McClure Newsletter September, 2016

Transcription

1 McClure Newsletter September, 2016 Inside This Issue: Baptisms & Sympathies 2 Worship Time 2 Save the Dates 2 Wednesday Morning Bible Study Prayer Tree Group 3 McClure Place Happenings Time & Talents 4 Golden Heart Dinner & Awards 50th Anniversary Gift for McClure Saturday Morning Men s Gathering Small Group Fun 6 Saturday Morning Women s Gathering A Universe Story 7 Dresses for Africa 7 Quilts for Amy McClure Place Meals on Wheels 8 Visitation Ministry 8 POACHED 8 Partners for Life 9 50 Years of Music at McClure Faith that Unites Us 10 Legacy Giving Committee 11 Recommendations of T&R Commission Stories & Songs with Ron Klusmeier Pet Blessings Service 14 Thank you doesn t seem adequate enough a word to express to you my profound gratitude for my time of Sabbatical. My Sabbatical was an amazing gift of rest and renewal. Earth is crammed with heaven, And every common bush a fire with God But only he who sees Takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries (Elizabeth Barret Browning) It was lovely to have time to take off my shoes. During my time of Sabbatical, from February 1 to July 5, I had time to rest. Unscheduled days made for a slower pace and afforded the odd afternoon nap. I must admit those afternoon naps where often accompanied by a book as nothing seems to send me off to dreamland faster than a good book. I was able to read a few murder mysteries just for fun and I was able to read some professional focused books. It was so nice to be able to read and digest the contents of these professional books to not be in a hurry to glean the learnings and move on but really savour and ponder their content. A couple of my favorite books were Accidental Saints: Finding God in all the Wrong People by Nadia Bolz-Weber and Praying in the Messiness of Life by Linda Douty. Other books that offered up good learnings where How You Can Survive When They re Depressed: Living and Coping with Depression Fallout by Anne Sheffield, The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach by Carrie Doehring and Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and life by Anne Lamott. Another book that was particularly important to me was Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Tammi L Shlotzhauer, M.D. This was a personal read as I had begun to experience symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in September of 2015 and after several doctor visits I was official diagnosed at the end of January My sabbatical coincided with the start of treatment which included several medications. I seem to be responding well to the treatment and for that I am grateful. Again Sabbatical allowed me time to begin treatment without worrying about drug reactions and how they might affect ministry with you. It also gave me the space to get my head around what it means to live with a chronic illness. Lifestyle changes where contemplated before Sabbatical but they became even more important after the diagnosis. So, yes I now go to the gym to strengthen my muscles to protect my joints and no, I will not be running any Triathlons; that is Laura s love. One of the most precious gifts of Sabbatical was having time to grieve my Mother s death and to be present to my Father. When sorting through my Mother s things became difficult, Dad and I could take a break knowing that there would be another day to carry on. When it came time to arrange for a memorial marker we had the gift of time to do this thoughtfully and carefully. The grieving continues but I will be forever grateful for the time I was given to walk those early months with my family. (continued on page 3)

2 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 2 Baptisms Next Baptism Date: September 25 th October 9 th Please contact the church office if you are interested in having a child baptized. Sincere Sympathies Luella Sather on the death of her brother in law James Bowman Luella Sather on the death of her sister in law Marjorie Leggott Luella Sather on the death of her mother Grace Leggott The family of Audrey Bartholomew Kathryn Hoiness on the death of her mother Lela Clark The family of Naida Ross Perry & Ruby Kullman on the death of Perry s sister Gloria Shirley Propp on the death of her grandson Aaron Keith & Mary Davidson on the death of Keith s brother Cyril Don Somers & family on the death of Don s daughter Meredith Linda & Gary Loy on the death of Linda s mother Emma George & Pat Petersen on the death of George s mother Adella The family of Ruby McDonald The family of Orion Greer Worship Times at McClure United Church Sunday Sept. 4 (Labour Day Long-weekend): One Service Only at 10:00 a.m. Sunday Sept. 11: Return to Two Services each Sunday 9:15 a.m. - a more traditional service for this week 11:00 a.m. - the annual Blessing of the Pets Service Sunday Sept. 18: Two Services this and each Sunday after, at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. SAVE THE DATES!!! McClure s Fall Supper Sunday October 30th McClure s Fall Sales Saturday November 19th Stay tuned for further details in upcoming newsletters

