Churches in King City making preparations for the start of Lent

King City Seniors' Centre

The King City Seniors' Centre travel club announces tickets are available to see the comedy of the year, Menapaus Out Loud March 30 at the Panasonic Theatre. Tickets are $65 per person. The bus will leave the arena parking lot at 11 a.m.

For details, call Marlene Deacon at (905) 833-9841.

Overtimers event at King Bible Church

Submitted by

Lisa Lethangue

The Overtimers seniors group at King Bible Church invites you to join them Feb. 12. They will be starting at 1 p.m. with refreshments, with a program to follow. Donna Batista and friends will be bringing music and testimonies. Please call the office for further information at (905) 833- 5104.

All Saints' Anglican Church

Submitted by

Claire Alexander

February is almost here, with Groundhog Day coming up Feb. 2, a day once known as Candlemas, when early Ontario pioneers expected the hibernating bear to come out of its hole.

Come and join the early risers this Sunday (Feb. 3) at 8 a.m. for a quiet service of Holy Communion in the Chapel; or meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Church for our family service, with Sunday school and nursery provided, and coffee hour following.

With the traditional way of determining the date of Easter, February brings us an early Lent. In the English language, Lent was formerly referred to as quadragesima, in Latin, the "fortieth day" before Easter. In the late Middle Ages, the English word lent was adopted. This word, meaning spring, derives from the old English lencten, and the Anglo- Saxon name for March - lenct.

In preparing to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter, many Christian believers during Lent desired to spend more time in prayer, in helping others, or in self-denial. In Western Christianity, Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, not counting the six Sundays between, and represents the 40 days Jesus was tempted in the desert.

The day before Lent starts was formerly the last fling in eating meat and delicacies, before a period of partial fasting. Shrove Tuesday (Feb. 5), continues the tradition with pancakes and sausages. Bring the family to the pancake supper, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $5 each, or $15 per family, with children under five getting in free. The Ash Wednesday service, (Feb. 6) is at 7:30 p.m.

The Tuesday Lenten series begins Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., when the Rev. Canon Jerry Loweth will lead a discussion on St. Irenaeus and Gnosticism (second century) and some of the controversies that the church is still discussing today; and seventh century Celtic Christianity with St. Aidan of Iona - a very practical kind of spirituality that many are re-embracing. Feb. 19 covers both Thomas Cranmer's production of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549, and the beginnings of Methodism in England, under John Wesley. All are welcome to join us. In case of weather cancellations, please call the church at (905) 833-5432 for a recorded message.

All Saints' Anglican Church, at 12935 Keele St. in King City, is a few doors south of King Road. The church office is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you know of a need, or have a family member in hospital, contact Rev. Nicola Skinner at (905) 833-5432, or e-mail allsaints@eol.ca

The Web site is www.allsaintskingcity.com

King City United Church

News from the Pews We welcome any and all to our 10 a.m. services and Sunday school. Nursery care is provided for wee ones.

Our church is at 50 Elizabeth Grove. Turn east off Keele Street at the EMS station.

Everyone enjoyed the concert presented Jan. 19 by the Harmony Chorale. John Kell was the master of ceremonies, and he treated us to lots of humour as he introduced the groups of songs and soloists. It was well attended and was a great success. If you missed the Chorale, they will be soon performing in Newmarket.

Rev. Bob Biggar's sermon for this Sunday (Feb. 3) is entitled Altered State Perceiving, based on Matthew 17:1-9. Come and enjoy his words with us.

Be aware that February is Black History Month. Watch for various programs to attend.

For more information, contact the church office at (905) 833-5181.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Submitted by

Kathy Patterson

Has winter got you down? Come to St. Andrew's, where Christ's love radiates and warms the soul.

Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m., with Sunday school and nursery care provided.

The Prayer and Praise Group will be attending the Spiritual Life Convention at the People's Church this week at 7:30 p.m. Please call the church if a ride is needed.

Mark your calendars, because February will be a busy month at St. Andrew's.

This Saturday morning (Feb. 2) at 10 a.m., the last of the Ignite the Light series on evangelism will be shown in the lounge. Join us for coffee as we view and discuss this excellent series.

A special congregational meeting will be held after church Feb. 10 to present and launch our new vision for St. Andrew's. A light lunch will be served.

A February Family Fun night is in the works for Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. More details are to follow.

The choir's post- Christmas brunch will be Feb. 24 at TK's in Aurora.

Our church's annual meeting is set for Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Plan to attend to hear the reports and have a say in St. Andrew's future work in this community and beyond.

Please call the office at (905) 833-2325 with prayer requests, information or if a ride is needed.

Pancake

Supper

The annual delicious pancake supper at King City Seniors' Centre will be held Feb. 12. There will be two sittings, at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Cost is a modest $7 per adult and $4 for children. Tickets are limited and everyone is welcome.

For ticket information, call Betty Simmonds at (905) 833-5140 or Vince Cancelli at (905) 833-6305.

Taoist

Tai Chi

The Tai Chi classes at the King City Seniors' Centre are looking for new members. Come and join us Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Tai Chi promotes the physical and mental well being of the body. Come and experience the Tai Chi feeling. For information, call Vince Cancelli at (905) 833- 6305.