Pioneer Christian Monthly - December, 1997

Christmas Greetings
Trish Curry

Christmas greetings from Sheffield, Guelph, Harriston, and Drayton! While many of us are now busy enjoying our Christmas holiday, we also, in our spare moments, reflect on the events that have occurred in the past few months.

Just recently, the RCWM of Guelph enjoyed a visit from their "sister" RCWM in Drayton. Lucretia Hall spoke about International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC.)

Other churches in our area have also been visited by speakers. On Mission Sunday, held in Harriston Reformed, Jeff and Kristen Gowman spoke to the congregation. They taught English in China and told about their experiences.

Rev. John Mitchell came and spoke to Drayton Reformed about a program in which he is involve, the "From Minus To Plus" program. Drayton is participating in this program; they will be mailing evangelism folders to twelve million households in Canada at Easter time in 1999.

Many Junior Youth from Harriston and Drayton were "In the Presence" of a very talented speaker, during the youth rally at Camp Shalom. Rocky Dundas (a former Toronto Maple Leaf player) spoke on worship through the weekend, incorporating their theme, "Be in The Presence." This was held from November 14-16.

Youth in our area met on the night of November 22nd at Drayton Reformed and listen to "Grace and Colleen," during their Spiritual Life Weekend. This was followed by an inspirational message by Adrien Dieleman, a wheelchair athlete. He focussed on how his faith has enabled him to cope with the results of making bad choices as a teen. During the day, the "Praisemen" sang and Ruth Bouwman shared her personal testimony.

Having special music as a part of a service is an event that most churches look forward to. On the 19th of October, "Joshua's Promise" came to Harriston Reformed Church. Songs from the band, as well as some congregational hymns, were part of the wonderful service.

In Guelph, on September 19th, there was an installation of their new pastor, Rev. Henry Dekorte. In October, the congregation was pleased to have Pastor Henry, his wife, Debbie, and his children move to Guelph.

Sheffield has called a pastor and are pleased that Rev. Perry Braacken has accepted the position. Pastor Heeg of Harriston has received a call from New Brunswick to be pastor there in a Presbyterian Church. The Heegs will be moving in the new year.

As I said earlier, many of us are now well into the busy-ness of the Christmas season. In our spare moments we reflect on the events that have occurred in the past year. Only when we look back at them, do we realize that God has truly blessed us. Praise Him! Merry Christmas.

Trish Curry is the Regional Representative for The Pioneer for North Central Ontario.

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