“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46b-47)
Greetings, all! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
There isn’t too much to say in this letter. As the season of Advent continues, we are going forth with our planning (and re-planning), and trying our best to embody the promises and expectations of the season. On this week, we are called to seek out the joy that God inspires and promises. Like Mary, we find joy in being in relationship with God and being faithful disciples of God, in ways unexpected but meaningful. We help inspire joy for others by living out our relationship with God, and by fighting the oppression and injustices that other siblings in the Spirit face. Be sure to take note of our congregations’ upcoming events, and reach out if there is any way you would like to contribute this season.
Upcoming Events:
- Blyth United Church will be accepting food bank donations to go to the North Huron Food Share. Donations can be dropped off at the church on Saturday Dec. 19th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the same time as pie pick-up times. If you are not able to drop off donations on these dates, reach out to the church for alternate arrangements.
- Previous lesson and craft packages of our Youth Ministry from the past several weeks are still available for families to pick up or get delivered to them. Reach out to Alex for more details.
- We are currently determining a lay pastoral/visitation team to help make phone calls, deliver worship materials, and other pastoral needs for congregants going into the winter, ensuring that those who are more isolated are still connected to their church community. If you want to learn more about pastoral care, or if you are wanting to live out your discipleship in this way, reach out to Alex for more information!
- Our Christmas Eve service this year is going to happen on Zoom, as the Spiritual Growth Team and I figured this would be the easiest platform for us all to see each other and share in communion safely. Alex is preparing a couple of practice sessions for those who may not be comfortable with the technology. If you want to participate in a practice session, or want to partake but don’t have the technology, contact Alex.
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday December 13th – Third Sunday of Advent service available on our Youtube and Facebook pages. Print copies of the service, sermon, and announcements are available to be picked up outside of either church, or can be delivered to you. Contact either church for more information.
Sunday December 13th – Online Youth Sunday School session from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Packages can be picked up outside of either church building. Contact Alex for more information.
Saturday December 19th – “Christmas Spirit Messages and Virtual Concert”, organized by the Blyth Community Betterment group, featuring submissions from Blyth United Church and the Blyth Ministerial. Check out their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/blythcommunitybetterment
Sunday December 20th – Fourth Sunday of Advent service
Monday December 21st – Longest Night Time from 5-8 p.m. at Londesborough United Church. This is a quiet drop-by time of remembrance, grief, and hope. A short litany will be offered every half hour, and the space is open for all to sit, reflect, and light candles. Offered jointly by Brussels, Blyth, Londesborough, and Knox (Auburn). Contact Alex for more information.
Thursday December 24th – Christmas Eve service on Zoom, starting at 7 p.m.
Blessings and Christ’s Peace be with you all!
Alex Jebson
Student Minister – Blyth and Brussels United Churches
Email: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com
Blyth Office Number: 519-523-4224
Brussels Office Number: 519-887-6259
Emergency Pastoral Number: call/text 705-344-3385
Brussels & Blyth United Churches 