with Mary, Martha, John the Baptist and others who have met Jesus and were excited to share their stories and skills.
Knox Presbyterian Church in Jarvis, Ont., was host to the Jarvis Community Remembrance Day Observance on Nov. 10, 2019. The Rev. Richard Warne, along with local ministers of different denominations and community officials all came together on this day to participate in the wreath laying ceremony and remember all those who have sacrificed for us in the times of war and peacekeeping assignments. PHOTO CREDIT: HALDIMAN PRESS