Parish Christmas Newsletter–Archdeacon Bill Gray-Home-Made Christmas Gifts
This Christmas, I am put in mind of the classic Christmas story authored by O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi”. In this fable newlyweds of limited means have no extra money at Christmas to provide gifts. The husband sells his antique pocket watch. The wife sells locks of her hair. From these proceeds, the husband purchases for his wife quality hair combs. The wife purchases for him a beautiful golden watch chain. Upon exchanging these Christmas gifts, they realize to their horror their folly. Hair combs gifted to a woman who had cut off her hair and a watch chain for a man who no longer possessed a watch. Tears and regret soon gave way to the appreciation of the mutual love expressed by their shared sacrifice.
When I was a young boy one Christmas, I wanted to contribute by giving my own Christmas gifts to my family. As I was quite young, I had no money of my own. Having my family give me money to buy Christmas gifts for them seemed to defeat the purpose. Dad suggested I make my own Christmas gifts with his assistance in his workshop. For one brother, we made a rack for storing playing records comprised of a wooden frame and converted coat hanger wire. For my other brother we made a wooden toy boat. For Mom we made a wooden kitchen cutting board complete with handles, legs and a cutting surface made from leftover floor tiles. There was satisfaction in Dad and I working together to make these gifts which remained in use a long time.
We have been greatly blessed by home-made gifts from our parish family. We are grateful to Goldie Bryan for her gift of many years of faithful service as our church organist who has now retired. Goldie has not only been organist, but she is family. We continue to pray for Goldie’s health. We appreciate the gift of Karen Roberts who serves as our current church organist. In worship we have been gifted by lay readers, lectors, servers, greeters, chalice bearers, choir, musicians, individual singers, congregational singing and prayers, solos and Caygeon Spice. The ACW of St. John’s Dunsford have shared their gifts of fundraising through several yard sales from parish donations. Jeff and Nicole Thurston with Barry and Leanne Baxter hosted a fundraising dinner at St. John’s where they and their friends supplied the food, beverages and entertainment. Christ Church ACW shared their gifts of making crafts, knitting, Christmas decorations, frozen food and baking for a Christmas Market while continuing to provide food for and hosting parish hall receptions. The combined result is approximately over $13,000 in fund raising. Betty Anne & Ron Shaw & Lorraine Thayer & others continue to gift the community with clothing give away events from donations of gently re-gifted clothes. Parish members continue to be faithful by sharing their finances, gifts for pastoral ministry and participation in Sunday worship. Parish wardens continue to gift the parish by managing church administration, property care and improvements. We are also gifted and blessed by Maia’s capable office administration.
Jesus was God’s home-made gift to save and bless us. We often learn that not all roads nor do all our choices lead to God. But through the God’s gift of the Christ Child which we now celebrate, God demonstrated that Jesus travels any road to find us. God desires that all should be saved through His gift, and none should perish. God bless you all with this Christmas gift of God’s love.
The Bobcaygeon Community Christmas Dinner has been discontinued for this year (2024) as there are insufficient volunteers. Planning has already begun for next year.
Thank you everyone for your tremendous financial support of your church during the past year. As noted, this has been assisted by the fund-raising efforts of the ACW and other groups of each congregation. Your faithful, continued generosity has ensured that we have been able to continue our church’s important ministry. As we face the usual current financial operating deficit, with your help this Christmas, we can end the year in a positive financial position.
Christmas Offering: Please use the enclosed Christmas envelope to make your Christmas donation. Christmas Envelopes can be placed on the offering plate at upcoming worship services. If you are unable to attend church services, and if the postal strike continues, donation envelopes can be delivered to the church during office hours and if necessary, arrangements will be made for someone to come to your home and deliver it for you. Please contact the church office by phone or email to make these arrangements. Church phone- 705-738-2415; email christchurch@i-zoom.net Office hours are Tues. Wed. Thurs. 9 am to 1 pm. When postal service resumes, envelopes can be mailed if necessary to one of the following church addresses. Another alternative is to donate by using e-transfer or Canada Helps. Instructions for these methods of donating can be found on the parish website. www.christchurchbobcaygeon.com
Christ Anglican Church St. John’s Anglican Church St. Luke’s Anglican Church
PO Box 133 1948 Sturgeon Rd 178 Burnt River Rd.
Bobcaygeon, Ontario Dunsford, Ontario Burnt River, Ontario
K0M 1A0 K0M 1L0 K0M 1C0
Special Advent/Christmas Public Services for 2024
- Sundays in December- Advent- The Church’s New Year-Lighting the Advent Wreath
- Sunday Dec. 15 Lessons & Carols Services-9:15 am-St. John’s; 11 am-Christ Church
- Sunday Dec. 22 Family Christmas Service, Children’s Story, Carols & Communion- 4 pm–St. John’s, Dunsford. (No service at St. John’s in the morning, Dec 22; -service as usual at 11 am at Christ Church on Dec. 22)
- Tuesday, Dec. 24- Christmas Eve- Christ’s Nativity- Candlelight Holy Communion & Carols-7 pm –Christ Church, Bobcaygeon.
- No parish services Christmas Day, Dec. 25.