SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

St. James United Church,

5540 Osgoode Main Street,

Osgoode ON  K0A 2W0

Regular Service: Sunday 11:00am

All are welcome! Please join us.

Good morning. It is the first week of Autumn and as I've gone for daily healthy heart walks this week, I've seen people wearing winter coats and toques while others are in short pants and t-shirts. I've even seen some dogs in winter gear already! The end of one season and the beginning of another means the days are "a changing." Seasonal change is all around us and the beauty of this time of year is gorgeous. I suggest that this weekend you forget your worries, that you forget about COVID-19 (but take your mask and sanitize your hands) and get out for a walk or go for a drive to admire the beauty of God's creation. It is stunning. It is holy. It is so good for the soul.

You will find "Worship at Home" materials for this Sunday, September 27 here. We are also hosting virtual coffee and conversation this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. - an email with details on how to join will be sent out to those we see regularly or semi-regularly at worship.

Do note, next Sunday, October 3 will be virtual worship only (via Zoom). Details about how to connect to virtual worship (by internet or by phone) will be shared next week.

I also share that Joint Board met on Tuesday, September 15 and St. James Board met on Wednesday of this week and one of the many conversation items included the possibility (or not) of re-opening one of our two churches for joint in-person worship at some point in the future. A re-opening plan is being developed but no decision on re-opening has been made. To gauge if there is interest in people gathering for in-person worship, a survey has been prepared and will be issued to regular/semi-regular worship attendees by email and for those without email by telephone next week. Stay tuned and please complete the survey so that your Joint Board knows what you may be thinking about returning to in-person worship in a time of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

And back by popular demand (okay one person noted I've not been including witty and dare I say hilarious puns in my weekly email messages of late) and because it is pumpkin season:

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?

A pumpkin π (pi)!

Groan. I'll stop now. However, that pun reminded me to let you know that St. James is hosting a homemade pie and roll sale (see attached). Order early. Order often. Don't be disappointed.

Have a great Friday and weekend.

Rev. Grant McNeil