HELLO!

35, not 33, people have joined our church since July 2024. Frank and Sarah Hartman reminded us they transferred into our church early in 2025. All of them were publicly welcomed, some joined by rite of Baptism, Confirmation and Profession of Faith and most via Transferring of their membership. The energy in the sanctuary was felt by all of us. And, as now has become the norm, easily 50% of those in the sanctuary came in the last 15 minutes, several after the 10 am beginning. I hope whoever counts the attendance does so at 1015 am and not at 10 am.

It was great to see Maggie join us for the Confirmation of the Youth she mentored, and to have Margo return after her surgery. If you missed the service, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfX5rD9cb5c

A reminder about the Fish Chowder this Saturday March 28^th. Orders can be phoned in to Ralph Sams at 902-434-7786, ralphsams@ns.sympatico.ca by Wednesday March 25^th at 8 pm. I look forward to delivering your order to your car, I am still pondering which jersey/hat to wear. Suggestions?

We held our Annual General Meeting. It was not a long meeting. Positive reports, new chairs of some committees and smiles abounded.

The highlight for me came after the AGM. A former Chair of Council had tears in his eyes. In all his years of attending worship services here at Woodlawn what inspired him so much about today was reading the names, seeing the faces, of new members. He knew them, he knew they had become active in the church. He knew their ministry. He knew their gifts. These were not just names, numbers, these were brothers and sisters in faith, persons who had become part of his family. He was moved. I confess compliments do not move me, I typically discourage them, I am skilled at changing the subject when I sense someone is about to offer praise. But moments like this, when someone is unexpectantly moved by something I did not initially see, has a powerful effect on me.

I was also moved to see Judy and Derek Chaulk there. Judy was so excited, she grabbed my arm and told me how good it was to be there.

Finally, I received these two photos, one of Lori Errington, the other of Mason Fillmore, both now members of Woodlawn United Church.

It was a good day. Peace, Kevin