If you've ever lost someone close, someone you loved, you know how difficult it can be. Things may get better with time, but the pain never fully goes away.
For those who take comfort in faith, Burnaby's St. Timothy's Church is opening its doors for the annual St. Michael's Evensong on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. This evening includes hymns and reflection, and it's held on the feast of St. Michael and All Angels. It's a chance for those grieving to remember a loved one in prayer.
"Even if we have had a funeral or celebration of life for someone who has died, that person does not disappear from our memory," said Rev. Stephanie Shepard, the priest at St. Timothy's. "We carry the memories, the joys and the pains, in our hearts. This service gives an opportunity for remembrance, comfort, and quiet healing as we acknowledge that God's love and forgiveness reaches to us all."
For those who would like to have their loved ones named in remembrance during the service, contact Yolanda Lumase at the church by calling 604- 299-6816, or email office@sainttimothy.ca.
Rotary Coats for Kids kicks off
With the colder weather creeping in, it's time to consider the children in Burnaby without a proper coat for winter.
The Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown is kicking off the annual Rotary Coats for Kids campaign on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Burnaby Public Library during the summer reading medal awards and pancake breakfast at Civic Square.
The Rotarians dutifully organize Coats for Kids with great success every year, and they are responsible for keeping many local children warm throughout winter.
People can help by bringing cash donations or a gently used coat with a hood on Sept. 7. The local library branches will also be donation drop-off points throughout the campaign, and on Oct. 15, volunteers will begin distributing the coats to kids in need. For more information on how to help, email rotary coatsforkids@gmail.com. Civic Square is at the Bob Prittie library branch in Metrotown.
Managing divorce
Speaking of the library, our local branches are always hosting interesting informative events, and this month, there is a session on transitioning through a divorce.
The event will focus on changes to the Family Law Act, and how to handle a divorce without going to court, how to resolve conflict safely, as well as developing respectful coparenting plans and helping children adjust to the split.
The McGill branch is hosting the session on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is free, but space is limited, so register to avoid disappointment.
Sign up in person at the library, online at www.bpl. bc.ca/events/mcgill or by calling 604-299-8955. The McGill branch is at 4595 Albert St.
Happy 100th birthday Second Street Community School is gearing up for a very special celebration - the school's 100th birthday. Second Street is hosting the event on Sept. 26 and 27, starting at 4 p.m., and everyone is invited.
"It's going to be really relaxed, I think it's going to be fun too because the stories are going to come out and people are going to start laughing," said Tammy Ozero, one of the volunteer organizers.
School trustee Larry Hayes is expected to attend, and there will be displays and tours of the school. There will also be class photos from throughout the years, and a concession. Admission is free. If you have a Second Street School story, email the organizers at 100yearsat secondstreet@gmail.com. There's also a Facebook page set up for the event. Go to Facebook.com and search for "Second Street Celebrates 100 Years."
Helping children
The Pratham B.C. Foundation is hosting a special event in Burnaby this weekend to raise money to fight child illiteracy. The foundation is hosting a walkathon and picnic in Central Park (in the northwest corner, by the Swangard parking lot) on Saturday at 10 a.m. Pratham B.C. Foundation is a grassroots non-profit that focuses on child illiteracy. According to the foundation, there are 17 million children in India who end up working since there is no opportunity for them to get a proper education. And the organization says a donation of $15 will help a street child in India be able to read and write in three months.
For more information on the walk, go to www.prathambc.org or call 604-724-4281.
