Laidlaw Memorial United Church

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1 Inside this Issue: Laidlaw Gets Plastered......page 2 News and Notes Page 3 For your Refrigerator Door, part 1...Page 4 For your Refrigerator Door part 2...Page 5 For your Refrigerator Door, part 3!...Page 6 For your Refrigerator Door... Part 4!...Page 7 Rev. Doug Easter leading to hope!...page 8 The Newsletter Vol. XV, No. 1, March 2018 of Laidlaw Memorial United Church laidlawuc@bellnet.ca The United Church of Canada Ottawa Street North at Cannon Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 3Z2 Phone: Rev. Douglas C. Moore, B.Th., B.A. (Phil), M.Div., Pastor Residence: revmoore@execulink.com Celebrating our 106 th Year Our Mission: With respect, cooperation and joy, through acts of love that build each other up, we seek to share the light of Christ as a Beacon on our corner in East Hamilton Visit Event posters will stream keep up with what s next! Fillable forms, and the site works on your phone! Sunday Worship at 11 a.m. Church School for Children and Youth Nursery Room Available Worship is followed by Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks, Cookies, Conversation, and Games! (or a Loaves and Fishes Lunch!) Easter Services Palm Sunday, March 25 Palm Parade Service at 11 a.m. Loaves and Fishes Lunch Follows Good Friday, March 30 Good Friday Service 11 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 1 Easter Sunrise 9 a.m. Breakfast at 10 a.m. Easter Communion at 11 a.m. The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018, page 1

2 Last spring, during those intense rainstorms, we knew the steeple roof was leaking, because we saw the plaster soggy and falling in the gallery. With the help of Schutz Roofing, the generosity of our Laidlaw people, and a grant from the Rymal Fund of Hamilton Presbytery Mission Council, we were able to remove all the old roofing, and put a solid, long lasting roof on our steeple. Only one thing remained, we needed to fix the plaster in the gallery, under the steeple. With an eye to a balanced budget, we did not attempt to repair the gallery plaster in 2017, but we knew that early in 2018, we would need to get this work completed, in time for weddings, at least. Lance Lund had some idle days when the roofing was slow in January, and offered, with the help of his neighbour, Ibrahim Shamas, an expert plasterer, to repair the gallery plaster. We had $ in donations to do the work, but we knew it would cost considerably more. We said yes to getting started, and the next day, in a moment of divine intervention, we received a letter in the mail about a wonderful Legacy Gift from the estate of Dorothy McIntyre. This gift means that we will not have to raise the funds from donations; instead, part of that Legacy Gift will cover the cost of the plaster repairs. As it turned out, that legacy was more important than we could have known. Initial inspection concluded that between four and five thousand dollars would complete repairs, with most of the damage to the plaster in the centre section of the gallery, with minor fixes on the north and south ceilings. The attempt to make those minor repairs revealed major damage had been poorly repaired in the past, and there was a need to remove material to make the ceiling safe again. In addition, repairs to cracks on the gallery beam turned out to be not minor at all, including the need to replace about seven feet of the figured plaster along the beam, which had been damaged by water over many years, but never repaired. There was a need to recreate this figured plaster, and that is a very expensive thing to do. An agreement was struck that Rev. Doug would see to making a mold and reproducing the figured plaster work, and Ibrahim would do the installation. We are happy to report that the ceiling and plaster is now completely restored to it s original beauty and integrity, and the cost has been held to $7, plus HST. This will be covered from the Dorothy McIntyre Estate Gift, with the funds on hand used to make the plaster mold, and cover cleanup costs. We are grateful to Lance and Ibrahim for their craftsmanship, and for their kindness in ensuring a job that was bigger than expected stayed within a reasonable cost. The acoustics have never been better, and we re ready for the weddings! The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018 page 2

