Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” (Matthew 18:20)
One of the wonderful things I’ve noticed during my short time here is how this congregation is very good at making time for one another outside of Sunday morning worship. Scripture reminds us to never neglect meeting together. Gathering together encourages us to work together to come up with ways to practice what we preach – good deeds, loving one another, etc. (Hebrews 10:24-25). Sometimes we think that the only time that “church” happens is on Sunday morning, but here at Cole Harbour Woodside United Church there are many other opportunities to gather together with God at the centre.
Women, in particular, have found beautiful ways to do that in this community. Two ways that the women of Cole Harbour Woodside have done this are Women, Wine, and Worship and Widow’s Lunch.
Women, Wine and Worship is a monthly gathering of women at Pilot’s Pub in Woodside, near the Woodside Ferry Terminal. This group regularly gathers on the 3rd Tuesday of the month around 7:15 pm for a 7:30 pm start and usually finish up around 9 pm. This is an opportunity for women to meet in public to connect with each other over a glass of wine (or other beverage), nurture community, reflect on Scripture, and share concerns through prayer.
Widow’s Lunch is a potluck lunch gathering specifically for women whose spouses have died. This gathering provides a beautiful opportunity to share a meal together, to talk about life, to laugh, and to support each other. They often begin their gathering with a reflection on scripture and prayer. These lunches are regularly held in the church hall on the 4th Tuesday of each month at noon.
These gatherings are open to all people who self-identify as a woman. Just like on Sunday morning, you do not have to be a member of our church (or any church) to come. YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. If you already come to one of these groups, please remember that small groups may be more difficult for new folks to come to without a personal invitation. So, if you love your time with other women at either of these groups don’t neglect to tell others about it and invite a friend or many to come with you to the next one. If you are new to these ideas and are interested, please come! Your initial nervousness about coming to something new will quickly be dissolved by a warm welcome. Gathering as women who support and love one another is one more way we are Practicing What We Preach!
Cole Harbour Woodside United Church 