“ O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence …”                     Isaiah 64:1

I love the time of year when we turn the clocks back as I enjoy the bright mornings. It helps get me going in the morning as I don’t use an alarm clock. But I must lament about the early descent of darkness which seems to arrive at about 5:30 pm now – Ouch! The last vestiges of autumn give way to shorter days and longer nights and yes, Advent is upon us and Christmas draws near!

Each year during Advent, we return to the words of the prophet Isaiah. Much of what Isaiah came to offer on God’s behalf, were admonishments to keep on the right path. But Isaiah also instilled fervent faith in God in the hearts of his flock. He brought them courage and fortitude at a time when they were suffering mortal fear from the threat of the new Assyrian Empire.

This time of year is filled with conflicting emotions. On the part of stores, there is a hope that happiness will arrive through more ‘stuff’, and indeed shopping can be exciting! But, it can be frustrating too. What do you ‘get’ for the person who has ‘everything’ already? Thankfully the idea of socially conscious gift giving is taking hold as more people honour their loved ones by supporting a cause. For instance, through Gifts of Change from our national church you can sponsor a well or buy some chickens or a goat for a family in need in a third world country. Here the focus becomes ‘the joy of giving’ and the great feeling one gets when we realize that we all have something to give.

The other emotion which frequently emerges at this time of year though is lament. Much like the prophet Isaiah’s word which can be summarized as: “You God - why don’t you just come down and fix this mess and remind us who You are!” Isaiah is lamenting, and even today we lament. We may be lamenting the loss of loved ones, knowing that this Christmas our celebrations will not be the same. We may be lamenting other changes that have taken place this year such as job loss or change of job, maybe a move to a new area, or maybe a loss of ability to do all that we used to be able to do.

I said early on that Isaiah was known as the prophet who implored the people to get back on track as well as someone who reminded them to keep their faith in God. The other area that Isaiah is also known for is that of encouraging hope within God’s people. Hope was needed then and is needed by all people. Our situation may be different, but our emotions are just as real. Lament is a natural and honest emotion from which we have no need to shy away from. But hear these words from the prophet – “Yet, O LORD, you are our Maker; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

During this season of Advent and the celebration of Christmas, may we each be reminded of the gift of being made in God’s image. May we remember too, the Christ Child - Emmanuel, God-With-Us, The Prince of Peace and the gift of his love and sacrifice given to this world that all might remember God’s gifts of Love, Grace, Forgiveness, and Hope.

                                             Peace, Rev. Gwen

MERRY CHRISTMAS, I SAY, again and again.

I was looking through the Canadian Tire flyer, which is already overflowing with Christmas stuff, and spied among the outdoor decorations for sale, a pink flamingo that lights up.  And I asked myself, “What on earth has a flamingo got to do with Christmas?”  I can’t think of anything that would look more out of place amidst a snow-covered yard.  I suppose if you were in Florida it would make a little more sense.   How has our view of Christmas become so skewed as to include flamingoes in our decorating? Perhaps it is just one more thing to make it seem more generic.

 It seems there are so many things to take the focus away from Jesus.  Public schools don’t have Christmas concerts but rather insert some watered down name like “Happy Holiday celebration.” How have we drifted so far from our Christian roots?  We are expected to be all-inclusive, multi cultural, tolerant, etc. but does that mean we aren’t supposed to openly support our own beliefs in our own peaceful ways? The myth of Santa Claus can be perpetuated ad nauseam, but mention Jesus and you get frowned upon, scoffed at, or worse.

Because I am spending the first two weeks of December in Haiti, it will be especially difficult to stomach the outrageous commercialism when I return for that final week before the big day. The frenzy of the Christmas rush is enough to make anyone ill, but comparing it to the simple and humble way of life in Gilbert, Haiti, makes it that much worse.  At least it will help me to appreciate my home and my country for the safe and wonderful place it is, regardless of society’s emphasis on materialism. 

Another thing that bothers me about how things have changed is the notion that you shouldn’t wish someone a Merry Christmas, because it isn’t the politically correct thing to do.  To that I say,” Bah, Humbug!”  To me, “Merry Christmas” doesn’t mean, “My beliefs are right and yours are wrong and if you’re not Christian then what’s the matter with you anyway??”   My intent is not to convert people or force anything on them. When I say “Merry Christmas” I am sincerely wishing in my own heart that the love and peace that Christ brought into this world might somehow filter into that person’s life during this season.  I’m not judging them, or telling them what to think. It is a simple wish for love and peace. That’s it.  And if it’s wrong to want that for my fellow man, then we have indeed drifted way too far from the ancient story of Jesus’ birth and why it took place.  I will continue to wish people a Merry Christmas.  I’m glad I am Christian and don’t plan on making any apologies for it at Christmas or any other time of the year.

