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Summer 2011
Westminster United Church
In-SPIRE-ation Newsletter
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Quick Calendar (click here)
July 23
Clothing Sale - 9 to 12 Auditorium
August 27
Clothing Sale - 9 to 12 Auditorium
August 28
Corn Roast & Potluck Steve Brown's 5pm
September 11
UCC: Season of Creation begins
September 11
Lost in Harmony Concert 1 - 4 pm
September 12
Church Board Meeting 7 pm Auditorium
September 13
Bell ringing begins
5:30 pm - Charming Chimers
6:30 pm - Bells of Westminster
September 15
Outreach Cooking 10-12 pm
September 15
Celebration Choir Begins - Fall meeting
- singers welcome!
September 18
Welcome Back BBQ
September 25
Blessing of the Animals Service 10:30 am
October 14
HAM DINNER - Mark your calendar!
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Westminster On Youtube
Please click on the YouTube link buttons below to access videos taken at the April 24, 2011 Easter Service.
Eastering the Church: 
Easter Liturgical Dance:
Easter Children's Song:
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Westminster is Making a Difference!
We are looking at the best ways to encourage lots of participation in cleaning up our stretch of Riddell Road (from Hwy 10 to Townline). Please sign up for a small stretch of road that you can commit to and come on out for 30-60 minutes (or more).
Bags and vests will be provided. Please bring your own gloves. (The sign up for the stretch of road will be posted in the auditorium.)
Dates: Sat., July 9th & Aug. 6th 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Contact janet-jones@sympatico.ca or 519-940-3286 if you would like a reminder as the dates near.
If you have not signed up/committed to a particular stretch of the road and still want to help out, just arrive along the road and find some Westminster folk cleaning up and lend a helping hand. Many hands make light work.
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Minister's Message
Sharon Moon in her book "Returning to the Healing Oasis" shares this wonderful story that I find helpful as we look for spiritual renewal. I share this meditation with you as a meditation for your summer months.
"Where shall I look for enlightenment?" asked the disciple.
"Here," the elder said.
"When will it happen?" the disciple asked.
"It is happening right now," the elder answered.
"Then why don't I experience it?" the disciple persisted.
"Because you do not look" the elder said.
"But what should I look for?" the disciple continued.
"Nothing" Just look," the elder said.
"But at what? The disciple asked again.
"At anything your eyes alight upon", the elder answered.
"But must I look in a special kind of way?" the disciple went on.
"No. The ordinary way will do". The elder said.
"But don't I always look the ordinary way? The disciple said.
"NO you don't," the elder said.
"But why ever not? the disciple asked.
"Because to look you must be here."
"You are mostly somewhere else", the elder said.
Most of the time we are somewhere else rather than being fully present to the moment that we are living it. This mindfulness takes spiritual practice. Sometimes the opportunities for ministry are right under our noses but we are distracted by the barriers that can hold us back from moving forward. It can be the same in our personal lives. Learn to be present to one another in your relationships. This spiritual practice will make God's love grow!
This summer I plan to practice this mindfulness and I hope others will too. We need to "look" and not be distracted by the "yes,,,but". May our eyes, or any of our senses, light on the things around us. God is good and will renew us especially when we are present in the moments of our living.
I will be on holiday July 1-August 6. A list for summer speakers and those covering for pastoral care can be found in this newsletter.
Take care, stay safe, God Bless. - Rev. Sandra
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Westminster United Church in Our Community
 Over many years, our church community has provided outreach from our church building. We are proud to offer such services to the community in the name of Christ. In addition to these projects, this coming fall we wish to be more visible out working in the community and making connections at community events. Some of these connections may involve fund raising, others may involve simply building relationships. Our first "Westminster in the Community" event will be to enter a team for the Terry Fox Run on September 18th. Our team will run /walk on the Sunday morning while regular worship takes place, the team will return to the church in time to join with us for our welcome back barbecue. Anyone who wishes to participate please contact Tanya Ellacott 519-938-9388 or Janet Jones 519-940-3286.We are looking for a sponsor for our "Westminster in the Community T-Shirts"...contact the church office if you are interested in helping us out.
It says at the end of the gospel of Matthew "Go into the World".
