Announcements
SSUC SSUC NEWSLETTER
December 2025
Reflection by Rev. Karen
“Every Thing is Sacred” will be our focus this advent as we explore the presence of the Universal Christ in time, in people, in places, through our inner knowing. The writings of Patrick Boland and Richard Rohr will guide us as we learn the art of waiting – practicing a contemplative approach to our lives. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are about so much more that simply remembering the past when Jesus was born. It is about seeing how all creation, and all our stories are imbued with the presence of God. The apostle Paul whispers in our ear “be awake to what God is doing”. Mary’s voice encourages us to say yes to what God asks of us. John challenges us to broaden our vision and behaviours. Beautiful decorations and lights, when we allow ourselves to contemplate them, offer us delight or maybe a message of hope, or a musical piece creates a sense of God’s peace in our hearts. Sharing Christmas baking connects us to one another and to joy. This Advent, let us take time to contemplate the biblical stories, the stories of our own lives, the people, the places where God is ever and always present if we stop, look, wait and listen for God to be revealed right here, right now, in our world.
Speakers
Dec 7, 14, 21 – Rev. Karen Dec 28 – Jack & Arlene
Services
Dec. 7, 3:00pm – Service of Compassion & Hope
Dec. 14, 10:30am – All Ages Service
Dec. 18, 7:00pm – Christmas in a Barn service at the Francis Farm.
Dec. 21, 10:30am – Communion
Dec. 24, 4:00pm – All Ages Christmas Eve Service
7:00pm – A Musical Christmas Eve Service
Meetings
Dec. 4, 7:00pm – Visioning Committee
Worship Highlights
Service of Compassion & Hope – Sunday Dec. 7, 3:00pm. Please invite friends or family who may be finding this to be a difficult time of year. Join in this reflective service where we will light candles for all those who have died within our congregation and in memory of loved ones who come from other communities, or who have died in previous years. May this service offer a few moments of peace and a sense of God’s renewing presence. Following worship, you are invited to stay for a cup of hot cranberry cider and cookies. If you would like to light a candle, in memory of a loved one, please contact us at the office 902-658-2863 by Thursday, Dec. 4.
Christmas Choir – Anyone who would like to join our regular choir to provide the musical service on Christmas Eve, please come Sunday mornings at 9:30 to the Fellowship room for practices. All voices welcome!
All Ages Service & Fellowship Time After Church– Sunday Dec 14th This is a story-based service and anyone who has been supporting the children’s outreach project by saving coins in a jar or our decorated gift boxes please bring them this Sunday and include your name/address/envelope number inside the box so this can be included with your receipted donations for the year.
Christmas in a Barn – A Christmas Nativity celebration with music, storytelling and a beautiful reenactment of the Holy Night. Dec. 18, 7:00pm Francis Farms, Civic #573, Lady Fane.
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
Finance Committee – Fruit Sale Fundraiser. We are pleased to offer the fruit sale again this year. There is a new apple selection, some prices have changed. Orders are to be given to Ruth at the church office by Monday, December 8. (email, phone or in person). Order forms are on the table at the back of the church. You may also donate to the Crapaud Food Share, please specify on your order form. Cheques payable to South Shore Pastoral Charge. E-transfers – 
ssuc.et21@gmail.com (see poster attached for pricing) Thank you Rick for taking this on again!
Budget Request sheets will be distributed early January for committees to complete. They are
to be returned to Catherine Ferguson by January 27, 2026.
Christian Friends – Giving Tree – Christian Friends will be accepting donations on the Giving Tree to support local families through Englewood School and the Crapaud Food Share. Donations may be placed in the offering plate under the tree or in the basket. Items could include pasta, sauce, canned meat, crackers, granola bars, juice boxes, toilet paper or monetary donations. If you are aware of an individual or family in need, please contact the church office. If you are using an envelope, please ensure your name is clearly marked and cheques are made out to “South Shore Pastoral Charge”.
