Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
On July 5, more than thirty people set up their lawn chairs in a circle in the driveway outside of St. Edmund’s Anglican Church. It had been a hot day, but the temperature settled. Rain was on the forecast, but it stayed away. The odd seagull floated by, as if wondering what was going on, and a crow could be heard every now and then, chiming in with its opinion. The gathering had been publicized as a sacred fire, but with the fire ban, there was no fire. It didn’t matter, though. Everyone’s attention was rapt as firekeeper Johnnie Keeshig and April Jones, members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, led all who gathered in ceremony, told stories and answered questions about Anishinaabe culture and thought.
This was the first event in the Summer in the Spirit series, a joint initiative of Tobermory United and St. Edmund’s Anglican churches. The series is intended to build community, honour the sacredness of place and celebrate Spirit. This first event seemed profound. The series will continue on Wednesday, July 12 with an introduction to the labyrinth at Tobermory United, and the following week with Forest Church, gathering at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Events will continue every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. All events begin at 7:00 p.m.
Chicken BBQ August 5th
Otherwise, at Tobermory United, we’re gearing up for the Chicken BBQ held annually on the long weekend in August for more than 50 years!
Rather than a sit-down dinner, this BBQ will feature drive-through pick-up at the church. Ticket prices remain at $20.00. We intend to serve more than 500 dinners on Saturday August 5, so it’s fitting that the lectionary scripture passage for the next day is about the feeding of the five thousand!
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is minister of Tobermory United Church
