Celebrating the season of Advent

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Published on Monday, December 8, 2014

By Lorrie Dyer

In preparation for Christmas, Rivers United Church continues to joyously celebrate the season of Advent. Because of the many people who generously supported Ten Thousand Villages when they came to our church last month, they made more than $1,000 in sales!

This will certainly make a difference in the lives of Third World artisans and farmers. After the Advent decorating event on Nov. 23, our “halls” are beautifully “decked” with Christmas decor. With many more upcoming events, please mark your calendars now!

On Saturday, Dec. 6 we will be entering a float in Rivers’ Santa Claus parade. In order for the parade to begin on schedule, it is necessary that we gather at Rivers Elementary School (where the parade begins) no later than 9:45 a.m. For those involved, please remember to dress warmly, bring blankets and wear brightly-coloured toques (or Santa hats), mitts and scarves. Straw bales and chairs will be provided for seating. We are asking young and old, singles, couples, families, Sunday school children and their parents and grandparents, congregational members, choir members, church leaders and your extended family and friends to join us as we carol through the streets of Rivers!

Our Sunday school children are preparing to present The Children’s Christmas Story on White Gift Sunday, Dec. 14. Leaders Shelley Foster and Becky Stewart have been very busy putting together amazing costumes, props and backdrops for this child-centred service. With close to 15 children ages seven and under participating, the cuteness factor will be beyond words!

The tradition of White Gift Sunday dates back to a Methodist Church in Ohio in the early 1900s. It began as a way to encourage the spirit of giving without emphasizing the value of the gift. Gifts were generally wrapped in white paper so no one could distinguish a more expensive gift from a more modest one. Our congregation is asked to bring non-perishable food items, toys, games or personal items such as socks and mitts, as their white gifts. Our collection that day is forwarded to Rivers Christmas Cheer for their campaign distribution on Dec. 22.

On Monday, Dec. 15 all women of the church are invited to attend the United Church Women Christmas Party. A social time will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a program at 7:30 p.m. and concluding with lunch. Please bring three or four dainties to share and your Christmas mug.

The regular church board meeting takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in Friendship Hall.

On Sunday, Dec. 21 the senior choir will be performing two Christmas anthems. The women will harmonize Where Shepherds Lately Knelt and a mixed choir will present Bethlehem, of Noblest Cities. In addition to that, Hugh Russell and Craig Terry will be celebrating Christmas in the Rivers area this year. Hugh continues to travel the world as a professional opera singer and concert performer. Craig is the director of the Young Artist Program of Chicago Opera and is a professional accompanist. Their personal and musical presence always produces much excitement in our small town church.

Please join us for worship on Christmas Eve with carol singing beginning at 7 p.m. followed by the service at 7:30 p.m. The Russell family will be providing musical selections for our enjoyment!

Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day. — Helen Steiner Rice