Author: Ron Baker

We are a “regional” drop off centre!  A place to drop off OCC boxes.

To date we have around 550 boxes in.  Appears that’s more than last year.

In the last while we have consolidated the boxes into shipping boxes, tried to keep track of how many, and generally watched the outpouring of love people have for this project.  Not that this town has had it easy.  In past years the United Church minister criticized the project and seems to have derailed some enthusiasm.  But momentum is coming back.

Meanwhile I’ve lifted boxes, toted them bales and generally been called on to get into shape.  Not as easy a task as we thought it might be, but as a benefit, I may lose weight and have a more svelte (is that Svedish??) figure!. 

Let’s take back Halloween! 

Over the years this season has had its ups and downs!   I received information from one of our church people about the satanic influence of Halloween.  As well, I have been looking over the origins of Halloween in the Christian church.  Here is a proposal: 

In the early centuries of the church there was an attempt to redeem a pagan holiday by changing its name and emphasis and placing a focus on Jesus as victor over Satan.  Thus “All Saints Day” on November 1st, preceded by “Hallowed Evening” where we are reminded that Satan is not victor!  In more recent years we have moved to “Halloween Alternatives”   These reflect a Christian approach to the secular and pagan usurping of “Halloween”.  The back and forth attempt to see who “owns” Halloween is indeed a real reminder that we live in two worlds!!

 

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we could inundate our areas next year with an understanding of “hallowed evening”, so as kids (and their parents) trick or treat they could understand a bit more what this day is about – that the focus should be on Jesus? 

 

And for Christians, maybe an addition to regular Halloween activities – a “sacred meeting” where the victory over Satan was celebrated and explained??  Instead of having to call it a “Halloween Alternative”, maybe we could call it “Halloween Revisited”??

Christopher James Baker – 7 lbs. 4 oz. – November 4, 2005

Proud mother and grandparents with Christopher – 1 hour after birth

Well, I’ve been trying to cure myself!

Christopher James Baker is so cute.  And I keep calling him, “The Kid!”.  Just rolls off the tongue, but would probably warp the psyche of this unusually cute, bright, perceptive, intelligent and amazingly lovable grandchild

So, I’m trying to quit!.  By the way, there is no bias here – he’s definitely “THE KID”.

[Pictures to come on Monday!!]