AUC Weekly Newsletter from Rev. Heather for December 18, 2025

 Hello All:
I’m safely returned from a great pre-Christmas holiday with dearest friends in Nova Scotia.
 

I’ve  been told that the Sunday School teachers, children, and the Holy Family had a very special service last Sunday. Many, many thanks to ALL who made it possible; I’m really sorry I missed it.
 

This Sunday, December 21st, will be Music Sunday with Neil and the Choir giving us special music for the Christmas season. In addition, we will be receiving four new members into our AUC congregation. It promises to be a most inspiring service.
 

Our Christmas Eve Service will be at 7:00 pm with carols, candle lighting, and a very special child in the manger. Come early and enjoy the unique friendship that binds us together in faith.
 

On the last Sunday of 2025, we will be holding an informal service in the Upper Hall with coffee, goodies, scripture and music as we mark the end of another year.
 

The church office will be closed from December 25th to January 5th, 2026. If pastoral help is needed, please don’t hesitate to call me at (613) 619-5966 and leave a message.
 

On behalf of the AUC Council, I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy New Year.
 

Bountiful Blessings of the Season from Rev. Heather Kinkaid 🎶🙏❤️
 

PS: These are the more than forty stockings that the congregation gathered for the Food Bank. Well done!!

 

Good December Day to All:

Advent activities are in full swing here at AUC with filled stockings being collected for the Food Bank; the Choir preparing special music; the Children rehearsing their December 14th Service; the Decorating Team working like busy bees both inside and out; and the list could go on and on. All of this is to say that it takes a multitude of volunteers to make Advent/Christmas so very special here at AUC and in the wider community. 

This Sunday, we will light the Second Advent Candle, Peace; the Scripture Lesson is ‘The Song of Zechariah’ from Luke 1: 67-79. 

In the midst of all the hectic activities, I hope you are able to take some peaceful time for yourself. And if it isn’t cloudy tonight, look for the Supermoon high in the sky about 6:15 pm.; another wonder of God’s beautiful creation. 

May you continue to feel the Divine arms embracing you during this Holy Season. 

Blessings from Rev. Heather ❤️❤️❤️

PS: These are the Memorial Candles that were lit at the ‘Coping with Christmas’ service on Tuesday. 

Good windy day to all: 

Good News! We have just heard that the Regional Council has approved the call of the Rev. Heather Davies (Heather #2!) 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. 🙏🙏

This is the First Sunday in Advent; we will be lighting the first Advent candle, the candle of Hope, and celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It’s also Birthday Sunday when we will celebrate the November birthdays at coffee time. 

On Tuesday 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. 

Take very good care of each other; let us continue to remember all those who are undergoing cancer therapy or other illnesses in our thoughts and prayers. 

Blessings from Rev. Heather #1 🙏🙏

Hello All:
God painted the trees white overnight….what splendid beauty is all around us!
 

This Sunday we will be celebrating St. Cecilia, the heavenly guardian of all musicians and music; and also the Reign of Christ, our divine Sovereign. The scripture lesson is Colossians 1:11-20 which describes the supremacy of Christ on earth and in heaven.
 

We have included a list of December events happening in the church; in the bulletin . Please mark the dates on your calendar and join us as you are able.
 

Blessings and kind regards to all,
Rev. Heather 🙏😍🎶☃️🌺🌼🌸

Good Morning Friends:

What a somber week of Reflection and Remembrance at AUC. Many, many thanks to those we remembered, those who decorated the sanctuary, and shared special music and memories.

This Sunday at AUC:

The Scripture Lesson is Isaiah: 65:17-25; it’s the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God’s glorious and new creation. 

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING IMMEDIATELY AFTER WORSHIP AT THE REQUEST OF THE SEARCH COMMITTEE. Please remain after worship to attend this very important meeting. 

Please don’t forget to support our Canadian Foodgrains Bank project…especially since it was not a good growing year because of the drought. Donations are matched 4 to 1; please be generous. 

