McClure Newsletter February, 2019

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1 Inside This Issue: Baptisms & Sympathies 2 McClure Church Visitation Book Study 3 The Coffee is On 3 Rainbow Village 4 PK Day Camp 5 Hospital Pastoral Care 5 Worship Centre Committee Spiritual Conversation Group Session McClure Place Happenings Saturday Morning Women s Gathering McClure Place Association Board of Directors Vespers Service 8 Prayer Tree Group 8 Faith Friends Fun 9 Projection Management 9 The Big Shred 9 Congregational Renewal 10 McClure Church Treasurer Call to Action 11 McClure Spring Sales 11 Spring Into Action Dance 12 Young Adults 13 Winter Blahs 13 McClure Newsletter February, 2019 The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning. ~Oprah Winfrey~ Wandering through the mountains, foothills and plains of France and Spain taught me many things. Reflecting on my learnings, I have been able to place many of them into three categories: fear, suffering and compassion. There is a common thread connecting and holding these three together and that is joy. If you would like to learn more about how I experienced joy in the midst of fear and suffering, please consider participating in my upcoming offering of experience, reflection and study about the nature of joy. I will be hosting 3 gatherings on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm on February 6, 13 and 20 th. On each of these evenings I will be sharing my own experiences and inviting you to reflect on the ways that fear, suffering and compassion have played a role in your own experience of joy. You are most welcome to join in any or all of these discussions. I will also be sharing some of my reflection during worship on February 3 rd. I spent 35 days this fall walking El Camino Frances route beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain (800km). On this grand adventure I encountered a fair bit of fear (new experiences, strange bugs, wandering herds/flocks of animals), suffering (tendinitis, poisonous bug bites, the struggle of being alone with my own thoughts for hours on end) and compassion (self-care, learning to challenge judgment, accepting limitations and connecting in a deep way with God, others on the journey and, of course, myself). From the moment I landed in France until I reached the cathedral in Santiago, I walked that very tenuous line between excited anticipation/hopeful expectation and preparing myself for the possibility that anything could happen to cause me not to complete the journey. The only solution I could find was to do what I could to stay grounded in the present moment. Every day I tried not to think about reaching my goal for that day but focused on each step along the way. I found this a challenging task as I am often eager to reach the end goal. Many times in my life I have reached the end of a day, week, year or single experience only to discover I wasn t really present for any of it I was, instead, focused on where I was hoping to get to or what I was hoping to accomplish. I did have moments of complete presence enjoying each step, each breath, every tree I saw, all of the people I encountered. In these moments I found myself more in touch with the joy that comes with connection. It is far easier to feel connected (to myself, to God, to others) when I am present in the moment. I can only really notice what is going on in me and all around me if I am present. Presence creates space for awareness and it is from that place of awareness that connection is nurtured. I discovered that from the place of present moment awareness, I am able to let go of striving for a particular end result. That doesn t mean I don t hope or dream for a future something. It means that the future something is no longer as important as the present moment. The cathedral in Santiago remained my hope but it was every little step along the way that actually mattered. (continued on page 2)

