HELLO!

Last year I was a guest at the UCW Spring Fling, my volunteer role was to ladle out the punch. The highlight for me was (no surprise) the stories UCW members shared about their sisters being awarded Life Memberships. Their families appeared, a surprise to the recipient, so they too could hear the difference their mother/wife/grandmother had/has made in many lives. I love to hear such stories. I am invited again this year, once again offering punch at the entrance. I must overcome my shyness to fulfill this important role, “would you like some punch?”

You are invited as well. Here is the announcement: “The women and men of the congregation are warmly invited to attend our UCW (United Church Women) Spring Fling event. This special gathering will take place on Sunday, May 3^rd from 2 to 4 pm in the sanctuary. The afternoon will feature the presentation of Life Membership awards. A time for community and connections will follow these presentations. If you wish to attend, please contact Teri at 902-456-3188 or by email her terianne01@icloud.com Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 29^th

The UCW is a wonderful way to make life-long friendships. I witnessed this first-hand, as this week one member has been supported by her “sisters” in a most challenging time. This heartens and inspires me, as it is a demonstration of how words turn to action, strangers become friends, burdens are shared, the journey less lonely, the arrival a feeling of “coming home”. Exactly what we preach, how we are called to live.

When I first arrived at Woodlawn a few people asked me where “these new people are coming from?” I responded, “funerals”. They looked confused. Without ever mentioning an invitation to come to Woodlawn, people who attend funerals at our local funeral homes will arrive at 10 am in our sanctuary. Why? At funerals, friends and family are often pondering larger questions of life. If the service speaks to these questions, more than a litany of “s/he was a good person”, they may want to hear and experience more. At that point it becomes a question of hospitality and welcome, do the newcomers feel “home”? I pray they do.

In 2024 I met Sandra at a Dartmouth funeral home. She came to church one Sunday morning. At Pentecost she and 34 others joined our congregation. Sandra reflect, “Gwen invited me to a UCW Meeting. I knew a few of the members and met many new faces. Following yesterday’s lovely service, I went to coffee hour and again met new people. How blessed I am”. I will serve Sandra some punch! Peace, Kevin