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FALL 2021
Connection
GATHERINGS
PRESBYTERIAN
25
     St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church in Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L., continues to fulfill its mandate of community outreach even though it has not held a service since 2020, when COVID-19 brought an end to life as we all knew it. In June, we held an outdoor Community Clothesline clothing drive which was an unqualified success. The congregation donated 110 pairs of socks, 44 undergarments and $75 in cash, all of which will assist the local Salvation Army with its community outreach. Clerk of Session Debbie Hynes (left) accepted a donation from congregation member Gail Ar- nold. Several people also dropped off aluminum pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House recycling fundraiser and stamps for the Canadian Bible Society. St. Matthew’s hopes to resume services in autumn, once restoration work is completed (following a fire in October 2019) and providing COVID-19 regulations allow for gathering.
For its Annual “Big Give” initiative, members at First Presbyterian Church in Brock- ville, Ont., raised funds to prepare and fill 25 “Blessing Bags” for clients of the Brock- ville and Area Food Bank. Church members shopped and filled 15 bags for families and 10 bags for transient/housing-insecure individuals. The bags contained person- al care items, toys and treats for children, books, sunscreen, hats, socks and other items recommended by the Food Bank. The response from the congregation was so generous that another set of Blessing Bags will be provided to the Food Bank later in 2021. Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow!
The serenity garden at Wasaga Beach Community Presbyte- rian Church, in Wasaga Beach, Ont., is in full bloom! This space has been used for weddings, art clubs and other com- munity groups, and offers people in the community beautiful surroundings to have some peace and quiet contemplation. This year’s first worship service in the garden took place on July 11. A vegetable patch is a new addition to the garden, and all of the produce will be donated to the local Food Bank. The garden was the inspiration and vision of Terry Densmore. Ter- ry was an elder and member of the church who put in many hours developing, designing and maintaining the garden. Unfortunately, Terry lost his battle with cancer and passed away this summer at the age of 72. He was a tireless source of passion, vision and character who contributed in many ways to the church. His legacy lives on as the garden is well used by both the congregation and the community of Wasaga Beach. Terry will be deeply missed and will be forever in our hearts.
    The Ross–St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Cemetery Annual Decoration Service took place virtually this year on July 11. The Rev. Patricia Van Gelder led the service and medi- tated upon Exodus 13. Drew W. Vereyken, organist, played a selection of hymns for the service. The Cemetery, established around 1855, is on the outskirts of Forester’s Falls, Ont., on the Kerr Line.

























































































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