Upcoming Events - November 28, 2025

2025 EVENTS

1. GIFT OF WONDER from Huron Church Camp!

   It’s November and camp is tucked in for another winter’s rest. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get ready for next summer now!

   Let’s put Camp Huron under the tree this Christmas. Consider it a way to introduce camp to young friends and family with a gift ceritficate redeemable towards next year. Or, for a returning camper, provide a reminder that summer fun is on the horizon. Both are promises of a joy-filled adventure to come!

   For more information go to Gift of Wonder or contact gerryadam@diohuron.org.

   Online registration opens February 26, 2026 at 6 pm.

2. ESSEX DEANERY ADVENT RETREAT 2025 - Prepare the Way of the Lord: Living Hope in Advent

   Join us for a sacred day of reflection, prayer, and joyful anticipation as we journey through Advent together. This retreat invites us into a three-part rhythm of expectation, waiting, and rejoicing—drawing near to the Living Hope who comes to dwell among us.

   Saturday, December 6 at St. Matthew’s Church, 1600 Norfolk, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. | Fee: $10 

   Register via email: stmatthewswindsor@diohuron.org

   Retreat Sessions:

   •    Session 1: Hope in the Promise Trusting in God’s faithfulness (Isaiah 40:1–11) -Rev’d Hilton Gomes

   •    Session 2: Peace in the Waiting Experiencing peace amid delay (Philippians 4:4–7)- Rev’d Paul Silcox

   •    Session 3: Joy in the Coming Rejoicing in Christ who comes to dwell among us (Luke 1:39–56)- Rev’d Elise Chambers

   Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m.  Everyone is Welcome!

   Come and prepare your heart this Advent season. Let us reflect, pray, and rejoice together in the Living Hope that draws near.  POSTER

3. SERVICES AT THE MOHAWK CHAPEL FOR 2025:
   Sunday, December 7 (Christmas Service) at 2 pm

   H. M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, 301 Mohawk Street, Brantford, 519-445-2953

4. PROUD ANGLICANS is currently seeking new clergy and lay members of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community within the Diocese to serve in the roles of: 

   •    Deanery representatives - one from each of the 11 deaneries in the Diocese of Huron.

   •    Volunteers from each deanery to help with local functions and events. 

   •    Volunteers from London and beyond to assist with our participation in the London Pride Parade. 

   Please send expressions of interest to proudanglicans@diohuron.org, indicating your deanery, and the role you’re interested in. 

2025 - 2026 EVENTS

1. EfM Online Recruiting
   There will be two EfM Online groups starting in January 2026. 

   Sunday Group

   •    Led by the Rev Paula Porter Leggett who is based in the Diocese of New Westminster. This class is going into its second year and starts at 3:30pm PT (7:30 pm Atlantic).

   For information on this class, please contact the Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett at 2rev2pl@gmail.com or text at 1-604-329-8701 and she will call you back.

   Tuesday Group

   •    Led by David Harrison who is a member of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This class is brand new and starts at 7:00pm Atlantic. Please contact David at djh@djharrison.ca.

   EfM Classic is our traditional four year program and has a new format this year, entirely digital.   This opens up new opportunities such as film clips, documentaries, and other virtual resources.  There are more resources to guide learners in our reading week-to-week, new essays by ‘Sojourners’ - faith communities that are praying for us all year and traveling along-side in our reading.  All the text-books but one are new to us.  

   EfM Wide Angle is a new, one year program, which runs concurrently with EfM Classic. It is suitable for those people who are interested in EfM but do not wish to commit to a four year program. The texts used in the Wide Angle program are different from thos used in the Classic classes. Wide Angle is also suitable for EfM graduates who wish to continue on the journey!

   EfM is for lay people, to grow their faith as adult learners, discern how God is calling them, and discover gifts for ministry in the company of others on this pilgrimage, enriching our discipleship. Interested in either program?  For more information, please contact David Harrison at djh@djharrison.ca.

   EfM website:  efmcanada.ca Recruiting will begin by early November and close on January 4th, 2026.

2. The Essex Deanery Lay Leadership Training Classes: Lay leadership courses for 2025 and early 2026.
   These classes will be held in person at Canterbury College. Classes are from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm with 30 minutes for lunch.

   We have partnered with Canterbury College for the courses and they are providing us with the technology support to also bring the classes by zoom. Please join us for one or for all of the classes.

   This year we have decided to focus on the core subjects.

   Jan 17 and Mar 21, 2026 - Preaching

   Please contact Rev. Elise Chambers if you would like to attend: elisechambers@diohuron.org. If you have a class you would like offered that would be beneficial for the laity or one you would like to facilitate please contact Rev. Kimberly Myer - kimmyer@diohuron.org. Or Rev. Elise Chambers elisechambers@diohuron.org

   The Essex Deanery Lay Leadership Classes are invited to join the Fall AFP Conference on zoom on Saturday October 4th from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.

