Sunday May 17, 2015 CENTRAL UNITED CHURCH

Transcription

1 HOW TO CONNECT WITH US Mailing Address Avondale Ave Stratford ON N5A 6N4 Church Office Hours, Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. to Noon or Interim Minister PIRIE MITCHELL - pirieminister@gmail.com OR cell OR EXT 26 Pastoral Care Minister REV. KATHI URBASIK-HINDLEY EXT 21 Music Director LORI MILLIAN musiccentralu@wightman.ca Ext 24 - Choir THE MILLIAN AIRS Administrative Assistant BARBARA FOX Ext 25 centralu@wightman.ca CareTaker DAVE BLASDELL dave.centralu@wightman.ca Dave s weekday hours Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Treasurer NANCY BEAUMONT nanc.dave@wightman.ca Sunday May 17, 2015 CENTRAL UNITED CHURCH Archivist SALLY HENGEVELD Webmaster WARREN ROOKE Council Chair GERRY OUE OR goue@rogers.com Council Vice Chair MARY RAITHBY OR raithbym@sympatico.ca Ministry and Personnel Chair, DAVID MACLENNAN Joint Growth and Development Committee CO-CHAIR BILL MILLER Accessibility & Future Sustainability TERRI SPARLING U.C.W. (United Church Women) President ANNE REUBER Christian Development & Education Contact Tina Hildenbrand Huron-Perth Youth Minister, United Church of Canada KATHY DOUGLAS Sunday School Superintendent JOAN OUE Membership Chair SUSAN WIGAN Outreach Chair NANCY BRODHAGEN Property Chair HARRY HENGEVELD Stewardship and Finance Co Chairs BILL ZEHR AND JOHN PATTERSON Worship Chair JOCELYN MILLER Presbytery Rep JOCELYN MILLER 3rd Central Group Committee (Scouting) Chair DAVID RAITHBY Facebook Facilitator ERIKA JEFFREYS annalexandramj@hotmail.com How far is the Kingdom of Heaven? CENTRAL UNITED CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT "Central United Church, an evolving community listening to God and each other to discover what gives meaning and inspires compassion" CENTRAL S MOTTO "Welcoming, Growing, Connecting

2 Good Morning and Welcome!!! Worship led by Pirie Mitchell, Layreader Heidi Dey, Music led by Anne Reuber and our choir, The Millian Airs Most hymns are from Voices United (VU) unless otherwise indicated. WE GATHER AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD PRELUDE: Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord FELIX MENDELSSOHN ARR. JAN SANBORN WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: *OPENING HYMN 409: Morning Has Broken CALL TO WORSHIP: (Responsive) Pirie: Jesus led his early disciples to a new destiny. Congregation: He still leads us today through the examples of his mission. Pirie: Although life changes, the lessons of Jesus are captured in its essence which we described as the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Let us move forward into the future with our united efforts to bring about the world Jesus called us toward. All: Let us re commit ourselves to the mission of Jesus. OPENING PRAYER: Said Together Oh God, in multiple disguises, we come to you today not sure of the work to be done. Help us to apply the essence of Jesus teachings in our deliberations as to our mission. This is the beginning of the new chapter in the lives of your people in St John s United and Central United. We step up to the challenges of the future. Give us the strength of character to meet together in sisterhood and brotherhood recognizing the work to be done. Help us in our behaviours toward each other knowing each of us come from a different culture and history; we are not the same. In his name we pray. Amen. CHILDREN S HYMN MV 92: Like a Rock Children come forward during the singing of the hymn CHILDREN S TIME: WE LISTEN TO GOD S WORD SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 1:1-11 NRSV NT Page 118 Psalm 47 (page 771 VU) Luke 24:44-53 NRSV NT Page 90 ANTHEM: From the Rising of the Sun ARR. BRUCE GREER SERMON SENTENCE: If Jesus rose up into heaven at the speed of light, he would still be in our galaxy today SERMON: How far is the Kingdom of Heaven? WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE OFFERING: OFFERTORY: Brother James Air (The Lord s My Shepherd) JAMES LEITH MACBETH BAIN ARR. LARRY SHACKLEY *PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING: * OFFERTORY 218, VERSE 1: We Praise You, O God We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator; In grateful devotion our tribute we bring. We lay it before you; we kneel and adore you; We bless your holy name, glad praises we sing. Public Domain OFFERING PRAYER: PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: LORD S PRAYER (sung together, Voices United Page 959) *CLOSING HYMN 189: Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise (to the tune of 875) COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION *PARTING HYMN MV 211: Go Now in Peace, Guided by the Light POSTLUDE: Sing to God GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL ARR. JAN SANBORN Please join us for a Congregational Meeting Following Worship We pray for the Dingman family in the death of Jennifer McTavish, wife of Bob Dingman and mother of Cam and Will. And we pray for the family and friends of Reva MacDonald who died last week. We pray for Randy, son of Winnie Ashbourne and brother of Pam, Barb, Graham and Dan. Happy Anniversary to David and Nancy Beaumont May 20

