AUC Weekly Newsletter from Rev. Heather for January 16, 2025

Good Snowy Day to All:

First a report on last Sunday. We reaffirmed our Baptism vows with lots of water on our heads from the font. This was followed by a great and generous potluck luncheon; the chatter and laughter were contagious. All in all, it was truly an inspiring and memorable day!

Here is what’s happening this coming week:

Sunday, our scripture lesson is from John 2:1-11; the story of Jesus at the wedding at Cana. 

Monday at 9:30 a.m.: For anyone who will be using the brand-new dishwasher, a tutorial is being offered. 

Tuesday at Noon: The Almonte Community Friendship Luncheon in the AUC social hall. All most welcome; charge is $10. per person. 

Next Friday at 7:00 pm: Movie Night with hot dogs, popcorn and drinks for 1$ each. The movie is “Sapphires; a 1968 musical/comedy/drama. Everyone welcome; plan to bring a friend. 

I hope you can join us in some or all of these activities. Stay warm, safe and well!

Fondly, Rev. Heather 🙏☃️💕

Hello Friends:

Happy New Year! As we turn the calendar to 2025, let us continue to reveal the peace and hope, joy and love of the Christmas Christ in our everyday living. 

Here’s what happening this week:

Worship: On Sunday, we will be joined by our SS children and teachers as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. Luke tells the story in Luke 3:15-17; 21-22. We will respond by renewing our own Baptismal vows during the service.

New Year’s Pot-Luck Luncheon: Our Worship Committee is hosting a party after worship on Sunday. Please bring lots of Appetizers and Desserts….and your own plates and cutlery to minimize cleanup. Please include a card with a list of ingredients. And think about your goals for 2025 for yourself and AUC. Be creative!

Hats: Let’s make this a great fun party….wear a hat! Again, be creative!

Decorators Needed! After many years of dedication, the MacMeekins are retiring from decorating the church for the various seasons. So for all you creative spirits at AUC, this is your opportunity to display your talents as an individual or as a team! Many thanks to Mary and Ron; your dedication is very much appreciated. 

Stay warm and safe. See you on Sunday! 

Fondest greetings, Rev. Heather ☃️💕🙏

Hello Dearest Friends:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the Almonte United Church. This beautiful picture reminds me so very much of the beautiful carol, Silent Night, which we’ll be singing by candlelight on Christmas Eve. 

So here’s what’s coming up:

This Sunday: Advent IV: December 22nd at 10:30 am. We will be lighting the candle of Joy. It promises to be a beautiful service of Joy with our AUC Choir singing their Cantata and special guests playing various instruments. 🎶🎶🎶

Christmas Eve at 7:00 pm: This service promises to be filled with the hope, peace, love and joy of Christmas when we light the Christ Candle; sing carols; hear the familiar story; light our own candles, and renew our Christmas faith. 

Please tell you friends and family; all are most welcome. 🎄🎄

Sunday, December 29th at 10:30. This is often referred to as a ‘low Sunday’ after the glorious Christmas Eve service…..but let’s make it a ‘high Sunday’ with lots of carols, scripture and fellowship. 🎄🎶🎮

Sunday, January 5th, 2025: Epiphany Sunday. We will be reading the visit of the Wise of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12; celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and re-dedicating ourselves to the work of Christ in this shiny New Year. 

The Church Office will be closed from December 19th until January 6th. In case of an emergency, please don’t hesitate to call me at (613) 619-5966. 

So…

    for you who are travelling, a very safe journey; 

    for you who don’t feel like celebrating, please join us at worship to feel the hope, peace, joy and love of Jesus born anew in our hearts; and 

     for those surrounded by the excitement of children, may you take a moment for yourself to remember that Jesus came among us a little child, and

     for all, a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for a very Happy and Blessed 2025. 

Fondest Blessings from Rev. Heather🙏🙏

Hello from Green Hill, Nova Scotia:
 

Life is really tough here with the McLeans and Jed. A lobster sandwich for lunch with Christmas cookies and hot cider. I’m figuring it will be a holiday gain of twenty pounds but worth every ounce!
 

Although I’m away, I’ll be with you in spirit as Margie and her merry band of elves lead the AUC worship service on Sunday; it promises to be very special. So wear your pjs and housecoats and support our very talented leaders, children, and youth in this very special service.
 

It’s raining and windy here; the Maritimers, who told me last Sunday to wear my rubber boots, were absolutely correct!
 

Until we meet again in person, God bless and all best wishes in all your Christmas preparations. Rev. Heather 🎶🎄☃️

Hello All:
Here is a picture of some of the goodies for the Christmas Market; it includes cans of delicious cookies, a variety of specially themed  baskets, and all kinds of goodies…a  great place to shop either for yourself or a friend.
 

So AUC is a happening place this weekend and beyond:
      Friday, November 29th at 7:00 pm:  
Movie night with popcorn and hotdogs; the film is “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
It promises to be a fun evening for all ages.
      Saturday, from 10 am to 2:00 pm: Christmas Market in the AUC hall. Bring a friend and shop until you drop!
      Sunday, December 1st at 10:30 am:
Advent 1 with the Lighting of the first Advent Candle, “Hope;” and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The Scripture is Romans 8:18-30.
      Next Thursday, Dec. 5th at 7:00 pm: and/or Friday, Dec. 6th at 2:30 pm:
“Coping With Christmas,” an event for those who are bereaved, lonely, or fearing the activities of the Christmas season. Our time together will include quiet conversation, meditation, candle lighting and refreshments. This event is open to the community; come and bring a friend.
 

I hope you are able to enjoy some of the many activities going on in Almonte over this coming week. And don’t forget to take some time for yourself in the midst of all the activities!
Fondest greetings from Rev. Heather 🙏.

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 photos on our Facebook page). It was a beautiful November day to mark the courage and dedication of those who served so we might enjoy freedom. 

This Sunday we will be celebrating our Canadian Foodgrains Bank Project and also singing some of the old, familiar hymns. We are most grateful to the Lowry family for making our growing project possible. If you would like to give a donation towards this project which provides food for the world’s hungry, please put your gift in an envelope marked Foodgrains. It will be added to the money from the growing project and also to your AUC offerings. 

Advent will soon be upon us full of special activities; in the meantime let us share our faith with deeds of kindness, generosity and love!

Fondly, Rev. Heather ❤️🙏😍.

Greetings from supply Minister, Rev. Heather

Hello All: It’s me again! I’ll be looking after you while the wheels are in motion for finding a new full-time minister. While I can never be a true substitute for Rev. Mary, with your prayers and encouragement, I’ll do my very best. It’ll be great to see all of your smiling faces again. 

This Sunday, June 30th, let’s wear our ‘red and white’ in honour of the Canada Day celebrations. 

The scripture lesson is Psalm 139, an affirmation of faith that God is with us always….even in these times of change. 

If you are in need of pastoral care or want to leave me a message, my phone number is (613) 619-5966. 

Enjoy this beautiful long weekend and see you on Sunday!

Blessings from Heather 🙏

P.S. Godspeed, Rev. Mary. We wish you well in your new ministry and will really miss you! 💕💕