Stopped in Awe: News from Tobermory United
Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
On June 16th, all four Tobermory churches gathered to celebrate Chi-Cheemaun weekend. This was a regular occurrence before the pandemic, but the first time it had happened since, and what a joy it was to gather and worship together! Many thanks to the musicians at Light and Life Chapel, the Ladies of Note, who sang so beautifully, and all others who took part in the service! Thanks also to Kerry Adams, former captain of the Chi-Cheemaun, who shared many things about his life and vocation as a mariner. A longstanding tradition was revived during the service – the blessing of the boats – and we hope to keep that tradition running in the coming years.
Summer in the Spirit, a series of events created to build community, honour the sacredness of place and celebrate Spirit commences this year on June 26th with an all-day community fire on the grounds of St. Edmund’s Anglican, hosted in partnership with Nawash Three Fires. At 9:00 a.m, there will be fire lighting, tobacco offering and water teachings. At noon, there will time for open discussion and storytelling, and at 6:00, all are welcome to a potluck community feast! The space will be open for all to come and go, visit and receive refreshments from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Summer in the Spirit continues with weekly events throughout the summer.
The Thrift Shop is open! As one volunteer put it, “the Thrift Shop is a win-win-win-win-win situation”: Used household goods are re-distributed; residents, tourists and cottagers alike have a source of affordable goods; volunteers have a heck of a good time; and funds are raised for Tobermory United and the Tobermory Community Outreach Fund. Speaking of volunteers, if you might have a Saturday afternoon to offer to the Thrift Shop, we are desperately in need of volunteers on that day. You can call or e-mail the church at 519-596-2394 or tobermoryunitedchurch@eastlink.ca. The Thrift Shop receives donations on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open for sales on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All hours are 1 to 4 p.m.
On June 30th, Tobermory United celebrates Pride Sunday, a service we look forward to all year.
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!