2 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 2 Baptisms Next Baptism Date: February 17 Please contact the church office if you are interested in having a child baptized Sincere Sympathies Barb Morrall on the passing of her husband Robin Kevin and Kathy Kingston on the passing of Kevin s mother Yvette The Davidson, Heck and Moore families on the passing of Mary John Nanson on the passing of his wife Jo Maurice Fedorachuk on the passing of his wife Iva Mary Jane and David Waugh on the passing of Mary Jane s mother Continued from front page It was very easy for me to see the parallel between my journey on El Camino and the journey McClure is embarking on with the renewal process. First there s the important and necessary experiences of fear (of the unknown), suffering (comes with almost any change) and compassion (collective self-care, deep connections) and hopefully there is also the ongoing experience of joy in who we are as people of God. Also, it is so important for us to be present in the moment as we travel this road focusing on small steps and little victories and being open to wherever the journey make take us. We can hope for and dream of a flourishing community of faith but we can t possibly know what that will look like. We can not journey with an awareness of the present if we are fixated on what may (or may not) happen in the future. How different my pilgrimage journey would have been if I had been so focused on Santiago de Compostela that I missed all of the beautiful scenery, people, animals, bugs, communities along the way! Even my struggles held deeper meaning and the encouragement to learn, grow and be inspired when those moments were held with mindful compassion. I am looking forward to this journey of renewal. I will continue to remind myself to take time to appreciate where we are and all of the gifts we hold as a community of faith. We are so incredibly blessed with amazing, faithfilled people. There is joy in every corner of this building. From this sensed of blessedness and joy, I am confident in our ability to embrace any fear and suffering with grace and hope. Blessings, Laura Fouhse McClure United Church Visitation Ministry Special visitors of McClure United Church have kept alive our connection with members of our congregation who can no longer attend worship. Volunteers check in once a month with those who have indicated they would like a visitor. These visits are spiritual life lines for those in care facilities or for those confined to their homes. Volunteers also visit McClure members in hospital. If you would like to become a visitor or if you know of someone who would benefit from a visit please contact Debra.

3 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 3 Book Study Opportunity Dear White Christians: For Those Still Longing for Racial Reconciliation In this provocative book, Dr. Jennifer Harvey argues for a radical shift in how justice-committed white Christians think about race. She calls for moving away from the reconciliation paradigm that currently dominates interracial relations and embracing instead a reparations paradigm. A deeply constructive, hopeful work, Dear White Christians will help readers envision new racial possibilities, including concrete examples of contemporary reparations initiatives. This book is for any who care about the gospel call to justice but feel stuck trying to get there, given the ongoing prevalence of deep racial divisions in the church and society at large. This study is co-hosted by the McClure & St. Martin s United Church Affiirming Ministry Committees. It will be led by co-facilitators Lynn Caldwell, Professor of Church and Society at St. Andrew s College and Jennifer Janzen-Ball, DLM and DMin Co-ordinator at St. Andrew s College The study will take place at McClure United Church on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm on Feb 27, Mar 6, Mar 20, Mar 27 & Apr 13 (note, there is no study on March 13 but watch for details about another important Affirming Ministry event that week) Books have been ordered and are available at Turning the Tide (615 Main St). If you would like a book but are unable to go to Turning the Tide, please let Laura know ASAP and she will pick one up for you. For more information regarding the study please contact Laura Fouhse at or (cell) or laura@mcclureunitedchurch.org. THE COFFEE IS ON!! Welcome to our home The Congregational Care committee is experimenting with a really cool idea. Starting January 20, coffee will be available in the foyer, before and between services, for folks to take into the sanctuary. We encourage you to use this as an opportunity to welcome people to our community. Introduce yourself to someone you don t recognize (you might find out they have been around a long time!), and offer them a coffee. If you like to have a cuppa during the service, feel free to bring your own cup. We will be using up a supply of styro cups that have been taking up space for those who don t have their own cup with them for this experiment. However once those cups are used up any disposable cups purchased in the future will be recyclable. Coffee will continue to be served between and after services in the dining room. Keep an eye out for new folks and invite them to join your circle.

