Our 15th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, held on Sunday Oct 14, 2018, was truly an evening of Unity in all of our Diversity as 70 Gabriola Ecumenical Society members and their guests gathered to “Give Thanks” and share and enjoy food and fellowship.
The tables were colorful and looked beautiful with thanks to the golf course staff who did an excellent job of both decorating and catering. Nature’s brilliant autumn leaves and the fall sunshine added to the décor of the room. Anniken made an absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement for raffling, the proceeds of $155.00 going to the PHC school food program.
The evening’s atmosphere was very warm and uplifting as members at the door and the musicians welcomed us upon arrival. We began with a glorious circle, all holding hands, as we reflected upon the many blessings we have received and sharing HOW we each show thanks in the world.
A special blessing was given to all gathered as we continue to traverse our ecumenical journey together, some who have been following this path for many years and some of us who have newly arrived . There were no barriers in the room.
What a great sense of community as we shared an abundance of homey holiday food offers brought by all to enjoy. A Special thanks to Sue and Eric Boulton who once again gifted us with two large delicious turkeys (that’s 30 turkeys in 15 years!) and to Corinne and Maureen who cooked and carved them. Also to Betty Schultz for the turkey she cooked and brought.
The Spirit was truly flowing freely. The music played by our talented musicians, led by Paul Gellman, made this a complete festive event. The joyful music had many people singing and the spontaneous dancing was a sheer delight. Many thanks!
Thank you to our organizers, Carol Hemrich and Amy Block and to everyone who helped make this special evening happen. It was extra memorable for many!
The following day the leftovers were delivered to PHC and were used to create food for the Monday Breakfast Bunch.
What a wonderful evening to give thanks and acknowledge our gratitude. We are truly blessed in our Gabriola Island Community.
The Gabriola Ecumenical Society thanks this creative and enthusiastic group of six who brought a night of “Joyful sound of the Spirit” to the crowd of about 65 people who attended the Sunday nights performance at the Roxie!
Native drums and flutes, didgeridoos, harmonium and singing bowls accompanied by Farsi chanting, audience participation with call and response chanting, and story telling all contributed to a unique presence of spirit.
It began with Amir Haghighi, whose heartfelt prayer and passionate song mesmerized the crowd. In a clear, strong operatic voice, Amir sang in both Arabic and Farsi. He also added a traditional drum to enhance the rhythmic beat of the song.
We were then treated to the haunting, deep drone and calls of the digeridoo. James Martin carved his instrument out of found beach wood after exchanging Australia for the Salish Sea. James noted that it took 8 years for the perfect piece to show itself and shared that he also uses his digeridoo for sound healing.
Nancy Kaasay Waters sang and shared the lightness and angelic sounds and healing power of her crystal bowls. This, as we relaxed deeper into a contemplative and quite space that was emerging. This continued as MaaRolie engaged us in call and response chants to deepen our connection and appreciation of self – accompanied by a Harmonium – an instrument that closely mimics the human breath. Her spirit and joy coming forward in an infectious manner.
Willie Thrasher drew us in with his love of story, accented by his Native drum at the perfect time – as we sat on the edge of our seat in anticipation of the next turn. He injected humour and laughter into the evening as we waited with baited breath to know the ending of the story – an unexpected twist!
The mood stilled as we were treated to peaceful melodies on Gary Badke’s hand-carved wooden flutes, and we could feel the music in our soul. To top the evening, a spontaneous jam with all the musicians weaving their voices and instruments together in unison to help the spirit guide our way home.
Thank you, Gary Badke for orchestrating this amazing experience.
The Gabriola Ecumenical Society is excited to share our new theme for the 2018-19 year!
The Spirit Flows Freely
As the world gets smaller and opinions get larger, the importance of acceptance and compassion for each other become paramount! As we share our diversity in spiritual seeking – we also experience our longing for Spirit to move freely and easily.
For 2018-2019 we will celebrate this wonderful gift and support our “Spirit to Flow Freely.”
Program planners have been busy brainstorming for 2018-2019 and we are pleased to begin the year with music! In fact, many of our this years programs will include a musical theme.
Our first event is:
Joyful Sounds for the Spirit
GES enthusiastically offers this opening program event which fits beautifully in supporting our “Spirit to Flow Freely.”
We begin the year with a musical celebration including traditional music played on traditional instruments by musicians from various spiritual cultures. Read our upcoming events!
