On Tuesday December 2nd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, we will be hosting a quiet time titled ‘Coping With Christmas’ for those who find the season difficult. It’s an opportunity to ponder our grief, memories, quiet music, and light candles in honour of those we continue to love. Please tell your friends about this special event; tea and goodies will be served kindness of the Pastoral Team.
Good News! We have just heard that the Regional Council has approved the call of the Rev. Heather Davies to begin full time ministry here on July 1st. Our Search Committee was a very diligent group; many thanks to them for all of their patience and hard work.
Events of
The Advent/Christmas Season
Sunday, November 30th at 10:30 am:
First Sunday in Advent: The Sacrament of Holy Communion and The Lighting of the First Advent Candle: Hope.
Tuesday, December 2nd from 2-4 pm: “Coping With Christmas:” A special time for those who are grieving or feeling ‘blue’ during this supposed-to-be jolly season. This will be a time of personal reflection, quiet music, candle lighting, and refreshments.
Sunday, December 7th at 10:30 am: Advent II with the lighting of the Second Advent Candle: Peace.
Saturday, December 13th:Community Luncheon in the AUC Hall from 11:30 am – 1:00pm.
Sunday, December 14th at 10:30 am:
Our AUC Sunday School and Youth Group will lead the service and lighting of the Third Advent Candle: Joy.
Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 am: Advent IV with the lighting of the final Candle: Love.
Christmas Eve, December 24th at 7:00 pm: A celebration of Jesus’ birth with special music and candle lighting from the Christ Candle.
Sunday, December 28th at 10:30 am: An informal service in the Upper Hall with music, birthday cake, stories and fellowship.
Lanark Food Bank Stocking Drive
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
Tuesday December 9, 2025.
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 10 am and 2 pm, Tuesdays 10 am -2 pm and Thursdays from 10 am- 2 pm and at Sunday worship.
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.
There will not be a luncheon in December but they will return on Tuesday, January 20th at 12:00 pm
A Christmas Lunch is being planned for Saturday, December 13th from 11:30 am – 1:00pm. We are looking for people to help with the posters, set up, food prep, serving and clean up. Anybody interested in helping should contact either Liz Barron at: barronliz1356@gmail.com or Mary Smiley at: marysmiley1@gmail.com
We need your help.
Our Youth Group is gearing up for this year’s really BIG food drive for the Hunger Stop, our local food bank. Last year, we were successful in collecting 436 pounds in food and $571.54 in cash donations… and we think we can do it again! Food insecurity is hitting 1 in 7 households locally and we are answering the call to help. Over the next three weeks, we will be highlighting areas of specific need but all donations are gratefully accepted.
Join us in helping our neighbours! And THANK YOU!
From the Hunger Stop:
We keep this updated as often as possible to reflect the needs of our families. Financial donations / gift cards are also welcome so that we can continue to provide the perishable items to our families (e.g., milk, eggs, cheese, fresh produce, yogurt, margarine, ground meat).
- cleaning supplies
- personal hygiene supplies
-Hamburger/Tuna Helper
- taco kits
- easy sides (instant potatoes, boxed stuffing, Sidekicks, rice pouches)
- condiments
- 1L juice
- jarred or pouched baby/infant food
- kids snacks (granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes, cheese & crackers)
- cereal
- NEXT WEEK’S BLITZ: Personal Hygiene Supplies
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Almonte United Church
AUC Sunday School
At the end of our service, we sing ‘O Canada’. One person reported having tears in her eyes as she sang our national anthem in light of the uncertainty coming from our southern neighbour.
We’ll be singing “O Canada” at the end of worship every Sunday as our pledge to Canada: “the true North strong and free.” Our service usually ends about 11:30; plan to pause and sing along with us from wherever you are! (It might be great fun if you are with a crowd!) 🎶🎶🎶
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 Thursday 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!
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.