3 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 3 Wednesday Morning Bible Study begins Sept. 14 th at 9:30 a.m. You are invited to attend whenever you re able, McClure s Wednesday morning Bible study group. We meet in the Music Room from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday. This Fall, with leadership from Ron McConnell, we will be looking at some of the so-called Minor Prophets such as Hosea, Amos, Micah and Joel. In this case minor does not mean of less importance; but, rather, of shorter length. Together, we might well find that some of these lesser known voices from scripture have much relevance for us and our world today. So, please do drop, in on Wednesday mornings and check us out. This study will take us from Sept. 14 th through Nov. 30 th. Prayer Tree Group Prayer is a gift we can share with our church family at any time and from any location. Each week Prayer Tree participants receive an with names of members of our congregation for whom they are asked to pray more specific prayer requests that have been collected during the week from the prayer request box. 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. Sabbatical continued Now it is time to live into the renewal and the learnings that have been the gifts of my Sabbatical. The less busy time of Church in the summer was an opportunity to dip my toes back into our ministry life together and I am now looking forward to being totally immersed again this Fall. I hope this summer you were able to experience times of rest and renewal as routines changed and holidays were taken. I hope you are as excited as I am to see where the Spirit will lead us and our precious Church family this Fall. Let us not forget however as the cool air of Fall embraces us to make the time to take off our shoes and simple know we are God s beloved. With deep gratitude, Debra Berg

4 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 4 McClure Place Happenings To enrich the lives of McClure Place residents by providing support and services As the summer comes to an end and autumn activities resume, we greet our holiday travellers as they return. Activities have continued through the summer so we have had a busy time since our last McClure Place report to you. Excuses and reasons to eat together have been abundant. We have enjoyed Hot Dog BBQs, a pot luck dinner with entertainment by Golden Memory, noon lunches, bake sales, International food, a Summer BBQ, and Ice Cream Parlours. Most recently we enjoyed a buffet of recipes contributed by McClure Place residents prepared by our own kitchen staff. Our activity coordinator, Linda Cooney has retired, and in her place, we have Olivia, and two summer practicum students, Amanda and Aliyah to keep us active and motivated. The wonderful Forever in Motion program has continued and is well attended. Activity highlights have been the acquisition of new games (bocce, lawn darts, croquet, and ladder ball), the Seniors Globe Walk wrap-up luncheon, Yoga throughout the summer, Canada Day celebrations with the Cooneys, and McClure Place Games Olympic Style. The McClure Place Games encouraged participation which was honored with presentation of Medals! (Gold foil covered chocolate toonies and loonies). At the end of August, we have to say good-bye to our assistant administrator, Mary Duval. We will miss her happy smile and efficient work but wish her well as she returns to study. In August, our hairdressing salon added manicures to its services. The McClure van has been busy taking us to go to the mall, to walk in the park, out to the Berry Barn and to the Railway Museum. These outings add enjoyment to each day. Building maintenance has continued with such items as, window replacement, painting of balcony railings, and the completion of the installation of pigeon netting. The additional help from our students has enabled this to happen. It is so good to have these cared for as part of our living here. It is definitely a support and a service. Alice and John Hanlin Time & Talents In the past it has been a regular practice to include a new Time & Talents sheet for families to update each year with the September Newsletter. This is a reminder that last year, we stated on the Time & Talents sheet that, The information you provide in this brochure is for church purposes only and will remain on file until you notify us of any changes. For example, if you volunteer for ushering duties, we ll keep you on the ushering list until you let us know that you d like a change. Last year s sheets were Yellow, this year they are Gray. So if you have some changes or are new to McClure, you can find these new Time & Talent sheets on the hallway bulletin board and on the Stewardship rack in the foyer.

5 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 5 McClure Place Foundation Golden Heart Dinner and Awards The annual Golden Heart Dinner and Awards will be held at the Western Development Museum on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. We are pleased to have our Guest Speaker: Jeff O'Brien, City of Saskatoon Archivist return to continue from where he left off last year on the history of Saskatoon. The Golden Heart Awards are given to those people or organizations that have provided exceptional contributions to the well-being and quality of life of our seniors. The proceeds of this fundraiser will be used to reduce the Amy McClure House mortgage.. Tickets: $100 (with a $50.00 tax receipt) Tables of 8 are available. Tickets available at: McClure Place Office McClure Church office Garth Courtney, phone , g.s.courtney@sasktel.net A 50 th Anniversary Gift for McClure With the approval of the board and stewardship committees, money from the Memorial fund has been used to secure the talents of Lee Brady, a well-known stain glass artist who has done many church windows in and around Saskatoon to create a beautiful scene on the only glass window in our sanctuary! The curtains which are hanging there at the present time will be removed and this will be a special gift for McClure s Anniversary with hopes that the window can be dedicated on the actual 50 th anniversary date. Members of this committee included Claire Bullaro, Celeste Delahey. Elaine Nutbrown, Ron McConnell and Shirley Blackburn and it truly was a special time visiting many artists in this field viewing their work.

