You’ve probably noticed that the stores are decorated for Christmas. The Christian tradition, however, calls for a time of spiritual preparation; it’s called Advent, meaning “to wait.” Each Sunday in December, we will light the Advent candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love culminating on Christmas Eve with The Christ Candle.
The Advent Worship Services
December 1st, Advent I. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
December 8th, Advent II. We will be learning about John the Baptist. December 15th, Advent III. The Sunday School and Youth Group will lead worship. Following the service will be a time of fellowship and a Potluck Buffet of Nibblies in the hall.
December 22nd, Advent IV: The Choir will present their Christmas Cantata.
Advent Bible Study
We will be taking a closer look at the Christmas stories as told by Luke. (On January 5th, we will look at the visit of the wise men). Please bring a bag lunch for each session; tea and coffee will be provided.
Sunday, November 24th at Noon: We will examine the angel’s visit to Mary and her Song of Praise.
Sunday, December 1st at Noon: We will look at the familiar story of Jesus’ birth.
Coping with the Christmas Season
For those who are missing loved ones; lonely, or find no joy in the activities of the season, there will be two sessions:
Thursday, December 5th at 7:00 pm and Friday, December 6th at 2:30 pm. Our time together will include quiet conversation, candle lighting, and comforting words of peace. The Pastoral Care Team has kindly offered to provide tea and cookies.
These events are open to the Almonte community and anyone who would like to join us in a quiet time of contemplation.
What a poignant week of memories it has been! Last Sunday, the 10th, our Service of Remembrance was filled with symbolism: Peter Blenkarn’s collection of vintage helmets; trumpet, organ and bagpipes leading the Act of Remembrance and the hymns, plus the participation of various congregants in a multitude of ways. Many thanks to ALL for making our service so very meaningful.
On Monday, many of us joined the community at the Cenotaph with several AUC people participating including Ellie, Emmett and Graham laying our wreath ( See our Facebook page for pictures ). It was a beautiful November day to mark the courage and dedication of those who served so we might enjoy freedom.
Come and join us for another fun movie night!
On Friday, November 29th we will be showing the movie,
" O Brother, Where Art Thou " starring George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson. The trio scam their way off a chain gang in Mississippi and set out to pursue freedom and the promise of buried treasure. Their run takes them on an incredible journey of awesome experiences and colourful characters.
There will be $1 Popcorn , Drinks and Hot dogs!
Admission is by donation.
Please join us for our Christmas Market with tins of homemade cookies and ready-to-go Gift Baskets to make your gift giving meaningful and easy. There's sure to be something for everyone !
This Sunday, we will be showing our respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom. We are fortunate to have musicians in our congregation so will have both a trumpet and bagpipes as part of the Service of Remembrance. Then the Sunday School children will walk to the Cenotaph; if any adults wish to join them, please dress accordingly.
Our scripture lesson is John -5:9-14 where Jesus says “there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Please make sure to wear a poppy and take time to reflect on the awesome gravity of Remembrance Day.
Mark November 30th on your calendars for our Christmas Market. We are trying something new this year. We will be packaging tins of Christmas cookies and gift baskets ready to give to someone in your life.
What do we need from you?
We are asking you to make your favourite cookies and bring them to the Church kitchen on November 28th for packaging. Decorated cookies, shortbread, chocolate chip - what cookies do your family like to eat, especially at Christmas time please consider making them tor out tins.
Use your imagination to create gift baskets. The gift baskets don’t need to be in baskets! Some ideas are something for book lovers, or gardeners, or bakers. Something for the young, those older and the ones in between. Mitts/scarves, slippers packaged with a book and a mug for hot chocolate. A spa package, a hobby package to make stained glass, jewelry etc. Pottery, needlepoint or painting items. Let your imagination be your guide!
The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community. For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas, and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings. If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:
1. At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday. A huge note of appreciation to Kelly Church who again this year has graciously offered to help us with this important initiative.
2. At the Church Office on Mondays between 10am and 2 pm, Tuesdays 10 -2 and Thursdays from 10 am- 2 pm .
Examples of useful toiletries include: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, 5-blade razors, Nail file, Nail clippers, Shaving cream, After-shave lotion, Hand lotion, Moisturizing lotion, Loofa, Hairbrush, Comb, Cleansing cream/wash, Dental floss/picks, Deodorant, Liquid hand soap, Bar soap, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Q-tips, Facial mask, Sunscreen, Mouthwash, Nail polish, Nail polish remover, and perhaps a small sweet.
Thank you for your support
Singing has been most enjoyable this year as we have had the benefit of a number of new members and lots of enthusiasm. Of course, as always, new members are most welcome.
This year on the Sunday before Christmas we will be doing the cantata Joy which we sang several years ago. At that time a number of folks joined us for this performance and again, this year the invitation is extended. The cantata, as its name suggests, is most joyful and a pleasure to sing. Should you be interested in joining us talk to Neil or simply show up in the Choir Room about 7:30 on Wednesday night. Rehearsals are now underway.
On Sunday June 30th Rev. Heather Kinkaid will be in the pulpit. Reverend Heather has been with us before, filling in for Rev. Mary when she was on sabbatical in 2022. Rev. Heather will be our supply minister until such time that a permanent replacement for Rev. Mary has been selected. Please join us in welcoming Rev. Heather Kinkaid !
We're looking for a few more people to join the Greeter Schedule. It's an easy yet important job. Duties including greeting folks at the door as they arrive and then passing the offering plate. Please let Rev. Heather Kinkaid know if this is something you can help with once a month.
Almonte United Church is blessed to have Rev. Heather Kinkaid as our supply minister while the search begins for a new permanent minister . In addition to being very involved in many activities, Rev. Heather is serving on various committees and is available for any inquiries you may have. She can be reached at grovesprings@sympatico.ca
for emergencies, call (613) 619-5966
Sunday School has started, as well as a new Youth Group. For information, please see the Sunday Schoolpage.
Enjoy singing? No auditions, just a love for music and singing with friends. Starting in September, choir practice will be on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the church parlour. Come Join Us Then!
For information regarding the cemetery, please e-mail: fultonelaine823@gmail.com
Annually, during the fall and spring, everyone is invited to join in a weekly discussion group to discuss a selected book. The time and day for the discussion group meetings are noted in the weekly bulletin and on this page.
Need space to host a family gathering, a concert or a meeting? AUC has a variety of spaces for rent, including a large social hall and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a sanctuary with amazing accoustics. Please see the Rentals page, call the church office or leave a message below.