Christmas with Peninsula Musicians Raises $1,075.00 for the Golden Dawn Redevelopment Fund!

(Published in the Bruce Peninsula Press, January 13, 2026)

On Dec. 18, Tobermory United hosted the third annual Christmas with Peninsula Musicians concert. The music was brilliant, and the vibe was warm and cozy. Many thanks to Brian Taylor, Arnie Crittenden, Dominik Franken, Dan Corcoran, Robert Franklin, Janet Whittington, Rod Layman and the Tobermory United Church Choir for their thoughtful and generous performances! A singalong and a time for catching up and refreshments capped the evening. Over 60 people attended, and over one thousand dollars was raised for the Golden Dawn Senior Citizens Home redevelopment fund.

On Dec. 28, Tobermory United revealed the penultimate set of altar decorations that fabric artist Jo Lane is creating to celebrate all the liturgical seasons. The creation of these pieces of art comes as the result of a bequest left to the church by Jan McDonald, who passed away in 2023. This newest set of altar decorations (paraments) are for the seasons of Christmas and Easter and other significant holy days, and they feature the colour white. Jo explains her artistic choices: “I decided that a rolling, snow-covered landscape and a full moon would be a nice backdrop for the birch trees. The cardinal in the foreground of the pulpit banner pays homage to Jan, an artist herself, whose generous donation has made the seasonal paraments to the church possible. For the Communion table, the rolling, snow-covered hills continue toward spring. Hares have almost completely transformed from their winter white coat to brown, and the birch tree is now abundant with leaves. Hope, joy and giving.” Tobermory United is humbled and honoured to have connected Jan’s gift with Jo Lane’s skills and to be able to display such works of art in our sanctuary.

In early December, the boiler that has confidently provided heat to Tobermory United since the church was built in 2004 breathed its last, but thankfully, it was able to be replaced in quick order! The boiler replacement, however, was not in the budget, so a funding appeal was launched with hopes of offsetting the withdrawal of funds from church reserves. We are gob-smacked with gratitude. In less than three weeks, the total cost of the boiler replacement has been received. To everyone who donated to this cause, we are so very grateful. That our reserves can stay intact is an amazing gift.

Coffee chats continue every Friday morning at Tobermory United from 9:30 until noon. Drop by. The conversation’s always interesting! Please note, however, that there will be no coffee chats Jan. 30 or Feb. 6.

Image: The Tobermory United Church Choir performs at "Christmas with Peninsula Musicians," Dec. 18, 2025