ST. PAUL S UNITED CHURCH 308 KING ST,

Transcription

1 ST. PAUL S UNITED CHURCH 308 KING ST, Midland, ON L4R 3M , stpaulsunited@rogers.com Website: Like us on Facebook! Rev. Karen Ptolemy-Stam Rev. Bev Irwin CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER 2016 CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016 First Sunday in Advent - Hope November 27th 10am Second Sunday in Advent - Peace Holy Communion December 4 th 10am Third Sunday in Advent - Joy December 11 th - 10am Sunday school Christmas Pageant Following the service our Christmas Pot Luck Luncheon Everyone Welcome! Fourth Sunday in Advent - Love December 18th 10am Fourth Sunday in Advent Cantata by our choir & special guests December 24 th 7pm Christmas Eve Service Dec 25 th 10am Christmas Day Service 1

2 From Rev. Karen Ptolemy-Stam... Our first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2016 we will be singing a new song when we light the Advent candles. The words are, Hope shines as the solitary star. Faith is the inner light. You and I together mirror the Light of Lights and illumine the pathway home. On the following weeks, we change hope to peace then joy then love ending with lighting the Christ candle Christmas Eve. Advent is a time of preparing for the coming of Christ and the birth of Jesus. It is also a time to connect deeper with ourselves in our commitment to be as Christ to each other and to the world. Jesus said, I am the light of the world. He also said, that we too are the light and that it is within us. It is a high calling to nurture the candle of faith, to hold onto hope. And of course, to be part of the light of Christ, is to seek to dwell deep in the heart of God, our home, the one who embraces us and holds us and yet is beyond all understanding. We will also be dedicating the new Advent candles that were made at the request of the Worship committee by Max Wagg and together will journey to celebrate each week. On behalf of the congregation, I do invite you to come and worship with us at this holy time of year. Let us ponder anew the meaning of the ancient story; prepare together what it means to be a community of faith where Christ lives all year round. Join us for these special services and to let the music of carols and choir take us to a very deep place. Invite your friends and neighbours! Sometimes that is all it takes for someone to enter through our door, knowing that they have someone here they know. I so look forward to walking this Advent/Christmas journey with you. Blessings. Karen 2

3 THOUGHTS AS WE APPROACH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON by Revy Bevy Finding Our Voice The following is a précis of the reflection from the July 3 service. Thank you to those of you who asked to hear part of it again. It was the first service in our summer series Finding Our Voice. A sincere thank you to those who participated in those services. Your stories were powerful! 3 Why include this topic in the Christmas edition of the St. Paul s Christmas newsletter? It is my belief that the Christmas season highlights who we are as a Faith Community a source and creator of Hope in this seemingly hopeless world and a community for each person to Find their Voice (purpose and meaning in life). It is my prayer that each of us, individually and collectively, finds a deep sense of hope and that each of us finds our voice. Centering (I began the reflection with these words) SINGING AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS You came here this morning I m assuming you were looking for something, or were you looking for something to do? Are you new to this community? Did you hear something about St. Paul s that sparked your interest? Good music? Good preaching? Energy? Did someone say, hey try out St. Paul s, it s happenin there! Or did you hear that St. Paul s is hospitable, inclusive, accepting of diversity, and determined to be fully accessible for all in the spring of 2017? What are you expecting? I tell you what I heard this past week and it made me perk up my ears. They heard that I was..., they used the word preaching, and you don t want to miss because you never know what Bev is going to say next. I didn t know I had that reputation but c est la vie! I d like to believe that we are all here to be refreshed spiritually, and yes, challenged spiritually, so that when we leave here, we ll say, Gee, I m glad I went to St. Paul s this morning. I feel better. I want to live, to really

