Lennoxville United Church Service of Hope and Inspiration Sunday, May 6, 2018

One hundred and two single roses and 53 rose bud vases were purchased and dedicated to family members and friends lost to cancer or living with cancer by those who filled the pews at Lennoxville United Church on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Many in attendance joined the procession to the front of the Sanctuary where Nancy Suitor invited them to place their roses in the “Vase of Hope” to signify the coming together in love and support of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Pink and yellow roses, placed in bud vases, decorated the Sanctuary and graced the tables in the Lower Scott Hall where refreshments were served after the Service under the convenorship of Kristan Mckercher. Several people added to the floral decorations by placing plants and bouquets of flowers in the Church in memory of their loved ones. Most of the participants took home their roses and bud vases after the service but those who did not should know that, thanks to our Debbie Harrison, several residents at the Grace Village were able to enjoy them.

Kristan Mckercher welcomed everyone to the Service and explained that it was started 7 years ago by her and co-organizer Nancy Suitor as a way to make known the UCW outreach program of preparing “Hope” bags that anyone can take, free of charge, to any member of the community undergoing chemo and other lengthy treatments at a hospital. Designed to provide comfort and to ease often unpleasant procedures, the “Hope” bags, made largely by some of Margaret Young’s students and others, these bags are made of cheerful materials which are often quilted in bright, attractive patterns by local quilters. Inside will be found necessities like toothbrushes and toothpaste, bottled water, tissues, lozenges and hand lotion as well as comforting items such as small pillows, lap robes, etc., and small books, puzzle books and similar items to help pass the time. Kristan noted that there were some “Hope” bags displayed in the Lower Hall which people were invited to examine after the Service.

During this lovely service, Reverend Linda Buchanan’s “Time for the Young and the Young at Heart,” the many young people in attendance joined her in graphically illustrating that the heavy load we carry on our journey with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses can almost always be lightened as we heal together. We then listened as the Hinds family, Robbie, Mandy, Maya and Ella, recited the lovely prayer they were comforted by every night of Maya’s cancer journey. Nancy Suitor then read a poem by Michael Josephson, “Live a Life that Matters” which was followed by the Scripture reading given by Frankie Noble. Reverend Linda Buchanan meaningfully continued on the theme of togetherness during times of adversity with her Sermon entitled “We Journey Together.” We sang meaningful hymns and were treated to beautiful musical offerings such as “Wayfaring Stranger” with soloist Bill Crooks, “His Eyes are on the Sparrow” with soloist Jenn Cianca and three anthems: “At the River” with soloist Melinda Enns, “Jesus Gave me Water” with soloist J.D. Kent, which was dedicated to the memory of a beloved choir member, Larry Boire and the closing anthem: “The Storm is Passing Over.” We thank the B.U. Singers who shared their magnificent voices with those of our muchloved Lennoxville United Church Choir, all under the direction of our music director, Maryse Simard, our choir director, Jamie Crooks and with the assistance of pianist and vocalist, Fannie Gaudette.

The proceeds from the sale of flowers and bud vases and the many generous donations received will be shared between La Maison Aube Lumière, represented by its President of their Board of Directors, Mme Élisabeth Brière, and our Robbie Hinds who, each year, participates in Leucan’s “Shaved Head Challenge” in Sherbrooke. We are so grateful that your support and participation will allow us to contribute $1,000. to each of these organizations.

Contributed by Kristan Mckercher, Nancy Suitor and Frankie Noble, coorganizers of the Service of Hope and Inspiration at Lennoxville United Church.