Awesome Afternoon Advent Adventure

On Advent Sunday, Nov. 27, there was an awesome Advent ecumenical adventure at St. Thomas Church in the Parish of Stanley, and in the Parish of East Saint John people turned out in strength for an amusing yet heartfelt special Advent service. Celebrating the seasons together is a common practice in the Village of Stanley but this year’s celebration was a little different, it was a “Fresh Expression” of Advent.

The Rev. Wendy Amos Binks, the rector of Stanley, saw it as an outreach as well as a “Messy Church” opportunity. Activity centres for baking cookies, making cards for seniors, creating Advent calendars of glitter and glue were set up. There were also carols to sing, puppets to watch, and a visit from St. Nicholas too.

Children and their parents from throughout the village shared Christ’s love, tucked nativity story Bible verses in Advent Calendar pockets, and tested just a few of the fancy cookies. It was an awesome afternoon focused on the coming of Christ and a successful outreach to the community.

The Parish of East Saint John celebrated Advent Sunday in style as well with a special family service that saw lots of new people join the regulars. Even Dugie, the resident parish puppet, ventured out from his den to provide delightful assistance to the rector, the Rev. Canon Ed Coleman. Their hijinks earned them a lot of laughter and helped the message of Advent find its way into the hearts of many. Canon Coleman, ably assisted by two lovely young ladies, lit the first Advent candle of the season and read the accompanying scripture passages.
The congregation welcomed Sarah, the new baby daughter of Anita Maynard to the family and sang happy birthday to four-year-old Jordan Hooper.

Following the service a comfort meal of mac-and-cheese with Cesar salad, provided by Bob and Julie Cormier and other members of the congregation, was served. Dominic McKinnon, a two-and-a-half year old, especially enjoyed the salad. People were entertained by his salad joy almost as much as by the antics of his four-year-old brother Kayden, a born comedian.

The Advent celebration ended with the making of Christmas bells, wreaths and yule logs from old Christmas cards, popcorn and pieces of wood. Members of the Mothers’ Union and Debby Hooper from the Sunday school were on hand to help everyone turn their ornaments into masterpieces.

The parish is in the process of replacing its old, worn-out furnace so the service was held in the downstairs hall where Thane McRae ably set up and operated the projector. Even the organ keyboard was moved into the basement where organist Carolyn Murray carried on with the music like the professional she is.

 

13 December 2011
Diocesan Communications