Dear members and friends of Sicamous United Church December 2014

Welcome to the seasons of Advent & Christmas. As well as our ongoing Thrift Shop ministry and Sunday morning worship, we have several ways in which we are honouring this time of year.

Starting Sunday, November 30th: The Advent Candles This year our Advent Candle liturgy will be based on the four directions and four colours of First Nations traditions – red, yellow, black and white. The liturgy is adapted from Cree elder and former United Church moderator, Rt. Rev. Stan Mckay, with a song I wrote to compliment the liturgy.

All December: The Advent Peace box For over 10 years, Canadians working for a just peace in Israel and Palestine have been purchasing and distributing Zatoun olive oil and other products as a means of advocating for economic justice for Palestinians. I have purchased an Advent Peace box from Zatoun, which includes five additional bottles of high quality olive oil. If you wish to support this venture, you may purchase a 500 ml bottle for $15.00 Just speak to me or give me a call and I will have a bottle ready for you.

Saturday, Dec 20th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Complimentary Coffee & Cookies day: During the hectic and final $2.00 per bag sale before the Thrift Shop closes for the holidays, the congregation will be offering coffee, tea and cookies to our volunteers, staff and customers in the sanctuary.  Quiet Christmas music will be playing in the background, while you rest your bones, enjoy your treats, and meet your neighbours.

Sunday Dec 21st 10:00 AM: The seven piece Black & Bluez Band will be our musical worship guests – playing favourite Christmas carols and a few special band selections.

Wednesday, December 24th 7:00 PM: All ages Christmas Eve service. Come and hear afresh in word, silence and song, the Christmas story.

Sunday, Dec 28th 10:00 AM: Spirit of Christmas Past A gentle service of favourite carols, and sharing meaningful Christmas memories.

As you go into this season, may these words from poet Joyce Rupp bless your day:

May the hope of this sacred season settle in your soul. May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land. May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day.

Blessings of the season,

Rev. Juanita Austin