At Christmas 1965 Elmer Down received a new table saw from his wife Helen. The first project he undertook was the creation of a Nativity set. No one asked him to build it, he just decided the church needed a nativity scene and he had some ideas. He was convinced that a traditional North American barn design wouldn’t fly so he created a design from his own understanding of the biblical stories and era. He wanted to be able to display the stable, loft and animals, hence, the open-door effect. The whole structure is built with pine boards, cut to size, with the bark from cedar trees as the roof. Stained and mounted on a platform, all it needed was figures representing the people and animals, but he can’t remember if he provided them. He revitalized it about 10 years ago, adding a new fence and applying fresh stain. It has been displayed every year since, a traditional piece of Ebenezer Christmas decor. Thank you, Elmer, for enriching our Advent and Christmas celebrations with this beautiful work of art.
Including collecting the items from the reverse advent calendars, sharing the star words, M&M Epiphany poems, Pot Luck supper and House blessings from the Magi
Maggie Finnimore was the recipient of the Baillie Volunteer Service Award during the morning service at Ebenezer United Church in Courtice. On hand to present Maggie with this award was Janice Meighan, Director of Fund Raising & Donor Care of the Toronto United Church Council. Rev. Nancy Knox called Maggie to the front of the church where Janice presented her with the award and a cheque for seven hundred and fifty dollars in recognition of the many ways, she has volunteered her time and talents to the life & work of Ebenezer United Church. A hand made prayer shawl, presented by Roxy Barnes of the UCW was given to Maggie for her residence where she is in her first year at Humber College. Maggie is the daughter of her proud parents Tracie Pawson & Brian Finnimore.
After 22 years as our church secretary, Catherine Ehmke is retiring. A celebration of Catherine's long years of service was held at the church