Page 18 - Presbyterian Connection, Spring 2024

18
PRESBYTERIAN
SPRING 2024
presbyterian.ca
A few years ago, the Rev. Dr. Lynda Reid from Knox Presbyterian Church in Oshawa, Ont., invited worshippers to make “Chrismons” for Knox’s tree. Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. Now, every year, Knox’s tree is decorated with works of art. Knox also has Toronto’s first female firefighter (retired, pictured below, far right) in their midst, and she is not afraid to stand on a tall ladder. Some of those who were part of the Chrismon project are pictured (left to right): Alexis Cooke, Susan Slabbert, Loreen Gambell, Sharon Sullivan, Lynda Reid, Dianne Graham.
On Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, the congregation of St. Paul’s
Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ont., celebrated its 190th
anniversary with the Immediate Past Moderator the Rev.
Dr. Robert Faris as the guest preacher. Even though the
congregation is 190 years old, it has found new life in mission.
In 2022, St. Paul’s became host and partner to the Hamilton
Urban Core Consumption and Treatment Site for people
struggling with opioid addiction. The site hosted 21,500 visits
in 2022. In October of 2023, St. Paul’s became the host for
the Hamilton Safer Supply Program. In September, St. Paul’s
became the home of The Al-Amal Learning Center for children
newly arrived from Syria and Afghanistan who are seeking help with their schoolwork and adapting to Canadian society. The congregation is excited to find innovative new ways to serve God and the community even after 190 years of worship and mission! Pictured above are the Rev. Dr. J. Mark Lewis and the Rev. Dr. Robert Faris. Pictured in the photo of the anniversary cake are Sylvia Pirie and Heather Pirie. PHOTO CREDITS: MARK LEWIS
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Orillia, Ont., was a wonderful event. The church was full, and the children enjoyed it when the Rev. Linda Patton-Cowie read the story of Mortimer Mouse.
Despite a fire that devastated St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Barrie, Ont., in February 2023, its congregation carries on as best they can. On Sundays, the congregation worships at a funeral chapel, and coffee hour on Friday mornings is held at Collier United Church. Christmas traditions, such as the mitten tree, also continued. The “Fun Friday” Christmas edition was a hit with the congregation’s own brass quartet accompanying a Christmas Carol singalong again. And a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus took place at Collier United Church.
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