Submitted by Brad Inglis
Well I’m sad to say that it isn’t even June 21st yet and I have had to give the finger to an aggressive driver. Oh yes, I know, it is a big shocker, but I am just as fallible as anyone else. When heading home and waiting to turn left onto Warner Bay road, after driving about a kilometer with the driver riding my b-hind and deeking in and out trying to pass, I slowed down to a crawl forcing him to slam on his brakes and I took my time making my turn all the while holding up the finger. And so the season begins…
Having said that – I am happy to announce that finally the Thrift Shop will open. A special donation day is planned for Monday June 21st from 1 to 4pm. You can drop off your gently used items and yes we are taking clothing this year. After that, drop offs can be made Monday and Tuesdays each week from 1 to 4pm. Please remember, no large appliances or sofa beds. Our volunteers will revolt if items are too heavy. Opening day is Friday July 2nd from 1 to 4pm with COVID safety protocols in place like last year. Masks must be worn and numbers in the shop are limited. If you think you have 3 hours a week to help out in the shop, please consider volunteering. We need help on sale days – Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4pm. Please contact Steve for more information (519) 851-3411 or tobermorydreamin@gmail.com.
Church is now open as we enter Step One of the Provincial Legislation. What this means is that we can have 15 people in the church at one time. The service begins at 10:30am but pre-register is required call the church at 519-596-2394 or email tobermoryunitedchurch@eastlink.ca. This is for tracking purposes and so you aren’t disappointed by showing up and there is no space left. HOWEVER – Sunday June 20th and 27th are planned as outdoor services in the parking lot. Bring your lawn chairs, thermoses of coffee, Baileys, mimosas – whatever it takes to get you through the service.
Sunday June 27th is our annual Pride and Diversity service where we celebrate the wide diversity of this nation. Part of our mission statement reads We warmly welcome all who wish to enter and become part of our community of faith regardless of their age, background and lifestyle. Newcomers will be valued for the wealth of ideas they bring from their varied experiences.
In light of the recent devastating news of bodies of children being found – children who never made it home to see their families again, and the raw reality of a family being run down and killed just because they were different… we believe more than ever we must honour the diversity of this nation and pledge to do better. These days I am acutely aware that my family elders, like so many others, were not born here. The majority of us come from away. Unless we are of indigenous heritage, our family trees started in some far away land. It was only by luck that we ended up here at all.
On Sunday June 27th, Tobermory United invites you join us for our parking lot service as we not only recognize our failings but celebrate diversity in all of its beauty – culture, age, race, sexuality, gender – all are welcome! Bring your lawn chairs, sit in your own bubble, keep 2 meters apart from others. The service will also be live on Youtube (From the desk of the Lazy Theologian). If you aren’t comfortable in person, drive by the church, honk your horn, step out on your deck, look up at the stars and give thanks for this country where we continue to try and learn the lesson – that there is room for all.
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
www.tobermoryunited.ca
519-596-2821 (Home)
519-824-0268 (Cell)