   The Rev’d Dr. Lisa Wang, Developer for Catechumenal Ministries will conduct a workshop entitled, Bless the Lord, O my soul: Morning and Evening Prayer in the Life of God's People

   This workshop offers an introduction to the divine office, the ancient "liturgy of the hours" that Anglicans have come to know and love as Morning Prayer (Matins), Evening Prayer (Evensong) and Night Prayer (Compline). Please register with Mrs. Susan Johnson - brlmail2@aol.com.

3. Baptismal Living: A Series of Online Workshops
   Saturdays from January to March 2026
   10am to 11:30am, Online 

   All are welcome to attend a series of online workshops on living our baptismal promises, sponsored by the Deanery of London.  These sessions are an ideal supplement to a parish-based process of preparation for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal.  

   To register, please visit this LINK.

   For more information, contact the Rev’d Canon Dr Lisa Wang: lisawang@diohuron.org. POSTER

   Next session: Saturday, January 17, 2026

   "Will you continue in ... the prayers?"

   Why common prayer is essential to the Christian life

   How do "the prayers" fit into our baptismal vows?  How is prayer part of our baptismal ministry?

   Speaker: The Venerable Matthew Kieswetter (Archdeacon - East, Diocese of Huron)

NOVEMBER

1. CHRISTMAS AT ST. GEORGE'S OF FOREST HILL (321 Fischer-Hallman Rd., Kitchener, ON)

   •   Blue Christmas Memorial Service - Saturday, November 29 at 3 pm

   •   Advent Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 14 at 4 pm

   •   Christmas Eve - December 24 at 5 & 8 pm

   •   Christmas Day - December 25 at 9 am and December 28 at 9 am POSTER

2. ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL AND ST. PETER'S BASILICA CWL are holding a Christmas Bazaar on Sat. Nov. 29th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral,  472 Richmond St., London featuring:

   •   Festive baked goods, jewellery, jams& preserves, Christmas table, treasures, silent auction, Toonie Table. 

   •   Entrance from Clarence St., free parking in the Church Lots,

   •   Free admission.  Please join us!  POSTER

3. CHRIST CHURCH, CHATHAM (80 Wellington St W) will be hosting their Jingle Bells Christmas Bazaar,

   •   Saturday November 29th, 2025.  10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

   •   Lunch available for purchase.   

4. ST. JOHN'S-BY-THE-LAKE Christmas Bazaar will be held on Sat, Nov 29, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm.

   Shop from a wide variety of local vendors, eat a light lunch of soup and sandwich and take home some delicious baked goods. 

5. UPCOMING EVENTS in November AT ST. JOHN'S-BY-THE-LAKE, GRAND BEND

   Christmas Bazaar Sat, Nov 29, 9 am - 1:30 pm

   Shop from a wide variety of local vendors, eat a light lunch of soup and sandwich and take home some delicious baked goods. 

   We need baking for the bazaar, please deliver between 1-3pm on Fri, Nov 28th.

6.   HOLY TRINITY, LUCAN will be hosting a Community Carol Sing on Sunday November 30th at 2 pm, featuring choirs from local churches.

   There will be a time of refreshments and fellowship after the service. Holy Trinity is located at 189 Main Street in Lucan. Please join us! POSTER

7. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JAMES', FAIRMOUNT

   St. James’, Fairmount – in place since 1867 and one of the few small rural churches still alive and well in the area, will be observing the First Sunday in Advent with another “Fifth Sunday” Evensong at 4:00 on November 30, followed by a potluck supper. If you’re nearby, do join us, at the corner of Grey 7 and Grey 40 between Meaford and Kimberley, to sing the canticles and enjoy a warm welcome and fabulous food! Phone 226-664-0500 if you need more info. 

8. ST. PAUL'S, PORT DOVER will be hosting the fellowship event after the Port Dover Annual Advent Walk on November 30.

   For this event, every year, St. Paul’s Church joins with the other churches in Port Dover. There is a short service at each church, in which one of the themes, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love is celebrated. This is followed by a reception at the last church to which we go. 

   The Walk begins at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 17 Lynn Park Ave. Port Dover.

   This year, it is St. Paul’s Anglican Church’s turn to provide warm drinks and desserts, as well as a time for fellowship. During the reception, the guests will have the opportunity to walk around the Hall and enjoy a collection of nativity sets of all sizes and colours, set up by members of the church.

DECEMBER

1. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JOHN’S, TILLSONBURG

   CHRISTMAS WITH COMMUNITY LIVING

   •   Friday, December 5, 2025 – Free will donation.

