Submitted by Sheryl Spencer
The leaves have started to turn and the evenings are getting cooler. This means that summer and some summer things are coming to an end.
The Summer in the Spirit series, a collaboration between Tobermory United and St. Edmund’s Anglican, is coming to a close. Thank you to everyone – tourists, cottagers, residents, church folk, non-church folk alike – who have been coming out on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer to build community, honour the sacredness of the land and celebrate Spirit.
On August 23, John Keeshig and April Jones from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation led about 30 people in an evening of sacred fire and storytelling. John and April offered teachings on the sacredness of both fire and water. Water never tasted so good once it’s been blessed and served as a sacred thing.
On August 30, Summer in the Spirit will come to a close with a potluck supper and music at Tobermory United Church at 7:00 p.m. What’s been your most meaningful summer moment? We’ll hear those stories.
Activity at the Tobermory Thrift Shop is also coming to an end. The last day for donations is August 29, and the last sale day is September 9. Thank you to the whole community for supporting the Thrift Shop! This year is proving to be a record season in sales! Watch for end-of-season specials on the Tobermory Thrift Shop Facebook page!
One thing that is not closing down but, in fact, becoming busier is the Volunteer Driver Program that Tobermory United coordinates in collaboration with the Community Outreach Fund. Often residents of the northern part of the peninsula have medical appointments or other urgent destinations that they can’t get to. The Volunteer Driver Program offers rides at no charge to the passengers, but more drivers are needed! Drivers are reimbursed for their mileage and can specify the times that they want to be available. If you might be interested in helping with this program, please call Tobermory United at 519-596-2394.
In worship at Tobermory United, we have been sharing both joy and sorrow, as we are called to do. Recent services have offered lament for the wildfires across the nation and prayers for action on climate change. On September 3, we’ll celebrate the summer with an outdoor service and potluck picnic. On September 10, we’ll be dedicating and blessing the church’s new sound system!
Beginnings and endings, joy and sorrow, we acknowledge and celebrate it all.
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is Minister at Tobermory United Church.
