Minister’s Message - September 2025

Greetings!

Hope all are well. We are now slowly emerging from our summer schedule and will

soon find ourselves back to a full schedule of things that fill our lives for the rest of the year. Of course, all are welcome.

During the month of August we had combined worship services at Eady. And our last summer service together will be this Sunday, August 31. We will then return to our regular worship times.

Also during the summer our pastoral charge voted to start the "Community Meals" program. The meals will be served at Coldwater United Church beginning Friday, September 5 and then continue from here on every Friday. Serving will be 11:30 AM to 12:45.  The meals are free but donations are accepted. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact  Ken Fulford   613-243-2656.

And here are some things as we move forward into this very busy season. September's name comes from the Latin for "seven" because it was the seventh month in the ancient Roman calendar, though it is now the ninth month. It marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, has a 30-day duration, and features the sapphire as its birthstone and aster as its birth flower. Key holidays include Labor Day, and the Autumnal Equinox.

Historical Significance: In the original Roman calendar, which began in March, September was the seventh month. Calendar Shift: When January and February were added to the calendar, September shifted to become the ninth month  but kept its original name.

Autumn's Arrival: In the Northern Hemisphere, September signals the start of autumn. Autumnal Equinox: The first day of fall typically falls on September 22 or 23, with approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness on this date. Harvest Moon: September is sometimes known as "Harvest Month" and can host the Harvest Moon," the fullest moon of the year.

Birthstone: The September birthstone is the sapphire, often associated with wisdom and clarity. Birth Flower: The aster is the birth flower for September, symbolizing love, faith, and wisdom. Zodiac Signs: People born in September are either Virgos or Libras, depending on their exact birth date.

September 1—the first Monday of the month—is Labor Day.

September 2 starts Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the new year.

September 7 is Grandparents Day this year. Honour  your grandparents today—and every day!

September 11 is Patriot Day in the United states, held in honour and remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

September 17 is Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which occurred on September 17, 1787 (just five years before the founding of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, believe it or not!).

September 21 is recognized as the annual

International  Day of  Peace.  Observances range from a moment of silence at noon to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.

September 22 marks the start of fall!  This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 2:19 P.M. EDT.  On this date, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.

September 29  is Michaelmas.  Michaelmas is an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” which marked the end of the harvesting season and was steeped in folklore.

Too, I have returned to my role as a Spiritual Director.  I was certified in this practice with the Jubilee Program way back in 2001.  My name appears on a list with many others across the country who also serve in this same capacity.  Those seeking this service will connect with the director once per month for one hour. For people from the church this is simply called pastoral care and you can call me any time you wish.

And with that it is forward into Awesome Autumn!

Rev. Dr. Bruce Sweet

My contact information:

705-209-3899

Brucesweet4@gmail.com