Alyssa and I went to a paint night café this month. The evening was focused around abstract art and we were given a brief lesson and then set free to create whatever came to mind. It was my first time going to something like that, and to be honest it was a lot of fun. I’ve never really considered myself much of an artist, but it was a really cool experience learning about different colour contrasts, textures and shapes, and then putting it all into practice.
Of course being an avid Toronto FC fan, the first thing that came to mind was to create an abstract piece based off of the TFC logo. I’ll admit, when I started… I had no idea how it was going to turn out. I had a rough image in my mind and I started painting.
We are the end of 2017, and I really feel like the leadership here at ABC has been painting a picture, and I must say, there is something incredibly satisfying when you get to the end, take a step back and look at your work. I love that about December—after all the busyness of Christmas, there is opportunity to reflect.
When I finished my painting at the paint night, I stood back to look at my work, and was so happy with how it turned out.
This year at ABC has been a busy one, and I’ve loved the work that we as a congregation have accomplished. I’m so excited to share with you at our Annual Dinner on January 27 some of the things that we’ve accomplished this year, how we used the donations and suggestions you gave us in 2016, and where we look to go in 2018. Please join us that night for an evening of fellowship and celebration.
Also upcoming, on February 14, ABC will be hosting a seniors potluck. This will be an event for seniors, and I encourage everyone to bring a dish and we’ll gather for dinner, sing some hymns together, and hear a speaker on topics relevant to your stage of life. Rides will be provided, but listen for more details during our Sunday services!
I’ll conclude by sharing what an amazing month December has been. We started with 72 members of our church community gathering for Christmas dinner. Later, we helped serve 48 under-housed members of our community dinner and breakfast, as well as provided some evening entertainment. We shared the Christmas story with children in our community. And we celebrated the birth of Christ with more than 100 people over three worship services during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It was incredible and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!
In HIS Grip,
Pastor Matt Sampson
