JANUARY 'JOTTINGS'

January 29, 2021

I am listening to the latest update by CTV featuring P.M. Justin Trudeau. International travel has become more restrictive with compulsory testing before being able to return home upon landing or the elimination of flights to sun destinations. Critics are certainly having a hay day with apparent uncertainty when it comes to vaccinations. Hang in there, everyone. A new day is dawning!

We were saddened to hear of our friend and loyal member of our congregation, Beverly McBride's, passing. Our thoughts are with Stuart and I know that this week we've shared stories about their contributions to our church over the years. Beverly's obituary is attached as a file attachment below. Messages of Condolence are welcome. 

Monday Night Book Study has begun. (See MINISTRIES/ADULT SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY) We had 30 computers on line with us with two from Comox, BC and one each from Kamloops, Medicine Hat and Toronto. We are studying Brené Brown's most recent book, "Braving the Wilderness," a fitting study for the Time of COVID-19 -- a major 'wilderness' for all of us! Thursday Morning Bible Study will be focussing on Isaiah and the Gospel of John this semester. (p.s. Contact the church or me if you would like an invite to either or both programs. 

ACTS ( St. David's Adult Spiritual Development Ministry) has been blessed and is a blessing to many of us from St. David's and beyond. Bringing the community together using Zoom has kept us connected. Our Thursday Morning Bible Study with 12 faithful 'studiers' adds to our Sunday Morning Worship service at 10 a.m. that brings over 80 computers together on ZOOM. (Those who 'sleep in' are able to watch the service on Youtube, Sunday afternoon or during the week.)  

The end of the month is here. Our grandchildren in Calgary are at home today for a Teachers' Professional Day -- they are so very fortunate to have enduring lessons (on line for Greta and in school for Hugo and Iris.) This morning CBC reported on the interruption of worldwide education. Often with limited internet connectivity or even basic supplies, many children are being left behind. Just another element to consider during this TIME of COVID-19.

Have a great weekend. 

January 21, 2021

The sun is shining and the sky is blue, however it is brisk, temperature - wise. Yesterday many of us were glued to the television as we watched the inaugeration ceremonies for the new president of the USA, Pres. Joe Biden. This morning, however, is all about Pres. Biden's executive orders which included the lifting of the permit for Keystone Pipeline with its major effect upon Albertans. What will happen next, we do not know.

We received word from the Wright family yesterday that Rev. Dr. Donald Wright, our senior minister at St. David's during the 90s, had passed away. His obituary has been included as a file attachment below. We remembered Don in many ways - he and Jill lived in our home for a couple of months as they were settling in Calgary. Harvey was a favourite at church and Kathryn, his big sister, was a dear friend and a high school student at Aberhart during their years in Calgary. Don and Jill loved life as recalled in his enthusiasm displayed while he played drums at church or took his boys to the movies, electing to sit in the front row so that it felt like they were part of the movie set during epics. It was Rev. Don who introduced St. David's to the computer - our admin. secretary worked very hard to convert paper to www.  when it came to running the church. We are grateful for the ministry of Don and Jill during their years with us. Our thoughts are with Jill and her family at this time. (See Obituary Below)

January 15, 2021

Another week plus has slipped by and, here it is, Friday evening and weekend.  The weather has been incredibly awesome. We were delighted today to discover that the city crew had worked on the street in front of the church, grading the road and removing the copious amount of snow that has made driving in front of the church and/or parking a bit of a night mare. 

Last Sunday, Epiphany Sunday, Rev. Debbie spoke to us about "Guiding Light" and how it can work in our lives. For many of us, in spite of the fact that our COVID-19 numbers have been improving, we stand in need of guiding light, especially during this time. Thank you, Rev. Debbie. 

Plans are underway for ACTS Monday Night Book Study and for Thursday Morning Bible Study. We will be gathering again on ZOOM as we study Dr. Brené Brown's book, Braving the Wilderness. As usual, the Thursday Morning Bible Study group will be determining their focus for study at their first class. Brown's book is very timely at this time. I have enjoyed seeking out video to support our study. Dr. Brown has a large presence on social media and her message is a welcome one. 

See you on Sunday on ZOOM. We'll be there. 

January 4, 2021

Yes, 2021 offers us a clean slate, a new beginning, brand new opportunities. We've been reminded of the importance of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace in our lives as we journeyed together through Advent with Rev. Peggy's series, "I Believe, Even When..." So, let us attack this new year with the confidence that we have each other in community. Daily, we are reminded that we are in this, together. Go, team, go!

It looks like ZOOM will make its mark in 2021 as services continue to draw our congregation together on Sunday mornings. 100 computers shared the Christmas Eve service and, yesterday, on what has traditionally been the "Wassail" Sunday gathering, had 77 computers networked. ZOOM not only is helping to keep our congregation together but is serving as a convenient way to bring family and friends together from across the country. 

We had fun on Christmas Eve Day morning when we gathered for a Christmas activity event, complete with sourdough waffles, Christmas cookies and Swedish pork pancakes along with singing, story-telling, tradition- sharing and game playing. Thanks go to the Ramraj-Thompsons, the Outtrims and to my great zooming partner, David, for helping to make our event such a success. 

It only seems that yesterday we were getting decorations down from the attic and now, as the days grow longer, it will soom be time to return the house to its usual state of being with Christmas 2020, part of our history. It was a good one -- quiet, easy going, time to rest, play games, do puzzles and enjoy each other's company. Bottom line was that I won the occasional game of pool and in our house, renovations kept us busy until just before Christmas day. 

ACTS Monday Night Book Study begins on January 25, 2021 and Thursday Morning Bible Study on the 28th. I have finished reading the book, "Braving the Wilderness" by Dr. Brene Brown. Indigo/Chapters has hard covers of the book on sale for $8.00. I've picked up several copies and will share - just call me. 

Have a great week. Enjoy the pleasant winter weather and, before long, we will be celebrating the crocuses, right?