6 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 6 McClure s Monthly Saturday Morning Men s Gathering Are you looking for a place of connection and for an opportunity to make and grow friendships within your church family? Well, then, McClure U.C. s Monthly Saturday Morning Men s Gathering could be the group for you. This group of guys is open to all men of McClure and friends. We meet once a month on Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:30 a.m. in the church Craft Room. We enjoy a light breakfast while catching up on what s been happening in one another s lives since last we met. Ron McConnell provides leadership to our group and, following our catching up time, has usually prepared a little something (a reading, short film, idea or story) to stimulate our thinking and get a good discussion going amongst us. Please consider dropping in on any of the following Saturday mornings to check us out. This fall we will be meeting from 8:00-9:30 a.m. on the Saturdays of Sept 24 th, Oct. 22 nd, Nov. 26 th. Hope to see you there! Small Group Fun in the Fall We will be starting some new interest focused small groups in the Fall and we need folks willing to share their talents and to offer a wee bit of leadership. Got a passion for antiques, or badminton, or quilting, or baking, or carving, or reading, or movies, or painting or birding or beading or jewelry making or scrapbooking or. Small groups can meet for 3 months or 6 years or somewhere in between. Leadership requires booking a meeting room, putting an announcement in the bulletin and then welcoming group members. Your time begins with a prayer (which Debra can help with) and then the rest of the agenda is up to you and the group. If you would like to know more please contact Debra debra.b@shaw.ca Saturday Morning Women s Gathering Women of McClure and friends are invited: Saturday, September 24 at 8:00am 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 fabulous women attend. Please bring a toonie or two for the collection bowl to help cover the cost of the breakfast gathering will be: October 22, November gatherings: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 6 and June 10

7 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 7 A Universe Story A Congregational Event McClure United Church Sanctuary Sunday September 25/16 7 PM (Sponsored by McClure Book Study Group) Don Murray (Retired United Church Ordained Minister) and his partner Emily Kierstead (Retired United Church Diaconal Minister) both of Truro, Nova Scotia will engage us in the emerging Story of the Universe. Through music, videos and role-playing, they will look at the New Story along with ecofeminism and patriarchy and how they impact on our thinking about the Ultimate Mystery. Their hope is to lead us as a group into considering our relationships with each other, all of earth s inhabitants (human and non-human) and with our home - Mother Earth and the Universe, in both its material and psychic (spiritual) dimensions. The McClure Study Group, which meets at the church on Monday evenings is presently studying Don Murray s latest book entitled The Death and Resurrection of God: From Christianity to a New Story (2013) Dresses For Africa Report We finished our sewing the end of May. A total of 267 dresses were sewn and delivered to the missionary Claire Ziolkowski at Ebenezer Baptist church. The dresses have been packaged up and are on their way to an orphanage in Zambia. Clair will go over in November to arrange for their delivery. There was a group of seven ladies that met regularly at McClure, Thursday afternoons to sew. There were also several others that sewed at home. This project was embraced by many people in the community. We had ladies from many different faith denominations sewing with us. The amazing part was that after the first call for fabric, thread and trims, we never had to ask again. The fabric basket was always full. Thanks to the congregation for all their support and interest in the project. Phyllis Barber Quilts for Amy McClure Place I have received a few donations of quilts to hang in the dining room at AMH. The walls are high and the sound needs muffling as well as the space needs decoration. September 23 rd we will start a quilt group to make quilts for Amy s. The group will meet in the craft room at 1:30 pm. Please bring your sewing machines. We could use donations of cotton fabric that would be suitable to put in a quilt. If you are interested but do not know how to quilt we will offer beginner quilting classes, if there is enough people interested. If people are still interested in sewing Dresses For Africa you may join us. There are kits available from Ebenezer Baptist. You may contact me at Phyllis Barber

