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December 2009
In-SPIRE-ation
Westminster United Church |
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| Attention Parents!
We have an e-letter for parents! The e-letter includes a listing of upcoming events and activities your child(ren) may be interested in. If you're not receiving that additional monthly e-letter, email janet-jones@sympatico.ca |
| 2010 Offering Envelopes
Weekly offering envelopes for 2010 will be available for pick up at the back of the sanctuary, beginning Sunday, December 6th.
A most convenient way of giving is thru pre authorized remittance (par) where your offering is automatically debited from your bank account on the 20th of each month. PAR contribution applications are available in the church office.
To those who prefer to give monthly, but do not wish to use PAR, we also have monthly offering envelopes available.
If you do not currently have envelopes and would like them, or would like to change the way you give, please contact Lee Ann Grimes at 519-941-3788 or Lynne Smith in the church office at 519-941-0381 before November 30, 2009 |
Women's Spiritual Restoration Day
When: Sat., Jan. 16, 2010
Where: Westminster United Church
Cost: $25 per person
(includes materials, refreshments and lunch; please dress comfortably)
The day includes worship, crafts, Laughing Yoga, Zumba and laughs
What you need to bring:
Your heart and passion for a time of restoration, nothing more
Registration forms available in the office or online |
Santa Claus Parade
Thanks to all who participated and created Westminster's float for the Santa Claus Parade. The Youth Group did a fabulous job in creating the vision and seeing it through.
Special thanks to Grant and Sandra Bryan for their trailer, lights, generator Jeep and great fellowship! | |
| Merry Christmas !
Shirley Sallay wrote this poem entitled, Christmas Dreams.
There are no other moments
As magical to me,
As sitting in a darkened room
Beside a Christmas tree...
With just the lights to look at
And the carols to be heard,
I feel the joy of Christmas
Without the need of a word.
No matter how busy the day has been
With many a hurried task,
Just an hour beside the Christmas tree
Is all the reward I ask;
For then the Spirit of these Holy days,
For all that they may mean to me,
Is recalled once more in the quietness
Beside the Christmas tree.
Whether you find yourself at home, in a long-term care facility, in hospital or travelling, I pray that you will find some time to sit quietly and ponder the meaning of Christ's birth for you in your life.
One of my childhood Christmas memories was of the Christmas tree being decorated early in the day of Christmas Eve. Dad and my brothers would bring in the tree that they had cut in the bush the day before, while my sister and I would be preparing food for dinner, with our Mom. The men would bring in the tree and put the lights on. We took turns playing the piano, singing carols and Christmas songs while everyone took turns putting the ornaments on. In good Quebec style we would have a healthy salad, homemade bread and tourtiere (meat pie) with lots of cranberries, then off to church, generally walking in the new fallen snow. During the week between Christmas and New Years, I would often find my Mom sitting quietly in the living room with only the tree lights glowing. I asked her once what she was thinking about and she told me that she was thinking about all the Christmases that she had celebrated and with whom and she was enjoying the memories and missing the loved ones. We never had an angel on our tree, not because she did not like angels but because for her the symbol of the Christmas Star was her life long symbol of hope. We each find different symbols and persons in the Christmas Story that touch us in ways that are too deep to express with words. I pray that in the hustle and bustle of this season that you will take more than one moment for yourself to experience joy and to remember those you love and have loved.
Here's A Grace for Christmas Day Dinner. It is a rhyme that you could teach the children as well.
God, We thank You for this day.
Bless all we do and all we say.
May we each enjoy Your blessings great
As Jesus' Birth we celebrate.
And may the love that we share here
Remain throughout the coming year.
Amen!
Gertrude B. Byram
A prayer for those in need to be offered on Christmas day
Christmas Prayer For Those Who Struggle During Christmas
Loving God, I ask you to come to those whose hearts ache on your Son's birthday. Although they sincerely thank you for your greatest gift of all -- they are hurting and lonely. Father, let them know it's ok to express to you the pain and loneliness and frustration in their hearts. Let them know you are listening -- and care.
I pray for those who are single and who have no family -- who spend much of the holidays alone. Be with them in the lonely hours, help them not to feel marginalized during this season that places so much emphasis on 'family'.
I pray for those who are housebound and infirm and are unable to leave their homes or hospital rooms due to illness. I pray for those with loved ones that are separated due to work, weather, duty or other circumstances.
I pray for families who are struggling this year, financially and emotionally. I pray for desperate spouses who worry over their marriage. I pray for those children who are frightened and alone, who are in abusive situations or who sense the worry and frustration that their parents try to hide. I pray for parents who have children who are ill in body; ill in mind or who are addicted to drugs.