During this dreary November season, please be ‘Sunshine’ to your self and others!😍😍😍

Blessings from Rev. Heather 🙏🎶🌺😎

Good November Day to All:

Yesterday as I was driving to Carleton Place, I noticed some trees holding on to their yellow leaves. And adjacent was a promise of spring….dark green fields planted with barley or wheat. What a splendid contrast! And how truly amazing are our Canadian seasons!

This Sunday, we will be commemorating Remembrance Day with a Reading of the Honour Roll, trumpet and special music. If you have someone who has/is serving in our Canadian military, you are invited to bring a small memento to share with the congregation. Besides the Legion wreath and our new Canadian flag, the sanctuary will be decorated with helmets, etc. from Peter’s large collection.

Stay warm and safe. Rev. Heather🙏🙏

Good Rainy Morning to All:

It’s a busy message today so I’ll get right to it. 

—-Our scripture lesson on Sunday is from Luke 19:1-10. It’s the dramatic story of Zacchaeus and Jesus. 

—-At coffee time, take a moment to look at the sample photo books. These are made by a company that comes to the church, takes pictures of individuals and families, collates the photos into a church album, and provides individual albums to the congregation at no cost. If you wish to buy a separate photo of yourself or others, then you would need to pay for it. Please think about whether you would like to participate; it’s a great asset to members and the minister. 

—-We’ll be holding an important congregational meeting immediately after worship on Sunday, November 16th. Please mark the date on your calendar. 

—-This Saturday morning at 8:00 am, Peter Mansfield is hosting a ‘Manure Fest’ for the Pollinator Garden. Bring your shovel and wear your rubber boots if you want to participate or just watch the fun!

—-And finally, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night🕖

A very Happy and Safe Halloween to all. 

Fondest blessings, Rev. Heather🙏😍🌺

 Hello All:
What a busy week we’ve had here at AUC with a funeral, community luncheon, and meetings. Our beautiful and spacious building was put to good use! Many thanks to ALL of the people who worked behind the scenes making everything very special.
 

This Sunday is World Peace Sunday; the scripture lesson is from Romans 14 where Paul addresses an argument about food and writes: “Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19)
 

The Sunday School and Youth Group are collecting various items for the Hunger Stop; this Sunday they are hoping to fill their hampers with food/treats/ and drink boxes for children. Please be generous.
 

It’s also Birthday Sunday so plan to remain for cake and coffee after the service.
 

Fond regards to all, Rev. Heather 🙏😍
 

PS: These magnificent bushes, currently blazing red, are well named, “Burning Bushes,” from the Euonymous family. Plan to see them while they are still on fire!!

 

Good Autumn Day to All:

I hope you enjoyed a great Thanksgiving and had an opportunity to relax amid the various activities. 

This Sunday at AUC we are celebrating World Food Sunday; the scripture lesson is Exodus 16:1-4; 31-35. It’s the story of God feeding the Israelites with manna. We will continue gathering food, etc. for the Hunger Stop; this Sunday is designated for Personal Hygiene Supplies. Please be generous. 

On a sad note, our dearest Bryn Matthews dawned his heavenly wings last Monday, October 13th. His Memorial Service will be held this Sunday, October 19th at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary followed by a reception and slide show in the Upper Hall. 

Because Bryn was so well known through his work at CJOH and the Almonte community, a very large crowd is expected. If you are planning to attend, please remember that we are ‘the hosts’ for this occasion so don’t be afraid to direct people to the bathrooms, hall, etc. or yield your seat/chair to a visitor. 

Needed for Bryn’s service are:

——Greeters for the front and side doors; ——People to fill out donation receipts in the two offices; ——-People to help with the set-up on Saturday afternoon; ——-People to help with the Reception and Clean-up on Sunday. 

Please e-mail Rev. Heather at grovesprings@sympatico.ca or text at 613-619-5966 if you can help out.

