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From Rev. Doreen: Your Sister-in-Christ!
Have YOU heard about WonderCafe???? Keep tuned to CBC-TV and AM 800 Radio!!!
Now, let me quote from a letter written by The Right Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator:
“Throughout our church there are signs of both trouble and hope. Our membership numbers are declining, but there are also significant signs of new life and energy. One thing is clear, something is emerging from the deep roots of our heritage that will not leave us unchanged.
Perhaps the most important challenge before us is how we, as a distinctly Canadian church, connect with the new Canadian realities. .... Emerging Spirit, and its public expression, WonderCafe, are our affirmations that we can be a place of welcome, a place where folks of all kinds can journey together in faith. And it expresses our belief that when God calls us, or anyone, all things potentially become new. In opening ourselves to God’s presence in those outside our doors, our hope is that Emerging Spirit will invite us to be transformed by the experience of God in those we meet.”
The first ad will appear in magazines in December – It pictures a familiar figure sitting in a red chair at a Christmas display in a store, with children waiting inline for their turn, and with a child on his knee – The figure is of Christ, not Santa! The caption reads: “Would you still take your kids? After all, isn’t Christmas supposed to be about Him, not the guy in the red suit? Or can it be about both? Share your opinion at the home of lively discussion on spiritual topics, moral issues and life’s big questions.” Brought to you by the people of The United Church of Canada.
How do YOU feel? Talk it up! Stay tuned as we move into 2007.
FOR YOUR MEDITATION:
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:20
At Christmas time our hearts reach out
To friends we think of dearly
And checking through our friendship lists,
As all of us do yearly,
And though we have been too busy
To keep in touch all year,
We send a Christmas greeting
At this season of good cheer.
So Christmas is a lovely link
Between old years and new
That keeps the bond of friendship
Forever unbroken and true.
Glorious Saviour, I praise you and I glorify you in song at this season. Let my actions sing and show my love for you and all my friends encouraging me to create a happy happening that will build a basis for a lovely memory. Amen.
Helen Steiner Rice (With Permission)
Riding the elevator up in the Princess Centre the other day, I was chatting with an elderly lady. Right out of the blue, she told me that “Today is my birthday!” I congratulated her and she just beamed.
For the rest of the day, I couldn’t get her out of my mind. Maybe she lived alone. But regardless, she wanted another soul to know that today was her birthday. I hope she was able to share her special day with others. Wouldn’t it be unfortunate, if a
stranger in an elevator was the only one to wish this lady a “Happy Birthday”.
As a church family sometimes there is a tendency to over react if we don’t always get our own way, or a tendency to criticize when we should be supportive. Perhaps we should all remember the words to the pop song “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” and then a new direction of tolerance and understanding could become our beacon. This is true in our interaction with church staff, or just with each other. It doesn’t have to be someone’s birthday to greet them with a smile.
The sky is gray! I’m sitting contemplating what life is all about! Sciatica and calcium build up pressing on the nerve has caused enormous pain for me this summer and fall. I am feeling sorry for myself as you can tell. I feel like Job. Why has God forsaken me? Why am I suffering so?
As I sat in my chair the other day looking out the window I saw my neighbour coming home from the hospital having just undergone a very serious surgery a few days earlier. I felt like I maybe should pull up my bootstraps and get on with life. I should be thanking God for making me take some time to slow down and re-evaluate my “busyness”. My grandchildren are wonderful kids who love me. My family is supportive. I have an appointment with a neuro- surgeon in early December.
Life is a journey. Sometimes the road is smooth and the scenery is pleasant. Other times it is rough and harsh. But God is always by our side. We must remember that! Life is a journey! Hold on and make the most of the journey. As well, thanks for all your prayers!
Come share the gift of your voice with us! It is a gift that God has given you. Others would like to share in that gift. If you have a choice of music that you would like to sing, let Diana know. Come out and practise with us if you want to get to know if singing in the choir is your thing. We promise it won’t hurt. Practice is Sunday mornings at 9:30am!
