From Rev. Larry:

In the past I have written some poems to be used each Sunday of Advent. One night about a month ago I thought of this and said to myself as my head hit the pillow that I would soon have to write new poems for this year's services. Suddenly a couple of lines of verse jumped into my consciousness, so I got up, opened my phone, and typed in these lines, which were quickly followed by a few more. I put down my phone and was about to turn off the light when the second poem popped into my awareness, so I picked the phone back up and wrote the second, for Advent 2, which was followed rather quickly by the poetry for Advent 3. I paused, listened, but heard no more, so I closed the phone, turned off the light, and headed back to bed. But, as you might well guess, before I returned to my cozy haven, I was called back to my phone, whereupon Advent 4 was quickly delivered.

I know Who is my muse, and these verses follow, unedited from their original formation. God does work in mysterious ways, and outside our regular hours! Blessings to all.

Celestial quilt picked of dazzling light,

Lead us on through this long night

Dazzling star of intense beams

Wake us from our hopeless dreams.

World of comforts meaningless,

Move aside and clear our sight,

Our Saviour comes our beings to bless,

Despite our wandering faithlessness.

Restless now the expectant

woman lies

Yes the world is unknowing of her sighs,

Her belly swells, her heart at peace,

This child unborn

Our salvation sees.

Expectant, restless Mary

Awaiting her new child

Calmly watching, now does tarry

In a Manger lowly,

 Soon to be so Holy...

Yet she rests, so mild.

Baptized April 13, 2025:

Twins Casey John Jensen

and Blayne Luke Jensen

their Father Scott William Jensen (pictured left)

Jackson William Luce

and his Mother Jenneke Brianne Luce (centre)

and Faith Marie Noddin (right)

Rev. Larry welcomes new members Donna Udell (right),

and Phillip Schuyler

2024 Remembrance Video

Dutton area churches gather over a ton of food for the Daffodil Auxiliary - Welfare!

By Sharon Mannering and Larry Schneider

How many pounds of food could area churches collect, in a friendly competition for our local food bank? That was the challenge issued in August by Dunwich United Church in Dutton.

A “Challenge to Collect” for the month of September was issued to see which of the area churches could collect the most non-perishable food for the West Elgin Daffodil Auxiliary – Welfare. Participating churches were Argyle Presbyterian, Crinan; Duff Presbyterian, Largie; Dunwich United; Dutton Baptist; Grace Anglican, West Lorne; Knox-St. Andrews Presbyterian, Dutton; St. Helen’s Catholic, Wallacetown; and St. Peter’s Anglican, Tyrconnell. Collections grew at all participating churches through the month of September.

The weigh-off took place in the parking lot of Dunwich United, on the morning of September 30. AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. graciously loaned the use of a pallet scale, which made the weigh-off very efficient. Lin McCann, representative of Daff Auxiliary, reports that on a monthly basis, they distribute fifty hampers; they anticipate close to one hundred hampers will be requested for Christmas. Knowing the need is great and on-going, the area churches stepped up:

The total weights, by church, are Argyle Presbyterian 114.4 pounds, Duff Presbyterian 201.3, Dunwich United 559.9, Dutton Baptist 332.2, Grace Anglican & St. Peter’s Anglican 67.1, Knox-St. Andrews Presbyterian 497.2 and St. Helen’s Catholic 387.2.

The sum total weight of these amazing and most generous collections is 2159.3 pounds of food for our local food bank! While this event/process was a friendly competition among the churches and their members, accompanied by some hilarious ‘trash talk and competitive bluster, the true winner is our community! Congratulations to the Daffodil Auxiliary.

Lin McCann was deeply touched by the churches’ generosity, and gave a heartfelt thank you speech to the assembled donors, capture with their individual church’s totals in the accompanying picture. These donations will go quite a way to filling the needed hampers! Many thanks to our participating churches and to AGRIS for use of a scale.

It truly does take a village to raise, support and uphold families in need.

Blessings to all who contributed, and to all who receive!

Heart & Soul in concert on May 5, 2024

Organized by Coopers and Griffins, community members rocked along with 50s, 60s, and 70s music. Funds raised will support "Let's Connect" Family Cooking Program at West Elgin Community Health Centre.

Pictured from left: Rev. Larry Schneider, Gord Griffin, Anne Griffin, Peter Snell, Fred Garant, Tony Cooper, Dora Cooper.

An old favourite - In the Garden - brought to you by Doug Schell

Doug Schell shares another favourite. Get ready to "Clap Your Hands"!