The Friendship Circle

Think about joining us on a Thursday afternoon if you don’t already attend the meetings of the Friendship Circle. As well as our usual sharing, crafts and tea, we are now having regular bible chats led by Grace Gavino. The subjects are women in the New Testament, the chats are informal and enriched by Grace’s knowledge and the contributions of all present. The chats have infused new life and meaning into our meetings. We are truly blessed to have Grace among us.

We held a farewell tea for Lois Law who has moved to Ontario to live with her son. Her health has made living alone difficult. Victor played for us as we let rip with some well-known older hymns including Amazing Grace, Lois’s favourite. As always at Westminster the food was excellent and abundant and a select group of fine female voices sang a song composed especially for Lois (excerpts as follows).

One more friend off to Ontario,
An empty chair is left in the back row.
As you leave old friend for new
We’ll be travelling along with you.

You were born in Montreal,
Home of the Habs, greatest team of all.
Poutine, Joe Louis, Mae West,
Quebec cooking beats the rest.

On Sunday with a smile you would us greet,
Your stories cheered us when we’d meet.
Your glad singing filled the air
And you cared for us through your prayer.

God gives you courage when your breathing’s rough,
And climbing stairs to church is just too tough.
Now your children care for you,
You mothered children, quite a few!

And as from the old you travel to the new,
Be sure, Lois, we’ll remember you.

Everyone present had tied at least one knot in the blanket that we gave Lois to remind her of how warmly we value her friendship and wish her well in her new home. If you would like to keep in touch with Lois, Mary Lou has her address.

We continue to host monthly card parties and have added an extra one in June in support of the new sign. We call them card parties but some groups play other games such as Scrabble. Once again, I invite you to join us. Make up a table of four or more or come by yourself and join a group. You’ll be served lunch, play the game of your choice and possibly win a door prize. Our door prizes are appreciated as much for the beauty of Frankie’s wrapping as for their contents. You’ll have fun.

Irene Harper