Page 24 - Presbyterian Connection

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There was a time when horses were hitched along the side of Stamford Presbyterian Church (established in 1784) in Niagara Falls, Ont. Today, the congregation is thrilled to hitch a ramp to that same wall to promote accessibility for all at worship services. Cutting the ribbon with the Rev. Anita Van Nest is eldest member Bob and youngest member Piper in May 2024.
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Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield, Ont., held its annual BBQ, Baking and Book Sale on Saturday, July 6, and it proved to be a remarkable success! The positive energy everyone felt through meeting and serving so many wonderful people certainly made all the difference and contributed greatly to the event’s success. The final amount raised, including many generous donations, will go toward accessibility improvements at Knox. It is the congregation’s desire to do what they can within the constraints that they have, because accessible spaces and services will allow everyone to enjoy their experience at the “Little church with a great big heart!” Pictured here are Lois Kacsandi assisting a customer, Pieter VanMeekeren at the grill and Deb Cosford at the baked goods section.
The annual Ladies’ Retreat first began in 1982, when
ladies from the churches in the Presbytery of Westminster,
and their friends, organized a retreat at Camp Douglas,
the Presbyterian camp located at Roberts Creek on the
Sunshine Coast of B.C. The beautiful waterfront campsite
and the spirit-filled atmosphere was enjoyed so much that
the tradition continued every year until 2019. In 2016, a
special 35th anniversary celebration was held. After the
shutdown caused by Covid, unfortunately the enthusiasm
for the annual retreats diminished, and it was decided they
would discontinue. Every year, different guest speakers
had led workshops on various themes; cooks prepared
wonderful meals; meditative walks followed by Communion
were special; crafts and games, skits and lots of singing were enjoyed along with the beauty of God’s natural surroundings. A farewell reunion event was held in June 2024. Pictured here is the group from a 35th anniversary celebration retreat in 2016, the final gathering in June 2024, along with meditative walks in the woods, women playing games, and a communion service with the Revs. Joyce Davis, Pat Dutcher-Walls and Bev Shepansky.
Members from Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ont., took part in the Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024, with Presbyterians from across Ontario!