The Worship Committee is also looking into forming a PRAISE TEAM! If you are interested in participating in this, please contact Ellen Smith at 519-776-6065 and leave a message if you don't actually talk to her! This will be a great opportunity to hang out and harmonize with like-minded individuals.
- We sold over $1600 of “stuff” at our yard sale at the end of October? Thanks to Ellen Smith and Al Halliday and all their hard workers for the great effort.
- We served over 220 pork dinners at our annual pork barbecue? Thanks to Ken Salter and his crew for organizing this fundraiser.
- Arleen Hatt and her helpers prepared the lower hall each Sunday during the summer for Sunday services? Thanks folks for sharing your talents with us.
- We still need one Cub leader and one Beaver leader (preferably male)? Call Dan Bryce at 519-961-9093 if you can help.
- The BIA is having a special event in our church hall on December16? “Snacks With Santa” will be a special time for young and old alike. Come on out and enjoy meeting Santa!
- The Downtown Mission needs help? Clerical and reception assistance are needed. See the flyer on the bulletin board.
- Christmas at Gesstwood is going to be a special event this year? Gesstwood will be specially decorated for Christmas and you can rent it for
your special occasion.
- Olinda-Ruthven United Church is having a tea on December 1, 2006 at 7 p.m.? Check the flyer for more details.
- You can purchase a copy or copies of More Voices, the new supplement to Voices United?
- The price is $13.50 plus tax each if ordered by November 12th. After that date the price will be $15 plus tax. They can be purchased as a memorial to a loved one as well. Talk to Susan.
- You can have prayers said or become part of our prayer connection? Leave a message with Ray or Cherie Farquharson at 776-5392, or with Rev. Doreen or Susan at 776-5121. This is strictly confidential.
- There is a Men’s Anger Management group and class in Leamington sponsored by the Shalom Counselling Services? Their number is 326-3778, ext.3.
*greeters and readers are always needed? Sign up on the list at the back of the sanctuary!
- Reports from General Assembly are on the board at the back of the church? Borrow them and study them. Ask questions!
- There is a shopping cart at the back of the church for donations to Downtown Mission? Make sure you put something in there on a regular basis if you can.
- There will be an Advent Bible Study for several sessions? It will be held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings in all likelihood but at the time of print we are not positive. Watch the bulletin or call Rev. Doreen for definite time and place.
As of October 31 2006 2005
Revenue to date* $176,639.95 $189,346.55
Expenditures $189,927.00 $205,108.57
Net Shortfall $13,287.00 $15,762.02
*M&S Funds included $20,800.00 $23,570.50
Account Balances
M&S Fund $0.00 **$0.00
**[denotes already sent]
Capital Bldg. Fund Credit $ 5,009.50 $ (3053.85)
General Acc’t Deficit $28,918.08 $20,771.95
ESSEX UNITED CHURCH WISH LIST:
- Pew Cushions
- Wall Mural in South Entrance
- Wall Mural in North Entrance
- Air Conditioning
- Spiritual Growth Groups during the summer
- Grand Piano (for sanctuary)
[ This short article will be of interest to some members of the church family who know Bob Johnston who grew up in Essex United Church and is the son of Euta Johnston. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Bob. We are proud! ]
A new musical “Anne and Gilbert” is a sequel to “Anne of Green Gables” and is based on the next two books by L.M. Montgomery, “Anne of Avonlea” and “Anne of the Island”. It has had successful runs in Prince Edward Island for the last two summers. In 2005, it was in the Victoria Playhouse in Victoria By the Sea and in 2006 in the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre in Summerside.
The music was written by Bob Johnston who teaches music at Wexford School of the Arts in Toronto and Nancy White, a Prince Edward Island satirical songstress. New Yorker Jeff Hochhauser wrote the book and assisted with lyrics. Plans are now under way at the Gananoque Theatre in Ontario to present Anne and Gilbert from July to September, 2007. See the article on the bulletin board!
