Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
It’s Hard to Have a Worship Service During a Gold-Medal Hockey Game!
One thing they don’t prepare you for in seminary is what to do when there’s an Olympic gold-medal hockey game going on at the same time as a church service! I have to say there was a certain level of tension and excitement as we gathered for worship on Feb. 22. We agreed from the outset that updates on the game were welcome during the service. I think it was just before the call to worship when the comment rang out, “They’re in overtime!” and then just before the prayers of the people when we found out that Team Canada had lost. We always say that the sanctuary of Tobermory United is where joys and sorrow are shared. That was certainly true on Feb. 22, 2026.
Tobermory United is celebrating the Season of Lent, leading up to Holy week, March 29 to April 5. We look forward to hosting the Easter Community Cantata Choir’s performance of “In Calvary’s Shadow” on March 29 at 7:30 p.m. The sanctuary will be open to all for quiet reflection and prayer between noon and 1:00 p.m. March 31 to Good Friday, April 3. A service celebrating Jesus’ last supper with his friends (Maundy Thursday) will occur at 7:00 p.m. on April 2, and Easter (Resurrection Sunday) will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on April 5. All are welcome to these services.
Please save the date for a special concert at Tobermory United on April 18 at 4:00 p.m.: “Jeff Bird Plays the Music of Hildegard von Bingen.” Who knew that Jeff Bird, multi-instrumentalist musician known for his work with the Cowboy Junkies, has a passion for the life and work of the twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen! A Q and A will follow the concert as well as a time for conversation and refreshments. Donations are welcome at the door.
Please also save the date for “To the Tub with Love” April 16, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Tobermory Community Centre, a free annual community supper hosted by Tobermory Community Outreach. Supper will include ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, salads and homemade desserts! A time to celebrate Spring and visit with friends and neighbours!
Tobermory Community Outreach is supported by the four Tobermory churches. Its purpose is to provide emergency assistance to folks in the community whose needs can’t be met any other way. Tobermory Community Outreach also partners with Tobermory United to provide a volunteer driving service for those in the community who need assistance with transportation to medical appointments.