4 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 4 Ministry with children, youth and young adults. It takes a village to raise a child! Jesus said, let the children come to me. And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. ~Mark 10:13~ For more info about any of the programs related to children, youth and young adults, please contact: Rev. Laura Fouhse (306) laurafouhse@shaw.ca C O M I N G UP Jan 28 PD Day Camp Mar 1 Family Dance Youth Sleep Over Mar 11 PD Day Camp Mar Youth Rally May 17 PD Day Camp July Summer Camp This Message is For You If... you re child or youth is an active participant in our programs you re child or youth was involved in our programs but no longer is because: (a) they (or you) are too busy (b) they (or you) find it too boring (c) any reason you re child or youth has never participated in our programs but you somehow find yourself reading this article you re child or youth was baptized here and you had the intention of participating in the programs but got too busy or you felt your child was too young/noisy/distracted and now so much time has passed that you feel awkward or embarrassed about joining in Basically this message is for YOU. It is pretty clear that participation in the programs for children and youth have diminished over the last few years. I would love to offer programming for families that is accessible, engaging, fun and supportive. The problem is I am not entirely clear what that might be. I know that Sunday morning programming is not always possible for families. I believe its possible that any kind of programming just feels like one more thing you have to do in an already busy schedule. I also believe that everyone (and perhaps especially young families) need all of the support, encouragement and prayers they can get. So I would like to invite you to do one or all of the following: send me an , text ( ) or call (maybe even drop by the office) to chat with me about ways in which I (and the congregation) can support you and your family send me a message with your programming suggestions and ideas invite me to your home to spend time with you and/or your children at a time that is convenient to you. I do value time with families as well as with the children and youth individually. just show up for one of our programs (Sunday morning Rainbow Village or PD Day Camps) and check us out. We d love to have you. Don t be shy about finding me and introducing yourself (if I don t already know you). We have fantastic Rainbow Village leaders who are happy to provide a safe and loving environment for your kids. I want to offer the best ministry possible to the children, youth, young adults and families of McClure but I really need your help. Thank you for any wisdom, feedback and encouragement you can provide. Blessings, Laura

5 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 5 Hospital Pastoral Care Recently the Provincial Government removed all Spiritual Care providers from our hospitals leaving only the denominational Chaplains. These Denominational Chaplains are funded by their denominations and they focus on visiting those of their denomination. These Chaplains used a list, produced by the hospital, which indicated which patients declared a denominational connection and then these Chaplains would offer pastoral care to these folk. You must now ask to be placed on this list. PLEASE request to see a chaplain if you are in need. The United Church Chaplain is Rev. Cathy Coates and she serves all three of the Saskatoon Hospitals. Your ministry team here at McClure, does not always know if you are in hospital so PLEASE let us know. We are not too busy and we would love to have the opportunity to visit and offer support.

6 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 6 Worship Centre Committee Needs Your Help: The Worship Centre Committee needs another couple of members! The task entails arriving a little bit early for Sunday Worship in order to light the candle on the Communion table, place flowers that may be brought to the service and set out a couple of glasses of water for the ministers! It really is an easy job but one that means so much to Debra, Brian and Laura. One less thing on their mind before the service! We especially need someone for the 11:00am service. Now truthfully there is a little more to it we meet at the church to change the banners as needed during the various church seasons, and help put up a display at Easter for example, or bring down the costumes for the Christmas Eve pageants. The group is sent an and whoever can, comes over to help. We may have a meeting every couple of months to touch base with the calendar and any instructions from the ministers. It s fun and a great way for someone a bit new to meet some people! We are also looking for a chair for this small sub-committee. Even this job is not onerous create a roster for the Sunday set-up, send communication s as necessary and call occasional meetings. Thanks for considering this small group ministry. Terry Clark on behalf of the Worship Committee Two Upcoming Spiritual Conversation Group Sections Book Study Saving Jesus from the Church, Robin Meyers. This book invites readers to move away from concerns about correct belief and to explore and adopt the life of Jesus (discipleship) as a guide for living. This group will have a spiritual conversation format. The group will meet for five Monday evenings Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25. Please register by to brian@mcclureunitedchurch.org and indicate if you would like a book ordered for you. (Please note that this book was formerly considered by the Monday Evening Progressive Study Group in 2011). Culture of Encounter An ecumenical evening of study with Louise Bitz of Holy Spirit Parish Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7:00pm McClure United Church, 4025 Taylor St E Join us for an evening of dialogue and reflection about building a culture of encounter and sharing the journey in solidarity with forced migrants and refugees. The evening is facilitated by Louise Bitz, member of Holy Spirit Parish and Catholic Schools Program Officer with Development and Peace. An encounter is not an exercise in power. Nor is it a demonstration of generosity through which we seek to do good to the other. It demands real humility and deep vulnerability. To be present to the other, to listen to and regard him or her with respect and attention, allows us to receive in our turn. (Jean Vanier, Signs: Seven Words of Hope) Spiritual Conversation Group One spiritual conversation group will meet during March. The group will continue to consider life experiences and their spiritual connections. New and former members are invited to join. This group will meet from 2:30 to 4:00 on Wednesday afternoons March 6, 13, 20 & 27. To register please Brian at brian@mcclureunitedchurch.org

