| Lent & Easter Events
Orangeville Lenten Series
(Feb. 6 to Mar. 19)
Lenten Study at Westminster
(Feb. 13 to Mar. 19)
Mar 16 - (Palm Sunday) 10:30am Communion and special music by the Celebration Choir - Live Donkey
Mar 21 - Good Friday Service at 7:30pm Reflections and readings with soloists: Emma Heimbecker and Sandra Abuja
Mar 23 - 8:00am Easter Sunrise Service at Brown Farm
Mar 23 - 10:30am Easter Cantata "Praise the Lord of Resurrection"
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In our thoughts & prayers
Our sympathy to:
Mae Burnside on the death of her husband, Keith
The Noble family on the death of their father, Lyle.
The Brailey family on the death of Joan's Mom.
Prayer of support for:
Wayne & Dorothy Donnelly as they support Wayne's Mom in palliative care in St. Thomas
Alice Howstrawser at Headwaters
Eileen Rae at Home
Bill Robbins at Home
All those at home, in hospital or homes in the area
Those looking for affordable housing.
Those battling addiction
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Best wishes to those celebrating birthdays, marriages and new births!
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To email a Prayer Request click here:
All are welcome to join our Prayer Circle - Thursdays at 9:30 AM |
Friday Night Activities
Last night in this series!
Potluck Supper - 6:00 p.m.
Keith Hunter fascinates us with his magic!
Enjoy a game of cards!
Kids, don't forget your snowpants! We'll have a chance to play in the snow
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"God's message is not written out only in starlight... rather it is written out for each of us in the humdrum, helter-skelter events of each day... Who knows what God will say to me today... Not knowing is what makes today a holy mystery as every day is a holy mystery." F. Buechner
As the sun streams in my home office window, I cannot help but be tantalized by the thought of Spring and the holy mystery of my everyday life. As I continue on the Lenten journey, I give thanks for the new lessons that I am learning, for the nudging of the Spirit of God in my life, and especially this week being under the weather, I wish to thank volunteers and colleagues who have assumed some of my duties while I have been licking this respiratory flu bug!
Congratulations to Helga Leith who scored a perfect 30 on the "find the names of the Bible in the paragraph quiz! I hear that Joan Hunter and Steve Brown were very close behind! The Answers can be found near the bottom of this e-letter.
Here's what is happening "under the spire" and beyond... Rev. Sandra.
Last Sunday the Outreach and Action Group prepared worship with the help of Martin James, The Celebration Choir, Stephanie Williams and guest speaker Rev. Harold Wells. Harold introduced the United Church of Canada's Mission Study theme which is "Challenging Empire". The Outreach and Action Group will be studying this theme and from time to time share with us their knowledge.
TONIGHT -- Friday family fun night POTLUCK at 6:00 p.m. Activity: Magician Keith Hunter... cards and games to follow. Last week over 20 went tobogganing and 15 watched a great movie!
TUESDAY -- Join the Women to Women Group at Egan Funeral Home 273 Broadway at 7:45 p.m. for an informal question and answer period with Steve Elliot, funeral director, and Trish Ward, lawyer. A wonderful opportunity to ask real questions about the "how to's" of funerals" and "estates and wills". Goodies will be provided. Tour of the funeral home is optional. If you wish to bring a spouse, a teen or a friend, please do so.
WEDNESDAY -- This is your personal invitation to join Martin and I as we lead worship for the Ministerial Lenten Lunch at Tweedsmuir March 5 at 12:00 noon. "Sounds of Silence" A chili lunch will be provided by the U.C.W.
The Lenten Study on Joyce Rupp's book "Prayer" held on Wednesdays and the membership Class on Thursdays will run this week. Reception of new members is March 16th!
See you in church...
SUNDAY SERVICES
March 2 - "Spiritual Spectacles" with Rev. Sandra
March 9 - Martin James, our Minister of Music, takes to the pulpit and offers an outstanding presentation on the relationship of the Hebrew Scripture as it relates to a traditional sung spiritual. The celebration choir will sing the spiritual.
March 16 - Palm Sunday Processional with live donkey. Holy Communion, reception of new members... DONKEY... did you say donkey?
Did you now that we have two persons enrolled in the United Church accredited Lay Worship Leader's Course at Five Oaks Training Centre in Paris Ontario. Lets learn more about the program in the next newsletter... Janet Jones and Sue Scottinwood are enrolled and will gain experience by helping in worship from time to time to hone their skills.
Rev. Sandra will be away from March 7-15. The funeral homes will have the names of clergy to officiate in case of pastoral emergency. |
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Greetings all!
