Announcements

The pastors of Gordon, Knox and St. Aidan's are writing this letter following the amalgamation vote that took place in September. Most of you are aware of the positive results of the vote with all three congregations giving over 90% support.

The Visioning and Amalgamation Reports have been shared with the Presbytery and the national office of the church. Discussions with both are taking place at the same time. The Presbytery has indicated that a special meeting of Presbytery will take place to approve the amalgamation plan. When it is called, members of the three congregations will be invited to speak to the amalgamation.

Although the reports and votes have taken place, this is only the beginning of an implementation process to proceed as a new congregation. To put the new vision into practice some teams have already been formed (worship, property and building development and vision). New teams with different responsibilities will be formed as the need arises. Full implementation will be a multi-year and multi -phase process. Although the amalgamation itself will occur in the short term (within 2022), it must be remembered that other issues are of a medium (3-5 years) or longer-term time frame. Issues involving real estate and property development are obviously longer term activities.

To further our vision, we are planning gatherings in late January so that everyone will have input into what our future will look like. At the present time, we are planning a worship service and workshop to start the planning and a second workshop to set short, medium, and long, term goals.

If you would like to join the Emmaus Group  please talk to Jim, Lindy, Les, Sandy, Barb or Ian.  We would love to  have your input.  If you would like to donate to the Emmaus Group outreach programs, you can do so through your envelopes – “Other” –  “Emmaus”.  Thank you for your prayers and support in reaching out to our  neighbours. 

They practice on Saturday morning from  10:00am – 12:00pm.  Their performances for the public are during the Christmas season on Saturday afternoons and during May, also on Saturday  afternoons.  The only requirement is that you read music beyond a  beginning level.  Handbell ringing experience is not required as we will  teach technique in context with the music we are playing.  We also play in some church services. Please contact Alma at atomei@shaw.ca if you  are interested in joining! 

Do you love to sing? Our choir is searching for more singers.  We sing traditional to contemporary, and  practices are Thursday evenings from 7:30om to 9:00pm. The choir sings in the service every Sunday at 10:30am. Please contact Alma at  atomei@shaw.ca if you are interested in joining!