Page 25 - Presbyterian Connection

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GATHERINGS
Bethel Presbyterian Church in Pictou Landing, N.S., celebrated 150 years with a service on Sunday, February 26. Guest speaker Fergie MacKay (pictured cutting the anniversary cake) last year published the book “A History of Bethel Church: Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia.” As well, some of the ladies from the congregation dressed in clothing from a different era, including hats! There was an excellent turnout, and a wonderful time of fellowship followed the service. The women wearing hats are (left to right) Mary Alice Vacheresse, Diane Wallace, Joni Roper, Dot Jenkins, Kathy Graham, Mary Agnes Condon, Donna Thompson, Linda Sangster, Robin Langille. Also pictured is worship leader Sam Graham with elders Bert Gordon and Fred Sangster, Clerk of Session Bill MacPherson and (seated) elder Clara Mackenzie.
On March 19, Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (VAPC) in Calgary, Alta., celebrated their first PIE Sunday with their church partners from The Road Church (TRC). The Road, a seeker-friendly Christian Reformed church, began wor- shipping in VAPC’s sanctuary this year and the two churches have been partnering, based on their common values as affirming, community-focussed congregations. The PIE event was a combined service. PIE stands for “Public In- tentional and Explicit.” It’s an acronym used by many affirming churches to describe their position on the full inclu- sion of people who identify LGBTQI+ in the life and work of their congregations. PIE represents a way to celebrate a congregation’s affirming values and to lift up the stories and experiences of those who are LGBTQI+. The service was a great success as guest speaker Brynne Nelson, along with ministers and lay leaders from both VAPC and TRC, took part. Jess Andrews of The Road led the children’s lesson. Those in attendance heard a powerful message, sang together, prayed together and shared communion. Following the service, everyone was invited to stay for fellowship, and the crowd tried to work their way through 26 pizzas and 30+ pies—another reason we call it a PIE service!
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SUMMER 2023
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The Gathering Place congregation in Port Colborne, Ont., waited two years to welcome an Afghan family who left their Turkish refugee camp just days after the earthquake in the south of the country. Getting to know them has been a wonderful experience...and they are wonderful cooks!
Thornhill Presbyterian Church in Thornhill, Ont., celebrated their annual Great Day event on May 28. The event is used to raise funds to support worthy causes, either local, national or international. This year, Maria Carmona, Program Coordinator at PWS&D, gave a presentation on the social justice and gender inclusion work she oversees in Pakistan and neighbouring coun- tries. She is pictured (centre) with the Rev. Dr. Heather Vais (right) as well as Abel Pandy, chair of the Stewardship Committee at Thornhill.
A wonderful St. Patrick’s Day and “Welcome to Spring” lunch and silent auction were enjoyed by the congregation at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church and the local community in Orillia, Ont.