4 live! Wow, I am alive! When we meet our friends on the street, there ll be a little hop in our step and a smile on our face. There ll be something different about us. Upstairs we have a room called The Room of Requirement. The Discovery Kids call it The Room of Requirement, first because it s from Harry Potter, and secondly, they want us to find what we need when we enter that space: quiet, a friend, peace, comfort, whatever we are looking for. That is my prayer for all of us who are present here today: may we all find what we are looking for: a spiritual experience, peace, comfort, or perhaps that little nudge to help us say yes to life. *************** I believe that there are several roles of the Faith Community and in my opinion the following are number one and number two. Last summer we explored its role as a Creator of Hope. We heard stories from many in our congregation. I know I was moved by the wisdom and the vision from the youth stories to those stories of our more seasoned folk. In this world that appears to be lacking hope we take our mission seriously. Our message here at St. Paul s is built around community: accepting one another unconditionally, caring for one another, embracing the whole community and creating Hope in this sometimes hopeless and chaotic world. The second most important role of the Church is closely related to the first, it s providing a community with a safe place for every person to find their voice. In the next number of weeks, we will explore what it means to find our voice. In Psalm 98 and many other Psalms in the Hebrew Bible we are invited to sing a new song, and make a joyful noise and dance our experience of the Holy. It s not something to hide. It s about singing at the top of our lungs! It s about passion and enthusiasm, celebration and joy, getting in touch with the life force of Creation. Last year there was a story going around that proclaimed that my approach to worship and life was too positive, too bouncy, too shallow! Hey, I haven t always been positive. I was born left handed, no, not the end of the world but as a little fiveyear-old child just starting school, I was hit repeatedly over the head and hands, yes, by the teacher. I soon realized I was no good. I was stupid, and I was worthless. I lived in fear, scared to speak, even into my teen years. I contemplated seriously my worth as a human being. Ending my life was constantly on my mind. A woman at a summer camp recognized my depression and isolation and perceived worthlessness. She also recognized my worth as a human being, my innate leadership skills, my sensitivity and creativity, and my longing to be accepted as a Child of God. On that night of nights, she sat with me all night long, she was able to break through that tough wall of distrust and fear and self-loathing. It was the first time in my seventeen years I remember crying. Through those tears, hope was born. Though her name has long gone from my memory, I say, she was the Christ to me. She gave me hope and she gave me a voice! 4

5 What does this have to do with Christmas? I think a lot! Christmas was conceived and has evolved as a Season of Hope. Yes, it s lights and singing, gifts and family, parties and eating, and story. It s a magical time of year. It s also a time when our searching, questioning, and doubting come together into this glorious time of HOPE and NEW LIFE. We are reminded of the wonder of a little child. We are carried to heights of joy on the glorious arias of Alleluias. The Story takes us to the shepherds and the wise ones searching for truth and meaning in the midst of very unstable political times. To me, Christmas is about new life. We may not have assigned our community life to the whole concept of Christmas but that s what I see at St. Paul s: people searching and longing for new life and new meaning; those seeking to find their voices and those who have found their voices; those who have found new friends; those who lived with guilt and fear are now feeling a sense of newfound freedom and joy and celebration. St. Paul s is a place where HOPE is created and born. St. Paul s is a safe place to express our fears and questions and wonderings. We can hope and dream and evolve and grow. We are encouraged to sing to the top of our lungs. Let the Spirit of Christmas ring out! The Christmas Spirit is here, right here among us! There s a Spirit in the air, Calling people everywhere Praise the love that Christ reveals. Living, working, in our world. 5

6 SEARCHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Sunday, December 11, :00 a.m. St. Paul s United Church Midland A pageant written by Bev Irwin in celebration of the Spirit of Christmas and the people of St. Paul s United Church Midland who live the Spirit of Christmas all year long A service for all ages Please invite/bring your children, grandchildren and neighbour children Participating: Narrators John McCullough & Megan Angus St. Paul s Adult choir Victoria Warwick St. Paul s Music Director Dan Donaldson Trombone Georgian Bay Ringmasters (chimes) Soloists Shayla Brown & Sharon Foster St. Paul s Discovery Kids parents, grandparents, and friends Around the Nativity scene This pageant is followed by a time of hospitality and refreshments for the whole community OUR CHILDREN CREATE A very important part of the ministry at St. Paul s is the inclusion of children and youth. Our children have much to offer. On Sunday, November 20, 7-year-old Alyssa of Milton was visiting her great aunt and uncle, Diana and Bob Scott. When visiting in Midland she attends St. Paul s. Alyssa and her older sister, Caitlyn (13) have participated in the Discovery Kids several times before. When the girls learned, they could go to church Sunday morning, there was excitement. Immediately Alyssa went to her bedroom. She emerged a few minutes later with these words and asked if she could sing them in church. Shyly she asked Karen if that was possible. 6

