Page 31 - Presbyterian Connection, Spring 2024

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SPRING 2024
Listowel WMS Going Strong
By Ethel Corry
After recovering from the lack of meetings and activity during Covid, the Britton WMS of Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel, Ont., has bounced back and is even stronger than before. We have attracted new members and have tried to strengthen our contribution to our church, our community and the world beyond us. We have served many funeral lunches and dinners and from the proceeds from these we have donated almost $10,000 to the WMS, as well as to many chari- table organizations. We have also provided one of the community meals served by our church dur- ing the summer.
In a more concrete way, par- ticipants knitted 350 dishcloths
that were given to the local Salva- tion Army to be included in their Christmas hampers. They also knitted “fish and chip” jumpers to provide babies in Africa with pro- tection other than the paper wrap- ping similar to that used to serve fish and chips.
The whole congregation sup- por ted our drive to collect surplus medical equipment and medica- tions, as well as hygiene products. These were sent to the Stratford Medical Depot for distribution to severalcountriesaswellaslocally. We also collected dozens of pairs of underwear to be distributed by an organization working in South Sudan to improve the safety and self-esteem of young women. All this activity has confirmed our commitment to “doing mission” in the present time.
Robina Alexander, Phyllis Thompson,
“Fish and chip” jumpers, medical supplies and underwear.
Lorein VanZant.
Pictured holding dishcloths are (left to right): Ethel Corry, Hannah Thompson, Shirley Suggitt, Christina Nauta, Phyllis Thompson and Elaine Scott.
Connection
WOMEN
Back row: Ethel Corry, Marsha Hamilton, Deanne Cressman, Lois Robinson, Shirley Suggitt, Lois Aitchison, Jean Jinkin- son, Hannah Thompson. Middle Row: Elaine Scott, Bonna May, Bev Porterfield, Alice Schneider, Christina Nauta. Seated:
PRESBYTERIAN
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Rejoicing in Service
the Rev. Theresa led a discussion among attendees on personal an- tidotes on their journeys through church life as a child and adult. Lorraine Clugston led us in a hymn sing, accompanied by Judy Watt.
Following a delicious lunch of lasagna and salad, Mary Sim- mons introduced guest speaker Jean Aitcheson of Stratford. Jean was awarded the Order of Canada in 2022. She also received the Stratford Senior Citizen of the Year award and the Sr. Achievement Award. All these honours acknowl- edge the many, many years Jean has overseen the Stratford Mission Depot, a distribution centre for medical supplies to war-torn and poor countries of the world. These supplies are unused and discard- ed by hospitals and pharmacies, as well as given by donation. No
money changes hands and they are transpor ted and shipped by service groups and donors of the community. Jean was a nurse for 59 years at Ottawa Civic and Stratford hospitals and has run the Guatemala Warehouse of Hope in Stratford for 28 years. Her mes- sage and presentation were very inspiring and enjoyed by all.
Donna Sutton thanked the guest speaker and Mary Simmons said medical supplies will be collected at Synodical next spring for this mission.
An invitation to the Spring Rally and Annual Meeting was extend- ed by Ruth Dorey of Kincardine.
Courtesies by South Kinloss and closing prayer by Merle Un- derwood of Wingham finished an inspiring and excellent day of “Service.”
By Caryl Scheel
“Rejoicing in Service” was the theme of the Fall Rally of the Mait- land Presbyterial of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS), host- ed by Knox Presbyterian Church, Belmore, on Oct. 25, 2023, at Camp Kintail. Fifteen members were registered and four guests attended to enjoy the day at Camp Kintail.
After registration and a short welcome and coffee break, the
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a tailoring class for young wom- en, plus food and medical sup- port for others in the slums. They do all this while sharing about Je- sus and praying with those they help. The Rev. Kuldip Mathew also shared about some of the challenges that Christians in his community face. About 15 people from several churches in the Arn- prior area gathered to learn about this ministry.
Rev. Theresa MacDonald-Lee of Camp Kintail led a worship ser- vice on a quilting theme of “One Stitch at a Time.” Work is worship when done for the Lord. Scripture was read from Romans 12:3–8.
Lorraine Clugston of Wing- ham presented an Honourary Membership to Marilynn Lapp, also of Wingham, followed by a presentation of letters of thanks from several campers who were able to attend Camp Kintail in the summer of 2023. A total of eight
Lorraine Clugston of Wingham pre- senting an Honourary Membership to Marilynn Lapp of Wingham at the Maitland Fall Rally.
campers were sponsored by Maitland WMS in 2023.
Camp staff, including Jonathan and Kirsten, reported on a very successful summer at Kintail.
During a break before lunch,
The Rev. Paul Johnston, the Rev. Kuldip Mathew and the Rev. Carey Jo Johnston.
The Rev. Kuldip Mathew from India presenting to the WMS group at St. An- drew’s Presbyterian Church in Arnprior, Ont.