Kenton news - Mar. 13

Details

Published on Friday, March 13, 2015

By Paulette Wiens

      204-838-2261

On a mild winter afternoon Friday, March 6, people gathered at Kenton United Church for World Day of Prayer. The service was written by the Bahamas WDP Committee and was titled Do You Know What I Have Done To You? The event was hosted by the ladies auxiliary.

The Bahamas is an archipelago or an expanse of water with many scattered islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city Nassau is situated on the largest island, New Providence.

The pink flamingo is their national bird and the official language is English, intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect, peculiar to most islands, known as “Smokey Joe.” The total population is 353,658. Approximately 85 per cent are the descendants of African slaves, 12 per cent are whites and three per cent are other nationalities. French/Creole-speaking Haitian nationals make up most of  the migrant population. Some of the uniqueness of the culture are their conch, fish-and-grits, Junkanoo, rake ‘n’ scrape and steamed pork chops. Its dialect, straw work and beating of a goombay drum are also popular. (This information is a brief report taken from the program that was handed out to everyone.)

The afternoon began with a DVD about the Bahamas and then a processional of those taking part while singing a short song by those who were present. Readings, songs and Scripture were given throughout the afternoon. An offering was taken and a benediction was given to close the service. 

Bright colours and beautiful flowers, for which the Bahamas is known, decorated the church; participants also dressed in bright colours. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and fellowship following the service. 

Saturday, March 7 some members of Kenton Ladies Auxiliary travelled to Rivers for a district meeting held their Legion Hall. Upon arrival we registered, paid for lunch, bought raffle tickets and visited. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and had a very informative afternoon learning about what the different auxiliaries had been busy doing for the past year.

We took a brief mid-afternoon break for coffee. Several jokes were told during the afternoon and we had a lot of laughs. Upon adjournment, draws were made and prizes  handed out. We had a very enjoyable time and it was nice that the weather co-operated so it made travel easier for all those who attended.

One of our veterans, John Roseveare, has moved to Hamiota to Lilac Residence. He has visited the coffee group at Kenton Legion a few times and  told us he is enjoying living there. If you are ever in Hamiota drop in to see him for a visit — he always likes to have a chat.