Pictou County Council of Churches hears reports on activities

Pictou County Council of Churches met March 6 at Trenton United Church with Bob Rogers as chair. New members were welcomed and regrets for those unable to attend.

Rev. Wade Reppert from the United Church gave a devotional with slides reminding us that we are the caregivers of the earth that our God created and we must be alert to do our best to care for Mother Earth.

Stacy Diamini from Roots for Youth praised and thanked all who supported them financially for without the support they would not have been able to keep their doors open for the youth. The home is a transition home for youth who need help. Their mission is four-fold: 1) help youth reconnect with family; 2) connect with needed services; 3) help in accessing affordable housing; 4) mentorship. There are 25 volunteers and this was a very good year for Roots for Youth. An update on Viola place was read and a reminder that Second Baptist church are having a Gospel Concert on March 18 at 3 p.m., a fundraiser for Viola’s Place.

Spiritual care report was read by Emma Campbell and a reminder that there will be a marriage course in May, time to be announced later. Shirley MacKay gave the fuel fund report with 163 applying for assistance. Service will be finished the end of March. Bob Rogers reported on the Shepherd’s Lunchroom with a fairly busy winter so far and he thanked Elaine Russell for the great writeup in the paper. Mary Arseneau gave the Social Action committee report which covered a number of issues especially the shortage of doctors and health care workers, mental health, Crime Stoppers and that the Faith Community Integrated program is fading out due to lack of funds.

Emma Campbell reported on Eastlink media and that if any church needed help with camera Eastlink is willing to give lessons on how to run the camera. A support form was handed out by Rev. Jim Webber-Cook for Viola Place. A lovely lunch was enjoyed, prepared by the men of The United Church. Thanks and blessing to all who give of their time and expertise in their service to our Lord and Saviour. God is good.

The council will meet at First Baptist church in New Glasgow for their meeting on May 1.

Submitted by Muriel Palmer