7 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 7 McClure Place Happenings To enrich the lives of McClure Place Residents by providing support and service We enjoyed the many festive events held at McClure Place: our Christmas dinner, the Choristers program of special music and a trip to the Enchanted Forrest. Many other thoughtful moments of goodies and kindness by residents were appreciated. We will embrace the New Year with all its possibilities. We look forward to new and familiar activities. Lisa White has joined McClure Place as our Executive Director. All Residents extend a warm welcome to her and look forward to her direction. Thank-you to Judy Riou our Interim Director; she has looked after our needs this past while. Our General Meeting will be held January 21, 2019, a forum where staff and residents can share ideas, policies and concerns. To begin the New Year, many have signed up for the Globe Walk. We will count our steps, attend In-Motion exercise, yoga and use the exercise equipment. Floor curling is happening soon. If possible, each floor will enter a team and prepare to have fun. Social events in January include Robbie Burns Day, a time to celebrate Scottish heritage and sing some familiar songs. A Saturday Night Amateur Hour Talent Show and Tea will be held January 29, We look forward to watching our amazing group of people entertain us. Many activities take place each week. These include card games of Nil, Dime Rummy and Bridge; also Bingo night brings people together. The knitting group makes a number of different items that are given to those in need. Someone sees to keeping flyers and papers up to date and the message board current. We appreciate this help. Resident s who have passed on and those who have experienced illness are remembered. We extend a warm welcome to new Residents. We hope you are pleased to be part of this community. Elaine Tall Saturday Morning Women s Gathering Women of McClure and friends are invited: Saturday, February 9 at 8 a.m. Next dates: March 9, April 13, May 11, June 15 Come enjoy a light breakfast and great conversation. This informal time together includes visiting over food (brought by one or two of the participants - we take turns) and then Debra brings a topic for conversation. In the past we have had approximately 20 fabulous women attend. Please bring a toonie or two for the collection bowl to help cover the cost of the breakfast.

8 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 8 McClure Place Association Inc. Board Nominations Nominations for directors of the board of McClure Place Association Inc. are now being received by the Nominations Committee of the board. If you are interested or know anyone who may be interested in serving on the McClure Place Board please contact one of the members of the nominations committee. Nomination packages will also be available at the McClure Place office. Rick Burton rburton@sasktel.net Darlene Goodwillie Darlene21@sasktel.net Trevor Bell trevor.bell@saskatoon.ca A McClure Thank-you We would like to thank Carol Claypool and Terry Clark for providing leadership during our Christmas projects. Under Carol s guidance, Socks for the Homeless provided more than 100 socks for Saskatoon s most vulnerable citizens! Terry led us to collect a truck full of supplies and cash for teens and children at Egadz. Thanks again for the time and energy put towards these valuable projects. Prayer Tree Group Prayer is a gift we can share with our church family at any time and from any location. Prayer Tree participants receive an with specific prayer requests that have been collected during the week from the prayer request box and they are encourage to regularly hold the whole of our church family in prayer. If you would like to become a Prayer Tree participant and get involved in this important ministry please contact Debra at debra.b@shaw.ca If you are uncomfortable receiving the prayer list via you can drop by the office and pick up a paper copy.