Since our last newsletter, Rev. Doreen presided over the marriage of Jeremy Alan Peter Dupuis and April Dawn Dupuis on June 3 and also married Vera Newman and Walter Doak on September 16th. Stephen Ware and Amanda Lee Aylesworth were married on October 21st. Congratulations to all!
Several funerals were conducted by Rev. Doreen as well. She officiated at the funeral of Betty Hodgins on September 15th, Jacquel Meloche on Aug. 29th, Annie May Kenney on September 20th, Erna Louise Breault, Karen and Roger Meloche’s mother on October 22nd, and Julius Molnar, husband of Sid Molnar, on October 24th. She also presided at the funeral of Ruby Mingeaud, Karen Arnold’s aunt. Our sincerest condolences go out to the families of these dear folks!
PROFESSION: NAME
Undertaker's son: Barry
Beautician's son: Curly
Gardener's daughter: Daisy
Florist's daughter: Rose
Baker's daughter: Cookie
Minister's daughter: Faith
Day-trader's daughter: Hope
Televangelist's daughter: Charity
Geneticist's son: Gene
Espresso vendor's son: Joe
Jeweler's daughter: Opal
Gastroenterologist's daughter: Fanny
Butcher's daughter: Patty
Bartender's daughter: Brandy
Counterfeiter's son: Bill
Hot-dog vendor's son: Frank
Gambler's daughter: Betty
Exercise guru's son: Jim
Cattle thief's son: Russell
Painter's son: Art
Tennis player's son: Ace
Clothing manufacturer's daughter: Polly Esther
Teacher's son: Mark
Singer's twin daughters: Harmony & Melody
Patrolman's son: Chase
Museum curator's son: Art
Book printer's daughter: Paige
Trout fisher's daughter: Brook
Hope you did OK!
Eggplant For Sale: A grocer put up a sign that read, "Eggplants, 25¢ each or three for a dollar." All day long, customers came in exclaiming, "Don't be ridiculous! I should get four for a dollar!" Meekly, the grocer capitulated and packaged four eggplants. The tailor next door had been watching these antics and finally asked the grocer, "Aren't you going to fix the mistake on your sign"? "What mistake"? the grocer asked. "Before I put up that sign, no one ever bought more than one eggplant."
A Well Planned Life: Two women met for the first time since graduating from high school. One asked the other, "You were always so organized in school. Did you manage to live a well planned life"? "Yes," said her friend. "My first marriage was to a millionaire; my second marriage was to an actor; my third marriage was to a preacher and now I'm married to an undertaker." Her friend asked, "What do those marriages have to do with a well planned life"? "One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go.
You've Got Mail: Working at the post office, I'm used to dealing with a moody public. So, when one irate customer stormed my desk, I responded in my calmest voice,
"What's the trouble"? "I went out this morning," she began, "and when I came home, I found a card saying the mailman tried to deliver a package, but no one was home. I'll have you know, my husband was in all morning! He never heard a thing!" After apologizing, I got her parcel. "Oh good!" she gushed. "We've been waiting for this for ages!" "What is it"? I asked. "My husband's new hearing aid."
A BIT OF HISTORY:
[This was contributed by Mary Webb. A look back at part of our history. Thanks, Mary!]
We took a train trip to Vancouver to celebrate our 50th and also spent some special times with the Biu Yuen family, Linda his wife, William, Helen , John and Joe. And they now have 6 grandchildren, their ages being from 21 to 7. Really nice, polite and gracious people. We enjoyed 3 dinners with them.
They wanted to come to Canada. Don's brother, Paul, was in Hong Kong at the time. Paul asked us if we could sponsor them for housing and finding a job. Bill and Dorothy Naylor said, “YES!!” and without hesitation away we went.
In the spring of 1969 when they arrived here in Essex, tired and cold, we had dinner ready for them at our home, but they really were not hungry enough for Canadian food. It took some time for them to get accustomed to the colder climate in the big house across from Kimball’s on the Arner. The kids settled in at Colchester North School, while Biu went to work at Naylor’s in the carpentry shop.