Rev. Sandra
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An Invitation from Rev. Sandra...
The Westminster Computer Lab has developed rapidly, particularly over the last six months. Some of the videos that we have seen in church have been created by students in the lab. This unique and special resource enables volunteers to plan, communicate and promote their ministries using technology. The computer lab supports a recording studio, an electronic class room, video conferencing, slide show presentations and reaching out to the world with our ministry using social media. Many of the resources that come to us from head office come in the form of a webinar, and now we can use our computer lab to watch these webinars. Many churches would only dream of this resource our lab is a cutting edge initiative.
In order to support the lab, Seneca College has provided technical support to help nurture this fledgling seed. They have been the container for the growth, but shortly our seed will be transplanted into our own church's domain. Over the summer I would invite you to click on the link below to become familiar with the resource. You do not need to be a rocket scientist. This is a user friendly resource. Take a look at the customized instructional You Tube videos that will teach you how to use the computer lab. If I can do it... anyone can do it!
If you are an action group member or an attendee, and take time to experience this resource, you will learn that technology is not something to be afraid of but rather a tool that help us to share our ministry beyond our walls, and incorporate this technology into the day to day ministry at our church.
Please read on...
Rev. Sandra
In order to assist instructors and users of the Westminster Computer Lab, the AVIT department has created a comprehensive web-based Computer Lab resource called the "/Guide on the Side/". Here is the direct link to this resource:
http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/westminster/computerGuide_home.html
This web-page will serve as a newsletter, a self-directed training center, as well as a resource center for the Westminster congregation and the Orangeville community. It also contains an on-line form where users can send requests to the AVIT department (from the comfort of home) regarding computer lab room booking, initial computer lab training session requests, reporting of computer lab problems, and general correspondence (feedback).
AVIT intends that this resource will serve as a self-directed learning tool that provides tutorials, user manuals, and customized YouTube videos to meet diverse learning styles of its users. Many of the YouTube videos were created in the Westminster Computer Lab to demonstrate the creative potential of this "technical tool".
In the "resources" section, links to free software download (also for users of Windows or Mac OSX) will provide the user a cost-effective way to practice and reinforce their computing and creative skills at home to assist in church project collaboration and church project planning / implementation.
Currently, this resource is automatically loaded when a browser (in the Computer Lab) is launched. A link will be available to this web-page in the newer Westminster Computer Web-page.
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Help Wanted
Action Group Members
To everyone who is part of Westminster United Church...We would like your help!
Your Nominating Committee is recruiting new members for our church Action Groups. These are groups that meet just once per month to assist the church in its work.
We are recruiting people for:
- The Church Executive, specifically a Secretary and a Chair-elect
- Stewardship, with several sub-groups that oversee different components of church finances
- Membership and Pastoral Care
- Ministry and Personnel
- Communications
Members of the Nominating Committee will be phoning everyone to ask about their interests. If you have questions of would like to join an Action Group, please contact Bob Borden (b.borden@bell.net, 519-940-0292) or Cholly Boland (bolands@rogers.com, 519-940-5530).
Westminster United Church Photo Directory Project
In spite of advertising, approaching, asking...and even a bit of begging...no one has stepped forward to assume the role of "Photo Directory Co-Ordinator". It was the hope to have someone in place so that photos could be taken in the Fall of 2011. We have had to cancel that timing with Gary Collins of Lifetouch Church Directories & Portraits.
However, the timing was to co-ordinate with the upcoming Anniversary Celebrations at Westminster...and so SPRING of 2012 is not too late!! You can still 'volunteer' to assume this role (about a 4 month commitment).
If you recall the news is out to the congregation that 'somebody else' is dead...so if YOU don't do it...it won't happen. It would be a shame to not capture Westminster Congregation in the 175th Year, and celebrate this milestone with a permanent record of the church for that time.
Please consider, reconsider, be brave and jump in...It is not an onerous task and you are free to select your own team of helpers. You will be backed up by Membership and Pastoral Care, AND have the ongoing guidance of Gary Collins, the 'expert' in this project. This is an important project. If no one comes forward, the project will end...a sad follow up to the death of 'somebody else'!
