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i 0-The Canadian Champion, Friday, Docember 26, 2003 e wï - Each December, 1 vowed to make Chuistmas a calm and peaceful experi- ence. 1 had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writmng, endless baking, decorating and even overspending. Yet stil, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the pre- cious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmnas. My son, Nicholas was in kindergarten that year. Ifwas an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd beeon memorizing songs for his school's "Wmnter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to teil hlm I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss bis shining moment, 1 spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the pres- entation. Ail parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the moming of the dress rehearsal, 1 filed in ten minutes early, found a spot, on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scamerping to their seats. As 1 waited, dhe students were led ?hristmas Mistake - by Carol Chan St. George's Anglican Churchq You're Invited toi.. 1LowvilIe M lo il 7051 Guelph Line, jusi north of Donfy Road M lo il Sunday, January 4, 2004 Chu rch! kle CHRISTMAS 2 Sundays 8:30 arn. Holy Communion Milton District Hlgh School 10:30 arn. Holy Communion 395 Williams Ave. at Commercial St. 10:30 a.m. - Famnily Service in the Auditorium 10:30 AM Coffee & Conversation Sunday School and Nurseryi provided 11:00 AM Worship Service Rabr The RmrondPCeaon netsli thater ww.iteeo i lbeca Chi orWbstsLokn' tuda tho or0 AdMaih ln Stn eek www.Ëeo[gelowviBeoth ant resumeebco 90 nt-876- , Jn54t 150 n RR ] h RD.Srne Hoso OF score M l! - Jack Nnaber SU lase note - are rotheîrb ntn b e AsslatatfWor3 tp Rke firthbut resure ain in the Ne Year' down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W" The audience of 1 st through 6th graders snickered at this lit- de one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tail, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued unil the last letter was. raised, and we ail saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood - the rea- TO Advertlse In the Churcfl Dlrectory please cali Colleen Gorman at 905-878-2341 ext. 228 3 into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to pefforun their song. Recause the public school system had long stopped refer- ring to tie holiday as "Christmas," 1 didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," 1 was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of bis classmates, adomed in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-centre stage - held up large letters, one by one, to speil out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmnas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up bis portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." 'Me performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed hier, a snail quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M"* upside IILTON GOSPEL HALL 06 Ontario St. N. - 878-3873 ý # Miltoni Ba fst Churých 0:00 a.m. - The Lord's Supper 900 Nipissing Rd. 1:45 arn. - Sunday School (905) 875-1626 6:30 p.m. - Gospel Service 9:45 arn Sunday Schooi Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Special Birthdlay Party Prayer and Bible Study Celebration Behold ~ ~ ~ i teLmofGd1:00 arn Worshlp Service Behod th Lab ofGodChoir Cantata which taketh awvay The Promise of a King the sinl of the world. Ê.. John 1.29 _ a.E.W VEarl W CALENDA Servies ffa Uu grm" a 1:0 p. Wrs -e on Tues. nights startmJan 9:0a.m -~ da SctfrAlAeun l frgae 8:00 ) a 7.00 Comu in Rev. Dr.eU Mark th huc n h Hl Hcad out aviobl during il ba bevcs e.A y collieau hour EVERY SUN con ThTs 10:005 AMl Com unonSUp r p n N E Wias, Y E Aod E V INo ai e vi e I Website: www.newlife-rniltonnrn I WU q velcome you to.. ST. PAU L'S NITED CHURCH~~-- 23 Main St. E., Milton Sun. Dec. 28 10:30 a.m. INTERGENIERATIONAL WORSHIP upsuppoeted by music from the St. Pau/s Choir Nursery available for babies & toddiers Wed. Duc 3160:00 pm NEW YEAR'S EVE PRAISE SERVICE rted by music from the St Pauls Worship Band Rev. Iohn Senham & Rev. Gerrv Hofeteteer I Whtelchuir Access !lurough Purking (t. -Church office: (905) 878-8895 -~ www.gracechurcehmifton.com www.sepaulsrnilton.org gRACEWAY 'BAPTIST CHURH 103 Martin Street S 905-878-1629 Pastor Walter H. Isaak Services Sun. 10:30 arn Sunday Morning Service (for this week only) Wed 7:00 pm New Year's Eve Service 11You'Il aiways find a friend ait Graceway" www.gracewaybaptist.org -j a a d son we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos - there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "1CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, 1 believe, He stili is. Submùtted by Reverend Dan Rogge, Senior Pastor of New Life Church, Milton fi1ý11l'v ____ Illustration by Carol Cuatt KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WELCOMES YOU 170 Main St. E., Milton 905-878-6066 Minister - Rev. Joseph Gray Director of Music & Cîiildren's Ministries - Sonja van de Hoef Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Nursery Youth Class Grades 7-12: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Age 3 - Grade 6: 10:30 a.m. "Called to Serve the Lord" Welhair acceas and washroorna p!ovided so that ail rnay corne and worship. Access off Mmr si. .1 ... ar ng