8 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 8 Meals on Wheels Delivery For many years, McClure, under the direction of the Outreach Committee, has delivered Meals-onwheels on Fridays for two routes out of Extendicare across from the Market Mall. This has been a labour of love for many in our congregation. Those who have delivered meals have been very faithful in their volunteer work and we thank them for their dedication to this program. Some volunteer on a regular basis and others once in a while when their schedules permit. Although we are very fortunate that many in this congregation feel that this is their calling, sometimes we need new people to take over for one reason or another. If you would like to be a part of this program of service to our community, but are unsure how to go about it, we would welcome you to come aboard. If you would like, it can be arranged that you would ride along to help with one of the routes and become familiar with the process and the routes. The number of meals served varies, but usually the time frame for delivery is between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. If this is something that you would consider doing, please contact Carol Claypool at or cclaypool@sasktel.net. We would welcome newcomers at any time. McClure United Church Visitation Ministry Lay members 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. The visitation team gets together every three months for check in. If you would like to become a visitor or if you know of someone who would benefit from a visit please contact Debra. P-eople POACHED O-ffering A-ppetizing C-hristian H-ospitality E-nthusiastically D-edicated Do you love to bake and cook? Do you love trying new recipes and sharing cooking tips? Would you like to gather with other passionate foodies? We are pulling together a new small group of those who have answered yes to the previous questions. If you are interested Debra at debra.b@shaw.ca or call the office. Once folks have expressed an interest in the group a date for a first gathering will be announced.

9 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 9 With the approval of the Board and under the umbrella of the Outreach Committee, members and friends of our McClure United Church family are invited to participate in the Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life Program of blood donations to help support patients in need of blood and blood products. The Partners for Life program provides the opportunity for organizations to pledge blood donations and have members meet that generous life-giving pledge. The need for blood donors is great. The Saskatoon blood donor clinic collects more than 20,000 units of blood each year and most donations are transfused to hospital patients in Saskatchewan. Recently, the number of donors in the city has declined and 3,500 new or returning donors are required this year to supplement the existing donor base and ensure a stable blood supply. The first group appointment for seven donors is Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. A bus will transport the donors from the McClure parking lot to the Canadian Blood Services clinic located at 1206 Emerson Avenue. Once the donors have completed their appointments, the bus will return the group to the church parking lot. Those interested in this life-giving opportunity should contact Carolynn Drabble at (306) or c.drab@sasktel.net. I volunteer at the after donation refreshment area and have met people from McClure there so I know we have regular donors. Many of us have had family members or friends who have been recipients of donated blood, and giving the gift of life is something done freely by donors in our community. Typically we would set a goal of a certain number of donations per year. This year we would like to contribute 50 donations in recognition of McClure s 50th anniversary. With each donor eligible to donate every 56 days 50 donations would certainly be possible if only 25 people donated twice between Sept. 24 and the end of the year. Attending as part of a group is not a requirement for participation in the program and donors can donate at their convenience but to have your donation credited to McClure you will be required to register. Donors can register online and have their donation credited to McClure by going to and clicking on the Register as a Member online link. The McClure United Church Partner ID is: MCCL Please consider joining us and making your donation in gratitude to those who cared enough to donate blood so we still have those we love in our lives. Call or me if you have questions or comments. Carolynn Drabble

10 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 10 Fifty Years of Music at McClure The Senior Choir will begin practise Wed. Sept. 7 at 7:30pm in the sanctuary and new members are always welcome! This fall we shall focus on our 50 th anniversary weekend October 29 and 30 with participation in the concert and special services being held. Sacred Sounds Worship Band will be present on Sunday Sept. 4 and the 1 st Sunday of the month at both services thereafter. Tamara Ferguson and Celeste Delahey are the cherished leaders of this group and they offer a youthful and innovative touch to worship. Bronze Reflections Handbells have not indicated their plans at this time but an announcement will be forthcoming. McClure Place Choristers sing the third Sunday of each month and have given graciously their gifts of old and new hymns. This group meets Thursday mornings with a start up date planned for Sept. 16 at 10:30 am. In the sanctuary. The children of Rainbow Village presented their songs with Joyce Lenz directing and Mary Lou Forest accompanying. This is always a highlight whenever our children sing for the congregation. A special thank you is extended to the following people who provided special music over the summer: Elly Thorn (Ellen Kolenick Nasser) Lily and Carl Krause, Darren Schwartz,Ken Neitz, Joyce Lenz and Kate Hidlebaugh, Doug Cooney, Ian, Tanya, Aurora and Kaelyn Coulthard, Tamara Ferguson, Vacation Bible School Children, Sacred Sounds and Muriel Miller. Faith That Unites Us For fifty years, McClure United Church and Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish have been friends in faith. For the last sixteen years, we have lived-out this friendship and faith through the mutual commitment of a Covenant with another that was inaugurated on March 5 th, This relationship has blossomed through joint fun and fellowship activities, special worship services, preaching and choir exchanges, evenings of study, retreats, and outreach endeavors. The Joint Ecumenical Steering Committee (JESC), that includes members both of McClure and Holy Spirit, helps our two churches live-out this Covenant relationship. Does this sound like something you might be interested in looking at more closely? The next meeting of the JESC is Wednesday Sept 14 th, 7:00 p.m. at McClure United Church, and you are most welcome to drop in and join us to see if this group feels like a fit for you. If you d like to talk with one of us before then to ask questions and receive more information, please contact any one of the following: Debra Berg debra.b@shaw.ca Joan Keeler joan.keeler@outlook.com Ron McConnell ronmcconnell@shaw.ca Bill Shank weshank@shaw.ca

