Stopped in Awe: News from Tobermory United
Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
On September 22, Tobermory United celebrated the 20th anniversary of the building of Tobermory United Church, with about 70 people in attendance. Rev. Susan Shantz, who was the minister at Tobermory United from 2003 to 2011, and her husband Roger, drove from Kemptville, near Ottawa, to take part in the celebrations, with Susan serving as guest preacher. Terry Samuel, as guest musician, filled the sanctuary with the sound of his trumpet, accompanied by Elaine White on piano. Tobermory United’s little choir never sounded better!
Rev. Brad Inglis, the former minister of Tobermory United, sent heartfelt words via (the other) Brad Inglis of Tobermory: “I think of all of the visionaries and hands who helped to create this magical little church tucked into the woods . . . I give thanks for all of those forward-looking souls.” Brad’s words rang true, as this wasn’t a service about a building, but more about the community spirit that arose to build it.
As part of the worship service, all those gathered offered a blessing on new altar decorations created by local fabric artist Jo Lane and funded by a memorial gift from Jan MacDonald. Jaws dropped as people walked into the sanctuary and viewed them for the first time. The pulpit banner and Communion table covering are especially designed for the Season of Creation, depicting the Tree of Life in vivid and flowing colours and forms.
The ecumenical and community collaboration that came together to build Tobermory United was illuminated through stories that were told following a time of food and fellowship. Roger Shantz, for example, spoke about how, when the church was designed, he wasn’t convinced it needed an outdoor labyrinth, but then when his infant grandson fell ill, Roger walked and walked the labyrinth as a form of prayer. Dominik Franken and Chris Robinson played several duets for violin and cello during the storytelling part of the day, and the brilliant acoustics of Tobermory United were on display.
A memory table held pictures that many people had not seen in a long time. There were oohs and aahs, laughter and tears as folks, many now gone, were lovingly remembered.
Many thanks to all who took part in or attended these celebrations. It was a good day, indeed.
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is the minister at Tobermory United Church, 5 Brock St. She has office hours every Friday morning from 9:30 to noon. All are welcome to drop by for a chat or just to say hi!
