Westminster's Youth                                                                                       November 2009
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 5th
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  This community event offers a pancake and ham breakfast. Photos with Santa will be taken for an additional fee - a small donation that is given to the Benevolent Fund.  Cost: $5.00/person or $20.00/family
*Volunteers needed - please contact the church or a member of the Christian Ed. team for more info*
Santa Claus Parade 
Want to be on the float or take part in some way?  Sign-up sheet is in the youth room (Rm. 11) for people of all ages to register.  This year, the parade will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21st.  As always, pizza is provided to all who participate while we wait for the parade to start.  Contact Janet for more info.
 
Attention:
Cubs and Brownies,
Scouts and Guides
 
 Westminster United Church is offering the Religion in Life program -- both Stage I for Cubs and Brownies, and Stage II for Scouts and Guides.  The courses run from January 4 through February 12, 2010 on Monday evenings. 
 
Stage I is six Mondays at 6:15 to 7:00 p.m.
 
Stage II is the same Mondays at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., plus Sat. Jan 30 at 1:00 p.m. and Fri. Feb 12 at 7:30 p.m. 
 
Register by December 17th at the church office.  The fee is $5 per youth.
 
Registration forms and information available in the church office or download here 
 WANTED
BABIES AND TODDLERS
 
We love our little ones and want to ensure a safe and fun place for them to play during our Sunday morning services.  I need to know who you are and what kind of fun you like to have!  Please register your baby and/or toddler on the sign-up sheet available during coffee time downstairs or contact  Sonja Wolter at sonja11@rogers.com  or (519) 307-0358.  
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Greetings!

November is here and the Christian Education team is revving up for Advent action!
 
  First up, we will be creating nativity displays during the Sunday School time on November 8th to be include in our wonderful Come Visit the Stable event on November 21st.  This is an exceptionally special day as we will also be having a float in the Santa Clause Parade  that evening.  Why not make a family day of it and come visit the stable in the morning from 9:00 am to noon  and then get a good seat for the 5:00 p.m. Santa Clause parade.  What a wonderful way to begin our journey to Christmas day.
 
  Our Advent Sunday School will feature fun and creative activities each and every Sunday with a treasure hunt on November 29th, Christmas ornament crafts with a special cupcake snack on December 6th, music and dance on December 13th and cookie decorating on December 20th.  We are looking for some Christmas Elves who would like to be part of the fun so please contact Sonja Wolter at sonja11@rogers.com or 519-307-0358 if you can help out.
 
  As well, we are hoping to have a supervised nursery available for our Baptism Sunday on November 15th and throughout the Advent season, so if you would rather be Arms for our Angels, we would welcome your help.  Please contact Sonja at the email or phone number above.
 
Finally , just a sneak preview for December since it will be here before you know it.  Our Breakfast with Santa will be happening on December 5th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am with a twist - ham instead of sausages.  We thought Santa could use a leaner, healthier alternative this year.  Ho! Ho! Ho! 
 
Looking forward to a bright and festive Advent Season.  Let's make it fun together!
News
PARENTS' PORCH
Teachable Moments with Your Child 
     Sunday School is a great way to teach children about Jesus.  Teachers use planned lessons about important concepts.  But not every child is ready to learn at those moments.  You're likely to be the one who's there when your child has a "teachable moment."
   A teachable moment is a situation that comes up naturally and opens the door for you to talk to your child about something that may not be at the top of your child's interest list most of the time - but you know it's important.  Taking advantage of a teachable moment means coming up with an informal lesson on the spot, when the situation arises.  You don't know when it will be.  But it doesn't have to be complicated.
     Kids do and say things all the time that signal a curiosity or question they haven't verbalized.  When you're alert to recognize these moments, you can make the most of them.  You're not sitting your child down for a structure Bible lesson or family devotions.  You're responding to something that comes from your child and using the opportunity to share your values and your faith.  You're listening and responding and engaging with your child, rather than just trying to keep him busy, or get done with the present task as quickly as you can.
     Slow down.  You don't want to miss these important moments in your child's life.
(Copyright 2007 by Susan Martins Miller) 

     "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9
Events

YOUTH EVENTS 

Sunday mornings... High School students can come on down to the Youth Room following "Children's Time" for a time of worship and peer support.  Worship includes skits, games and more! The offering collected on Sunday mornings will go towards the Mission & Service Fund.  The Prayer Wall, Prayer Graffiti and Prayer Works box are available to all in need of private or group prayer.

Meet up at Galaxy Cinemas on Wednesday, November 4th as we view Hillsong United's "We're All in This Together" hosted live from Australia.  It's an event you won't want to miss!