7 Thankfully they agreed that Alyssa could sing her song during the Theme time. With her older sister s arm around her, she sang these words: Thank you, Alyssa, and Caitlyn, we love you! O Lord Jesus May we have peace To survive like all people. We help people who really need it. Who are sick and maybe poor. Some people might not have what we have, So, we share, share, share Our love and peace. We give them kindness and hope And a hug and a smile too. So, we share, share, share Our love and peace Like the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus did that many times To help all people Again, and again and again. PS. Alyssa and Caitlyn were greeters at the Easy Street door on that morning as well. ART & SPIRITUALITY Did you know that Art can heal us, inspire us, and alter our brain chemistry? In the fall (Oct. 22) St. Paul s United Church launched its first Art and Spirituality group with the initiative coming from a variety of sources: members and staff of the congregation, the excitement and passion of Joan Neville to facilitate a group, and the blessing of the Faith and Formation Committee. The Art and Spirituality Group has completed the first half of their eightweek initial session. Our instructor was Polly Sharp, who is a recognized facilitator of unique workshops designed to inspire confidence in creative self-expression. We began, gathered around a large sheet of watercolor paper, everyone making their own contribution, followed by small individual paintings. These first creations were the foundation for the later deconstruction and rebuilding of a collage. The emphasis was on co-creation and community building. The final four weeks of this session will be spent developing basic tools for building a landscape. 7

8 A visual arts facilitator, Jacob Devaney wrote an article saying: I d like to see a world where scientists, politicians, and spiritual practitioners gather around art to learn and share with each other towards creating a better world. Visual art can heal us, inspire us, and alter our brain chemistry leaving us filled with inspiration and love. We don t need science to prove this to us but now that it has what are some ways that you will invoke art and creativity for your own spiritual journey? MESSAGE FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR VICTORIA WARWICK, ADVENT/CHRISTMAS 2016 Greetings from those involved in the ever-growing music program at St Paul s! Our wonderful choir, skillful, musical and patient, lift our spirits each week with meaningful music contributions. In addition, the Bell A Peal Handbell choir continues to be busy performing at St Paul s and in our greater community what a thrill to be guest artist with the Georgian Bay Brass in their recent Ringing in Christmas concert! The Georgian Bay Ringmasters Chime choir will take part in the Children s Community Choir concert December 4 and will be ringing at our December 11 White Gift Sunday Worship service. Music is alive and very active at St Paul s! We look forward to presenting this year s cantata entitled Were You There on that Christmas Night by Lloyd Larson. The cantata will be performed at the Sunday Worship service, December 18 and will be accompanied by local instrumentalists. You won t want to miss it! From all of us to all of you, the best of the season! Respectfully submitted, Victoria Warwick GREETINGS FROM THE CHAIR OF THE OFFICIAL BOARD It is that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. It has been hard to get into the Christmas mood because of the unusual mild fall that we experienced. As you are all aware our Accessibility project is progressing well and should be completed in January I have gone behind the temporary walls that say, Do Not Enter to look at the progress. WOW!!! You will not be disappointed. The changes will benefit everyone using our church. I would like to thank the members of the congregation who came forward expressing their concerns about the entrance. Changes were made as a result. I am so proud to be part of such a vibrant and engaged faith community. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in St Paul s family a very Merry Christmas. Sometimes we forget what Christmas is all about. We think about decorating our homes and the giving and receiving of gifts and eating turkey. Let us not forget that the real celebration is the birth of the Christ Child. There are many activities planned during the Christmas at St Paul s. I hope you are able to participate and get to know your faith family. Don Penrose 8

