Posted on December 3, 2017 under News & Updates with 2 comments

Cyclone Ockhi – Kannyakumari, India

 

How many of you are aware that there was a devastating cyclone in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu earlier this week?

Not many, just as one would imagine.

But if I asked you who was the latest politician or media darling in North America ousted for sexual misconduct, it would be on the tip of your tongue.

In the Kannyakumari District , where I spent 4 months of my life this past winter, lives were lost, homes and businesses destroyed. There are 1,000 fishermen still unaccounted for.

In “our world,” the lead up to hurricanes is almost theatrical and any loss of life garners massive media attention.

Meanwhile, half way around the world…

Posted on December 1, 2017 under News & Updates with no comments yet

Mission Accomplished ( Almost )

 

If you haven’t read yesterday’s Thursday Tidbits, this picture and post won’t mean a thing. So, just take a minute and go to “Recent Posts”and read  it! Four adventurous souls stepped forward yesterday to join ” Team Len ” for the Hot Lunch program at St. James United Church. There are now 7 of us.One more by the end of the day today and we will have a full team.

Guaranteed laughs and a good feeling in the pit of your stomach. Message me if you want to join the squad.

When I look at the composition of the team, I expect to be the brunt of much good natured ribbing.

Happy Friday.

Posted on November 30, 2017 under Thursday Tidbits with 3 comments

Chief cook and bottle washer, Rev. Peter Smith – Pastor St. James United Church

 

What is the greatest gift that you can give any time of the year?

The gift of time.

Time is a luxury for people who work and are raising a family. Every day is one giant balancing act trying to figure out a way to survive the madness… especially at this time of the year.

For seniors and retirees, it’s a much different story. Everything hinges on good health, both physical and mental. There are many people who find the time impossibly long and can feel quite listless when boredom and lack of purpose become the norm.

Well, do I have a solution for you!

I’m recruiting a few volunteers to help me with the Hot Lunch program at St. James Church. Every Tuesday and Thursday, teams of volunteers provide a simple but nutritious hot lunch for people who want or need such a service. The Tuesday meal has been going on for ten years. I got involved with the Thursday meal three years ago.

Up until recently, we have had eight teams on Thursday which means that each team only has to prepare lunch once every eight weeks. These teams don’t cook in July and August so if you do the math (52 weeks – 8 weeks = 44 weeks), each team will be responsible for preparing meals approximately 5 times a year.

So, here is my “call to action.” One of these Thursday teams is unable to continue and I am trying to recruit some volunteers. I will captain the team. That means that every 8 weeks, you’ll have to spend about 4 hours (9-1) hanging out with me in the kitchen at St. James listening to my corny puns. Seriously, it is great fun. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie.

Now, I can already hear your excuses. “I’m going south for the winter.” “I can’t cook.”  “ I don’t look good in an apron.” These are all lame excuses which will not be tolerated. At any given meal, a team of four can normally handle matters. There are other regular volunteers who actually serve the meals. In a perfect world, I would like 5 people to step forward and join me. I have already recruited (hoodwinked!) two people. Including me, that would make 8. You wouldn’t have to commit to every meal. We would have enough manpower to cover most situations including when people are away. Case in point. If I ever get my visa for India, I will miss at least one of the meals.

Which brings me to my second point. I would love to have a co-captain (as one of the 5 people), to assume responsibility when I’m away.

Ok, that’s it. I would love to have my team in place by the end of tomorrow (Friday, December 1^st.). Consider it as your first (and most meaningful) Christmas present.

Once we have the team in place, we’ll get together at St. James and talk about the minutiae.

I guarantee that it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have. The banter in the kitchen is worth the price of admission!

Have a great weekend.

Reminder. Christmas book sale. Three books $25.00 + shipping. Regular $55. value. Message me or send me an e-mail at lenpdmacdonald@gmail.com