[ Welcome Message - History - Locations - Worship Services - Weekly Events ]
[ Special Events - Announcements - Haiti Mission - Inspiring Message - Church Personnel ]
[ Community Access Program - Links - Wondercafe ]
Office: (519) 326-3138
E-mail: ruthven@x5ca.net
P.O. Box 370, 1907 Queen Boulevard
Ruthven, Ontario N0P 2G0
MERRY CHRISTMAS or JOYEUX NOEL
The Christmas Season is quickly approaching and our thoughts turn to STARS & ANGELS & GOD’S GREAT GIFT. Stars twinkled so brightly in the sky that first Christmas Eve; angels appeared and joyfully shared the Good News; God reached down so lovingly and gave the gift of the Christ Child. What a wondrous night! What an amazing message! What a marvelous gift!
Yes, this time of the year we are all preparing for CHRISTMAS! We can feel the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT in the air as we write our Christmas cards, shop for special gifts, bake our favourite cookies, decorate our homes, and sing those beautiful Carols. I love this time of the year when our world is transformed. Every shining star, every flickering light, every sparkling tree, every beautiful wreath remind us of God’s Gift and God’s Great Love. It is a wonderful and exciting time of the year!
It’s a happy and friendly time too! Everyone I meet smiles and wishes me, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" It warms my heart! Well this year I’m going to hear, "JOYEUX NOEL!" Yes, John and I are traveling to Haiti next week to celebrate Christmas with our friends at Callebasse Christian School. Our Church has helped build the school, continues to support the school, and pays the teachers each month. This is John’s sixth trip to Haiti, but my first trip. Two friends, Jack Lecot & Garry Cranston are going with us. Thanks to so many donations, we will be taking over 200 Christmas Gifts - gifts for all the children and teachers at the Callebasse Christian School, as well as Christmas Gifts for all the children at God’s Littlest Angels Orphanage. We will be staying at the orphanage to help there, and visiting the school to celebrate Christmas in the mountains of Haiti.
I am so excited! So many questions come to mind. I wonder what new adventures await me - who will I meet - how many children will I hug - how will I be able to reach out to help - how will I share God’s love - how will we celebrate Christmas - what will I learn??? Even though life in Haiti is very different from life in Canada, I know that there will be STARS & ANGELS & GOD’S GREAT GIFT! God goes with us as we put our faith into action!
We want to THANK YOU for all your support! We sincerely appreciate your kindness. THANKS FOR CARING & SHARING! We are taking your love to the people of Haiti. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers! We will be in Haiti November 29th to December 8th. JOYEUX NOEL or MERRY CHRISTMAS!
SUBMITTED TO: KINGSVILLE REPORTER - HIGHER GROUND
DATE SUBMITTED: November 18/05
SUBMITTED BY: Linda Blair, Pastoral Minister
Ruthven Pastoral Charge, United Church of Canada
Dear Friends,
Christmas comes again, but this year it’s coming with lots of snow! If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, I’m sure your dreams will come true!
Yes, Christmas is a wonderful time of the year – a time for dreaming and hoping and looking forward to great things. What are you looking forward to this year?
We all enjoy Christmas Carols, delicious food, surprise gifts, sharing with family and friends.
As Christians we celebrate God’s Great Love!
We open our hearts to welcome the Greatest
Gift of all – the Gift of the Christ Child!
As we celebrate Christmas once again, may
our hearts be filled with HOPE, PEACE,
LOVE and JOY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Love,
Linda Blair
Pastoral Minister