Page 28 - PC Winter 2023-24

Connection
These photos are from the Backyard Mission 2023 project at First Presbyterian Church in Chatham, Ont. The Backyard Mission is a joint project of First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Reformed Church, also in Chatham. Volunteers work together over the course of two days to make repairs to the exterior of a house of a deserving homeowner in the city. The volunteers also do landscaping work, as well as build fences or anything the homeowner needs. The materials are donated and the work done at no cost to the homeowner. The project was on hold for three years due to the Covid pandemic, but resumed this year on August 11–12. The weekend concluded with a joint service of both congregations.
28
PRESBYTERIAN
WINTER 2023
presbyterian.ca
When the Rev. John Borthwick completed his service as Interim Moderator at Knox Presbyterian Church, Crieff, in Puslinch, Ont., he was gifted a handmade stole. This one-of-a-kind creation was designed and sewn by church mem- ber Gillian Murphy (far right). John and Gillian are pictured here with Session members Debbie, Rochelle, Judy and Linda. John has taken up a new position at Knox College in Toronto as Director of Lifelong Learning.
Pictured are members of the First Presbyterian Church Soup Group, in Pictou, N.S. The group was very proud to be recognized and thanked by the Honourable Karla MacFarlane, MLA Pictou West, and by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in April of this year. An excerpt from the Hansard record reads: “Mr. Speaker, First Presbyterian Church in Pictou has been serving weekly hot lunches at no cost for close to 20 years. The members recognized a community need and church volunteers stepped up to the task. Today, there is a core group consisting of Chris MacDonald, Janette Davidson, Cathy LeBlanc, David Munroe and Cindy Pettipas, who ensure there is a hot lunch served in the church hall every Thursday from November to April. The meal is free of charge, the food is delicious and companionship is priceless... Mr. Speaker, I ask the members present to join me in thanking these volunteers. Their dedication to their church and greater community is to be commended.”
The Canadian Society of Presbyte- rian History (CSPH) was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to the study of Presbyterian and Reformed history. In September, the annual conference was held as a hybrid event, in-person at Knox College in Toronto and online. Pictured (top right) is Zander Dunn de- livering his presentation, and the Rev. Dr. Stuart Macdonald, CSPH President.
Coquitlam Presbyterian Church in Coquitlam, B.C., held a wonderful Wel- come Back Corn Roast for church members and friends in the community on September 10, 2023, with fresh Chilliwack corn, square dancing, hot dogs and games for all ages. Pictured here is Interim Moderator the Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart serving as “Corn Captain,” along with Meghan Adrian (children’s minister), Laura Lockhart and Lori Berry (Worship Director).