Would it sound a bit crass for me to say “Out with the old, in with the new!” ?

It’s the first thing that came to mind, but admittedly, it risks casting a bit of a shadow on the end of the year that just passed. Rest assured… the sentiment is more noble.

Let me bring you up to speed on a few things that got overlooked in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year… There were some GOOD THINGS!

National Youth Representatives’ Visit

The end of November was a special time for our young people as we had the privilege of welcoming members of the National Youth Team to Châtellerault.

Young people from the churches in Bordeaux, Villiers-le-Bel, Paris Centre & Melun arrived on Saturday morning, and had lunch together with our young people, followed by a time of Bible study and discussion at the church.

Afterwards, they divided up into two teams and went to have a time of prayer in and over two different communities near Châtellerault.

Discussion lasted late into the evening back at Dominic & Melanie’s apartment but finished up early enough that everyone was well rested for service the next morning. There were several visitors and it was a blessing, both for us to have them with us and for them to be here (for some, it was their first visit to Châtellerault).

Handel’s Messiah

Any of you that follow my Instagram will know already, that back in December, we enjoyed a rare treat: We drove up to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud to enjoy a performance of Handel’s Messiah.

It had been a bit of a tradition for us years ago, as I sang with the Saint John Symphony Chorus, a volunteer choir that assembled annually to perform Handel’s Messiah along with the Saint John Symphony.

It happened to be on a Sunday where the Brochu’s were with us, so after church, we had a quick bite to eat, before making the more or less hour-and-a-half trek to Fontevraud.

It was a lovely time and a lovely addition to Christmas 2023.

Cue 2024

This past Sunday was our first Sunday of 2024 and once again, the Brochus were with us (they typically try to make it down once per month).

This time, they brought family friend and exemplary young person, Angela Lukale. She is a mover and a shaker among the youth of France and hadn’t been to Châtellerault in about 10 years.

It was great for her to be back.

Off to a Good Start

The year is off to a good start, and I’ll tell you more about it next week.