11 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 11 Helping the Future of the McClure United Church Congregation from your McClure United Church Legacy Giving Committee In the last three newsletters our committee has provided information on the different types of Legacy Gifts you can choose to give to for any ministry or mission of our church. The last type of Legacy Gift we will tell you about is an Endowment. An Endowment is a gift that will provide income to any area of the church s work in perpetuity. The United Church of Canada Foundation invests your gift in a prudent and socially responsible manner. Each year, a specific percentage of the balance of the fund is distributed. Whenever the income level permits, a portion of income is reinvested in the fund. You can designate support for any area of the church s ministry you wish or to any other registered Canadian charity. For more information on any of the different types of Legacy Gifts we ask you to: pick up a brochure from the new Literature Rack in the Church Foyer. As a sub-committee of the Stewardship Committee the Legacy Committee would like to thank Vern Racz and the Stewardship Committee for providing this literature rack for more information please contact any member of the Legacy Giving Committee Heather Desautels, Rick Burton or Rob Zuk, or contact Kathryn Hofley, our Prairie Region Financial Development khofley@united-church.ca please attend a 45 minute information session with Kathryn Hofley on Sunday November 20 th after our 11:00 am service (more information to follow in the October newsletter) Undesignated Gifts When our Legacy Giving Committee receives an undesignated gift (gifts made with no conditions attached to the use of the funds) - there is an allocation formula approved by our Church Board and Congregation on how these funds are dispersed: 35% of the gift is allocated to pay down the McClure United Church mortgage and/or contributed to the Capital Contingency Fund as required and directed by the Board and the Congregation. 35% of the gift is allocated to the McClure United Church Endowment Fund with any investment income from this Fund allocated to general revenue. Did you know that our Endowment Fund currently sits at $156, as of the end of May 2016, and that every month our Church receives $ in interest from the fund that is deposited in our general operating fund. The Trustees are the custodians of the Endowment Fund and are responsible for investing and administering the funds. This includes the safekeeping and maintenance of all required financial records. 30% of an undesignated gift will be allocated to the McClure United Church Outreach Committee for the work they do.

12 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 12 Called to Action - A Day of Learning Implementing the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission You are invited to McClure United Church 4025 Taylor Street East Saturday October 29, :30 am - 2:30 pm Come and participate PRESENTERS David Arnot Chief Commissioner of Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Eugene Arcand Elder and Residential School Survivor Bernice Saulteaux United Church Minister, Hurricane Hills Leading Elder - All Native Circle Conference U.C.C. Rhett Sangster Director, Reconciliation and Community Partnerships Office of the Treaty Commissioner Program is FREE!! The only cost is $10 for Lunch Call the church office to register by Monday October 24th Everyone Welcome!!

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14 September 2016 McClure Newsletter Page 14 McClure United Church 4025 Taylor Street, East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N7 Phone (306) Fax: (306) Ministry Personnel: Rev. Ron McConnell Rev. Laura Fouhse Rev. Debra Berg Office Administrator: Darren Schwartz Music Coordinator: Shirley Blackburn Accountant Tracy Williams-Duerr This newsletter is published monthly by McClure United Church Editor: Brenda Zuk Phone: Letters, articles and comments are most welcome Next Deadline: September 18 For submissions: Please send them as attached Word files if possible. This reduces the amount of re-typing. Thank you