9 FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE Once again, we are approaching the Christmas season, a time of joy for all Christians. It is also a time to share, not only gifts but our own presence, and the warmth and comfort of our St. Paul's family. Lots of events are taking place at our church, concerts, luncheons and dinners as well as the traditional Christmas services. The family service will be on Sunday, December 11 with an original Rev. Bev play, Searching for the Christmas spirit, involving the Discovery Kids and the whole congregation. (see poster on a separate page) This will be followed by a pot luck lunch, Christmas sing along and a special visitor. This has been a wonderfully successful day for many years and we look forward to seeing everyone in our church family there. Christmas Eve will again bring us the Christmas Pageant with carols, readings and the nativity presentation. This is a wonderful place to be to start Christmas and again, has been an important part of many Midland and area family celebrations through the years. The Faith Formation committee will be having some discussions re our programming for the new year. Discovery Kids are our focus and we recognize our responsibility to the young folk in our family. There may be some staffing adjustments but these will be designed to promote our children's programming. Paw Roe Shee was our summer student for 8 weeks. Paw Roe was a great asset to our summer team: Camp Awesome, Seniors Communion and Teas, Discovery Kids, Summerfest, and aiding in the renovation preparations. We also found out her great gift on the sound/video board team. Camp Awesome was a great success. We had over 20 - five to twelve-year olds for one week registered. We hosted a family Hallowe'en party in October and had a great time, lots of snacks, games and activities with most of the guests in costume. Thank you to John and Barb Lalonde for the generous donation of Hallowe'en decorations, and Gary Price for the use of his inflatables. After worship on November 20 we were treated to an art show by the members of the St. Paul's Saturday morning art group. What colourful and creative works they've created and it was great to see their enthusiasm and pride. This group will continue in the new year. To all our St. Paul's family, from the Faith Formation committee, we hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season, sharing with family and friends, and celebrating the miracle of Christmas. Sheila Thompson thank you Sheila P.S. We re not sure who was responsible for Summerfest. It did originate partly in the FF committee but it was really a whole community activity. It was a great success in community building and outreach. 9

10 The food was delicious, the music was awesome, and the outdoor venue under the tree was a perfect way to celebrate community. Paw Roe, in reflecting on her summer with us, said it was her very favourite summer activity ADVENT UPDATE TECHNOLOGY/SOCIAL MEDIA Hard to believe that the year 2016 is drawing to a close and we are looking back at what we hope we have done to improve your ability to access information about all the activities taking place in our church family. We hope you like the changes we have made both to our website and our Facebook page the places we want YOU go to for information. Under the heading What's Happenin' you will find Announcements; Bulletins; Events and Newsletters - from 2010 to the present About Us - provides information on most of the things You might want to know (if there is something we don t show please tell us and we will endeavour to provide the answer). Get Involved provides information on Volunteer opportunities and Spiritual enrichment and Groups United Church Women; the Fellowship Club; Music; Discovery Kids and 4th Midland Scouts are now included under the About Us heading. We added a new heading Donations which explains how donations help the ministry of St Paul s and allows you to make secure online donations through Canada helps. This includes donations to the Elevate Accessibility project, which also has its own heading. Information on the progress of both fundraising and renovations is all grouped under this heading. There are also FAQs (Frequently asked questions) We have just a few - perhaps you have some suggestions for us. Links to Our Church Community (The United Church of Canada / facebook - UnitedChurchCda/; Northern Waters Presbytery in The Toronto Conference and facebook - Toronto- Conference) Magazines etc. (The United Church Observer and facebook United-Church-Observer) Theological colleges/other denominations - World Council of Churches Social Justice (Kairos and facebook - Kairos-Canadian-Ecumenical-Justice-Initiatives) We are still experimenting with some other small changes and would really love to hear whether you like what we are doing. Karen Warner continues to work hard at keeping our Facebook page interesting and current by posting our activities of a happy and inviting nature. Our Facebook page is our social link to the community, providing the community/region at large an opportunity to share our activities and inviting everyone into our church in a gentle and friendly way. If you haven t visited the Facebook page why not make that your next adventure. Fran Hill dfhill59@gmail.com Karen Warner karenmichaelwarner@hotmail.com Rev. Bev Irwin bev.irwin@sympatico.ca 10