We had a corn roast at the church for them to raise some money. It was their first introduction to corn. This was reported in the Essex Free Press.
They moved on to Windsor within a year or so, and then moved again. This time to Vancouver and started a business there building Chinese restaurant chairs and these were shipped all over the world. They have done very well for themselves and have helped other refugees by providing jobs for them in their factory.
Hopefully someday they will be back here for a visit.
They sent money to our church with a letter:
"As a whole family, we like to thank you so much, Essex United Church, for helping us settle in Canada. Also many others who helped with the house and welcoming us, such as with tomatoes and eggs from Mr. Doug McBeth”.
Thank you deeply.
Helen, Yuen and family.”
We decided to put the money in the Essex United Church benevolent fund to help another family or persons that need support and care like we gave the Yuens.
In the July-August edition of the Observer there is a farewell article from Peter Scott regarding gifts when you give up a position or on retirement. Knowledge of a job well done should be enough of a thank you. When I have volunteered it was because firstly I was interested and secondly that I felt that I had something to offer whether it was the church or some other organization. Material gain did not enter into the picture. God gives us all different gifts, how we use them is up to
each one personally. If it is the opportunity to serve God through the church, so be it, this is reward enough.
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Eunice Henderson
The craft fair and luncheon held at Essex United Church on September 16th was a great success. Nineteen different crafters displayed their talents and gave to all of us the opportunity to purchase their treasures. There was truly a product for every taste. As with every event, time commitments and other circumstances made changes to the final line up of products offered. Here is a list of the final products that were available:
*Animal Prints- Cards and Note Paper
*Art Work- Water Color and Acrylics
*Bird Baths (handcrafted)
*Ceramics and Fleece Blankets
*Children’s Clothing
*Esthetics & Skin Care- mini manicures, etc.
*Jewellery- self designed
*Knitted Apparel
*Make-up Products
*Murals & Faux Finishes
*Needlework
*Nightlights & Christmas Santas
*Quilts & Other Treasures
*Scrapbooking
*Sewing- kitchen & accessories
*Stained Glass Works & Jewellery
*Tole Painting
*Wood Art
*Wooden Toys, Toy Boxes, Tater Bins
For the food portion of this event, all the volunteers worked so hard in the kitchen. We are all aware of the success of this event. There was much scrambling behind the scenes to produce the sandwich for a particular taste as only two trays were on the table. These were quickly replenished from the refrigerators in the kitchen. The same scrambling was evident at the other end of the table as pies on display were depleted and quickly replaced. The soup crockpots were all on display for easy (and in some cases, not so easy) selection.
This was a very labour intensive event and we would like to thank all the volunteers that worked so hard. Many were on hand to provide assistance during the event and just as many were behind the scenes as all pies and soups were volunteered. Set-up crews were required and tear down crews. Many thanks to all from the stewardship committee.
…Shirley Horto
If you wish to follow up on London Conference, go to: www.uccanlonconf.org/ . Or you can go on line at www.united-church.ca/ and read the United Church webpage. There is always much interesting reading. On the United Church webpage there is much information about the 39th General Assembly that was held in Thunder Bay this past August. Check it out!
One of the most beautiful features of Essex United Church is the stained glass windows.
Roger had the Edwards Glass Company come in for an inspection this fall. Christ Knocking at the Door, located on the east wall needs minor repairs to the window, and new plaster around the top of the window. Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, located in the gallery requires to be releaded and restored.
W.W. Mercer of Edwards Glass noted that the window “is many years old and of great value”. In addition, the geometric window to the right also requires releading and restoration. Edwards has been in the stained glass business since 1920 and is widely regarded as the leader in a market category that is very demanding. They have the expertise and the glass products not found elsewhere. The cost of the glass work is $7139. The cost of the plastering is $2400.