If you planning to stay after church for the Memorial Service, I would suggest you bring your lunch and beverage. There will be NO COFFEE TIME after worship because the Hall will be set up for the Reception. 

Dearest Friends, people will be attending from very long distances; let’s show them true AUC hospitality, love and support as we all remember our beloved Bryn. 

Very special thoughts and prayers to all:

Rev. Heather 🙏🙏😍😍🌺🌺

Good Autumn Morning to All:
 

On this beautiful October day, I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this gorgeous day….even if it means taking leaves or cleaning up the garden!
This Thanksgiving weekend at Almonte United Church, we are looking at the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers but only one returns to thank him. As always, Margie will have a special time for the Sunday School.
Our Youth Group will begin their Food Drive for the Hunger Stop this Sunday and it will  continue until the end of the month. Please be generous with your monetary or non perishable food donations.
Blessings and all best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. Rev. Heather 🙏🙏😍😍
 

This is autumn crocus growing among the fallen leaves. 

Good sunny day to all:

What a weekend of remembering and sharing with our Aboriginal Friends last weekend! Please go to our AUC website to see the great pictures. And oodles of thanks to ALL the amazing people who made it happen; your many talents are very much appreciated!

This Sunday is World Wide Communion Sunday; we will be celebrating Communion with a variety of breads from around the world. Please plan to join us for this special event. 

I hope you have an opportunity to walk in the crunchy leaves and admire those that are still on the trees. Happy October!

Fondest blessings from Rev. Heather🙏😍

Good Rainy Morning to All:
 

Have you noticed how the little bit of rain has made the lawns green again? Nature is certainly full of miraculous works!
 

This is a very busy weekend here at AUC:
 

Tonight, Thursday, at Baker Bob’s from 5 to 9 pm, as part of the Almonte Street Market: Our talented Youth Group holds a sale of Fall Decor featuring Gifts from the Land including lavender bundles and sachets, pumpkins, wheat stocks, bull rushes, etc.
Donations are accepted. If you can’t go tonight, there will be another chance after worship on Sunday.
 

Sunday is Orange Shirt Sunday! We will be thinking about ‘reconciliation’; the Scripture lesson is 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. 

In the Sanctuary at 2:00 pm,  Metis Elder Tony Belcourt will be holding a screening of the film, “Inendi”. Inendi is a documentary film featuring matriarch Mary Belle, who is a survivor of the Spanish Residential School for Girls in the 1940’s and 50’s. The doors open at 1:30 and the screening will start at 2pm. It’s about 45 minutes long and will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, Sarain Fox, and her family.

Prior to the film screening at 1:15, on the AUC’s lawn there will be a very special presentation by Nimkii who will perform the Hoop Dance. Nimkii is world-famous for his skill with Hoop Dancing, powwow dancing and traditional singing.

Please make sure that you read the draft copy of ‘The Community of Faith Profile’ which was sent out today by email. Hard copies are available at the church office. This is a necessary step in calling a full-time minister; we will discuss and vote on The Profile immediately after worship on Sunday, October 5th.
 

Gus and Gloria are wearing their orange shirts already! Don’t forget yours!
 

Blessings from Rev. Heather 🙏🙏🌻🌻

Hello to All:
Aren’t the trees beginning to flaunt their autumn beauty? It seems that everywhere we look, there is a myriad of colours just waiting for our appreciation!
 

This Sunday, there will be two Baptisms…a little girl and a baby boy. They promise to be two sacred moments surrounded by the Sunday School children, families and of course, you in the congregation. Plan to join us if you are able; coffee and cake will be served after the service.
 

Enjoy the splendid beauty all around you!
 

Fondest blessings to all, Rev. Heather 🙏
 

PS: These are blooming water hyacinths in our pond. The three plants purchased in the spring have multiplied again and again! It was a great surprise to find them in bloom with the frogs sitting nearby😍😍