Adopt-A-Road - Saturday, November 7th - meeting up at Highway 10 and Riddell Road at 9:00 a.m. to clean up.  For those in need of community hours, please bring your sheets with you.  (It is hoped to be done the clean-up by 11 a.m. so those who are attending the Argos game can make it in time for the opening kick)

Argonauts vs. Alouettes - Head down to the Rogers Centre on Saturday, November 7 to see the Argonauts take on the Montreal Alouettes and you can join members of the team on the field following the game for an exclusive Christian Post Game Party featuring speeches from current Argos players, Argos Vice-Chair Michael "Pinball" Clemons and a special performance by "Life Support".  From our church family, Kenn Manzerolle has a handful of tickets to give away to those who reply quickly.  Email Janet ASAP

Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15 - Youth Group Retreat (Grades 7 and up) Join us at Five Oaks 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  ACT NOW AS IT'S FILLING UP!  (Transportation is available by contacting  Janet Jones at janet-jones@sympatico.ca) *At least 3 of our youth are attending*

Next Youth Gathering - Thursday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m.  Potluck dinner.  Bring your favourite games... and a friend!  (Grades 7 and up)  *Everyone NEEDS to have a photo/video release form handed in.  They are available in the Youth Room or online hereWe are also collecting money for the Youth Group's participation in fundraising for the boilers.  Each Youth is asked to bring a donation (suggesting $10 or more, where possible, as the Youth Group will have a flame on the sign in the church.
 
JAMM (youth in grades 6 through 8) will be meeting at the Mauti's (12 Leader Drive) on November 22, from 2-4pm. We will be having a Wii tournament and working on our Christmas Service project.

Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 - opportunity to earn community service hours.  Westminster's Clothing Depot needs help for about one hour on Friday night (at 5:45 p.m.) for set up and one hour on Saturday (at 10:45 a.m.) for clean up.  Call the church or talk to Tina Torrie, Rev. Sandra or Janet Jones for more info. 

Don't forget to submit your "Getting to Know You" sheets so we can prepare for future events!  Bring in your best artwork to be displayed in the Youth Room for all to see. 
 
A Youth Band is forming!  Do you play an instrument or carry a tune?    Let our Minister of Music, Wayne Gilpin, know!  He's got some exciting plans...  You can send Wayne an email at music@westminsterorangeville.ca

Mark the date!  Tentatively, we are looking to do a weekend camp at Camp Simpresca on the weekend of May 14-16th, 2010 *note date change* (date to be confirmed in January) Cost will be very reasonable, and the adventure will be endless!
Calendar of Church and Community Events
 
Tuesday, November 3 ~ Dufferin Parent Support Network presents "Kids Have Stress Too", a four week series to help parents and caregivers (of children between 4 and 9) to better understand stress and help them teach their children ways to manage it.
 
Wednesday, November 4 - Dufferin Parent Support Network presents Michael Reist who will speak on "'Raising Kids in A New Kind of World'. 
 
Wednesday, November 4 - Galaxy Cinemas presents Hillsong United's "We're all in this Together" at 7:00 p.m.
 
Thursday, November 5 ~ Dufferin Parent Support Networks presents "When Siblings Fight", a one night session to help reduce friction in your lives and help your children live together in harmony.
 
Saturday, November 7 ~ Westminster's Adopt-A-Road from 9-11 a.m.  Meeting up at Hwy 10 and Riddell Rd.  Please wear gloves!
 
Saturday, November 7 - Argos vs. Alouettes with a Christian post-game party
 
Sunday, November 8 ~ 10:30 a.m. Westminster Service: Remembrance Day Sunday; Westminster's Book Club discusses "Tuesdays with Morrie", all ages welcome
 
Wednesday, November 11 ~
Dufferin Parent Support Network presents "Anger's Bubble", a three week series which will help you recognize your anger triggers and how to release anger safely.   
 
Friday, November 13 - Sunday, November 15 ~ Youth Group Retreat Weekend at Five Oaks.  Register NOW!  Call Five Oaks at 519-442-3212 (There are at least 3 of our youth already registered! Transportation available)
 
Sunday, November 15 ~ 10:30 a.m. Westminster Service: Baptism Sunday
 
Thursday, November 19 ~
Youth Gathering at 6:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Westminster (youth in grades 7+) (We will be creating a video - parental consent is needed.  Photo/Video Release Forms are in the Youth Room)
 
Saturday, November 21 ~ Santa Claus Parade (begins at 5:00 p.m. this year).  Sign up sheet is in the Youth Room 
 
Sunday, November 22 ~
10:30 a.m. Westminster Service: Blessing of the Children (no Sunday School); JAMM gathering at the Mauti's from 2-4 p.m.
 
Friday, November 27 ~
The Ontario Tour of "Girls Night Out" is taking place at 7:30 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Caledon.  Call their church at 905-451-7182 for free tickets!  Need a ride?  Leave your name in Westminster's church office and we'll try to arrange carpooling.  Come on out for some laughs and a free gift bag!  For more information, please visit www.gnolive.ca 
 
Saturday, November 28 ~ Westminster's Clothing Depot from 9-12 *Volunteers needed for one hour on Friday at 5:45 p.m. for setup and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. for cleanup - Great for students in need of volunteer hours* 
 
Sunday, November 29 ~
Potluck after worship; 7:30 p.m. Movie at Westminster "Tuesdays with Morrie"
 
Friday, December 4 ~ Westminster's Women's Christmas Social begins at 7:30 p.m.  Women/girls of all ages welcome.  Potluck snacks.  Tanya Frew will lead is in a pottery craft and a fee will apply. Let the church know if you are attending so we can make sure there are enough supplies.
 
Friday, December 5 ~ Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.