The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Family, friends, tradition Ð it's what Christmas is all about. Each year a number of Snow Lake families gather for the traditional Anglican-United Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It's a custom that has been maintained in spite of the fact that the church has only had a half-time minister for a number of years now. This Christmas Eve, the service was held as in the past; however, rather than gathering later on in the evening, the congregation met at four in the afternoon. This sat nicely with many church members, as it allowed them to plan meals and evening activities, yet still take part in this customary worship service at a time when light of day dissipated and the effect of the many candles lit during the event could be truly appreciated. Shortly after the mass began, four generations of the Doak family were asked to approach the alter and light the candles of the advent wreath. Young Sidney Coulson, her mother Robin Coulson, Grandmother Ila Doak, and Great Grandmother Pearl Doak took turns lighting the wreaths candles, commencing a service which brought the message of hope, family, and the Christmas story to the many parishioners in attendance. Lay Ministers Ila Doak and Leone Jackson performed a wonderful adaptation of the Christmas Story, acting out the parts of a brother and sister who were Shepards on Christmas Eve. The bible story unfolded just as many remembered, but with these siblings bickering back and forth, it brought a great deal of levity to the presentation. Later in the service, Ila Doak read a very moving Christmas story that brought tears to many eyes and put the spirit of the season into the evening. A number of seasonal hymns were sung to the expert and much appreciated accompaniment of Bev Krul. The previous evening, one further change took place to another Snow Lake Christmas tradition. The annual SnoDrifters Boxing Day Social moved from the day after Christmas, to two days before (to coincide with the weekend). There were numerous young folk home for the holiday and most were out socializing and catching up with one another on this evening. The music was loud at times but 'right on' overall; Cam Booth did a great job as always. Additionally, it appeared that the SnoDrifters also did well on the gathering. This is a plus as all the money realized from this dance goes into the care of the clubs many snowmobile trails in the area. Looking around on this evening and over the holidays, it was great to see the following young folks make it home: Jeannine and Jaimee Dupont; Carolyn and Kevin Beilman; Jesse and Ryan Morozoff; Jenna and Warren Burton; Stephanie and Neil Foy; Darren Dodds; Debbie Worwyk; Danielle Pettipas; Kari and Jill Assoignon; Lawrence Sul; Ricki Henderson; Mike Hughes; Jesse, Rick; Sadie Stabback; Jeff Anderson; Ashley St Croix; Joel and Jessica Jackson; Kristyn Cheyne; Rocky McLeod; Gerard Lamontange; Curtis and Theresa Stamp; Jaycee and Cheyenne Tandy; Ashton Leif; Rick Barrett; Brad Leaman; David Morrison; Jade Dawson; Dayn Armsworthy; Elysia Stoupe; Jason Samborski; Scott Meuse; and Jodi Cockle. My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
