Flowers and Seasons
EASTER
The final flower count was calculated at 35 individual six-inch mums that needed to be ordered for the distribution to our shut-in church members and three ten-inch large lilies for the Church. Three nurseries were contacted for a cost comparison with Nic and Dick of Dorchester coming in with the best price and offering free delivery. A firm order would be phoned in about two weeks before we needed the delivery to the church on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
The Take-a-Break ladies prepared the Flower Fund donation envelopes that were placed in the pews three weeks before Easter Sunday. However, the Covid pandemic forced the church to shut our doors and cancel all services before the envelopes could be filled. The envelopes were then gathered up and put away for next year without any money being collected.
THANKSGIVING
When the Covid pandemic hit us in March 2020, no one would have thought we would not be able to have the usual celebration in the church in October for Thanksgiving.
The grand total of donations received by the Food Bank from Colborne Street United Church weighed in at 717 lbs or 325.22 kgs.
We decided that we could do a “drop off” in the church’s parking lot of fruits, vegetables, and non-perishables goods while maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks. This was the first time we had all seen each other since March and so there were many happy reunions and conversations to be had after such a long absence.
Because the Food Bank was closing early that Saturday, Jill Bell dropped off additional donations on Tuesday when it reopened.
This was a most successful event, thanks to the generosity of our congregation. Many thanks to you all.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
Unlike previous years, measures in place to avoid COVID-19 prevented visitors from delivering flowers to the members of Colborne who live in long-term care and assisted-living facilities. This year, we mailed Christmas cards to members of the congregation who would have received flowers, had it been possible to deliver them. Cards were sent out to 37 recipients on the week of December 7th, 2020. We hope that the cards provided some solace to these folks on our church's Pastoral Care Community Visiting List, as this must surely have been a lonelier year for many of them with the restrictions on visitors.
The sanctuary was decorated with greenery and lights and outdoor decorating also took place. Although it was a reduced level of decorating in the sanctuary, with a smaller tree (positioned in the chancel), it greatly enhanced the festive feeling for the congregation, whether members participated in services in person or virtually.
A number of poinsettia plants were purchased to add to the decoration of the sanctuary.
In addition, poinsettias, along with Christmas cards, were given to staff to express our thanks for their work and contributions to the church.