Finding out the origins of Good Friday for an old friend
CHURCHILL NEWS
by Linda Gerow

My brother had a friend, Andy, who used to ask me why it was called Good Friday, if it was the day that Jesus was put to death.

Calling the day of the Crucifixion Good Friday is considered peculiar to the English language. In German, for example, it is called Karfreitag, which, when translated means Mourning Friday. And that is what the disciples did on that day - they mourned. There are some that feel it was called God's Friday and the word was mistakenly switched to Good. If we call it Good Friday, we are confessing the Christian hope that no tragedy, not even death, can overwhelm God's love and grace. This Easter Sunday, may you find the peace and hope that was the intention of Holy Week so long ago.

Library news: Churchill branch manager, Debra Mann. Phone number is 456- 2671. The branch is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays.

Movies are $2 per ticket, and $1 for a snack. Movies start at 1 p.m. The Water Horse will play Saturday March 29th.

Churchill Community Play Group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Churchill United Church on Highway 11. Toys, crafts, songs, books and snacks are available along with coffee and friendship. Please call Kim for information at 456- 1859.

The Parish of Churchill and Cookstown Junior Youth Group (COOL) has its next meeting on March 13th at St. Peter's, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is for youth aged 9 to 12 years old. Call Pam at 735-3484 for information. The youth group now has a new name: Christians Obey our Lord (COOL).

Senior youth group: The Teen youth group will meet alternate Sundays at St. John's Anglican Church in Cookstown from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Please contact Pam for any information and upcoming dates at 735- 3484.

Euchre: Bid euchre at St. Peter's Anglican church takes place on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to drop by any Wednesday and join in. Light refreshments are served.

Ham and scalloped potato dinner at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Friday April 4th from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for the students (12 and under). Preschoolers are free. Call 705-456-7293 or 705-436-9769.

On Sunday March 16th, St. Peter's Anglican Church held their annual Palm Sunday Passion Parade, beginning at the Churchill Branch library. Unfortunately, our donkey Eeyore was not able to lead us this year, but the children donned their costumes, hoisted their palms and paraded down to the church, singing their Hosannas along the way. About 35 participated in the parade, while others waited at the church. We thank all those who participated in this annual event.

Smile: The local sheriff was looking for a deputy, so Gomer, who was not exactly the sharpest nail in the bucket, went in to try out for the job.

"Okay," the sheriff drawled, "Gomer, what is one and one?"

"Eleven," he replied.

The sheriff thought, "That's not what I meant, but he's right."

"What two days of the week start with the letter 'T'?" Asked the sheriff.

"Today and tomorrow," answered Gomer.

The sheriff was again surprised that Gomer supplied a correct answer that he had never thought of himself.

"Now Gomer, listen carefully. Who killed Abraham Lincoln?"

Gomer looked a little surprised, then said, "I don't know."

"Well, why don't you go home and work on that one for a while?" Said the sheriff.

So, Gomer wandered over to the barbershop where his pals were waiting to hear the results of the interview. Gomer was exultant.

"It went great," he said. "First day on the job and I'm already working on a murder case!"

If you have any news or items for this column, please contact me at lagerow@rogers.com or call 436-9769.