Mission and Service Fund contributions are in. Toronto Conference congregations contributed a total of $4,315,884.94 with the UCW bringing in $234,097 of this! Thank you all so much for your generosity and commitment to the work of the wider church. This money is put to work close to home in congregations and community ministries as well as many chaplaincies throughout Toronto Conference. It also funds the creation of educational resources and events for congregations and leaders, the training of ministry personnel, as well as the work of advocacy and partnership with 40 global partners around the world.
This year, many churches were able to increase their givings to the M&S Fund and for that we are very pleased. Some of you had struggles as you tried to balance operating and other expenses with commitments to the work of the larger church in Canada and the world. Overall, Toronto Conference donations this year were 96% of 2006 totals. We are seeing a slight decline yet are thankful for all those who steadily contribute so much to our church's efforts to bring peace, justice and healing to our communities and our world.
For more information and follow up about the national M&S totals, please read the letter below from Julie Kinkaid at the General Council office.
We are in a time of change when we must keep God's mission for our congregations and the whole church before us even as we rethink our use of assets and resources.
With appreciation,
Barbara,
Barbara Lloyd Conference Minister for Christian Formation and Congregational Development
Toronto Conference, United Church of Canada
FYI - Westminster United Church contributed $19,283 to the Mission & Service Fund. Well done!
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CAN YOU FIND 20 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE IN THIS PARAGRAPH?
Someone showed me this story and remarked that there are twenty books of the Bible hidden here. He challenged me to find them. Sure enough they're all here. Still this thing's a lulu, kept me looking so hard for the longest time. Some of you will get bogged down with acts, others are hit by them like they were some kind of revelation or something. You may get in a jam especially since the names are not capitalized and often leap the spaces between the words. This makes it a real job to find them but it'll provide a most fascinating few minutes for you. Yes there are some really easy ones to spot, but don't get the big head cause truthfully you'll soon figure that it would take most federal judges and preachers numbers of hours to find them all. I will admit that it usually takes a minister to find one of them and that is not uncommon for there are to be loud lamentations when it is pointed out. One lady says that when she is confronted with puzzles like this she brews a cup of tea to help her concentrate better but then this lady's a real pro! Verbs, nouns and all that stuff are her thing. See how well you can compete. Relax, there really are twenty names of Bible books in this story, If you fail to find them there's a penalty. You'll have to go fly a kite, sit on a banana, hum the battle hymn of the republic, or hose a dog (a mean one). Go get it!!
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Upcoming Events
LENTEN STUDY WITH REV. SANDRA
Book "Prayer" by Joyce Rupp
Morning Group: Evening Group:
Feb 20 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Feb 27 from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Feb 27 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Mar 05 from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Mar 19 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Mar 19 from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
WOMEN-TO-WOMEN
Next Meeting - Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 at 7:45pm
Speakers - Trish Ward speaks of planning ahead & Steve Elliott leads a tour of the funeral home (Women to Women meet once a month for worship, fellowship and learning. This is a group of intergenerational women, aged 30-80, who get together for a night of friendship and learning. For more information, contact the church office or Janet at janet-jones@sympatico.ca)
WESTMINSTER'S SECOND ANNUAL TALENT AUCTION
What's your talent? What are your gifts? Here's your chance to auction yourself off to benefit Westminster! When? March 30th following worship during our 5th Sunday Potluck. Forms available at the back of the Sanctuary and in the office.
JEWELLERY SALE
This April 12th, we are holding a Jewellery Sale! This is your chance to dig through your old "bling" and get rid of all that stuff you don't wear anymore! Items can be dropped off at the church attention: Ways and Means. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Kate Robbeson, Tina Torrie or Tanya Ellacott.
ORANGEVILLE & DISTRICT MINISTERIAL ASSN. LENTEN SERVICES
Wednesday Lenten Services and Luncheon for 2008 (Held at Tweedsmuir)
Theme: "Listen to Lent"
Service: 12 Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Luncheon: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Westminster's Book Club
The group has chosen two books for reading this time around and welcomes any newcomers to the group.
Easter Everywhere: A Memoir by Darcey Steinke - Darcey Steinke was a minister's daughter and a dutiful Christian. But after her mother's breakdown and her father's struggles she turned to the club scene. Marriage, motherhood and divorce led her to begin the slow process of moving toward a living faith. (This book will be discussed June 22nd at 12:15 p.m. after church)
Water into Wine - An Empowering Vision of the Gospels by Tom Harpur - Harpur sets out the powerful and transforming message that emerges when the gospels are read as they were originally intended to be and as they were understood by the first Christians, such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Seen in their true mythological and symbolical meaning, the stories in the drama of Jesus' life come alive in a totally fresh way. (This book will be discussed in two sessions. The first half of the book will be discussed April 27th at 12:15 p.m. and the second half will be discussed May 25th at 12:15 p.m.)