9 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 9 Faith Friends Fun Would you like to participate in a fun experience for Children and Grown-ups? We are looking for those who would like to write letters to a secret pal for 6 weeks beginning March 10 through to Easter Sunday, April 21. A party will follow on May 5 where you will meet your secret friend and share a snack and communion. A sheet of questions for discussion will be provided as a guide for your correspondence. If you are going to be away for a Sunday or two you can always drop mail off in advance. If you have any questions please contact Debra at debra.b@shaw.ca. The sign-up sheet for grown-ups will be in the hall to the office. Kids and youth will sign up through Rainbow Village. Please sign up by February 24 th. McClure is a large congregation and we are working to build faith filled relationships and an atmosphere of care. Project Management Help Wanted It s time to replace the shingles on a couple sections of the church roof, and we need someone to look after that. Not the actual roofing. We re not asking you to get up on the roof with a hammer. What we want you to do is to get quotes, work through a warranty claim for one of the roof sections, oversee the work, and keep Support Services informed as you go. This would not be an ongoing commitment. We just want someone to do this piece of work. And we have quite a bit of information to get you started. If you are interested in this, please talk to Angie Bugg ( , angie.bugg@sasktel.net) or Terry Cutler ( , terry.cutler@shaw.ca). Angie Bugg "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi The Big Shred! Mark your new calendar today for Saturday, May 4 from 9 am- 12 noon for the 6th annual Big Shred! This is your chance to quickly shred any old personal papers that are taking up space. The team of local smiling volunteers including our partner, Shred-it (who donate their service to our project), will quickly shred your documents in the McClure United Church parking lot. The service is by donation (suggested $10 per box, or $5 per shopping bag) and the funds raised will assist the McClure Place Foundation in paying off the walk-in tub at Amy McClure House.

10 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 10 Congregational Renewal: Voices from the past On several occasions McClure United Church has wrestled with Renewal (future mission and goals). In , McClure anticipated the beginning of a new millennium with an examination of the past and an optimism of what the future holds. The congregation was 28 years old and had been in the present building for 6 years. Much energy had been focused on building McClure Place and the church building. So, the question was what now? As part of the future planning initiative Dale Morrison preached a message called A New Millennium -A New Mission and Joan Brown preached a message called The Time That is Now. Both were messages of hope and encouragement that speak to us today. (NOTE: Links to the sermons can be found on the McClure United Church website. The website: Choose the Renewal Tab and you find the note from Sheila and the links to the sermons. Another important message is called A Name to Live By. It reminds us of who Bob and Amy McClure were, how the congregation got its name and what responsibility comes with the name McClure. Dale Morrison writes: As a congregation that bears the name McClure, we have taken risks in the past and we will be challenged to take risks in the future. The name McClure will inspire us to chart our journey, not on the basis of what is safe or comfortable or profitable, but on the basis of what is right, on the basis of what is possible and on the basis of what is the will of God for us at any point in our journey. Happy reading! Sheila Krueger Applications Being Accepted for McClure United Church Treasurer McClure United Church is seeking a full member of McClure United Church to serve a 3-year renewable term as treasurer, starting immediately. The church treasurer holds an important and vital position within the church ministry. The treasurer faithfully stewards the financial resources entrusted to the church, both for the pastoral charge and the Mission and Service Fund. The treasurer maintains the business integrity of the congregation and plays an important role in ensuring the pastoral charge s compliance with government legislation and procedures, and with United Church policies regarding financial matters. The treasurer is assisted in their work by paid staff who perform essential bookkeeping, accounting and payroll functions, the Stewardship committee and an external auditor. The treasurer must have good financial management and organizational skills, as well as the aptitude to serve effectively in team with church volunteers and staff. The church treasurer is appointed by the Board, is an officer and voting member of the Board, and is expected to attend and participate in meetings of the Board and of the congregation. The treasurer is also a resource person for the Stewardship Committee and will normally attend meetings of that committee. The monthly time commitment of the treasurer will vary throughout the year and may be expected to be in the order of 15 hours per month. This is a volunteer position with the church and an honorarium is offered in appreciation for the significant responsibilities and time commitment that are required. Please submit application to Ruth Mireau at A full position description will be provided upon request.

