“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” - 1 Cor. 13:4-7 (NIV) This week, we are celebrating all mothers—both biological mothers and mothers of the heart. Just below, you'll find quotes from Mother’s Day tributes sent in by some of our members. Click on each thumbnail for the entire poem. This edition also contains last-minute tips for honouring mothers, as well as a video promo for a special Mother's Day Concert airing this Sunday, May 9, 7:30 EDT on Facebook and YouTube. To all mothers, grandmothers, aunties, big sisters and other mother figures, we see you. Thank you for your incredible patience and love. Thank you for your significant contributions to all that we are and all we will be. Wishing you a blessed and happy Mother’s Day! We love you.

Mother’s Day in Quarantine This is our second Mother’s Day in lockdown. Let’s show our mothers some extra love as they juggle COVID-schooling, work, home responsibilities and more. Here are a few COVID-friendly Mother’s Day ideas: Record a video message sharing just how much your mother means to you. Click here for a list of the best video editors for beginners and here for the best free video editing software in 2021. Celebrate your mother with a Zoom Mother’s Day brunch. Click here for activity ideas. Connect with mom one-on-one via a video or regular phone call. Make your chat extra special by bringing in guests to greet her (e.g., spouse, children, even pets). Send mom a Mother’s Day e-card. Click here for Christian cards or here to create your own. Consider snail mail or an in-person drop-off. Your mom will get a kick out of a care package with a handwritten letter or card, book, food item or other encouraging trinket. For some great Mother’s Day gifts, visit https://adventistbookcenter.com/, then order items online or by phone for later pick-up. For food items, visit abchealthfoods.com or vegefoods.com, then order desired items by phone – (905) 579-2311.

For Moms in your Congregation Although we are socially distanced, there are a plethora of ways to show moms that we care! Record a video with a Mother’s Day message and send it to all mothers in your church through Facebook, Instagram, or via an email blast (Constant Contact or Mail Chimp). Send a digital card to the mothers reminding them how important they are to their children. A simple “Thank you for all you do” will bring a smile to their faces. Get the fathers or any other adult in the home to film the kids saying a few words to their mothers and send it to you. Compile them in a single video to be posted on social media. Have a special Mother’s Day Sabbath! Preach a message of love and encouragement to the mothers of your congregation, offer a prayer of dedication and have a special song. Have a Mother's Day prayer drive-through. Invite the mothers to a drive-thru in the parking lot of the church, pray for them and offer them a small gift such as a rose, a cupcake, or a card. Source: NAD Ministerial

Celebrate Mother's Day with us this Sunday, May 9, 7:30 PM EDT. We're hosting a concert dedicated to all mothers and mothers at heart*, aired lived on Ontario Conference's YouTube and Facebook channels. See you there! *Sponsored by Children's and Adventurer, Master Guide and Pathfinder Ministries