Please continue reading for more information on our Christmas Eve services 🎄
We welcome everyone to Beach United Church for our Christmas Eve services this Saturday, December 24th, 2022. Our Carol Service is at 7pm, and our Communion Service will begin at 10:30pm.
Please note – our building is normally fully accessible, but we have been having a mechanical issue with our automatic door mechanism at our front door. Volunteers will be on site to assist, and we look forward to having you here with us!
We have a seasonal update for you from Hastings Withers, our point person person for our Thursday Interfaith Lunch Program. Please see below for an abbreviated blog post, or download the full PDF here!
“BEHIND THE SCENES” – some aspects of how we make a pleasant and welcoming place, with good food that is safe and effective for both our guests and our volunteers:
The Free Community lunch program at Beach United re-started in October after Thanksgiving, and we have had two successful months – made much easier for both volunteers and and guests as COVID restrictions have eased. Presently, church policy requires all volunteers to be masked, and of course there are food safety protocols as well.
Policies and practices are still subject to change, and are communicated regularly to all concerned. This has led to new signage to keep volunteers up to speed with the latest requirements.
Thursday,December 1, Menu
Daily Bread Food bank provides pre-cooked casseroles and soups which just require heating.
In addition, another hot dish was prepared the previous day, a pasta dish – the picture shows finishing touches being added. And sandwiches are prepared and packaged for about half the guests who prefer a take-away bag lunch.
Before the Rush
In this picture, Nella and Barbara (below, left), having finished preparing the food are having a short coffee break before the guests start arriving. Al (below, right) and Greg (not shown) have got the dining room ready, and put up the outside canopy with chairs and a table. The canopy is a valuable addition to making a welcoming place for our guests. Even if they choose to remain outside for a take-away bag lunch, they can have some shelter, and conversation around a table. Putting the canopy up is somewhat challenging, but Al and Greg have it mastered!
9:45am Thursday Morning
Although our announced opening time is 10:00am, last Thursday, Wheel-Trans delivered two of our guests much earlier. While other volunteers are still setting up and getting food ready, Linda (below, right) is welcoming the two guests, Harry and Judy, with a coffee and pastry.
Welcoming Guests Throughout December
Although not all volunteers can be available throughout December, the Beach United Thursday lunch will still be provided regularly throughout the month (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th). And we’ll make a point of displaying this “Welcome” sign, on which guests speaking other languages added their contribution. I only know for sure that it was Patrick who added “Faite” and Li Wen who added the Mandarin word for welcome, which she explained is pronounced “hwan yang”.
Please see below for our Advent and Christmas services and events 🎄
Masks are mandatory for all of our services, with the exception of the Christmas Market – masks are strongly recommended to attend our indoor market in order to keep our community safe.
Sunday November 27 at 10:30am – First Sunday of Advent – We wait for Christmas
Monday November 28 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 1 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 4 at 10:30am – Second Sunday of Advent – A Voice from the Wilderness
Monday December 5 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 2 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 11 at 10:30am – Third Sunday of Advent – Story of Mary
Monday December 12 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 3 – Now is the Time
Sunday December 18 at 10:30am – Fourth Sunday of Advent – The Seven Noels Cantata
Monday December 19 at 7pm – Advent Conversations Week 4 – Now is the Time
Wednesday December 21 at 7pm – Alban Arthan – The Longest Night
Alban Arthan comes from Druid Solstice traditions – the service will draw on that tradition and will be a contemplative service, engaging poetry, call and response, self-reflection, singing and some art appreciation.
Saturday December 24 at 7pm – Christmas Eve Carol Service
Saturday December 24 at 10:30pm – Christmas Eve Communion Service
Listen to Dr. Mike Daley in the comfort of your home and let the music and lyrics of Bob Dylan speak to you during these challenging times.
Dr. Mike Daley is a musicologist and lecturer on music history as well as a longtime professional musician, working with the likes of Jeff Healey and the Travellers. In this recorded lecture-concert, Mike tells the fascinating story of the Bard of Hibbing, Bob Dylan, interspersed with several of Dylan’s most iconic songs. Following the posting of the lecture, Mike will answer your questions about Dylan in a livestream on YouTube.
To receive your link to The Bob Dylan Story:
Register on Eventbrite to receive the lecture/concert link via email when it goes live (if you need assistance with this, email jolaforty@gmail.com).
The link you receive by email will go live on April 9 and remain live until April 23.
You will be able to watch Mike Daley’s Lecture/Concert as many times as you wish during this time period.
Mike will host a 30-minute livestream Q & A on YouTube on April 20, at 11.00 am. You will receive an invitation with a link to this via email Donations appreciated, $10 suggested.
Beach United Church, like many other organizations, has lost most of its income. Your generous donations will help us continue to:
Share a weekly take-out lunch for those in need
Provide quality programs on our website
Support our community through phone calls and food delivery
Pay for the services of professional musicians & presenters