11 Cranberry Consommé from Gary Davis submitted by Fran Hill Serves 8; per serving 95 calories, 0g fat Preparation time; 5 minutes, Cooking time; 15 minutes 2 10oz cans consommé (or 20 fl oz. beef bouillon) 4 cups cranberry cocktail 2 lemon slices 6 whole cloves 1 large cinnamon stick Fellowship Committee Christmas Dinner: On Tuesday Dec 6 th in the great hall a wonderful ham/turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Refreshments will be served from 5-6pm with dinner at 6:10pm. Everyone is welcome, tickets are $16 dollars each and are available in the church office. (Tickets will be for sale at coffee time today see Sharon Whiteside). In large saucepan, combine consommé, cranberry cocktail, lemon slices, cloves and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium: simmer covered for 15 minutes. Discard, cloves, lemon slices and cinnamon and serve at once COMMUNICATIONS REPORT - CHURCH LIFE Merry Christmas! That's the first time I've used that greeting this year! St. Paul's is in the midst of renovations, we've had offices and meetings moved, bathrooms are sometimes a bit scarce, the stage is being used for all kinds of different activities, sometimes we can't find something we're looking for, we're all being asked to be patient and cooperative and the result sometime early next year will be worth all the frustration! Karen and Keith have returned to St. Paul's and bring with them a renewed energy and lots of stories and photos. We've missed you and are glad you're back. Thank you to those St. Paul's folk who completed a talent survey this fall, we appreciate your time and commitment. The results are compiled and kept by Judy so if a group or committee is looking for new members or perhaps someone to help with a project the data is available. We continue to work with our pastoral care visitors programme, the matching of visitors and those needing a visitor requires a fine touch at times and we like the matches to be satisfactory for all parties. This is an ongoing responsibility and we intend to keep at it and keep the programme active and vibrant. If you would like to be involved as a visitor, or know of someone who would appreciate a visit from the St. Paul's family please let me or Judy know. Accessibility at St. Paul's is one of our mandates. We all know about the renovations and building improvements, and why we're doing them, but there will continue to be issues pertaining to the finer point of accessibility, vision, hearing, signage etc. We are hoping to assemble an accessibility committee who will recognize and deal with concerns that arise. This will hopefully be organized in the new year. At a recent meeting, just after our successful beans' and wieners luncheon, it was suggested that perhaps a 'meal' be served following worship maybe once a month. It wouldn't need to be elaborate, soup or appetizers or sandwiches or beans again. Let us know what you think of this, ideas and suggestions. We all enjoy breaking bread together and it's been noted many times that St. Paul's folk love to eat. This would provide food, fellowship and some financial support for worthy projects. I'd like to recognize Ina Knapp. She has been a faithful newsletter deliverer for as long as I have been taking care of the list. Ina has 'retired' and we thank her for her many years of dedicated service. Liz Asmann has agreed to step in and take care of Ina's route. Thank you both so much for your support of the work of our church. On behalf of my committee, Sandra Flint, Gary Price and Jean Stainton, I wish all of you a joyous and blessed Christmas. May the hope, peace, joy and love of the season stay with you through Sheila Thompson 11

12 The Spirit of Giving! Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. (Oren Arnold, from Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christmas Treasury!) Boughs, Holly and Mistle aneous! When the song of the angels is still, when the star in the sky is gone. When the kings and princess are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock. The work of Christmas beings: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner; to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers; to make music in the heart. (Howard Thurman from Chicken Soup for 12

13 UNITED CHURCH WOMEN REPORT As we, St. Paul s UCW approach the Christmas season our hearts are brimming with thanks and hope. Thanks to the congregation for their support. The help from women and men of the church without which our Rummage sale would have been an imossible tast. At the funeral receptions there are many younger ladies and also men who have helped in various ways. To our most interesting speakers sharing their personal experiences with organ transplants and serving as a women in the armed services for over thirty years, we express our heartfelt thanks. Our unit has been blessed by the new members who have joined us as well as our older members, those who have been U.C.W. memers for many years. Our attendance is presently from seventeen to twenty each month. This is a source of hope and joy as 2016 comes ot its close. All of us wish each one of you a blessed and Happy Christmas and a bright New Year! WORSHIP COMMITTEE 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I sat in church on Sunday morning, feeling spiritually out of sorts, until we reached the Prayer of confession, a silent moment set aside to talk honestly with God about sins and forgiveness. "Father, forgive me for taking our relationship for granted." I prayed. "Forgive me for assuming all is well with my neighbours without bothering to ask. Forgive me for the desire to be served rather than to serve." Now I knew why I had been feeling out of touch - I'd accumulated little bundles of guilt all week long. Finally, the minister spoke. "Now picture yourself carrying your burdens of guilt to the foot of the cross," he said. "Place them there, one by one, and look up at Jesus, acknowledging your need for forgiveness. Then accept it - walk away, leaving your burdens behind." The visual exercise left me feeling cleansed and energized. I must remember to practice spiritual cleansing every day, I told myself. Later that evening, I was reminded of another cleansing habit...drinking water. I used to drink it only when I felt thirsty, but recently I learned that I should drink at least eight full (6 oz.) glasses a day because water cleanses and heals the body. From now on I'll aim daily to make both new habits a regular part of my life, since water cleanses the body and confession cleanses the spirit. Father, create in me a clean heart - all day long. By Carol Kuykendall The word sins conjures up in me a feeling that I am bad. I am not comfortable with this anymore. A notion from by childhood. I know that the feeling that I have sinned is like realizing the exact nature of my wrongs, my shortcomings, or having learned my defects of character. These, as sins, can be rectified with learning new tools to live our lives. Asking for and accepting spiritual help from God. Making Amends and living each day better than the last day. I hope to grow every day into the person God wants me to be. Faithfully submitted by Cathy Metzgar 13