The property committee has approved these projects and has sent them to the Official Board for sanction. It is likely the stained glass work will be done first, and the plastering later. Take some time through the week to come in to the sanctuary and spend a few quiet moments with our inspiring windows!
…Bill Gay
CENTRE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES:
The Centre for Christian Studies is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is a stately old house in a residential neighbourhood near to Concordia Hospital. It has an addition added onto the back of the house and three floors where much activity takes place. Our own Ann Naylor is on staff as a resource officer. Also Ted Dodd works there as another staff resource person along with Caryn Douglas who is the school principal. CCS is the main facility for the training on diaconal ministers in Canada, both for the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. There is one other facility where Native Christians may also receive training for diaconal ministry. They offer many courses, each summer one on leadership in the church, one on social justice, one on education. During the social justice year and the education years, the student lines up a placement where they can work using the materials they have learned. It can be in a church setting or in a social work setting. It is a wonderful institution of learning! Want to know more, ask!
....Jim Hatt
THANK-YOU…
Thanks to Shirley and Duane Horton for beginning a new adventure for our church this past September, the Craft Fair and luncheon. Many fine articles of people’s talents were on sale. Thanks for allowing people to share their talents with us. Read Shirley’s article!
OUR MISSION: WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
The last Sunday in September was a very interesting one. After our church service, many from the congregation journeyed to the lower hall to enjoy a lunch prepared by Arleen Hatt. As we ate at our table groups, we were challenged by Bev Robinson, a staff officer from London Conference office, to compose a song that told about the things we liked about our church. We heard some really talented compositions! And some groups just had plain fun!
As the next hour proceeded we were given several more tasks to complete. We had to think of reasons why we come to Essex United Church and then complete the sentence: The purpose of our congregation is….. As we then compared lists, we were asked to find common ideas. From there we were challenged to write a mission statement using the common ideas that our group found. Consensus was built and eventually we produced the following mission statement: The mission of our community of faith in Essex United Church is:
To seek God and do God’s work by Growing Spiritually, Sharing our faith and resources, Supporting others and Educating our children.
What a beginning we made that day! Each committee NOW needs to dwell on that statement and decide how they will implement it in the next year. On the last Sunday in October, the 29th, Rev. Doreen preached a sermon that hit a home run in this area. She challenged us to consider the story of the blind man. Read it in Mark 10:46-52. Are we ready to encourage those in pain to talk about it? Are we ready to make a space for those troubled to be heard? Are we ready to open the lower hall to mingle with street people? Are we ready to have a program for lay people to visit the elderly and sick just to listen? Are we ready to show them hope? Rev. Doreen again repeated, “That’s what the community of Christ does. We watch for those at the side of the road. We listen. We offer hope.”
I pray that we remember those words and take the challenge seriously! We want to make our mission statement a living statement! Let’s go!!!
...
Jim Hatt, Editor
The effort to contact every member, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John Palmer and chairmanship of Cathy Humphrey guided by Rev. Doreen Canavan with the assistance of Board members, resulted in 37 individuals advising their intention to contribute almost $80,000 to the General, M&S and Capital Building Funds. This represents a 27.86% increase over their contributions for the previous year. Dr. Palmer’s inspiring message was followed by a nutritious meal provided by Susan Tuck-Sweetman. Thanks are due to all those who participated in this worthy effort.
It is assumed that those who have not advised their intention will continue to contribute as they have for the past year. However, if the church should expect an increase or decrease in the next year, it would be appreciated if you could call at the office to complete a card advising your intentions and leave it in a sealed envelope for the attention of the treasurer. This assistance in preparation of a realistic budget for 2007 is appreciated. Thanks to all who participated
AN EVENING WITH RON KLUSMEIER:
Make sure you mark November 19th on your calendar. Ron Klusmeier and Friends will be at Essex United Church. Ron has created over 700 songs and hymns during his career. There will be several workshops and a concert to end the evening. Go to www.musiklus.com and check it out or check the bulletin board at church. Make sure you register soon!
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