SSUC NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2024
Advent Reflection by Rev. Karen
Jesus was born when Emperor Augustus ruled the Roman Empire. It was a time in which might was perceived as right. The people were heavily taxed by Rome to support Rome’s projects. Wealth was in the hands of only a few, and nearly twenty percent of the population lived in poverty. In contrast to the context of his life, Jesus inspired people to live another way. He called them to share what they had rather than hoard their goods, even though they feared hunger. He led them to serve one another with compassion rather than judge one another to attempt to prove one’s own worth. He invited them to understand the complexity of life in sharing stories that challenged people to think in new ways about their laws, their relationships with one another, and with God. He demonstrated a power and strength that came from inviting in the outcast and stranger, those poor and suffering, rather than casting them aside.
When we consider our current context, and struggle with fear: may we remember the babe born in Bethlehem, who showed us how to carry hope, to build peace, to share joy, and to live with love. These are difficult times to live in, but we are not alone. May we find our strength and power in the one who journeys with us, and in one another for we continue to give birth to God’s light and love this Christmas if we open our hearts and welcome him.
November Speakers
Dec. 8, 15, 22 – Rev. Karen Dec. 29 – Jack & Arlene
Services
Dec. 8, 2:30pm Service of Compassion & Hope
Dec. 15, 10:30am All-ages with coffee and fellowship time following. Please see sign-up sheet at the back of the church
Dec. 17, 2:00pm Villa Service
Dec. 19, 7:00pm Barn service at the MacDonald Farm
Dec. 22, 10:30am Communion Sunday
Dec. 24, 4:00pm All Ages Christmas Eve service
7:00pm A Musical Christmas Eve
Service of Compassion & Hope – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30pm. for some people this time of year deepens their sense of sorrow and loss, thus as a congregation we want to offer our prayer and support in what can be a highly stressful season. As a part of this service, we light candles for all those who have died within our congregation the past year. We will also light candles in memory of loved ones who come from other communities, or who have died in previous years. Everyone is welcome to attend this service, where we hope you will find 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 in the fellowship room. If you would like to light a candle, in memory of a loved one, please contact Ruth at the office 902-658-2863 by Thursday Dec. 5.
All Ages Service & Fellowship Time After Church– Sunday Dec 15th This story-based service will include leadership by some of our young people as we focus on the Advent theme of Joy.
Villa Service – Tuesday Dec 17th at 2pm Anyone is welcome to join in this service to support our seniors at the Villa
Barn Service – Come experience the feel of a stable setting. Hear the music and story of Christmas at the MacDonald family farm, 218 MacDonald Rd at the smaller Calf Barn, December 19th 7pm.
Service of Communion – Sunday Dec. 22nd 10:30am On this fourth Sunday in Advent we celebrate Love – God’s love shared with us in song, prayer, story, and shared through the sacrament of communion.
All Ages Christmas Eve Service Dec.24th 4:00pm A relaxed service geared toward young children but open to all ages, retelling the Christmas story and singing a few carols.
A Musical Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24th 7:00pm Special choral music and congregational carols guide us to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Meetings in Fellowship Room
Tues., Dec. 11, 2:00pm – Study & Support
You are invited to join our Book Club/Support Group to watch the “Book Club – the Next Chapter” with Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergmen, Mary Steenberg. The movie follows the new journey of four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. Treats, fellowship, and laughter!
Open House: Sunday Dec 22nd, 3-7pm You are invited to share the Christmas spirit with Rev. Karen and Paul in their home 1561 Route 225 North Wiltshire. Drop by for some cider, treats, and a fun time together.
Prayer Requests – There is a box on the bookshelf at the back of the church for prayer requests, or email 
jm.macdougall10@gmail.com.
Building Attendant on Call – Jack can be reached 902-658-2009.
Pastoral Coverage – Donna MacKinnon (902-658-2610) & Helen Nicholson (902-658-2324) will be visiting in December. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would like a visit, please call.
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 nearly doubled our attendance from last year and the last few weeks saw 40 people with new folks still showing up each time. It was appreciated by the community and the Unified Board affirmed that SSUC would offer this outreach again in April/May to avoid winter driving conditions.
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 a monetary donation. 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.
Benevolent Fund: Our Benevolent Fund is administered through our Pastoral Care Committee. All names are kept confidential – simply a recommendation is made an individual needs support for furnace oil, or a family needs grocery support, 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.
Fruit Sale – We are pleased to offer the fruit sale again this year. We have added one new apple selection, and the prices have remained the same. Orders are to be given to Ruth at the church office by Tuesday, Dec.10. (email, phone or in person), or Rick Smith 902-658-2717. Order forms are on the table at the back of the church. If you wish to donate to Crapaud Food Share, please call the office.
Camp Abegweit – The roof on the main lodge needs to be replaced. If you wish to help, donations can be dropped off to Durdle’s Bookkeeping and Taxes, 39 Garden Dr., Kensington, or e-transfer durdle@bellaliant.com
Christmas Singalong at Bonshaw Hall – Come out Saturday evening at 6:30 December 14th to Bonsahw Hall and gather to sing the music of the season, to have hot cider and cookies, and, of course, to see that fellow who dresses in red and white with goodies for all. The early hour is to accommodate families with younger children. Admission is by
donation to defray costs, children under 12 free. There will be a representative from the South Shore Food Bank for those who would like to donate non-perishable food stuffs and cash or e-transfers.
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