By Kathy McCluskey
PORT HAWKESBURY: Math enthusiasts around the world celebrate Pi Day on March 14, each year.
Pi is the name given to the mathematical calculation of the circumference of a circle. Pi is the Greek symbol for the letter p in both words periphery and perimeter. The diameter of the circle (the distance across the middle of the circle) is multiplied by 3.14, a constant and infinite number.
The month of March, the third month of the calendar year and the day, the 14th, make it a fitting day to celebrate the famous equation.
Many people around the world add a bit of sweetness or savoury to mark that day with a slice of pie.
St. Mark’s United Church in Port Hawkesbury celebrated March 14, as National Affirming/P.I.E. Day as part of goal to becoming an affirming ministry.
P – Public, being out and proud, I – Intentional, thought into action by deliberately studying, educating, and having dialogue with church members and community groups, E – Explicit, being specific in the ministry’s mission and vision statement that the LGBTQ2SIA and all other groups identified as traditionally not feeling included in the church, religion, and/or community, be welcomed.
As part of the process to becoming an affirming ministry, Minister Barbara MacNaughton, said the church has a committee that meets regularly to discuss the ways the church will be seen and felt by all as a safe place.
This includes arranging workshops with local community groups, guest speakers, education on the history of the oppression and discrimination by the church, understanding appropriate use of pronouns, and being politically active. When they become a recognized affirming ministry signs and symbols on church programs, on websites and social media as well as inside and outside the church will let the broader community know that it will be a safe place to enter.
There is currently only one church on Cape Breton Island that is a recognized affirming ministry, Greenwood United Church in Baddeck, designated in 2018.
Now back to Pi Day and the sweet and savoury. MacNaughton said that since a pie is round, and love is a circle, “irrational, inclusive and infinite” it was a good day to add a twist by having National Affirming/P.I.E. Day on Pi Day.
Sheppard’s pie, quiche, turkey, lemon, butterscotch cream, apple, strawberry/rhubarb, just to name a few, were all served with tea or coffee.