Spiritual Nurture – Coffee & Conversation at Crapaud Hall – Thank you to the many volunteers, bakers and attendees who participated in our October/November coffee and conversation times. We averaged 35+ people with different folks showing up each time. It was much appreciated by the community.
Greeters – needed each week, please see sign-up sheet at the back of the church.
Pastoral Care – Benevolent Fund. Our Benevolent Fund is administered through our Pastoral Care Committee through its executive: Rev. Dr. Karen MacLeod-Wilkie and Joan MacDougall. All names are kept confidential. When a recommendation is made, we offer individuals or families support for furnace oil, groceries, gas, etc. If you are aware of someone within our congregation or our community who needs support with basic needs this winter please contact Rev. Karen 902-940-6349.
Prayer Requests – There is a box on the bookshelf at the back of the church for prayer requests, or email jm.macdougall10@gmail.com.
Pastoral Coverage – Helen Nicholson (658-2324) and Donna MacKinnon (658-2610) will be visiting in December. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would, please call.
Trustees – November Meeting Highlights - Thank you to Jeff Wood who provided gravel, and to Frank MacDonald and Scott Howatt who helped repair our parking area after the heavy rains this fall. Curran & Briggs could not get to our paving project this fall for several reasons but will commence that work in the spring, honouring the original quote they gave us. Since the work is delayed, the Trustees recommended to the Unified Board that a short-term investment of $30,000 be made, which was approved.
A management group of three people: Frank MacDonald, John Heckbert, John Nicholson, was established to facilitate the exit of MPI from our property.
Caring for our Building – when we use our church facility for meetings, activities, to drop off supplies, to decorate, etc. we may be in the building beyond the usual hours of our building attendants. Please ensure all windows are closed, offices and outer doors are closed and locked. If mud has been tracked in, please use the broom by the office door to tidy up for those who come after you. Thank you.
Building Attendant – John can be reached at 902-658-2305.
Community Events
MPI announcement – Neal and I are thrilled to announce that we have purchased a permanent location for Merry Pop-Ins Childcare Centre. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way, and a special thank you to Rev Karen, Scott, Frank, Jack, John, the Trustees and Board of South Shore United Church and all of you for providing a temporary home for us since May 2018.
Christmas in Bonshaw – Sat., Dec. 13, 7:30pm Bonshaw Hall. Singing, stories, songs, hot cider and cookies. Admission by donation at the door with proceeds going to the South Shore Food Share. Children under 12 are free. Come welcome the Christmas Season with us!
Humour
What do gingerbread men use when they break their legs?
Candy canes. Image:RedMooNight
South Shore United Church, P.O. Box 4, Crapaud, PE C0A 1J0
Clergy: Rev. Dr. Karen MacLeod-Wilkie 902-940-6349;
Office Administrator: Ruth Boulter 902-658-2863
Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 830am – 1230pm
Email: southshoreunited1@gmail.com
E-Transfer: ssuc.et21@gmail.com
FRESH FRUIT
FOR CHRISTMAS
APPLES GRAPEFRUIT
RED GOLDEN Box of 48 $85.00
Box of 100 $85.00 $90.00 ½ Box of 24 $50.00
½ Box of 50 $45.00 $50.00 1 Dozen $25.00
1 Dozen $15.00 $15.00
GALA HONEYCRISP MIXED FRUIT
Box of 100 $70.00 Box 64 $90.00 Bag of 14 $15.00
½ Box of 50 $40.00 ½ Box of 32 $50.00 (oranges, apples, mandarins)
1 Dozen $15.00 1 Dozen $20.00
MANDARINS
AMBROSIA Box of c.80 $90.00
Box of 100 $70.00 ½ Box of 40 $50.00
½ Box of 50 $40.00 1 Dozen $15.00
1 Dozen $15.00
ORANGES Box of 72 $85.00
½ Box of 36 $50.00
1 Dozen $20.00
Sponsored by
South Shore United Church
For further information or to place an order
Call the church Office 902-658-2863 by Dec 8th
Pick Up on December 13th
Cheques payable to South Shore Pastoral Charge
E-transfers – ssuc.et21@gmail.com