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Norah Bolton 9/25/18 Norah Bolton 9/25/18

A new role for Alana

Alana McCord has played an important role at SMM for several years. When her father retired from the Diocese of Niagara, her mother Patricia Harton McCord, rejoined the parish and returned to the Gallery Choir, which had launched her professional singing career many years earlier. The entire family became involved in the life of the parish and both Fr. Robert and Alana have played strong continuing roles since Patricia’s death in 2011.

Thus we were delighted to hear of Alana’s becoming a deacon heading for the priesthood with a posting to the Diocese of Ottawa, but sad to see her go. She leaves a large gap in parish life as a contributor in many areas - Sunday school and summer camp teacher, community dinner volunteer, adult formation teacher and parish warden - all combined with doctoral studies at the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College.

Alana was made deacon by Bishop John Chapman at Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa on September 13, 2018. She will become Associate Curate in the Parish of Epiphany, Gloucester. We wish her well and know that she will contribute much to this congregation in one of Canada’s newest cities. Before this appointment beginning on October 1, we we pleased that Alana could preside at the SMM’s 11:00 mass as deacon for her first time.

Norah Bolton 9/6/18 Norah Bolton 9/6/18

Last Day of Camp

Friday found us getting ready to perform for our families in the afternoon. The previous day we had heard the final story about Daniel in the Lion's Den - the most exciting part of his adventure - and we enjoyed hearing some of the drama. We join it at an exciting point

When it came time for crafts, there was a surprise. While the plan was to make Babylonian tablets with ancient writing, something had gone wrong with the recipe. But the results were perhaps more pleasing than expected - Babylonian Slime!

After lunch and a rehearsal the families arrived. What they witnessed was a review of the whole week - movement, sounds and stories culminating in the climax of the drama when the campers themselves became the inhabitants of the lion's den. A great week!

Norah Bolton 9/5/18 Norah Bolton 9/5/18

Babylonian Games and More

Things speeded up on Thursday morning as we prepared for a demonstration for parents to happen the next day. We started with the usual round of movement and music, story and snacks. We had to complete our finishing school sessions and craft projects as well as participate in morning soccer.

Originally we were scheduled for a Planetarium visit since we knew the Babylonians placed a lot of emphasis on the stars. But when they cancelled, we regrouped and visited Christie Pits to play Babylonian Games. Relays, where participants had to change costume before they could complete the next run were a good challenge.

So was the tug of war:

After a few spins around it was time for . . . . .

A treat!

Norah Bolton 8/30/18 Norah Bolton 8/30/18

The Day for Clay!

Day three of our vacation camp. Everyone was ready to depart for the Gardiner Museum after the morning round of music and movement, stories, snacks, crafts and games - and after a brief introduction, there were some amazing creations.

Norah Bolton 8/29/18 Norah Bolton 8/29/18

Decor, Movement, Rhythm

Turning a church hall and classroom into ancient Babylon for our week long camp is a challenge, but the decor is superb.

On Monday there were great ways for campers to get to know one another. Leader Kim suggested that everyone in the circle create a gesture for the rest of us to imitate as everyone said their names. We then built a whole series of gestures as we went around the circle and finally put all our gestures together..

On Tuesday morning everyone reintroduced themselves again with a new gesture and we went round the ring again. At the end we said hello to everyone with our individual gestures.

Then we went on to learn a poem about Babylon and added some choreography. Several small groups showed off their versions and competed with enthusiasm.

Later we learned some music with the words, kyrie eleison.

And it was soon time for stories, snack, crafts and a quick game of soccer.

In the afternoon, we visited Allan Gardens for a tour and scavenger hunt.

Norah Bolton 8/28/18 Norah Bolton 8/28/18

Our Camp has Begun!

We've entered Babylon - converting Hiscocks Hall with a tent and amazing decor to explore the adventures of Daniel. Starting the morning with action and song, we've also learned songs of Canada's first peoples and explored movement as we got to know one another.

Then it was on to stories, Middle Eastern food, crafts and games and attending Mesopotamian Finishing School. On Monday afternoon we also enjoyed the pool and the playground in Trinity Bellwoods Park - an excellent first day.