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Times Advocate, 1999-12-08, Page 11Wednesday, December 8, 1999 Exeter Times -Advocate Church parishioners share the bounty during Christmas By Joan Beierling VARNA CORRESPONDENT VARNA - Stacks of White Gift offerings were heaped under the Christmas tree in the Varna United Church as families took the opportunity to share the bounty of this Christmas season. The Advent Candle of Peace was lit by Tom, Barb and Paul Consitt. The Lectionary focus for the Second Sunday of Advent was on preparation. Pastor Van Bergen spoke on the provident words of John the Baptist, as he proclaimed assurance of God's love for us shown by the coming Christ. As we look beyond Advent, to the birth of our Saviour, Jesus, we are encouraged to continue to live a godly life. Dec. 12 will be the Christmas Pageant Service with a potluck sandwich lunch to follow. The Sunday School Children are reminded of the dress rehearsal, Dec 8 at 7 pm sharp. The Teens Youth Group are to meet at the Complex this week and the Trends at Brucefield. Looking ahead, the 40th wedding anniversary celebrated By Muriel Lewis GRANTON CORRESPONDENT Congratulations from the Granton community to Cliff and Ruth Cook who celebrated their 40th wedding anniver- sary with family and friends on Dec. 4. At the Granton United Church on Sunday, Dec. 5 Lay Pastor Val Hodgins entitled the sermon 'A Path for His Steps'. The candle for Peace in the Advent Wreath was lit by Max Bilyea and grand- son Glen Bilyea. At St. Paul's Anglican Church, Kirkton on December 5, Rev. Glenda Meakin's message was about the 1Peace that comes through repen- tance. The candle for peace was lit by Brandon Blackler and the lessons were read by Kate Henry. U.C.W. Unit one met at noon on Dec. 2 at the home of Doreen McRobert. After a luncheon served by the hostess, plates of goodies were prepared for the shut-ins. President McRobert opened the meeting with a medita- tion on `Return Policy.' Business discussion included plans for the next meeting, the festive supper and meeting on December 14, white gift Sunday on December 12, the carol sing at Holy Trinity in Lucan on December 20 and the Christmas Eve service to be held this year at Wesley United Church. During the program; Cathie Westman read a story entitled 'When her horse heads for town,' and Cathie and Jill Westman led in carol singing. Madeline Hardie had a contest with twin words as answers and Pastor Val Hodgins con- cluded with a quiz on Christmas songs and car- ols. Unit 3 met and attend- ed the Ladies Night sup- per and Christmas pro- gram sponsored by the Salvation Army at the United Church in St. Marys on Nov. 30. Later, they returned to April Bryan's home for their meeting when plans were discussed for the General U.C.W. evening on December 14 and the carol sing to be hosted by Granton at the Anglican Church in Lucan on December 20. Officers for 2000 are: President April Bryan, Secretary Marion Thomson, Treasurer Joan Hayden, Social Committee Helen Burnett, Elizabeth Garrett and Ruth Cook and Sunshine Elizabeth Garrett. Unit 5 enjoyed dinner out on Dec. 1 at noon at Damen's Restaurant .in St. Marys. Then they came back to the home of Mary Jones for a short meeting. Everyone took part in the program with readings and poems, etc and there was an exchange of gifts. Light refreshments were served by the hostess. Infant Care Lambskins for Christmas Cuddly -soft Helps Baby sleep 100% machine washable 40,000 sq ft of Leather 1 Minute South of Blyth, Ontario 519-523-4595 Welcome Mat will be out at the Manse for an Open House on Dec. 18 from 2-4 . Congregation mem- bers are welcome to come share some refresh- ments and goodies with Harry and Elly. Hopefully people have marked their calendars for Dec. 24 - the Family Christmas Eve Service at Goshen U.C. 7pm and/or a Community Candlelight Communion Service at Varna U.C. 11:30 pm. Birthday wishes are extended to Eleanor McAsh. Order your Amaryllis Bulbs @ $10 each to sup- port the Huntington Society. Please call Bill Taylor at 233-3276. The Stan Lee Club had their annual Christmas Party on Dec. 1st at the Blue Fountain with 36 attending. After a delicious dinner, the group was entertained by Gladys Van Egmond and Leona McBride. Their variety of music was much enjoyed. Winners of poinsettias were Margaret McClymont, Margaret Hayter, Charles Reid , Margaret Reid and Gladys Peck. A few games of euchre were played. Varna U.C.W. held their annual Potluck Christmas Dinner and program last Thursday evening. Christmas Music was enjoyed before din- ner. President Deb Rathwell thanked members, former members, friends and neighbours of the community for coming and gave a run down of the 1999 activities held by the U.C.W. Pastor Elly Van bergen read the scripture. Carol Simons then read a' poem and had Mavis Govier usher everyone to the Bethlehem Cafe. A short skit on the Christmas Story was portrayed by Deb Rathwell, Mary Ostrom, Carol Simons, Joan Beierling, Maryellen Webster, Mavis Govier and Elly Van Bergen. Janet Webster was the narrator. Christmas carols were sung intermittently throughout the skit. Simons ended with a Christmas reading and a Merry Christmas to all. Next Meeting will be in February. Wrap up your Christmas Shopping at MacLeans and ,AT TH E TAX GST OR -- .� PST On regular priced items. Excluding • Sale Items, computers and periferals, satellite systems, cell phones, Bell Phone cards, charge account purchases Santa's favourite elf Jerry says... This could be your two best shopping days of the Season t✓. w .k iii ' u• s.. 110 Main St. N. Exeter 235-0800 Open: evenings until 9 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1