Jesus, please come as Immanuel -- God with us, Jesus, please enter into each place, each home, each hospital room, each homeless shelter, each hotel, each jail cell, each place of business - let them know they are not alone. Holy Spirit, come as the Comforter, let your gentle, healing warmth sooth and bring solace to aching hearts. God, come to those without family and remind them that you are their family. Show them your heavenly, attentive, fatherly love for them in a way that they can understand. I pray this in the name of Jesus -- who knows our sorrows and understands our hearts.
Katherine Walden
On December 20th the Celebration Choir, under the direction of our Minster of Music Wayne Gilpin, will perform the anthem that was gifted to our congregation by Robert Ratcliffe, in memory of our immediate past Minster of Music, Martin James. Martin played his last service here on December 24th, 2008 and passed away in early January from Leukemia. We give thanks for his life and the gifts he shared. He introduced us to such a variety of musical styles and interpretations.
As well, we will be dedicating our new choir gowns on this date.
I will not be in the office between Dec. 25-January 2nd - Family time. In case of emergency please call me at home 519-942-4083
Merry Christmas from Rev. Sandra and all the Abuja family. |
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A Mall and the Night Visitors - Christmas Eve Service
Anyone interested in helping out for this amazing play that will be presented on Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. please contact Laurie Heimbecker 519-941-6255 or email at lauriejane@sympatico.ca
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| Call for Singers for Lessons & Carols
Anyone who likes to sing is cordially invited to join the Westminster Celebration Choir for its annual Lessons and Carols. This special choral service will take place on Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. In order to participate you must attend one rehearsal, which will take place on Sunday, December 6 for 1 hour after church.
We have opportunities for young and old, men and women, families and seniors to participate. Come and join us! |
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Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 28th - Westminster's Clothing Depot from 9-12 (everything 50¢ except: coats & jackets $1.00, Socks, underwear, toys and some household items 25¢) *Volunteers needed Friday at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. for one hour- Great for those in need of volunteer hours*
Sunday, November 29th
10:30 a.m. Service: Advent I - Hope/Praise; dedication of our new Advent Antependia
Potluck lunch following worship
Westminster's Biggest Winner announced during potluck. Congratulations to all participants.
Attention Parents!
Worshiplude (Feb 5-7th in Ottawa ~ Youth Trip for those in High School) $25 deposit is due.
Please submit fees and applicable forms to Janet Jones on Sunday morning.
Brett Ullman - Youth are encouraged to attend the Christian Reformed Church (50 Blind Line) to hear Brett Ullman speak about teen issues and faith. No cost. Presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 4 - Women's Christmas Social at 7:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share. Women/girls from all ages welcome! Tanya Frew will lead us in a pottery craft which will have a fee. (Please let the church know you're coming so we can make sure there are enough craft supplies)
Saturday, December 5
Breakfast with Santa from 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
"The Sweet Assembly" Youth Event from 2-8 p.m. at Westminster. Registration closes Nov 30th
Christmas in the Park - We at Westminster, along with other churches in the community, are again presenting a display at the "Christmas in the Park" in Kay Cee Gardens in Orangeville with entrance of Bythia Street. This display will open on December 12th and runs until December 31st. All are welcome to visit from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. We are looking for volunteers for set up on Dec. 5th at 9 a.m. and more volunteers for park supervision on one or two evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to assist may call Dennis Cox at 519-942-0374
Sunday, December 6
10:30 a.m. Service - ADVENT II - Watch/Peace (White Gift Sunday)
Westminster's Book Club discusses "The Shack" by William P. Young following worship (everyone is welcome to join us)
Sunday Night at the movies: Join us at 7:30 p.m. as we watch "Tuesdays with Morrie" in the auditorium (note: originally scheduled for Nov 29th). Cost $0 and RSVP not necessary
Monday, December 7 - 6:30 p.m. Youth Gathering (open to all in grades 7+)
Wednesday, December 9
United Church Women meet at noon for their Christmas pot luck lunch
Youth Christmas event at "The Door". Doors open at 3:30 p.m., potluck dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13
10:30 a.m. Service - ADVENT III - Prepare/Joy (Show your solidarity with God's peoples and the Earth by bringing a bell to ring on Sunday, to join the ringing out the bells of justice in our community as a sign of warning and hope for climate justice!)
4:00 p.m. Service - Carols in the Candlelight
Monday, December 14 - Westminster United Church Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 - Westminster Carollers (Singing at Headwaters Hospital and for Shut-Ins). Meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. for car-pooling. Refreshments to follow back at the church! Individuals and families welcome. Please RSVP 519-941-0381.