Please see or call Anne Richardson (519) 941-4490 if you can help! THANKS!
Milk Program Administrator Position - We are in need of someone to take over the position of Milk Program Administrator effective Oct. 1, 2011. The position includes the following duties:
- Pick up Milk Program Application Forms at least once weekly fromthe church office.
- Prepare coupons to applicants of the program and mail each month.
- Maintain client records.
- Prepare and mail donation request letters to community groups - usually once per year (September)
- Maintain mailing list of donors.
- Send Thank you letters to donors.
- Keep Outreach for Social Justice Action Group updated as to the number of children receiving milk (or formula) each month and any issues which may arise.
Time Commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per week.
Please contact Susanne Boisvenue Phone: 905-499-1844
Email: susanne@boisvenue.ca
Worship & Sacrament Action Group urgently requires an Usher Coordinator(s)
One person, or more than one, could form a team to form an Usher's schedule for the worship services. Training and information is available if you are interested or thinking about offering your time to assist in this very important ministry. Talk to your friends and think it over. If you are able to help, or would like more information, please contact Donna Henderson 519 942-0917 or the church office.
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Summer Project~Go Deep!
We are working on a project and it can't be done without you.
This summer, we are asking all members, adherents, friends and families and friends in the community to share their own creations. Specifically, we are looking for all your prayers (i.e. evening prayers, morning prayers, opening prayers, closing prayers, prayers of confession, prayers for healing, prayers for the world, prayers of thanks), graces, spiritual poems, and other prayers that you are considering writing.
There is no limit on how many you submit but we ask ALL AGES and EVERYONE to submit something. ~We are also in need of some recipes to include~
So, this summer, get creative, get spiritual and get writing.
If you have a piece of art that goes along with a prayer, please don't hesitate to send it in.
Submission Deadline: September 15th, 2011
Submission Details: Email janet-jones@sympatico.ca (you MUST include your name, and if comfortable, your age or age range) or drop it in an envelope with "PRAYER SUBMISSION - Attn: Janet & Tanya" and pop it into the office.
Mail it in: Westminster United Church Attention: Tanya and Janet - Prayer Submission
247 Broadway, P.O. Box 34, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5
Not sure if what you created can be included? Send an email to Janet and she'll let you know.
We are excited to see what our community creates! If you're having a hard time getting started, Janet & Tanya would be more than happy to give you some ideas.
**Note: All submissions must be created by the submitter and not copied from another source.**
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Summer Sunday Worship Services (July and August 10:00 am)
While Rev. Sandra is away from July 1 to August 5, please call Joan Brailey at 519--940-3374if pastoral care is needed. She will make other contacts as needed. Summer Worship: Guest Pianist: Kae Cartwright Guest Speakers: July 3 - "Behind Every Great Man" - Sandra Jenkinson, candidate for ministry from Mayfield United Church Summer Series begins: "Jacob's Adventures" July 10 - "Food Fight" - Janet Jones, candidate for ministry from Westminster United Church July 17 - "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" - Janet Jones July 24 - "Decisions, Decisions" - Janet Jones July 31 - "Thighs Matter" - Wayne Gilpin, Minister of Music Westminster United August 7 - "When All Seems Lost" - Rev. Sandra McLauchlan-Abuja August 14 - "How do we Preserve Life" - Rev. Sandra August 21 - "What's God Got to Do with It" - Janet Jones August 28 - "What Masks Do We Wear?" - Rev. Sandra The Church Office will be closed for July, however mail, emails and messages will be forwarded to the appropriate people. Open August 2nd -Tuesday to Friday - 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Summer Sundays: We would like to give our regular Children's Worship Leaders some needed time off during the summer. We are looking for people who would like to work with our young children during our Sunday morning services. The lessons will be prepared and ready to use, so little preparation will be necessary. Please contact Debbie Boland (bolands@rogers.com or 519-940-5530) if you would like to help us this summer. The Nursery will be supervised on these dates thanks to our dedicated Children's Worship leaders who have added this time to their busy schedules so that our nursery would be open and supervised.