3 Join us Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Church Office Hours are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. A group of volunteers are welcomed Tuesday, taking on various tasks, administrative and practical, and often there is a good session together at coffee break. On Wednesday, there is a Wednesday Gathering, the Craft Circle has broadened, some people come for crafting, others for conversation or other projects, and toddlers are always welcome in the gym and play room. The Thursday Office Crew folds bulletins and prepares the sanctuary for worship, and often there is a set up crew for a fundraising event. The Youth Band has begun to rehearse at 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. before Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. Young people are learning the children's songs, and presenting them on Sundays! Everyone is welcome! The New Memorial Candle Rack... Has been very well received over Christmas in into the new year. On any Sunday, anyone is welcome to make a donation ($2 is suggested, there is a slot for donations on the Candle Rack), and light a candle in memory of a loved one. The donations are put into the Memorial Fund. The glow of those candles each week remind us of the Great Cloud of Witnesses that worship with us, and help us find comfort, hope, and healing in Sacred Memories. Access Project News: With the gallery plaster repairs now complete, we are waiting to receive the Legacy Gift from Dorothy McIntyre s estate. With those funds in place, we will seek to have engineered drawings of the Access Project made, and get those drawings permitted by the City Building Department. We can then proceed to seek grants and funds to complete construction of the Access Project, and when we have sufficient funds and grants, away we build! We look forward to the day when those using the main level ramp, are also able to join us downstairs. We will need help, hope and prayers, but perhaps the time is getting near for the Accessible Entrance at Laidlaw! PLEASE USE THE ENVELOPE INCLUDED WITH YOUR NEWSLETTER TO HELP US KEEP THE BEACON SHINING! Every gift helps! YOUR EASTER OFFERINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE they determine, in large part, if we balance our budget in 2018 THANK YOU! At Laidlaw, we never ask for it if we don t need it, and we re careful with every gift we are given. You are encouraged to speak to your lawyer or estate planner about leaving an estate gift to Laidlaw Church. We need to remember the payments on the new air conditioning system, at $ a month, for 53 more months. Solar income is covering the roof mortgage. We had a small operating deficit in 2017, but we look to a balanced budget in Keeping our operating budget in good order is key to our application for Trillium Funds for the Access Project. Please consider going on PAR. This allows you to designate a monthly gift to Laidlaw from your bank account like other automatic payments. Call Don ( ) Please share your copy of your Newsletter invite others to participate and attend Services and events! If you would like additional copies of the Newsletter to share, or need to correct an address, call the church office at ! Thank you for your generosity, every contribution is an act of love and joy! The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018, page 3

4 PALM SUNDAY PARADE/PASSION SUNDAY Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. Jesus came, riding on a donkey...and the people laid branches in his path There s a palm for everyone, and the children will enjoy a parade of palms! Loaves and Fishes Lunch will follow the service! Baptism/Membership Class meets at 1 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICE Friday, March 30, 2018, at 11 a.m. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land We celebrate God s promise to save us from darkness and death with hymns and meditations. EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 9 a.m. A celebration of the lighting of the new Christ Candle, And a service of rededication and healing, remembering our Baptism vows. EASTER BREAKFAST At LAIDLAW Join us, after the Sunrise Service, or before the Easter Communion BREAKFAST IS FREE! FEATURING EASTER BREADS AND FRUIT, coffee, tea and juice! Brought to us by the generosity of our United Church Women. EASTER CELEBRATION AND COMMUNION Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. Join us for a traditional Easter Celebration and bring your family! Be not afraid, Jesus is Risen! WEDDING at Laidlaw Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Congratulations to Crystal Parkes and Nathan Kolomaya THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, April 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. A Popup Lunch will follow the Service! MEMBERSHIP CLASS MEETS AT 1 p.m. UNITED CHURCH WOMEN MEETING lunch together! BRING A FRIEND DAY! Monday, April 9, 2018, at Noon! Rev. Doug will be making Chowders and Bread! All ladies are welcome! Lunch is a free will offering! UCW Meeting will follow lunch! UCW Annual Gathering At St. Paul s United Church, Dundas Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 8:45 a.m. BINGO AT LAIDLAW! Saturday, April 14, 2018, doors open at noon, Bingo starts at 1 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community spirit! (children are welcome; but must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older) The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018 page 4