Thursday, December 17 - Registration closes for Religion in Life (Stages I and II for Scouting/Guiding)
Saturday, December 19 - Westminster's Clothing Depot from 9-12 (everything 50¢ except: coats & jackets $1.00, Socks, underwear, toys and some household items 25¢) *Volunteers needed Friday at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. for one hour- Great for those in need of volunteer hours*
Sunday, December 20 - 10:30 a.m. Service - ADVENT IV - Love
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Services
4:00 p.m. - Come to the Cradle Service with Live Outdoor Nativity Scene (ideal for families with younger children)
7:00 p.m. - Family Service
10:00 p.m. - Candlelight Communion Service
Sunday, December 27
10:30 a.m. Service - Westminster Carol Sing
Westminster's Book Club meets shortly after worship to discuss "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham. All are welcome to join in the discussion
Wednesday, December 30 - Festival of Lights ~ House Tour from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tour of 4 homes decorated for the holidays, including New Year's Celebrations. Tickets: $25 per person (only 40 tickets available). For more information please contact Joyce Winegar at 519-941-4206
Sunday, January 3 - Family Sunday
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Rev. Sandra's Christmas Facts
We don't know the date of Jesus' birth. Jesus' birthday is celebrated on December 25 because that was the date of the Jewish Festival of Lights, called the Festival of Hanukkah, which fell on 25 to 30 Kislev (our November to December).
In the sixth century Abbot Dionysius Exigutus fixed the present Christian era. He calculated that this occurred 754 years after the founding of the city of Rome. Today scholars say that it was 750 B.C., which places the birth of Jesus at 4 B.C.
When the baby Jesus was presented in the temple (Luke 2:24), Joseph gave the offering allowed for a poor man, which was a pair of doves, rather than a lamb.
In the Bible, names were highly significant and gave information about the person. The name "Jesus" was chosen by God (Matthew 1:21). It means "the Lord saves".
Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, Matthew 1:1-17, shows that the blessing brought by Jesus, the Son of David, was not restricted to one race. Four women, all Gentiles (non-Jews) are mentioned: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba.
Early Christians saw the "magi from the east," who were Gentiles, as a fulfillment of the words of Isaiah 60:3, "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
The Bible does not say how many wise men came to see Jesus. The traditional number of three came about because three gifts are mentioned.
Shepherds still tend their flocks of sheep around Bethlehem. It has been pointed out that shepherds do not spend the night in the fields during winter. This indicates that Jesus may have been born in spring or summer.
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Moderator's Message, Advent 2009
Expectant mothers understand Advent, in a way perhaps no one else can. To be an expectant mother is to live every moment with the knowledge that new life is on its way.
Advent is waiting, wondering, preparing, and trying to believe the words of the Angel Gabriel, "Do not be afraid."
Mary had many reasons to be afraid. As our Song of Faith puts it:
We sing of Jesus, a Jew,
born to a woman in poverty
in a time of social upheaval
and political oppression.
And yet, Mary was filled with joy, saying "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God."
Such joy enabled Mary to embrace an unreasonable hope in a time of great anxiety, injustice, and uncertainty.
Even in such a time as hers, Mary turned from fear to joy.
Even in such a time as ours, the angel tells us to turn from fear to joy, to embrace an unreasonable hope.
In my own experience, turning from fear to joy is neither an intellectual nor solitary exercise. I cannot think my way into joy nor discover it on my own. I can, however, listen for God's mysterious music and, with others, imagine how to joyfully dance the ways of God, even in the most fearful places. With the gift of church, we are not alone in the movement from fear to joy.
I sat recently with young adult leaders of a Winnipeg congregation. They described how most friends their age have a distrust of the church. Yet they themselves have turned from fear, to embrace joy and hope by imagining - and acting as if - their church is a trustworthy place in which to embrace their questions, thereby making it trustworthy.
Advent is an invitation to listen for God's music of abundance over scarcity; joy over fear; hope over despair ─ imagining, dancing, and behaving according to God's ways, and trusting the truth of the angel's assurance of abundance, joy, hope, and love. These are the ways of God's peace in the world.
How will you dance from fear to joy during this Advent season? How will you embrace unreasonable hope? How will you love without limit?
Mardi Tindal, 40th Moderator
The United Church of Canada
Follow the Moderator's blog and messages at: www.united-church.ca/moderator | |
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To donate online:
Westminster United Church
Box 34, 247 Broadway
Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5
Phone: 519-941-0381
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