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Upcoming Events (Click Here for Our Full Events Calendar)
That time of year has come. Many are off to the cottage and a few are left behind, looking for things to do, verses to ponder and fun to be had. Spirituality, growth and fun doesn't end just because it's summer... Contact Janet Jones - janet-jones@sympatico.ca or 519-940-3286 for any of the following activities. Rendez-vous ~ Four youth and a leader are attending Rendez-vous from Westminster. Rendez-vous is a national United Church event that will be gathering youth, young adults and their leaders together for 3-4 days at the University of Toronto in August. We ask for your prayers and support as we meet others United Church folk from around the country and do some learning and growing together. We look forward to sharing some of our experiences with you in the fall and thank you so much for financially supporting this grand adventure! Jr. and Sr. Youth Nights ~ We're all so busy over the summer that Janet will be in touch, via email, for impromptu gatherings. These may include a Laserquest afternoon, a potluck crazy night, a night out to the movies and/or more. If you're not receiving emails from Janet, please email Janet Jones or give her a call. (We consider Jr. Youth ages 10-13 and Sr. Youth ages 14-18) Youth - Volunteer Hours: Opportunities exist for students in need of completing their 40 hours of community work. Please contact Janet Jones for details. Please check the bulletin board in the youth room where opportunities will also be posted. Young Adults ~ Home from school? Want to catch up with your church friends? We want to get you together a few times over the summer to catch up with you and see how you're doing. Please contact Janet Jones for details as we're looking at coffee times, a movie or other... Spiritual Practices ~ A Day of Native Spirituality: Join our carpooling group as we travel to Cape Croker Reservation on Saturday, August 20th to experience their annual Pow Wow and have some time with the United Church minister there, Susan Shantz. The all-ages group will be leaving Orangeville at 8:00 a.m. and will return before midnight. There is a sign up sheet in the office/auditorium for those who wish to be contacted for carpooling arrangements. There is an entry fee to the Pow Wow with food and vendors also to explore. Fees incurred are the responsibility of participants and all are asked to pitch in a few dollars if they are carpooling with others. If you are considering staying overnight, make your reservations at the park ASAP. www.capecrokerpark.com. Bible Talk ~ Monday Nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in July and August This is a fun group of folks who are taking a look at the Bible in different ways. We get beyond just reading scripture and examining it, to living and feeling it; gaining an understanding of what it really means in its' context and what it means for us today. Youth and adults are encouraged to come and try it out! This summer, we'll be a traveling group, going from home to home and sharing a meal together. If you would like to join us, contact Janet Jones for location or other details. We will do our best to keep the calendar on Westminster's website updated so you know where to go if you happen to find time to join us. Women's Mystery Day ~ In May, women carpooled for a mystery day away and ended up in Niagara Falls, experiencing the Butterfly Conservatory and the Maid of the Mist. Will you be joining us on Saturday, August 27th as we venture to a mystery location? Registration is required, but no fees are expected upfront. Participants can expect to buy their own lunch and pay for the fees incurred (we'll do our best to keep any fees under $25 per person). Registration forms are in the office or you can contact Janet Jones directly to register. Departure time is estimated at 9AM and we hope to return by 5PM.
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Nursery
Supervised Nursery will be available on the following Sundays:
May 22 Victoria Day Family Service
June 19 Father's Day/Confirmation
The Nursery will be supervised on these dates thanks to our dedicated Children's Worship leaders who have added this time to their busy schedules so that our nursery would be open and supervised.
Our Nursery needs you! One Sunday a Month is all that it would take to make our Nursery program fully supervised and available to families of Westminster United Church. You can make a difference in our church by providing a nurturing environment for our youngest members. There is no planning necessary, you will not be alone and training is available. We are looking for adults who are willing to volunteer their time one Sunday morning a month from 10:15 to 11:30 or until the service ends. If you are a high school student who has completed a babysitting course, you can assist and get volunteer hours for your time. All you have to do is come and enjoy the company of some interesting little people. Please consider signing up today! Contact Debbie Boland at 519-940-5530 or e-mail bolands@sympatico.ca for more information or to join our team.
Please feel free to contact Debbie Boland at anytime to share ideas, ask questions or to volunteer your time 519-940-5530 or bolands@sympatico.ca.
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Contact Info
Westminster United Church
519-941-0381 |
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