The Manse
December 5, 2009
Dear Members and Friends of the Chipman Gaspereau Pastoral Charge:
In her book, “Simple Abundance”, Sarah Ban Breathnach questions how we can ever experience the tidings of comfort and joy as we rush this way and that trying to cross things off our holiday “To Do” list. Most of us yearn for a day when we could truly celebrate the season with out getting exhausted in preparing for it. Most of us yearn for a day when our preparation for the coming of the Christ Child is of spiritual rather than physical in nature.
This year Chipman and Gaspereau Forks United Churches are offering you a whole range of services and events to help you mark the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Seasons in a meaningful way.
At our Hanging of the Greens Service we blessed our refurbished outdoor nativity scene. A pot luck dinner was served before we pitched in to help with the decorating. A Taizé Service ended the day with its contemplative worship in the candlelight sanctuary. Friday’s turkey takeout saw many volunteers working together to dish out and deliver the meals. It seemed we fed the whole of the community!
Throughout the coming days, in addition to our regular Sunday Services at Chipman at 11:15 am there are some special services you might consider attending:
A Service of Remembrance and Call to Action marking the 20th anniversary of the tragic deaths of 14 young women at Ecole Polytechnique will be held Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 pm at Chipman.
The Adult Group will hold their Christmas Party at noon on Monday, December 7 at Glady’s Sayers. All are welcome to come and enjoy the fun and food as we gather in community. The UCW Stocking Party will happen on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00pm. In addition to the short worship service the outreach will feature lots of fun and fellowship.
On Sunday, December 13 at our morning service the Christmas Stockings filled with small gifts for men and women will be blessed. You are also invited to bring canned cranberry sauce or stove top dressing for the Community Care Christmas Hampers. One of the highlights of the year is our Celitc Christmas Service that will be held 7:00 pm that evening at Gaspereau Forks United.
The morning service on Sunday, December 20 will include special music by the children of the pastoral charge. Blue Christmas will be held at 3:00pm that afternoon at Gaspereau Forks United.
On Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 at 6:00 pm a Family Service with Communion will be held at Chipman United. Later on at 8:00 pm Gaspereau Forks United a Candlelight and Communion Service will be held.
On Sunday, December 27 our 11:15 am Service at Chipman United will be a Carol Sing with special music provided by The Chipman Trio.
New this year we will hold a United Church Levee at the manse. All are invited to drop in for refreshment on Sunday, January 3 from 2-4, 6-8 pm as we celebrate 2009 and welcome in the New Year!
There will be a Book Club Meeting on Thursday, January 7, 9:30 am at Connie Webber’s. Pick up your copy at the Chipman Public Library today. The Shack will provide excellent after the holiday reading and fodder for a lively discussion.
Our regular Thursday “Saving Jesus” Study Group will resume on January 14, 9:30am at Connie Webber’s. Come join this vibrant discussion group. The conversation will stretch your mind and expand your faith!
An Event for Families, The Magi’s Journey will be held Friday, January 8 at 6:30pm at Chipman United. There will be activities, crafts and food all related to the Epiphany story.
On behalf of the Staff and Congregation of Chipman Gaspereau Pastoral Charge, we wish that you and yours will truly experience the comfort and joy of this Holy Season as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, for:
From God our Heavenly Father, a blessing Angel came;
and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same:
how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
(from God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen)
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Kathi Zwicker
