Well, about a dozen of us gathered for an early worship service at Trenton UC today, an intrepid flock, given the hour (9 AM) and the gently falling snow. We had a couple of people welcoming those who arrived at the door, including Rosemary, who has a number of involvements in the life of the congregation.
Rosemary is also part of the group of grandmothers who have been promoting awareness of Domestic Violence and the month-long Orange The World awareness campaign.Last Sunday she was inviting us to take orange ribbons to pin to a jacket.
The week before I was in the Belleville library and met two spirited elder women who were distributing lawn signs with this year's poster. They explained that they usually hold rallies and vigils but aren't doing so again this year because of COVID. I mentioned that someone at our church was going to be making the ribbons available following the service and they said "that must be Rosemary!"
You will likely be aware that the granny of our household worked as a counsellor at a shelter for women and children who left abusive situations for a decade. Ruth knows all too well that even after decades of public awareness, education, and stiffer penalties, abuse is still widespread in our society. We're told that the reported incidence of domestic violence has gone up during the pandemic and God only knows how many women have suffered in silence and fear.
The liturgical colour for Advent is blue but it's essential to remember the orange in these weeks leading to Christmas. I'm grateful for those who are drawing attention to this issue and we can all be aware through this month. And we can prayer for those who feel that there is no hope in their personal darkness. May the light of Christ be with them.
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