Everything, Everywhere All at Once…
Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
What I love about church life is that it’s never about just one thing. We can be praying for peace, but then making pies; having earnest conversations about death and be doubled over in laughter while doing it.
On October 21, Tobermory United hosted a Death Café for the first time, a facilitated conversation on issues surrounding death, and it was a huge success! 35 people came for cake and conversation facilitated by certified grief educator RoseAnne Desmarais. Many thanks also to Beige McIntosh, who led participants in a song!
Otherwise, all sights are set on preparations for the St. Nicholas Bazaar, which will be held on November 25, from 11am to 2pm at the Tobermory Community Centre. The church freezer is filling up with pies, the craft vendors are signing up, the lunch menu is in the works and the silent auction is pretty much ready to go. When festive gatherings were out of the question for so long, it’s exciting to prepare for this event!
On November 11, I will take part in my first community Remembrance service as Padre of Tobermory Branch 290 of the Royal Canadian Legion. I am honoured to be part of this and I take this role very seriously, even moreso perhaps, because I have a son who serves as military personnel. What waves of grief have encircled this little community in years past? On November 11, we will gather to remember.
Sorrow and joy, sorrow and joy. It’s all wrapped up together.
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is minister of Tobermory United Church.
