Photo Karen Graham.
Pictured are members of Friendship Force with Rev. Rob Ross and Ruth Roberts, right, at St. Thomas Anglican Church last Sunday.
Friendship Force members participated in St. Thomas Anglican Church’s service on January 26th and contributed to many parts of the program.
They opened the service with a performance of Morning has Broken on bells under the direction of congregation member Ruth Roberts. Tammy Murrin, one of the group founders, provided a brief introduction to the group. Friendship Force members went on to deliver scripture readings and to lead the congregation in song. The service concluded with a solo performance of song and guitar. Despite performance jitters at the beginning, the group delivered their contributions without a hitch.
This group was formed in April 2023 by three dedicated mothers with adult children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. This developmental disability is caused by differences in the brain that often affects social interaction. Friendship Force is a social club for individuals 18 and older who have different abilities who meet on Tuesday afternoons at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre. The group now attracts as many as fifteen young adults from the area who spend the afternoon playing games like Pickleball and board games, listening to music, walking the track and having fun together. Occasionally they go on field trips and welcome guest speakers to share their skills with this appreciative group. At these get-togethers there is little evidence of any social awkwardness between the participants, but an obvious sense of camaraderie.
The service was led by Rev. Rob Ross, who targeted his homily to the occasion. Friends and family of the group joined regular congregation members in attendance and all were rewarded with a heartwarming experience. The sheer joy on the faces of the performers said it all. These individuals are not accustomed to being in the spotlight. Their excitement at being in front of an audience instead of in it was palpable. Everyone enjoyed the event.
The congregation welcomed all in attendance and invited them for coffee and treats after the service, which featured a celebratory cake for the occasion. There is no doubt these performers were in a celebratory mood, thanks to the kindness and openness of a congregation who welcomed them and gave them their full attention as they performed. What performer could ask for more?
For more information about this group, contact Margaret Aldsworth at 705-957-2553. KG