5 HAMILTON MUSIC FESTIVAL at Laidlaw Church Saturday, April 14, 2018, 9 a.m. till noon, 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. Come see a showcase of local talent in Orchestra and Strings! THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. Laidlaw Church Council Meeting We will gather for lunch at noon! Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 1:00 p.m. Anyone who is interested may attend council meetings! MOVIE NIGHT AT LAIDLAW FERDINAND Friday, April 20, 2018, doors open 6 p.m., movie at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the Movie is FREE! We ll play Wii before the movie! Pizza, Popcorn and Hot Dogs will be for sale join us for supper! An all ages night of fun Join Us! Pass the Hat Concert GREG MOVERLY, folk, roots, blues Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Laidlaw Church Admission is Free, we will pass the Hat (a $10 donation is suggested) All proceeds to the musicians! THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. A Loaves and Fishes Lunch will follow Worship! MEMBERSHIP CLASS MEETS AT 1 p.m. Disney s THE LITTLE MERMAID the Musical Hammer Entertainment Thursday, April 26, 2018, 8:00 p.m. at the Citadel Theatre NO CHOIR PRACTICE! This is Hammer Entertainment s last show! Join the Choir for a Night Out! Tickets at $20, contact Rev. Doug! Meet at Laidlaw at 7:30 p.m. to carpool! THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. SEW HUNGRY ON OTTAWA STREET Saturday, May 5, 2018, 10 a.m. till sellout. Laidlaw will be serving meat pies, onions, peas and gravy, with drinks, $8.00 per person! And there will be tables to sit at eat at! We will need help all day to host the event! THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, May 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. MEMBERSHIP CLASS MEETS AT 1 p.m. COOKIE AND CAKE BAKING BEE men only (well, mostly)! Friday, May 11, 2018 at 9 a.m.! The men are preparing cookies in celebration of Mother s Day! Join us in the church kitchen, bingo will follow! The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018, page 5

6 BINGO AT LAIDLAW! Saturday, May 12, 2018, doors open at noon, Bingo starts at 1 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community spirit! (children are welcome; but must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older) MOTHER S DAY THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. Join us in celebrating mothers with worship, a flower for the ladies, and the men are doing drinks and cookies, and even baking a cake! UNITED CHURCH WOMEN lunch together! Monday, May 14, 2018, at Noon! Rev. Doug will be making Chowders and Bread! All ladies are welcome! Lunch is a free will offering! UCW Meeting will follow lunch! MOVIE NIGHT AT LAIDLAW Thor Ragnarock Friday, May 18, 2018, doors open 6 p.m., movie at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the Movie is FREE! We ll play Wii before the movie! Pizza, Popcorn and Hot Dogs will be for sale join us for supper! An all ages night of fun Join Us! WHERE HEADS MEET at Laidlaw Church 9th Anniversary Party Music and Vendors in the parking lot! Saturday, May 19, 2018 Where Heads Meet on Ottawa Street is the major sponsor of this event! PENTECOST SUNDAY CONFIRMATION, BAPTISM SUNDAY! Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. We will celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, and welcome new members! An outdoor Loaves and Fishes Lunch will follow worship! Stay on for Birthday Cake with Estelle Naves on the Lawn! PENNY SALE, BAKE SALE, 50/50 DRAW, RAFFLE and LUNCH Saturday, May 26, 2018, Doors open at Noon, draws at 2 p.m. Bring and friend and join in the fun and food! Meat Pies will be for sale! Donations of Penny Sale ($5-10) Raffle ($15 and up) Prizes and Baking are welcomed! TRINITY SUNDAY Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. WEDDING at Laidlaw Friday, June 1, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Congratulations to Diamond Calara and Justin Whittaker COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE at Laidlaw Church Saturday, June 2, 2018, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Rent a Table for $20, bring and sell your stuff, buy other s people s stuff! A Lunch Counter will be available! Make a few extra dollars this summer! Please Contact the Church office to rent a Table (30 tables are available!) The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018 page 6

