| Westminster United Church |
| In-SPIRE-ation |
September 2009 |
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Greetings!
"Seeking and Sharing the Love of God" are the words that describe the heart and soul of what we do at Westminster United Church. As your minister, I am so encouraged by the dedication and enthusiasm of all our members, adherents, newcomers and old-timers. I am delighted with the work that we have done over this past year to understand our finances and begin to plan for the future. In October, we will undertake our regular stewardship campaign and I pray that you will think prayerfully about what this community means to you and give as you are able.
Hold onto your hats because this Sunday we kick off another year filled with some new events, some traditions near and dear to our hearts, and by Christmas we plan to have our strategic plan finished so that we can implement the ideas. NO shelving of this work, we are moving ahead!
Buy your tickets for the Roast Beef Dinner Oct 2nd!!!
This Sunday, September 13th, we have a welcome back BBQ planned. Just before the BBQ, there will be a brief congregational meeting to discuss the fact that we have to purchase new boilers for our church. This expenditure will be approximately $65,000.00. Your Church Board wants you to be present so that we can discuss the funding plans. Donations and pledges are welcome.
We are currently working at filling the gaps in some of our programs. Sunday school teachers are still needed and a Christian Education Coordinator (part-time paid position) is still open to receive applications. We will be offering pastoral visiting training to augment the visits of our minister. Shortly you will receive your Keeping in Touch brochure outlining special events. If you do not receive one, please call the office.
I like to share the themes of Sunday worship services with you.
September 13 - Holy Baptism; "Who are You, Jesus" - Rev. Sandra preaching
September 20 - "Finding Wisdom" Rev. Sandra preaching; Transfer of new members; The Royal Canadian Legion will join us for Veterans' Week complete with The Last Post
September 27 - "Blessing of the Animals" - Bring your pet to be blessed. Bring a photo of a loved pet who has died, we will light a memorial candle Family Sunday Rev. Sandra preaching
October 4 - "Courage for Community" World Wide Communion Rev. Sandra preaching
October 11 - "Thanksgiving" - Family Service Rev. Sandra Preaching
Did you know that there is a reading room/small group space that has been created up the stairs around the corner from the office? A place of quiet. Soon you will be able to borrow books for your reading pleasure.
The computer room is getting closer to completion. Some sound baffles have been installed in the sanctuary.
Anyone interested in some handy man/handy woman jobs, please speak to the office. The Property Action Group would be glad of this help.
Looking forward to a great church year.
Rev. Sandra |
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Calling all parents!
Did you know we also send out an e-letter for parents full of upcoming Sunday School and community events? Edit your subscription online or contact the church office to be included in those monthly e-letters. | |
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Notice to the Congregation
August 28, 2009
Members and adherents of Westminster United Church are invited to attend two important upcoming meetings:
Sunday, Sept. 13th, after worship - Our furnaces have been declared "unsafe to operate" and with the heating season approaching we must act now. Your Board has been busy soliciting quotes to replace the system and investigating funding options. At this meeting you will be informed of the recommended quote and how we suggest that it be paid for, and then the Board will seek your approval to proceed.
Sunday, Oct. 4th, after worship - We are now launching into our new "church year" which runs from July 1st to June 30th. As such, we must hold our Annual Meeting to receive and approve reports. At this meeting, the congregation will be asked to receive the 6 month financial report, approve the 2009-10 church year budget, and receive the church calendar of events. Group and committee reports will not be presented as they were reported on six months ago.
These are two important meetings in the life of our church and I strongly urge all members to attend.
Sincerely,
Bob Borden,
Chair of the Board |
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Faith communities aid Headwaters Pastoral Care
Headwaters Health Care Centre says financial contributions from area churches and faith communities to the hospital's Pastoral Care Program over the past eight years have reached the $100,000 mark.
"As a patient-centred hospital, Headwaters affirms the right of all patients to care that considers physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs," said Headwaters president and CEO. "Thanks to the generosity of local faith communities we are able to support the spiritual needs of all our patient."
In 2001, the Pastoral Care Committee including volunteer chaplains and local clergy, lobbied to hire a part-time pastoral coordinator. The shared funding agreement enabled the hospital to hire Rev. Barbara Moulton in 2002, to manage the program.
"The various churches within the catchment areas of the hospital sites in Orangeville and Shelburne have been constant sources of the shared funding for pastoral care," said Rev. Ronald Pincoe, Chair of the Pastoral Care Committee. "Their continuing support has been vital in maintaining the excellent level of pastoral care provided to patients by the Reverend Barbara Moulton and her team of volunteer chaplains."
The pastoral care team provides non-denominational spiritual and religious care to all patients, their families, staff and volunteers at Headwaters, regardless of faith or creed. The pastoral care team can provide counselling, caring presence, rituals, advocacy, and assist with coping strategies.
The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services. Please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre at 519- 941-2702 ext. 2200.
(As published in the Orangeville Citizen on August 8th, 2009) |
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Westminster Food Cupboard
As in the nursery rhyme, the food cupboard is bare. Please support those in need by donating the following items:
Canned meats; pasta /noodles & sauce; cheese spread, crackers & bread sticks; soups & stews; juice, powdered milk; rice; instant potatoes; peanut butter & jams; honey; cereals; sugar; soaps/detergents; toothpaste; toilet paper.
