From Pastor Chris Platteel

Looking forward to bringing the Advent messages for the coming weeks, I ask for your prayers as I prepare for these - that the Lord may speak freely and graciously through my thoughts and words.

I am thrilled to have our online congregation invited to participate in the Lord's Supper on November 27th, the first Sunday in Advent, and anticipate God's rich blessings as we celebrate together. If you are able to join via the internet, just prepare for the Communion Celebration by having a cracker or a piece of bread with some juice ready, as we begin our worship.

The focus on the Advent Themes and Candle-Lighting will be on Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wise Men for the four Sundays: November 27th, December 4th, 11th and 18th. Thank you to those willing to participate in the Advent Readings and Candle-Lighting for these services.

I was keen on noticing that at least 3 of the 4 stained-glass windows where we worship, reflect these same themes.

That is God's doing.

By God's grace, Chris and Henny Platteel

Communion

This Sunday November 27th, we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper. We will be LIVE STREAMING our Advent Service followed by Communion for our online viewers. All are welcome to participate. As mentioned in Pastor Platteel's message, if you are taking part at home, please have a cracker or piece of bread and some juice ready.

The Meaning of Communion 

The words and actions of Jesus at the Lord’s Supper include that of blessing and giving thanks. These two are used interchangeably – eulogeo and eucharisteo (from these we get the English words, eulogy and Eucharist). They both point to Thanksgiving. At the centre of eucharisteo is the word charis = Grace (giving good grace), and at the root of the word charis is the concept of chara = Joy. The body of Christ to be broken and given yields Joy. Not a shallow feeling of happiness, but a deep experience and awareness of being the Beloved of God, being held in God’s hands and purpose, and being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

“Do this in remembrance of me” actually means continue to do this in remembrance of me. The Greek word remembrance is translated anamnesis. The Lord’s Supper is not just a recollection or a trivial, symbolic practice. It is a re-living, a participation in the sacrifice Jesus made to set us free and give us life – eternal life. 

1 Cor.11:26 - “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 

As we celebrate Communion, we declare ourselves to be followers of Jesus, identifying ourselves as blessed, broken, giving and providing healing, comfort, and light. 

So, we do not participate lightly, but genuinely and earnestly, aware of our responsibility toward one another and to the world. 

Christmas Service

We are pleased to announce that Friday December 23rd will be SHCC's Christmas Service and Celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ's Birth. One of the holiest days for Christians worldwide! Please join us at the St.Francis Centre and bring your friends and relatives, all are welcome! Stay tuned for the time of the service.

Birthdays

Week of November 27th -December 3rd, 2022

November 28th - Venus Cachuela

November 28th - Lyneth Henry

If you would like to have your name represented in our birthday announcements or if you do not want your name shown, please contact Sid at sid.snider@outlook.com. we do not need the year you were born.

Fundraising

There is a Coin Bottle as you enter the St. Francis Centre that bears the sign, "Your Spare Coins Can Be the Change for Safe Haven". If you have any spare change (coins or paper) that is burning a hole in your pocket or purse, we would be glad relieve your burden! The proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to offset our expenses. To date we have received a total of $274.35. Thank you Safe Haven for your generosity!

We may have received some of your keepsakes that were deposited in the bottles. If you are missing a Dutch 10 cent piece, an oval religious medallion or even a U.S. penny you may contact myself (Sid) and I will arrange for their return.

Christmas Bazaar November 26th

The bazaar is tomorrow!

Join us on Saturday November 26th, for our first ever Christmas Bazaar! There will be a bake sale, Christmas crafts, refreshments, gently used books, clothing, toys for the kids and other treasures/pictures. If you have any items you would like to donate for this sale, please bring them this Sunday Nov. 20th to 82 Church St., or any weekday next week from 9:30am-3:30pm, except Thursday.

A lot of amazing volunteers have been working really hard at organizing, arranging and pricing all the beautiful items we have received. Please spread the word, hand out flyers, and pray for this huge undertaking to help raise money for our beloved Safe Haven, so we can continue the Lord's work here in our community.

Neighbourhood Activities

Many of our neighbouring churches and art studios are providing Christmas videos and plays. The following are just a few:

Many have travelled to Lancaster PA to see live productions -

Sight and Sound Theatres are providing one such production at

www.iheardthebellsmovie.com

Amberlea Presbyterian Church 1820 Whites Road will have a live Nativity on Saturday December 3, 2022. Go back in time and experience the 1st Christmas (spread the word).

Calvary Baptist is sharing a production at www.calvary.on.ca/event/9594909-2022-12-09-jingle-in-the-city-a-1940s-christmas/