11 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 11 Call to Action In an effort to support learning more about treaties, the treaty relationship and reconciliation, the Affirming Committee is providing suggested resources for congregants to consider accessing. On-line Resources: ConnectR, is a new website ( developed by Reconciliation Saskatoon, a community of over 98 organizations, non-profits, businesses and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about Reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in calls to action. The site includes links to other websites, suggested books and films, events, facts and figures and so much more. Some books and films suggested include: The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Indian Ernie: Perspectives on Policing and Leadership by Ernie Louttit Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese (also a movie) Reserve 107 ( Upcoming Events (for more details, go to month=2&year=2019) February 1 7:00pm-8:00pm at Remai Modern Art Gallery: Conversation with Rebecca Belmore and Wanda Nanibush with concert and celebration to follow February 9 10:00am-4:00pm at Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Kona-Wanuskewin Winter Festival February 15 3:30pm-4:30pm at Frances Morrison Library: Storytelling with Joseph Naytowhow Various Saturdays throughout February, March and April at Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Workshops on Mukluk Making, Mitten Making, Moss Bag Making, Flint Knapping, etc. SAVE THE DATE!!! McClure s Spring Sales Including: Bake Sale Book Sale Garage Sale Pancake Breakfast Hot Dog Lunch Saturday May 11, 2019 Stay tuned for further details in future newsletters & bulletins

12 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 12 Basket Making Help Needed Are you a creative person? Do you have a passion for something? Can you put items in a basket? Well try creating a basket on a theme and donating it to the Spring into Action dance, Friday March 1 at McClure. The dance will raise money for many of our Refugee projects. Please have your basket complete by Friday, February 22 and we will display them at church on Sunday, February 24. Any theme is a good one for a basket. Some ideas might be, candy, golf, music, pet lover, tea time, baby needs, etc. Let your imagination be your guide!! For information call the church office or

13 February 2019 McClure Newsletter Page 13 Attention Young Adults: You are invited to an opportunity to share your ideas about what Church Renewal means to you. The McClure United Church Board has been continuing to explore what church renewal means as we prepare to journey into the future as a congregation. You are invited to come and share your ideas on Sunday afternoon, February 3, after church. Please contact Ruth at ruthmireau@sasktel.net if you have questions or if you have comments that you would prefer to share in writing. Have you been active in our church but currently are not as active as you were in the past? We are curious about your ideas about church. You are invited to come for pizza and conversation and to share your ideas on Sunday afternoon, Sunday, March 2, from 3-5pm in the Craft Room. We will have child care supplied by grandparents, so bring your kids along for pizza too. The Winter Blah s A mental health conversation evening is planned for February 11, 7pm to explore the Winter Blahs and how to move through them. Ruth Mireau will be our presenter and guide. Everyone is welcome and bringing a friend is encouraged. Have you got ideas about how to enrich the relationship between McClure United Church and McClure Place as part of the renewal process for our church? You are invited to an opportunity to share your ideas: Come and share your ideas on Sunday afternoon, February 10, from 2-3:30, in the Craft Room. Please contact Ruth at ruthmireau@sasktel.net if you have questions or if you have comments that you would prefer to share in writing. McClure United Church 4025 Taylor Street, East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N7 Phone (306) Fax: (306) Ministry Personnel: Rev. Laura Fouhse laurafouhse@shaw.ca Rev. Debra Berg debrab@shaw.ca Rev. Brian Walton brian@mcclureunitedchurch.org Office Administrators: Raycine Spence mcclureunitedchurch@shaw.ca Irene Lacoursiers bookkeeper@mcclureunitedchurch.org Music Coordinator: Shirley Blackburn This newsletter is monthly by McClure United Church Editor: Brenda Zuk Phone: brendazuk@sasktel.net Letters, articles and comments are most welcome Next Deadline: February 17 For submissions: Please send them as attached Word files if possible. Thank you

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