Donations may be dropped off in the food boxes in the Sanctuary or in the church office.
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Building our United Church Camps...
You, your friends and relatives are invited to participate in raising funds for the "Pass it on! campaign" and for your favourite United Church Camp. Go to www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com and register for a 5K run/walk, a half or a full marathon dated September 27th. Discounts on registration are available. See www.westminsterorangeville.ca for more info. | |
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Dufferin Parent Support Network
New workshops available!
(Workshops include: Intro to Autism; Disciplining your children; Kid's stress; Being a better dad; Anger management; Sibling rivalry) | |
Baseball? The Blue Jays?
Well, I see you're interested! We are looking for a team to play against Norval United Church. Date and rules are coming and will be posted online soon. We need true competitors to play, as Norval's team plays in a church baseball league. You'll need to have a glove and we need some baseball bats. We also seek some financial support from a sports fan (or two) in getting some team shirts made up that could be used for future events like this. A sign-up list is located in the auditorium and participants will be contacted by telphone and email. Let's use these spiritual 'sporting' talents and kick some Norval butt! | |
"Try It You'll Like it "
Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for junior handbells ages 9-15
Tuesdays from 7:15- 8:30 p.m. for adults
In the Friendship Room of Westminster United Church ~ No charge
Make beautiful music with instruments that are unique to Dufferin County. Please contact Shirley Jemmett for more info & to register. 519-942-8675 or email djemmett@stn.net
Our regular handbell/chime rehearsals will be starting Sept.15th | |
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Santa Claus Parade - Sat. Nov. 21
Everyone is invited to participate in Westminster's Parade Float this year. Planning begins soon! Please mark the date on your calendar so you can participate! As always, pizza is provided for all participants before the parade and hot chocolate and cookies wait at the church after the parade. | |
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Youth Group Retreat (Grades 7 and up)
November 13 - 15, Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Sun. after lunch ~ Join us for lots of fun Five Oaks style! This weekend includes games, worship, drama, outdoor activities and crafts. Participants will be grouped based on age. Cost: $175 Register online at www.fiveoaks.on.ca (Transportation can be arranged by contacting Janet Jones) | |
Celebration Choir
Rehearsals begin September 17th at 7:30 p.m.
If you wish more information regarding the choir, please contact Joan Borden at 519 940-0292 or email: j.borden@rogers.com
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Spirit Band Meeting
Social/Meeting will be held at the Smiths' on Friday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m.
For Band information, please contact Lynne at 519-941-0381 or 519-941-4334.
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Support Ministry
Build Community
We are building a community in our church and outside our walls. As we declare that we "seek and share the love of God," consider the many ways Westminster United Church tries to do this beyond our worship service on Sunday morning:
the Food Cupboard and the Milk Program
the Benevolent Fund
the Clothing Depot
AA, Al-Anon and other midweek support groups
Counselling services
4th Orangeville Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Beavers and Sparks
Prayer Shawl ministry
Potlucks and Socials
Adult Library and Youth Library
Our actions often speak for us. As you plan your financial support for your church this year, please include support for our responsibility in building community in Westminster and in Orangeville.
Your Stewardship Action Group |
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Westminster United Church presents... Westminster's Biggest Winner! Join us in a friendly weight loss competition. Registration begins Sunday, September 20th! There is a $20 fee to register and each week, as you weigh in before church, you'll contribute $2 if you've gained weight and pay nothing if you've lost weight. Cash prizes for the top three winners in this battle of the bulge. Details, support and more information are online. (5% of registration fees will go towards our new heating system.) If you have questions about this initiative, please contact Janet Jones |
| Competition runs from September 20th and ends with a final weigh-in on November 29th (BEFORE our 5th Sunday Potluck lunch) |
| What you need to know...
Sep 13 - Welcome back BBQ & Congregational Meeting
Sep 15 - United Church Men dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Sep 16 - United Church Women at 1:30 p.m.
Sep 16 - Westminster Youth Gathering at 6:30 p.m.
Sep 20 - Transfer of New Members; Veterans' Week
Sep 20 - Westminster's Biggest Winner begins 9:45 a.m.
Sep 26 - Clothing Depot from 9-12. Everything 50 cents unless marked otherwise. Friday night setup and Saturday morning cleanup help is always needed. If you can spare an hour either time, please let the church know. Great for high school volunteer hours!
Sep 26 - Adopt-a-Road cleanup ~ Join us as we clean up debris from Riddell Road. Please add your name and phone number to the sign-up list in the church office. Participants will receive a phone call with details on or around Sep 19th. Great for high school volunteer hours!
Sep 27 - Blessing of the Animals
Oct 2 - UCW Roast Beef Dinner from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at church office or at Kids Can Do. Advanced sales $12, at the door $15; children 5-12 yrs $6; age 5 and under free.
Oct 4 - Worldwide Communion & Annual Congregation Meeting
Oct 5 - Prayer Shawl Ministry
Oct 6 - Tai Chi with Roslyn ~ Beginners from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays, starting October 6th. (Advanced began on September 8th from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.) For more information, please contact Roslyn at 519-925-2401 or by email at roslyn@artbyroslyn.on.ca |
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Contact Us |
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247 Broadway, P.O. Box 34
Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5
Phone: 519-941-0381
Click logo below to donate online
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