On that note, I do wish you all a “Merry Christmas”, with much peace and love.

Yours in Christ,

Val Thomson 

From the Choir Loft

       I'm not quite sure where the last couple of months went (if any of you know, please email me). What I do know is that they were two month of persistent cold and cough, and for that, I'm glad to see the end of them.

      It was uplifting to hear People of Praise on November 13. Thanks, Donna Camp, for your faithful work. And as I write this we're all looking forward to Rick Horst's visit with us on November 20.  We have special musical guests joining with our choirs to give him a warm welcome. It's hard to believe that seven years have elapsed since his tenure with us. Congratulations on being elected Moderator, Rick, and may this experience be wonderfully enriching for you, and for Karen, too!

       Other upcoming events include the St. Marys Children's Choir who join us on November 27, and we'll be participating in the annual community Advent service, held this year at the United Church.

       Gwen and I have done a great deal of planning for the special services that make up the Advent/Christmas season, and we're looking forward to the Sunday School pageant on December 11, the Choir Cantata on the following Sunday, and the culmination of December 24 and 25, when a special breakfast will be served.  The Bells of St. Marys will ring joyously on Christmas Day, and we thank them

       The GIFT OF MUSIC, which had been a part of our December celebrations, has been relocated to February, and we look forward to helping you warm the winter with our offerings.

      Again, we look forward to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, this year on Tuesday, February 21. Funds raised from the supper have helped our local congregation and the wider community as well.

       Also, in February, Rev Gwen and I are looking at an event to help chase away the winter "blahs". We can't say much more than that at the moment, but we'll announce more when she returns from Taiwan.

       My deep personal thanks to all who have contributed so much to the wealth of music making we enjoy here. With every good wish for Christmas and the New Year.

Blessings to all,

Brian Emery

Caretaker's Corner

    X  marks the spot.

A few years ago on my Grandson’s birthday, he wanted a pirate theme. April can be snowy or muddy or very nice. Throughout March his parents planned ways of burying the pirate treasures for the guests. March 20 we had snow drifts up to your waist, who would believe by April 1 there would be no snow at all.

The maps were drawn and every child had his own buried treasure. All around the yard you could see pails upside down, it looked like a bomb had blown them all over, but once you looked inside there was a treasure that a real pirate would make you walk the plank for.

 thought of this as I sat at my computer tonight. I have a sampler that says ‘Grandchildren are the treasures of a long life’. I embroidered this for mom many years ago and it has all her grandchildren listed with their birth dates. I think of the treasures we accumulate and I know that this small piece of cloth lists her best treasures. Each one of us has treasures that every day we take for granted.

I think instead of an “X” I will plant a kiss and hug on all my treasures, every chance I get.

May you end this year with great joy and begin next year with more joy than you had this year.

Off the Shelf

             “Everything you need for better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library.”          Henri Frederic Amiel

    As we wake up to snow this morning ,it makes me think that a warm cup of coffee and a good book are in order! When the wind is howling outside why not curl up with a good book? Our church library offers you and your family great books, and DVD's from Featured Films for Families! Ora and I would like to invite you in any time church is open, or on Sundays! We have a great selection of books on our lovely book cart, that we offer either before church or during Fellowship Time.

   I myself enjoy reading so many different authors that I can not start to discuss them all in one Grapevine!

   One author that I enjoy reading is Karen Kingsbury. She is an author of wonderful inspirational stories. Her books are unforgettable, and really draw you in, and you can't wait for the next one she has written! As you read these books you will laugh and cry along with the characters in the books, and feel as if you know them!

   Karen Kingsbury is a true follower of Jesus and this shows in her novels ,and how she lives her daily life! Our church library has many of her novels and series available for your reading pleasure.

   If you need help in locating these novels, or if you have any other questions on what we have available for you, please talk to Ora or me.

   Reading for yourself or with your children is a good way to relax, and spend time together!

   A quote from Elizabeth Hardwick: "The greatest gift is a passion for reading".

   So this winter take sometime for yourself and pick up a good read from our own church library! We don't have late fees!

   Please remember to sign books out on the sign out sheet, and put them back in the return box in the library!

    If anyone has any books out that you may be finished with, please remember to return, so others may be able to enjoy them!

                      From   Ora Walz and Jody Spriel