If you wish to borrow a copy of either book, please contact Janet at janet-jones@sympatico.ca or by phone at (519) 940-3286. Feel free to bring your lunch along! If you wish to be kept informed of our meetings and book selections, please contact Janet so you can be added to the Book Club's communication circle.
Looking Ahead Feb. 29 - 6:00 p.m. Friday Night Activities
Mar. 04 - 8:45 a.m. Tai Chi
Mar. 04 - 7:45 p.m. Women-to-Women - planning ahead
Mar. 05 - 12:00 p.m. Orangeville Lenten Series at Tweedsmuir (led by Rev. Sandra)
Mar. 05 - 7:30 p.m. Evening Lent Study (#3)
Mar. 06 - 9:30 a.m. Prayer Circle
Mar. 06 - 12:15 p.m. Fitness Nooner
Mar. 06 - 6:00 p.m. Membership Class
Mar. 11 - Enjoy Your March Break! Prayer Circle and Fitness Nooner will return next week
Mar. 12 - 12:00 p.m. Orangeville Lenten Series at Tweedsmuir
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More Franchises than Tim Hortons?
When: June 19-22, 2008
Where: Emmanuel College, Toronto, ON
More Franchises than Tim Hortons? Vital Ministry in the Canadian Context is gathering "a great cloud of witnesses" to the new things God is doing in the United Church. The encounter with best practices, new models, and emerging forms of ministry is brought into critical dialogue with insightful commentators on Canadian society. More information can be found online: http://www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/events/morefranchises. Information also available in the church office.
HORIZON - "Young People & The Church 2008"
What do younger folks in the church perceive as they look at church life today? Join us while three youth leaders answer this question from the point of view of those whom they lead as well as of themselves
HANNAH LEE- Student at Emmanuel College, World Council of Churches Experience
ALYDIA SMITH - Minister to Youth, Bloor Street United
MICHAEL SHEWBURG - Minister to Youth, Islington United
JOHN SULLIVAN - Host, Toronto Conference Cable TV Committee
11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 2, 2008
Cable Channels for viewing Horizon are as follows: Brampton - 10, Dufferin - Caledon - 63, Durham Region - 10 & 63, Mississauga - 10,Toronto - 10 & 63 repeats on Toronto only - Sat. and Sun. 6:00 am, 6:30 am, York Region - 10 & 63
To get a copy of your show recorded by Rogers call Susie Scott 416-446-7175
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Going Green!
Who: YOU! Everyone around the world
What: http://www.earthhour.org/
When: March 29, 2008, 8pm your local time
Where: In your own home and/or workplace
Why: To create AWARENESS about energy consumption
PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE ASKING WHERE THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE.
This happens in your home or your workplace at 8pm (your local time) on March 29th WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD by simply turning off your lights, your TV, your dishwasher, your heating or a/c. You don't have to be in Toronto (they won't let me not put something in that spot) or a major city to participate.
On March 29th, 2008 at 8pm local time Earth Hour will commence ALL AROUND THE WORLD.
Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a POWERFUL MESSAGE about the need for action on global warming.
Be part of making Earth Hour 2008 a huge, global success by telling your friends and family. Remember, every single light makes a statement and makes a difference.
Last year, on 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney (Australia) businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour.
Pledge your support for Earth Hour and find out more about the lights-out campaign at earthhour.org, the official website.
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Exodus 17:3
But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?"
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| The answers from the previous e-letter trivia:
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. he enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo, Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fundraising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record! The local paper, the Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless.
(Amos, Mark, Luke, John, Joel, Judges, Job, Hebrews, Esther, Acts, James, Ruth, Romans, Titus, Matthew, Genesis, Philemon, Chronicles, Daniel, Nahum, Hosea, Lamentations, Revlation, Timothy, Samuel, Numbers, Malachi, Peter, Exodus, Kings) ﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎ |
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Contact Info
Telephone: (519) 941-0381 Fax: (519) 941-0385
Website: http://www.westminsterorangeville.ca Email: westminster@westminsterorangeville.ca
We worship Sundays at 10:30 AM
Donations to Westminster United Church accepted online at CanadaHelps.org or
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Smile!
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