| The Session of St. Andrew’s has decided to participate in GivingTuesday Now on Tuesday, May 5th. This is a one day celebration of generosity. These are, indeed, strange and new times for all of us. We realize that there is so much uncertainty for many people. Many people are without jobs, some are working from home, some are working from home AND trying to home school their children. We have risen to the challenges given to us by self isolation. We are trying to conquer our stress and anxiety – it’s not easy. Without a doubt, life has changed for everyone. On Tuesday, May 5th we will be joining together with GivingTuesday Canada to focus on not only monetary donations, but also the many generous acts of kindness and support that we have been hearing about. Some of you have been sewing hospital gowns for our local non-profits and doctor’s offices, some have been sewing face masks for Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Others are knitting/crocheting dish clothes for Crieff Hills Conference Centre (for use in individual cabins/houses). People have donated their fabric and elastic to those sewing face masks and gowns. People have opened their doors to a knock, only to find a bag of groceries sitting there! We are making phone calls to people who are living on their own, or keeping in touch in other ways. There are so many ways that you have been GIVING! While many families have been directly affected by Covid-19, we still have so much for which to be grateful. Did you know practicing gratitude really can help us to reduce our stress and anxiety? It helps us to focus on the good. We are the Easter people. Now is our time to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, to serve one another in his name and to lift each other up in prayer. Please send Joni an email ([email protected]) or message about what you have been doing to practice generosity in the past month. Send me photos! Tell me your story. Tell me how you’ve been a recipient of generosity and how it made you feel. Let’s flood our FaceBook page and other social media with our gratitude. (if you would like to donate online, please go to our website [www.standrewshespeler.ca] and click on the green “Donate Onine” button at the bottom left corner of the home page) |