FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018
WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 5
The gift of peace By Linda Wegner
In I818, composer, organist Franz Xaver Gruber and lyricist, Joseph Mohr, together produced what is probably one of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols. Part of the beautiful refrain we know as Silent Night goes like this, “Holy infant so tender and mild; Sleep in heavenly peace.” Preparing for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Gruber and Fr. Mohr collaborated to bring to the congregation a new song, accompanied by a guitar rather than the organ (which, according to some accounts, was not working because its innards had been eaten by rats). Whatever the cause, the men pooled their giftings and gave their congregation and the world this beautiful melodic version of the Christmas story. The thought of peace, let alone heavenly peace, has captured my heart and mind over the past year. Given the atrocities of war, the scourge of drug overdose deaths, the explosion of road-rage and gun-related killings and even the trials of everyday living, my heart cries for peace. The Old Testament book of Proverbs has a lot to say about virtues that exemplify a peace-filled life and over the next weeks I want to explore some of them; for this week however, my prayer is that each of us demonstrates harmony even when we don’t always agree with each other. Jesus exhorted his followers: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” I’ve modified this piece, first written for last New Year’s Eve, because the message is even more pertinent today than it was back then. Will you join me in praying this prayer for 2018: “God, may your peace be so deeply instilled and openly demonstrated in my heart and actions that I will be an agent of gentleness and reconciliation.”
First place winner in Knights of Columbus contest
Photo — Randy Schiller
This display set up by Cam Weber was judged as the best nativity display in Weyburn in the Knights of Columbus nativity contest out of around 20 displays judged. Cam won a $150 prize for the display, at his home at 30 Sixth Avenue South.
Knights of Columbus judge nativity contest
The Weyburn Knights of Columbus judged around 20 residences plus a few businesses in their annual Nativity Scene contest, with prizes awarded to the top three residential displays. Judging took place between Dec. 20-23, with displays judged that were set up on a residential front yard. The residential category was won by Cam Weber, who received $150 for his display at his residence on Sixth Avenue South. Second place went to Claire Kuhn on Staveley Crescent, who received a $100 prize, and third went to Terry and Judy Bendickson of Onstad Crescent, and they received a $50 prize. The best business display was by the Wey-
burn Special Care Home, and they received a plaque. Honourable mentions went to a number of residents for their displays, including Jerry Mainil on Ash Drive, Penny Shauf on Ash Drive, Roland and Terri Kelln on Onstad Crescent, G. Hill on Fifth Street, Val Ness on 11th Street, George McLeod on 13th Street, Ed Fischer on Dieppe Drive, Bill Hutt on Fifth Street, Larry Olfert on Maple Drive, Brian Hopfe on Brimacombe Drive, Wilfred Nimegeers on Rick Smith Crescent, Ray Hamm on Douglas Road, the Weyburn Free Methodist Church at the corner of 14th Street and Coteau Avenue, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Third Street.
Second place winner in Knights of Columbus contest
Photo — Randy Schiller
A nativity display put up by resident Claire Kuhn at 604 Staveley Crescent was awarded second place in the Knights of Columbus nativity scene contest. She was awarded a prize of $100 for her display.
Wheatland Senior Centre holds games The results of the Wheatland Senior Centre’s activities the week of Dec. 22 are as follows. Bridge (Monday): 1. Marion Brown; 2. Johnnie Whitell; 3. Berty Lou Dreis. Bridge (Friday): 1. Jean Fahlman; 2. Erskine Sandiford; 3. Jim Brown. Trump Whist: 1. Lorraine Madsen; 2. Dorothy Lindskog; 3. Emily Stadler. Hi-Lo Whist: 1. Marie Marcotte and Dorothy Lindskog; 2. Jim and Marion Brown; 3. Leonard and Marg Schultz. Kaiser: 1. Ruth Boren and Joan Harder; 2. Basil Holyer and Kay Bachman;
3. Ray Boucher and Evelyn Persson. Thursday Crib: 1. June Matters and Carol Spencer; 2. Emily Stadler and Gerry Thompson; 3. Shirley Sparks and Joan Harder. Fun Crib: 1. Connie Bouchard; 2. Emily Zyla; 3. Garth White. Upcoming events at the Wheatland: Starting on Jan. 15, raffle tickets will be sold for Co-op gift cards, one for $1 or three for $2. The first prize will be $100, second prize is $50, and third prize is $25. Stop in at the Wheatland Senior Centre office to buy, from 9 a.m. to noon, or from any board member.
Third place winner in Knights of Columbus contest
Photo — Randy Schiller
This nativity display put up by Terry and Judy Bendickson at 249 Onstad Crescent was awarded third place by judges in the Knights of Columbus nativity display contest. They were presented with a $50 prize for placing third, with around 20 displays judged around the city.
Pangman Housing Authority makes appointments
Isabel Jesse, Sharon Svedahl, Normajean Bailey and Edna Petersen have been appointed to the Pangman Housing Authority Board of Directors. The other member of the board of directors is Ana Romero. Currently, the office of chairperson is vacant. The Pangman Housing Authority is a communitybased organization that provides daily management of six housing units constructed and operated under the terms of a federal-provincial-municipal cost-sharing agreement. Social Services Minister, Paul Merriman, paid tribute to the volunteers who manage the social housing projects in their community. “This local hands-on approach ensures that the Sas-
katchewan Housing Corporation responds effectively to the needs of each community.” Saskatchewan has a network of 260 housing authorities and more than 1,400 volunteer members who assist with management of housing units throughout the province for seniors, low-income families and persons with disabilities. Persons interested in volunteering to serve on the board of directors for the Pangman Housing Authority are encouraged to contact the mayor of Pangman. A local nominating committee recommends board members. Applications for accommodation are available from the manager of the Pangman Housing Authority.