14 OUTREACH COMMITTEE Christmas Newsletter Well, it s that time of the year again! A busy time for most, but isn t it amazing that we make time for what is important for our church, our community and each other. We are truly blessed. Your Outreach Committee have been busy with our Annual Canadian Foodgrains campaign. Many enjoyed the video clips, stories and prayer each week. To date, our congregation have contributed $ which will be matched 1:1 from St. Paul s Special Projects Account up to $ , and a 4:1 matching from the Federal Government for a total of $53, We extend a heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to this very important fundraising event. Know that through your donation, many will be comforted with nutritious food for themselves and their families. On November 26 th at 11:00 a.m. Midland will be having it annual Santa Clause Parade. The Outreach Committee members and helpers will again be serving hot chocolate in front of our church. If you would like to help with this fun event, you may come to the church about 9:00 a.m. to offer a helping hand. This is a great opportunity to share in the spirit of Christmas and see and serve the many happy faces of those little ones who are so eager to see Santa. It is truly a great morning! Bake Sale News on October 30 th we raised $366.00! Amazing! Thank you to all of those who donated baked goods for this sale. The tables were filled with beautiful goodies which was very impressive and tempting to all. A special thank you to all who purchased these lovely baked goods as well! We couldn t do it without you! The next Bake Sale will be on December 4 th, just in time for Christmas! A BIG Thank You to Gary and Marilyn Price for their wonderful donation of time, food and skill given to the Outreach Committees fundraising efforts. The Bean and Wiener luncheon was a tremendous success! Raising $ for our church deficit. Thank you to all who enjoyed the meal and gave a free will offering. Food Hampers for Christian Island: This year it has been requested that St. Paul s provide a Christmas Turkey for 53 households. We will be delivering them on Saturday, December 17 th. The families of the island would like to express their gratitude for all the kindness that St. Paul s Church has given in past years. Our gifts of food have been much needed and greatly appreciated. This year they have requested only Turkeys from us, making this year an easy delivery. Thank you to all our congregation members and friends who have been there during past years to help fill hampers, load vehicles, etc. On another note, we would like to welcome a new addition, Sandra Morrison, to our Outreach Committee. Sandra is eager to assist and has energy galore. We look forward to a future with Sandra being part of our committee. Welcome Sandra! Have a wonderful Christmas! Debbie McGrory 14

15 HELP ELEVATE ACCESSIBILITY NOW: PROJECT & FUNDRAISING UPDATE: When we reflect on how far we ve come in fundraising from April until present, and include the provisional grant from the Town of Midland, we re delighted to announce that, together, we ve reached $177,341 and are within reach of the $250,000 fundraising goal (only $72,659 to go of the congregations portion of the $750,000.00). Thank you for your continued support and patience throughout the renovations. St. Paul s is a community hub and are striving to have a building that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Don t forget to tell your friends and family that they can now make donations online on our webpage by pushing the Donate Now button. Perhaps you may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Elevate Accessibility Fund or in honour of that special person on your list for whom it is "hard to buy". Maybe you are that special person, to whom someone wants to give the "perfect gift". We are thankful for our community and its generosity throughout this ongoing endeavour 15

16 Christmas Special Events and Concerts 2016 Serenata Concert Saturday November 26 th at 7:30pm Children s Community Choir Sunday November 27 th at 7pm Vox Huronia Choir Saturday December 3 rd at 7:30pm Cellar Singers Sing-a-long Messiah Friday December 9 th 7:30pm Church Functions Sunday December 11 th 10am Children s Pageant and Pot Luck Luncheon Everyone Welcome! Sunday December 18 th 10am Choir Canatata Saturday December 24 th 7pm Christmas Eve Service Sunday December 25 th 10am Christmas Day Service 16