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Chaplain’s Corner – Quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.” “The community of the saints is not an 'ideal' community consisting of perfect and sinless men and women, where there is no need of further repentance. No, it is a community which proves that it is worthy of the gospel of forgiveness by constantly and sincerely proclaiming God's forgiveness. ” Greetings! Sometimes we have visiting children. My goal in February is to update the nursery and put together some “fidget boxes.”
Re the Nursery… Do you have any toys or books in there that you are attached to? Let me know. I hope to replace much of our current stock with more modern toys and books. I may be asking for donations. Also, do you have a computer you know longer use that is internet friendly and uses CDs? Veggie Tales can be very entertaining. (At least it is for me.) Regarding the fidget boxes for older kids who will stay in with the adults, I’ll wait until the reopening of MCC Thrift! – Jan Steven Know that you can easily reach Pastor Darrell or Jan if you would like pastoral care or a friendly visit. If you are aware that someone is having a health challenge or other situation, they are only a phone call away from the offer of excellent soup. Our contact information is at the end of our church bulletin. 😊
Over the next few weeks I hope to highlight various local missions that Grace Mennonite Church supports – including Bridge of Hope, Westview Centre for Women, the St. Catharines Soup Kitchen, and Bears and Blankets.
Bears and Blankets Update! We have placed just over 200 Bears and Blankets Care Kits in 13 Long Term Homes. Only 13 more LTC Homes to get on board! And the offering is ongoing. I continue to welcome all donations of next-to-new teddy bears and homey small blankets. The kits also includes a beary sweet card and a bear-paw cookie. In the next few months I hope to meet with our local MPs – Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates – to see what can be done to ensure our Elders are treasured and LTC staff are valued. If you would like to join me, let me know. Love always, Jan Steven. “It always a blessing to learn the wisdom from elderly people.” - Lailah Gifty Akita All things going well, after the service on Sunday on December 24, I should have extra virgin olive oil, olive oil soap, and za’atar thyme & sumac herb mix. These Fair Trade Items from Palestine help farmers with the greatest need. Cash, cheque or e-transfer works for me! 😊 Jan Steven
The MCC Thrift Shop on Grantham is temporarily closed for renovations. But there will still be a place to donate goods at their 254 Grantham St. location. Come visit Laur and me on Thursday mornings. Many of the teddy bears for Bears and Blankets come from the MCC Thrift shop. I will look for bears in good shape at other Thrift shops, but if you know of a good source, I’d love to hear about it. Contact me at church or 289-990-4839 or janscats@gmail.co
God’s purpose for you is not that you should sit around waiting for Jesus’ return to redeem the world. He wants your life to make a difference now. You are called to be a blessing to those around you.. – Nicky Gumbel, Day 339, Bible in One Year
Let us continue to keep in touch with church friends who are not able to attend our Sunday services and who welcome prayers, phone calls, cards, and visits. Their contact information is in Church Directory. These friends include (but are not limited to): Tom B, John B, Erna & Jake B (Ester’s parents,) Reg F, Agnes G, Abe H, Francine and Theo I, Erika I, Hertha J, Mary L, Helene M, and Marlene W.
Have I missed anyone? Let me know. Would you like a friendly visit? Let me know. Laur’s and my annual Christmas card is available in the foyer – along with a sweet treat. With love from your community chaplain, Jan Steven. The Westview Centre for Women always needs blankets and sleeping bags. If you have some you don’t want or need, you are welcome to bring them to Grace MC. Either Erika or Jan will bring them to the WCFW. There are pamphlets about the Westview Centre in the rack in the entranceway.
If it’s more convenient for you to drop off during the week, you can leave them at Laur’s and Jan’s home at 63 Beamer Ave. – wrapped in a plastic bag - please and thank you! I can also do a pick-up. Mary K, Ester, and I also welcome donations of homemade shawls and small blankets for our Bears and Blankets program for Elders in Long Term Care. We have provided 117 care-kits thus far. We have requests for 171. Our care-kits go to Seniors who don’t get many visitors and who are lonely. I can pick up if needed. Contact Jan at church or at 289-990-4839 or janscats@gmail.com |
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March 2024
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