7 The Second Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. Worship and Sunday School, Walk Run and Ride for Wesley Centre at 2:00 p.m. at the Waterfront Park! WEDDING Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Roseneath, Ontario Congratulations to Kathy McNally and Mike Sharp (Colleen and Wayne McNally s Daughter!) The Third Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. Worship and Sunday School, Ontario Music Festival Association Music Festival at Laidlaw Monday, June 11 till Saturday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Laidlaw is thrilled to be a host venue for the Provincial Music Festival in Hamilton We are happy for volunteers to help us make welcome musicians from all over Ontario! Speak to Rev. Doug if you would like to help out! UNITED CHURCH WOMEN LUNCH OUT Spouses are welcome to join us for this outing! Monday, June 11, 2018, Venue to be announced! FATHER S DAY The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, June 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. Father s Day Strawberry Social Will follow worship advance tickets appreciated! MOVIE NIGHT AT LAIDLAW Movie to Be Announced! Friday, May 22, 2017, doors open at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the Movie is FREE! We ll play Wii before the Movie Pizza, Popcorn and Hot Dogs will be for sale join us for supper! BINGO AT LAIDLAW! Saturday, June 23, 2018 note the date change! doors open at noon, Bingo starts at 1 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community spirit! (children are welcome; but must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older) ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC, Sunday June 24, 2018 The Picnic will be held on the grounds at Laidlaw! Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday School Attendance Pins and Certificates awarded! We re Playing Water Games on the Lawn! Entertainment and games follow a potluck lunch after worship! SUMMER SUNDAYS AT LAIDLAW BEGIN! Join us in Air Conditioned and Prayer Conditioned Comfort! There will be Worship at Laidlaw with Rev. Doug Every Sunday at 11 a.m. for July and August, Coffee Hour will Follow Worship Sundae Sunday July 22nd; Christmas in August Sunday August 26th VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT LAIDLAW Monday August 20 to Friday August 24, 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. Rev. Doug and Ben Moore will lead a team of volunteers! The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018, page 7

8 O n my desk, at home, is a pile. It s been giving me anxiety since Christmas. Christmas was busy this year for me, and the cards piled up, and I was going to return them in January, but between kidney stones and Annual Meetings and plaster projects, that pile of cards is still sitting there, made a little higher by get well greetings in February. So, the first thing I should say at Easter, is thank you for the Christmas greetings, and the get well messages. Looking at that pile of kindness, I am reminded that I am grateful for the privilege of serving the people of Laidlaw Church. I got a letter this week that I am now a 25 year Jubiland in the United Church of Canada. 15 of those 25 years have been here at Laidlaw, and that has been, for me and my family, to the good, considering both the sorrows and the joys. I looked back and realized, It s been 35 years since I became a Pastor, and I still wake up each morning with more to do in a day than a day will allow. My labours have never seemed to feel like the curse they were supposed to be when we left the Garden of Eden. Easter is that Season when we are troubled by a curse that turns out to be a blessing. The hatred and jealousy and betrayal Jesus suffered is all too easy to explain and accept. But the truth is, all that looked like a curse upon Jesus, all that was meant to destroy Jesus, turned, in the end, into grace and blessing and new life, not just for Jesus, but for us all. I am grateful for all that is unfolding for us at Laidlaw. Some of it, is, indeed, not happy news. We need to pray for each other for healing of body and mind and spirit. There are setbacks and difficulties to deal with, and there is no lack of opportunities to stumble and fall. But in the midst of all that troubles us, there is this glimmer of hope there is the resurrection of Jesus, the walk on the road to Emmaus, the convincing of Thomas, and there is breakfast on the beach after a good morning of fishing. As I look forward, we have a full schedule there are all sorts of people who are asking to partner with us for the good of our community and our city. We continue to adapt to the new life God is giving us, even as we hold to the traditions that help us know where we are, and how we belong. What I know about Laidlaw is that it is a place that piles up acts of kindness, and makes room for each and all of us to live our lives freely and fully, while always having our backs when the chips are down, continually seeking the truth, always acting in love that builds each other up. We cannot know the future. But, if we are truly brave, we can invest in our future, and the future of our church and our community, if we can find faith and hope and trust enough to believe that there is a future for us where God s love remains, and we know we belong, and our contributions will not be squandered or forgotten. We hope, before this year is out, that the access project will have engineered plans in place, and be seeking funding to build a ramp that will make it possible to welcome everyone everywhere. More and more, we are welcoming new people and new partners in mutual respect and love that builds us all up. Easter gives me hope that we are not fools to give what we cannot hold to gain what we cannot keep instead, as those who have gone before us here at Laidlaw, we will work together for good we ll walk the road, explore our doubts, we ll fish for people, we ll eat together and share our hopes for a future we cannot possibly imagine. Happy Easter to us all! As we gather, as we worship, pray, work together and welcome each other, we will find all sorts of ways to pile up love and kindness, and find all sorts of ways to express faith, hope and love, in a new life together that God is graciously giving us. Hallelujah! Rev. Doug Moore, Lovin it at Laidlaw! The Beacon, Volume XV, Number 1, March 2018 page 8