Moments of pure Joy

There was once a man who said that if you lived to 80 you may have experiences 10 moments of pure bliss in your life time. If I have I believe these moments came from my encounter of God in the “Other”, one of our fellow parishioners has, in what I can only say was an inspiring conversation with David Sykes this past month I was profoundly moved by his experiences this summer. As we enter the dark and coldness of the winter months here are four simple moments that brought David joy over the past summer:

 1.     The look of sheer joy on the face of a young boy of about 10 riding his bicycle enthusiastically down the sidewalk.

2.     Three ladies singing next door.  One would start a song, the others would join in until they forgot the lyrics, then they would all laugh.  They did that off and on for about three days.  Their laughter and joy was contagious. I finished a couple of their songs and then we’d all laugh.

3.      During the children’s focus, the children were asked if they were happy with who God had made them to be. Riley’s expressed a joy at being who he was.  It moved David as Riley’s expression of joy was so hart warming and powerful!

4.     The person, talent and joy of our organist, Katie. She has added to our worship in very important ways, the joy she brings us with her skill, her music and her joy in sharing it with us.

It truly is the simple things that bring Joy. Riley and Katie never take center stage in worship but there leadership is so strongly felt that it can move us to pure joy and pride. If you get a chance today thank someone who has given you a sense of joy in the last year.

By: John-Paul Markides & David Sykes

HOW NOT TO BE THE GRINCH

HOW NOT TO BE THE GRINCH 

As I sit here at my parentís place, looking over Georgian Bay and noticing the "white stuff", that has fallen in the last little bit, that means OH YEAH! we are starting to get into another season.

       I have noticed lately that the Santa Claus parades are happening and the festive decorations are coming out, and all the craft bizarre are being planned, or are going to happen.

       I am going to admit it, my family of four is a busy family during the festive season, with school concerts and different Christmas parties and different outings with the kids, and that good old Christmas shopping deadline..... the insanity list keeps going on! Trying to keep your sanity is hard!

     I have come across some interesting suggestions (thanks Google) on how not to let this season of joy become the season of anxiety. Next to each idea is a link to a meditation, giving us a time to take a breath.

          1. Don't binge. It's perfectly fine to indulge a little during the 
              festivities... Meditation                            
          2. Be realistic... Meditation
          3. Don't give in to pressure... Meditation
          4. It's okay to be blue... Meditation
          5. Have mercy on yourself... Meditation
          6. Make amends... Meditation                                                                                                                    7. Diffuse tension... Meditation

     I know this is just a basic list, but you can add to it or just keep it the way it is, because every family has different traditions, but the main thing that I try to remind my girls  about that it is better to give than to receive and that we donít get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas and what is under the tree, that it comes back to the birth of Jesus.

I hope this is a helpful thing, for you to have a good start to your family Christmas festivities. And if you wanna Party you can join us at St. George's on Dec 18 @ 6pm. We will have games and fun. Parish Family Party

Messy Church

Messy Church: A New Adventure

Our Church has to join the phenomenon known as Messy Church, a youth program designed to introduce families to church activities – but not via the traditional Sunday route.

For adults & children alike, Messy Church is designed for people who often don’t manage to attend a church already. Many of these people have other activities such as sport at times when traditional church services take place. The church may not have even been a priority for them growing up. But Messy Churches laid back and interactive style of worship allows them a glimpse of life in the church community.

It invites to youngsters throughout the Owen Sound community, encouraging them to come along for a fun evening of food, craft & play, as well as an introductory message to biblical values, through a story, prayer, song, and games.



Adults are not left out, in fact, they remain with their youngsters throughout the session, sharing a meal & involvement in activities. Messy church is also modeled around the family, encouraging friendship & fellowship.

The next Messy church is Nov 27 at 5:30pm. Come on by and bring a friend!!

Family Ministries Hallowe’en Party ~ Oct. 30, 2018

         Our parish hall was dimly light by (safety) candles as ghosts flew and giant spiders crawled on web-covered windows at the Family Ministries’ secular Hallowe’en party presented by the Messy Church team.  In attendance were several young superheroes, a skunk, a veterinarian, Robin Hood & Maid Marion, and many other costumed kids and adults.  A snack table, three craft tables, a hidden selection of “creepy” stuff to touch, extra costumes, board games, and a pumpkin-carving contest were offered to an enthusiastic crowd of about 50 people.

         The craft I supervised was the making of a spooky Hallowe’en glove with inexpensive stretchy gloves from the dollar store and craft supplies.  Every child’s glove was unique and I was inspired by their creativity.  I like working one-on-one with children and was impressed by the parents who took their children around from station to station.  They all seemed very happy to be there.

         My heart is drawn to Messy Church because it takes me back to my childhood; to the full classrooms of Sunday school where the cornerstone of my life was laid.  Maybe it is a way of saying thank you to all those faithful teachers, and also to my parents for raising me in the Christian faith.  Sunday morning church attendance may be difficult for young families today, but if Messy Church can provide an option to learn about Jesus, I’m all in.  And although at this particular event there was no discussion of Jesus, there was certainly a lot of love and hospitality in the air.

         The night ended with a trick-or-treat handout as the kids walked down a line of volunteers handing out treats.  It was very satisfying to be part of the crew that helped stage this event for anyone who wished to attend, including neighbours both near and from the greater Owen Sound area, and also the young families of our congregation.

Margie Blender