3 Innerchamber will present its final concert of this season, titled " A Bohemian In Vienna" on Sunday May 31 at Factory 163, 163 King Street, Stratford. The Factory Arts String Quartet will perform Beethoven's Op. 18 No. 3 string quartet and Dvorak's string quartet Op.61. A light dinner catered by Canadian Grub Restaurant will begin at 6:00pm.,with music to follow at 6:45.Tckets $40 or $10 for students at INNERchamber Season or Fanfare Books. To include a light dinner, please purchase tickets by Friday May 29. DATES TO REMEMBER Today 10 a.m. Worship After Worship: Hospitality Hour 11:15 a.m. Congregational Meeting Monday May 18 9 a.m. to noon Avon Co Op Nursery School 6:30 p.m. Beavers Gathering, Junior and gym 7 p.m. Cubs Gathering, gym and Junior 7:30 p.m. Concert Choir, Sanctuary Tuesday May 19 9 a.m. to noon Avon Co Op Nursery School 9:30 a.m. Festival City Kiwanis, Choir Rm 10-noon Choice for Change Parlour 1-3 p.m. Parent and Child Group Parlour and Gathering 6:30 p.m. Meditation, Sanctuary 7 p.m. Scouts, gathering rm and gym 7 p.m. Avon Co Op Art, Story, Nursery rooms Wednesday May 20 9 a.m. to noon Avon Co Op Nursery School 12:30 The Grateful Heads Choir Room 6:30 p.m. Parent and Child Group Parlour Thursday May 21 9 a.m. to noon Avon Co Op Nursery School 7 p.m. The Millian Airs choir practice 7 p.m. Venturers Gathering Rm & gym Friday May 22 9 a.m. to noon Avon Co Op Nursery School 7 p.m. Beaver Event Gathering Room, Gym, and Kitchen 5 p.m. Messy Church Sanctuary and Choir Room Saturday May 23 9:30 a.m. to approx. 2 p.m. Stratford Concert Choir Rehearsal 10 a.m. Beaver event ends Sunday May a.m. Worship and Baptism After Worship Hospitality Hour 3 p.m. Stratford Concert Choir Concert ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFORMATION A Congregational Meeting will take place immediately following today s service. The purpose of the meeting is to consider a recommendation from Council to extend the contract of Kathi Urbasik-Hindley for up to one year. Please plan to attend. UCW A Potluck Picnic. The June UCW meeting will be held on Monday June 1 st and it will be a potluck picnic at Upper Queen s Park. The meeting will be a joint meeting of the 3 UCWs and will be hosted by St. John s. Please bring dishes, cutlery, mug, a chair and an item for the potluck. Rain (we will use the pavilion) or Shine. All are Welcome. Room Use Reminder. Our building is getting busier than ever and you are reminded that if you want to use space it is important to book the space through the church office before you plan your event.?might not go in?????getting STARTED with AVONDALE UNITED CHURCH Now that the discussions and voting are completed and the idea of one congregation has had some time to settle, it s time to set up a new council whose job over the next few months will be to develop specific plans and policies. Of course, after we officially become Avondale United Church, the council will have the tasks outlined in appendices D and E of the amalgamation proposal. We are looking for volunteers to help with several council committees or groups: Congregational Life and Work Team Faith Formation Team similar to our Christian Development and Education group Outreach Team group filled Pastoral Care Team Property Team group filled Stewardship and Finance Team Worship Team For more information on these groups, see the display at fellowship hour this morning or check out the appendices on either church s website. If you have been on council before, your experience and knowledge would be helpful. If you have never been on council, your energy, insight, and enthusiasm would be beneficial. In either case, your help is needed! If you need some time to reflect before committing to help with one specific team, Bill Miller at billjocelyn@rogers.com or phone Last Monday evening the Joint Growth and Development Committee hosted a session for those on the committees of the new council to meet each other and to examine and suggest changes to the terms of reference for each of the new teams. On May 31, a joint congregational meeting is planned to follow the joint worship service at the Avondale site. At this meeting, you can