   •   Join us, with our friends from Community Living, to start the Christmas season off with Christmas music and a good old Carol Sing.

   •   Christmas treats for all. 

   CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

   •   Friday, December 12, 2025 – 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00

   •   Family and Friends Welcome.

   •   With our church bathed in candlelight, we will be featuring the Jarek JD Group string quartet.

   •   We will be serving Spiced Apple Cider and Christmas goodies during intermission. This concert promises to get everyone in the spirit of Christmas.

2. COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT CHRIST CHURCH, FOREST (20 Main St., S., Forest, ON) Saturday, December 6th at 11 am - 1 pm

   •   Yuletide Yummies, Reindeer Raffles, Festive Food & Baking

   •   Luncheon Special - only $15/person featuring Roasted Turkey on a bun with lots of Salad Seclections and Beverages  POSTER

3. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN, ST THOMAS (20 Flora St., St. Thomas):

   A Vendor & Artisan Market:

   Come Hang with My Gnomies on Saturday, December 6th from 10am to 3pm 

   Vendors include:  The Pie Lady, She’s Got Leggz, Where It Hertz, Moon Mystic, Scentsy with Courtney, Super Patch Co., Epicure, Avon, Accessorized by Lily, plus many, many more.

   Church Baked Goods & Cafe for breakfast and lunch.  See Poster for more details.

   Come find some great Christmas gifts for all those in your life.  POSTER

   Community Fellowship Meal - FREE - on the 3rd Friday of each month from 5 to 6pm, doors open @ 4:30pm.  All are welcome to come and enjoy a warm meal!  POSTER

   2025 dates:  December - TBD   

4. CHRIST CHURCH, AMHERTSBURG will be hosting a Christmas Tea on December 6th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

   This is a fun afternoon where our guests are welcome to decorate their table to win a lovely prize, or they can simply come to enjoy the delicious food, fun games and fellowship. Seating is limited. Cost: Free Will Offering. All proceeds will go to a local family!

   Please contact us to reserve your table - phone Cecile at 519-996-9961 OR email: christchurchamherstburg@diohuron.org. POSTER

5. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JOHN'S-BY-THE-LAKE, GRAND BEND

   Christmas Carols & Cookies in the Sanctuary at St. John’s-by-the- Lake

   Saturdays, Dec 6,13, 20 at 12:30-2pm. Come join three afternoons of fun! You are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the foodbank.

   Upcoming Special Services 

   •   Lessons and Carols, Sun Dec 14th St. Anne’s, 8:30am & St. John’s, 10:30am

   •   Christmas Eve, Wed Dec 24th, you are warmly invited to an intimate candlelight service. St. Anne’s, TBA & St. John’s, 6:30pm

   Immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere where the soft glow of candlelight and the warmth of community come together harmoniously. This small gathering offers an opportunity for reflection and connection, where we will share songs, hear the beautiful birth story, and receive the Eucharist. 

   Join us for this meaningful occasion—your presence will make it even more special! 

   •   Christmas Cantata ‘Mary Did You Know?’ Sun Dec 28th St. John’s, 10:30am

   Come join us and experience the wonder of Christmas through beautiful music and heartfelt storytelling – a celebration of the birth of Christ and the miracle of God’s love.  All are welcome! Bring your family and friends to share in this joyful morning of worship and song.

6. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JOHN THE DIVINE, ARVA 

   Last Minute Shopping Market: St. John's is holding their 2nd annual market featuring 25 artisans and crafters on Saturday, December 6 from 9 am to 3 pm. Visit the vendors set up in the hall and the church. New this year - we will be having a lunch counter with food provided by Lucan's Thai Pad restaurant. Raffle table with items from each vendor. Free admission. Lots of free parking. POSTER. 

7. UPCOMING EVENTS at GRACE CHURCH, BRANTFORD - 4 Pearl St. at West & Albion Sts., Brantford:

   •   Sat., Dec. 6th Outreach Bake Sale features bake tables, lunch counter & café, Girl Guides table, Alongside Hope, Little Boxes-Plus and more, 10am-2pm, Parking on Albion St. and parking lot.  Accessible at Pearl St. door. Canned good donations appreciated.  Supporting Alongside Hope and Grace missions.  POSTER

   •   Sun., Dec. 21st Lessons and Carols at 10:30 a.m. service.

8. THANK YOU PORT FRANKS CHILI DINNER at ST. ANNE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, PORT FRANKS 
   WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 5-7pm

   This is a FREE dinner offered in THANKS for the support of the people in our community! 

   (Meat-less Chili, and Chili dogs will also be available!)

9. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. GEORGE'S, LONDON: 

   •   Choral Evensong Series

   The monthly Choral Evensong series, at St. George's, 227 Wharncliffe Rd North will return this fall.  The services will be on the fourth Sunday of every month, and will begin at 4:00 pm.

   2025-26 Schedule:

   2025 -  December 21st - Service of Nine Lessons & Carols

   2026 - January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28

10. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JOHN'S, TILLSONBURG

    Christmas Candlelight Concert featuring the JD Group String Quartet
    •   Friday, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

    •   Complementary refreshments

    •   Call 519-842-5573 for tickets  POSTER

11. CHRIST CHURCH, CHATHAM is hosting their annual Mexican Posada on Friday December 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  This tradition commemorates the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem.  There will be music, singing, food and the breaking of a pinata.  There will be a potluck dinner which will feature the spicy culinary talents of Padre Juan.  All are welcome to attend.  Christ Church is located at 80 Wellington Street West.

12. ST. JAMES, INGERSOLL (130 Thames Street South, Ingersoll)
    A Retro Christmas Special 

    Think velvet, sparkle, sass, and swing... This is Christmas entertainment with style.

    The Crooners, Rick Kish and Connor Boa, two dashing and talented gentlemen, are coming to Ingersoll again along with the amazing Nevin Campbell Trio!

    But this time, The Crooners  are bringing along some special guests, The Bettys, three bewitching ladies, who sing in close harmony, dress in delightfully matching attire, and move with sultry elegance. They will be adding "the sparkle" to the Crooners' "festive swing"!

    •   There will be two shows at the newly opened St. James' Church at 130 Thames Street South in downtown Ingersoll.

    •   The matinee is scheduled for 2 pm and an evening performance for 7:30 pm.

    •   Tickets are $45.00 -  call the church office at 519-485-0385 or Veronica at 519-485-2637 . Also available at Patinas store at 112 Thames St. S.  POSTER

13. CHRISTMAS AT ST. GEORGE'S OF FOREST HILL (321 Fischer-Hallman Rd., Kitchener, ON)

    •   Advent Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 14 at 4 pm

    •   Christmas Eve - December 24 at 5 & 8 pm

    •   Christmas Day - December 25 at 9 am and December 28 at 9 am POSTER

14. TRINITY, SIMCOE (80 Colborne St. S., Simcoe) presents Choirs and Carols on December 14th at 3:00 pm.

    Carol singing, choir performances, brass band, child performers and a soloist! Come sing carols with the choirs, band and children to ring in the Christmas Season.

    •   Admission: Free will offering  POSTER

15. ALL SAINTS' CHURCH MT. PLEASANT - LESSONS AND CAROLS (688 Mt. Pleasant Road)

    Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service  

    Join us for a beautiful evening of scripture, song, and candlelight as we celebrate the birth of Christ through the timeless tradition of Lessons and Carols.

    Date: 14 December 2025  
    Time: 7 PM 

    Experience the wonder of the season with heartfelt readings, beloved carols, and the peaceful glow of candlelight. All are welcome—bring your family, invite a friend, and share in the joy of Christmas with us.

    Join us after the service for a time of fellowship and light refreshments.

    Let the light of Christ shine in your heart this season. We look forward to worshiping with you!

16. ST. JAMES, FAIRMOUNT has been at the corner of Grey Rds 7 and 40, between Meaford and Kimberley in Grey Highlands, since 1867.

    St. James’ uses the Book of Common Prayer and we sing all our services, normally at 9 a.m. on Sundays. But on the fifth Sunday of the month, we celebrate with a 4 p.m. Evensong, with offerings directed to the Backpack Program at the Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford.  Phone 226-664-0500 for more info. 

17. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN, ST THOMAS:

    Community Fellowship Meal - FREE - on the 3rd Friday of each month from 5 to 6pm, doors open @ 4:30pm.  All are welcome to come and enjoy a warm meal!  POSTER

    2025 dates:  December - TBD   

JANUARY 2026

1. UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. GEORGE'S, LONDON: 

   •   Choral Evensong Series

   The monthly Choral Evensong series, at St. George's, 227 Wharncliffe Rd North will return this fall.  The services will be on the fourth Sunday of every month, and will begin at 4:00 pm.

   2026 Schedule:  January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28

2. ST. JAMES, FAIRMOUNT has been at the corner of Grey Rds 7 and 40, between Meaford and Kimberley in Grey Highlands, since 1867.

   St. James’ uses the Book of Common Prayer and we sing all our services, normally at 9 a.m. on Sundays. But on the fifth Sunday of the month, we celebrate with a 4 p.m. Evensong, with offerings directed to the Backpack Program at the Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford.  Phone 226-664-0500 for more info.