So what happens when you’re in the middle of a pandemic and it’s crossing paths with the annual church tea. You mobilize your force, literally, and have a proper, socially-distanced tea by way of delivery!

St. Andrew’s United Church will be celebrating St. Andrew’s Day with an event called “Tea Connections” on Sunday November 29, with a high tea delivered to your door!

Probably the most unique aspect of the tea this year is that an actual teacup will be included with your delivery.  The teacups come as a gift from Barb Ritchie’s family, as a way of continuing to spread the care that Barb so generously offered to the world.

After you enjoy your tea, you can keep the cup to reuse it again and again. In the spirit of Barb Ritchie though, you can also “pay it forward” and create your own tea package for someone you know. St. Andrew’s that it might be an interesting social experiment to see how far the ties of friendship can extend, by sharing a simple and lovely act of kindness, all in a cup of tea.

To place your order, please email Donna Mese at donnamese1@outlook.com or 705-566-9530. Donna will confirm your address. You may also decide to purchase an afternoon tea treat for a friend as well. Please let Donna know the name and address of the friend. When the driver comes to your door, please give her/him a cheque to made out to St. Andrew’s United Church or, if you’re using cash, please put the exact change in a plastic Ziploc-type bag and give it to the person making the delivery.

The money collected will be used to purchase “Socks for Souls” – warm socks for people who traditionally come to the “Out of the Cold Dinners” at St. Andrew’s. Because we are not able to host the dinners this year, the socks will be distributed through the Samaritan Centre, Réseau Access Network, and the Overnight Shelter. You are welcome, if you wish, to donate an extra pair of new socks on the day your tea is delivered. Warm men’s socks are most appreciated. The drivers will gladly receive your “Socks for Souls” donations!

For the cost of $10.00, a package containing a teacup, scones, jam, tea and treats will be delivered to you on the afternoon of November 29 between 1 and 3 p.m.