4 expect an opportunity to discuss the proposal of the governance committee and if they are passed, to appoint the first members of the council of Avondale United Church. A request may also be forwarded from the Building Renovations Committee. Please plan to attend. Donations Needed for Shelterlink. The box for new socks and unopened toiletries is on top of the Leave a Book shelves at CUC. Food Bank May focus is Canned Beans. Touch a Truck. Come to Avon CoOperative Nursery School s Touch a Truck Event May 30 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Climb, Learn, Discover! Experience the thrill of a Combine, the Hulk Tow Truck a Race Car, a Loader and even a squished cubed car and much more. We will be featuring local music and food. Registration is open for the upcoming school year as well. All welcome, donations for a new playgro0und welcome. Parking will be available at the old fair grounds, with a short walk to the Central United Church parking lot to see the Event. Save the Date! Saturday, May 30 th from 9 to Noon..at Central United Church.WOMENS WELLNESS DAY. Come be renewed. Guest presenters Terri Sparling and Ross Daly will inspire us to take time to take care of our body, mind, and soul. Come be inspired! Bring a friend or come and meet friends. Fee to be announced. Enter via front doors only for this event as Nursery School event is occurring in back parking lot. Parking available in school parking lot on this date. FRIDAY, MAY 22! MESSY CHURCH WILL BE AROUND THE CAMPFIRE! Come and join us for this last Messy Church of the season! Central and St. John s teams are working together to create a time of joy and celebration of our faith together. Doors open at Central at 5:00 p.m. for fun crafts followed by toasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire! (Bring your own toasting sticks if you can! We will have some.) We ll enjoy some campfire songs until 7 p.m. For more information, please call: Marion Douglas at Last Annual Garage Sale at Central United Church: Saturday June 13 from 8 a.m. till noon, in Forster Hall. Time to do some Spring cleaning of those forgotten areas like garage, basement and storage rooms. Looking for good, clean, unbroken items, clothing, toys, baby items, kitchenware, household items, sports gear etc. You may drop off your items on Friday June 12 from noon till 4:00 pm in Forster Hall. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for both Friday and on Saturday June 12 th and 13 th to make this event a success. All proceeds to Central United Church general fund. For more information contact Nancy Brodhagen at OUR UNITED CHURCH Moderator Rings in the United Church's 90th Anniversary. Church bells were ringing the day Moderator Gary Paterson recorded this promotional video encouraging United Church congregations to mark The United Church of Canada s 90 th anniversary by ringing their church bells 90 times on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Video link - If your congregation is planning on ringing your church bells on June 10, please let us know by sending us an (info@united-church.ca). And don t forget to alert local media about your plans. It s a great opportunity to reach out to your community. For further information: Mary-Frances Denis, Program Coordinator, Media and Public Relations, The United Church of Canada. Tel: ext and Toll-free: ext United Church Asks for Clarity on Meaning of "Zero Tolerance" Wednesday, May 13, Toronto: In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, The United Church of Canada has asked for clear reassurance that the government does not intend to limit the democratic rights and freedoms of individuals and organizations opposed to Israel s occupation of Palestinian territories. The church s letter was prompted by a recent CBC news story that cited the possibility of the government using hate crime laws to clamp down on activities they consider to be singling out Israel for criticism. The CBC story picks up on concerns in the larger Canadian context about a growing climate of fear and possible infringements of democratic rights through recent legislation. Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney has said that the concerns raised in the CBC article are inaccurate and ridiculous. However, coupled with comments made by the Minister himself at the United Nations in New York, and by his office in response to a request for clarification as to the meaning of zero tolerance, we believe that Canadians need clear reassurance from our government, says the letter. In 2013, The United Church of Canada launched a multi-faceted awareness-raising and advocacy campaign that includes a very focused economic action initiative against goods produced in the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The church is not advocating a boycott of Israel and would not describe itself as being part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The church s actions are consistent with our understandings of the shared value Canadians have for the democratic right of freedom of expression. The United Church of Canada stands in solidarity with groups and individuals exercising this right in non-violent, peaceful ways, says the letter. For further information: Mary-Frances Denis Program Coordinator, Media and Public Relations, The United Church of Canada at or Toll-free:

5 YOUTH Your contact for the events below is Kathy Douglas. Huron-Perth Presbytery Youth Minister or Permission forms are located on the bulletin board across from Lori s office Summer job opportunities for Youth with the Traveling Summer Day Camp. Info is on the info table outside Forster Hall. At Central please see any of the Community Pig Roast Invite your family, neighbours and friends. A place to meet and spend time together. members of the CD and E Committee for information. Giant Survivor Game Overnight Youth Retreat (grades 7+) Parkview United Church, Stratford Friday, May 29(7pm)-Saturday, May 30(11am) $10 Donation Permission forms required Camp Bimini information can be found at their website Carol Young, Coordinator, Camp Bimini OUR COMMUNITY "MOUNTAIN MUSIC" to benefit earthquake relief in Nepal Saturday, May 23, 7pm at St. James Anglican, Stratford a benefit concert by pianist, Sandra Mogensen, of music influenced by the Norwegian landscape. $10 from each ticket will be donated to relief efforts in Nepal coordinated by Humanitarian Coalition, which is an umbrella group collecting funds for several Canadian aid groups including Oxfam, CARE, Save the Children and Plan Canada. Info & tickets at sandramogensen.com or Fanfare Books. Stratford House of Blessing is currently hiring two Post-Secondary Students for summer job opportunities. The position of Programs Assistant is through Canada Summer Jobs and the position of Volunteer Coordinator Assistant is through the Ontario Summer Experience Program. Applications are due Monday May 25 th, Visit shob.org/news/hiring/ for more info. Location: Central United Church Wednesday June 17 th Doors open: 4:30 p.m. Serve: 5 6:30 p.m. Menu: pork roast, baked potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, buns, pie/cake, juice, coffee, tea Cost: Adults $20, Children 12 and under $10 Tickets available from: Central United Church office St. John s United Church office Eleanor Bohnert Doris Barkley Ivy Chung