In-SPIRE-ation                  
Westminster United Church February 2009
Did you know...
 
Westminster collects:
 
Canadian Tire Money
 
Sobeys & Zehrs Receipts
 
Campbell's Soup labels
 
Used clothing and toys
 
WANTED
 

Person(s) who are interested in and would like to participate in the following:
 
Sunday School teachers/helpers
 
Youth Leader/Helper
 
Choir Members
 
Bell Ringers
 
Instrumentalists
 
AVIT
 
Drama, Arts and Beyond
 
Knitters
 
Fundraisers
 
Grant & Fund Researchers
 
Scripture Readers
 
Greeters
 
Leaders of all sorts
 
Helpers of all types
 
 
 
Please contact the church for more information... There's
always room for everyone!
 
 
 
Dear ,
 
 January has been a demanding month for our pastoral charge.
The news of the death of our Minister of Music Martin James and the service to celebrate his life was a very emotional time for many of us. On the Saturday before Martin's death I asked him if there was anything that he wanted share with the congregation. He wanted me to share with you this poem that was read at a funeral that we shared leadership for, Christmas 2007.
 
 
Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done
 
May Martin rest in peace.
The Chocolate Auction and Sweet Adelines Concert at our Church February 14th will be in memory of Martin... a man who loved music and chocolate! Get your tickets at the church office.
 
A Search Committee to find a Minister of Music is being formed.
Details to follow.
Many thanks to the many folk who are providing musical leadership for Sunday worship.
 
On February 8th the Annual Congregational meeting of Westminster United will be held after the worship service. I encourage everyone and anyone who cares about the future of Westminster United Church to be present. There is a great need for all of us to understand our programs our finances and our commitment to working together, in order to continue to grow the United Church of Canada presence in Orangeville. We, like other churches, have come to a place where we need to understand what it truly costs in terms of volunteers' hours and paid positions to make a congregation not one of maintenance but of vital ministry. In a recent article in the Globe and Mail it was stated, and I paraphrase, that in tough economic times the church experiences growth because of the need for spiritual comfort and community. Will we be there with services to offer? At a special congregational board meeting held on January 11th, this congregation approved the next step in our Strategic Plan process. Task Groups have been established and their work continues. Once completed these groups will report to the Board and to the Congregation so that we can make informed and reasonable decisions together. The Board of this congregation is working diligently, thoughtfully and prayerfully on the budget for 2009. Any budget needs to reflect both responsible stewardship and vision. The church budget when passed would require the resources of all of us both monetarily and personally. The choices we make at our annual meeting will indicate our commitment to the strategic planning process and our hope for the future.
 
I wish to thank all those who have served on Action Groups. Your work has not gone unnoticed. I pray that you will continue to exercise your God given gifts each day of your lives.
 

Blessings to all,
Rev. Sandra
 
 
A scripture for the New Year...in the midst of this cold winter...
Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

Upcoming Events

 
Friday, February 6 - Friday Night Activities.  Supper provided at 6:00 p.m. 

Sunday, February 8 - Annual Meeting following worship

Friday, February 13 - Friday Night Activities.  Supper provided at 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday, February 14 - CONCERT: Believe in Music,  Believe in Love! 
Start time:  7:30 p.m. at Westminster United Church
Featuring Orangeville Chorus, Sweet Adelines and Silent Auction & Sale of Decadent Chocolate Desserts and Treats.  In honour of Martin James who was passionate about Music and Chocolate!  Tickets:  $20.00 available at the church (519-941-0381)

Tuesday, February 17 - United Church Men Dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m.  ($10/per person)

Wednesday, February 18 - United Church Women meet in the Friendship Room at 1:30 p.m. 

Friday, February 20 - Friday Night Activities.  Supper provided at 6:00 p.m. 

Sunday, February 22 - Westminster's Book Club is going deeper into "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle.  Chapters 4-6 will be discussed following coffee time.

Tuesday, February 24 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Wednesday, February 25 - Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25 - Lenten Study 8-9 p.m.

Friday, February 27 - Friday Night Activities.  Supper provided at 6:00 p.m.
 
Saturday, February 28 - Clothing Depot from 9-12  (volunteers needed for setup and cleanup)

Contact Info

 Westminster United Church
"Seeking and Sharing the Love of God" 
247 Broadway in Orangeville, Ontario
Phone: 519-941-0381       Email: westminster@westminsterorangeville.ca