BY HEIDI
ULRICHSEN
It looks like a scene from a Dickens book.
For the past 11 years, residents of Copper Cliff have gathered
in December at one of the town's local churches, and walked
through the snow-covered town holding candles. A horse-drawn
sleigh is available to pull those who don't want to walk.
The community's annual advent walk takes place today (Dec. 8),
starting at 7 pm at Copper Cliff United Church on Park St.
There will be a short service at the church before the
procession moves onto St. John the Divine Anglican Church, St.
Timothy's Lutheran Church and St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic
Church, where there will also be services.
Participants can enjoy snacks and hot coffee at St. Stanislaus
after the last service. The event is free, although people are
asked to bring food donations for the Sudbury Food Bank.
Advent is celebrated by Christians during the four weeks before
Christmas. The four Sundays of advent are traditionally marked
with four candles, with one to be lit each Sunday.
"This year, we're focusing on four themes during the services
at the churches - promise, hope, joy and love. There will be
scripture readings and carols sung at every church," says
Brenda Lizzi, who helped to organize the event.
Last year, about 100 people showed up for the advent walk, she
says. Lizzi says the event is great for families. She hopes to
bring her three young grandchildren this year.
"We have fun. I enjoy it because you meet different people, and
it brings people together for advent."
Lizzi says informal events like this are important to unite the
people of Copper Cliff, regardless of their religion.
"For instance, we had a pool here, and it was closed. We
managed to get it opened again by working together.
There's also the library and other things. We don't want to lose what we have," she says. "By having events like this, it brings people together. I find it a beautiful thing."
