Dear members and friends of Sicamous United Church,

It has been just over 2 months since I began my ministry with you, and I want to take this occasion to thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I love the homey informality of the congregation, and your willingness to offer whatever you can to the worship and work of Sicamous United.    Your commitment to look beyond yourselves to the ways you can live out the gospel in this community and beyond are an inspiration.    For this I am truly grateful.

I’m enjoying getting to know the dedicated volunteers in the Thrift Store and the student helpers.  I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with the folks who donate goods and find treasures to buy.   The new expansion, made necessary because of mold in the building, makes for a great workspace and has really opened up the store beautifully.  However, the final cost of the expansion exceeded the estimate by approximately $12,000.  Any over and above regular donations to help defray this cost would be most welcome.

Together with you, I plan to continue the work begun by Kelly Grittner in deepening the connection between the Thrift Store and the congregation.  On October 26^th, a group of us from the congregation will be offering `Soup & Song to the volunteers, congregational members and community folk who care to come along.  My husband Jim McConnell and I will be offering some music (song) to go along with the soup.  We hope to make this a monthly offering.

That being said… the November Soup & Song will have to be postponed slightly, as I am taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join with a group of spiritual pilgrims on a 12 day journey to Palestine and Israel (November 17^th– 30^th) to seek ways we can be in solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis working for peace and justice in this troubled and sacred land.  My heart fills with gratitude for the opportunity to do this and I will be rich with stories to share upon my return.  I will be back in time to lead worship for the first Sunday in Advent.

In this season of Thanksgiving, may you receive and be aware of abundant blessings so you can be a blessing in the world.

Blessings,

Rev.Juanita    minister@sicamousunited.ca

Sicamous United Church: 250-836-4390    www.sicamousunited.ca