Advent. Christmas Eve. 5:30 p.m. A Preschool Christmas - Santa s Favorite Story A short 30 minutes of story-telling and carols. Leader: Donna Lelievre

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1 The Newsletter December :00 a.m. Advent IV: Birth and Rebirth Advent Sunday December 3rd: ADVENT I: The Creative Breath 10:00 a.m. Worship 7:00 p.m. Evening Service The Gifts of the Four Directions Sunday December 10th: ADVENT II: Light in the Darkness 10:00 a.m. Worship Sunday December 17th: ADVENT III: Obedience 10:00 a.m. Worship Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. A Preschool Christmas - Santa s Favorite Story A short 30 minutes of story-telling and carols. Leader: Donna Lelievre 7:00 p.m. Family Carol Service A traditional service of seasonal readings and music, featuring the Tansley Choir. 11:00 p.m. Christmas Communion A reflective late-evening service of Carols and Communion, as we welcome the Christ Child. Worship in January December 31st 10:00 a.m. service Worship Leader Marilyn Stairs January 7th Epiphany 10:00 am Lowville United Please note that this will be a joint service of the North Burlington Churches united

2 Minister s Message John Wesley, hymn writer and chief architect of the Methodist Movement (wasn t called a church til much later) outlined a way of professing issues of the faith. It was a four-fold method that included, tradition, experience, reason and scripture. Perhaps that sounds complicated but always remember, there is nothing as practical as a good theory! Let s look at Christmas then, through the lens of Wesley s theory. We will soon, if we haven t already, be preparing for the celebration of Christmas. While Easter remains the penultimate feast day in Christianity, it is Christmas which stands out on the calendar for many. Tradition plays a major part of Christmas. In preparation we pull out the Christmas tree, decorations, Christmas greeting cards, Christmas carols and the traditional Christmas turkey dinner. Attending church is also a tradition for many, even if they haven t been regular in attendance. These traditions, and more, are a welcome part to the season and are eagerly anticipated. Experience too plays a part. What is your experience of Christmas? While we collectively enjoy these traditions, each of our experiences of these events differ, and also our understanding of them. Some of us come from large families, some small (more room around the dinner table!) Others come from a different cultural and ethnic background, even rural and urban settings are a factor, and of course there are no two persons the same. Also, for some the experience of Christmas is not joyful but difficult and painful; the loss of a loved one or being estranged from family are often extenuating circumstances. Reason, perhaps, may seem like an unusual factor. We need a reason for the season. Why do we celebrate in the way we do? Is it reasonable to celebrate in a way that costs money when finances are tight? Some reason that participating in communal acts of sharing, giving to the poor, helping at a dinner is the reason for the season and not commercialization. We can use our reasoning powers to asses this time of year and to forge different ways of celebrating. Scripture is of course, critical. Without the Christmas Story there is no Christmas. Or said another way, unless we know about the story there is no Christmas, for a great many Christians have only a foggy understanding of the biblical story. How much of the story can you recite? Did you know that the greatest portion of the event is found in the Gospel of Luke? Why not try reading Chapters 1 and 2 together as a family or in private devotion this year? Ask yourself, What is God trying to tell me and conversely the world in these verses? What is the larger purpose of the Birth of Christ to the whole New Testament and to God s purposes? This Christmas take time to celebrate Tradition, Experience, Reason and Scripture and may God bless you and your family through this annual holy and joyful celebration. Cheers, Rev. Steve

3 Message from the Board As 2017 draws to a close we look back on the year as one of the beginning of transformative change for Tansley. Not only has the Tansley congregation continued to make significant impacts to our internal and surrounding communities, but with the amalgamation of the Nelson United Church, we look forward to renewed energy for the year to come. Tansley has been presented with an opportunity to press the reset button in terms of who we are and how we want to continue to embody our mission To Grow People of Faith Who Participate in God s Work in the World in our Community. Throughout this newsletter the various groups at Tansley will highlight their successes of the year and plans for the future. We encourage everyone to stay informed via our weekly announcements and continuous updates on the Tansley and North Burlington Churches united web sites. Everyone has an opportunity to contribute to Tansley s faith community in their own unique way, and all are welcome to contribute as they are able. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Carol Boyle Dale Martin Co-Chairs Message from the Trustees Tansley s Deficit Reduction Appeal has come to an end and we exceeded our $10,000 goal by $1,050, following an overwhelming response by our loyal and dedicated members. Larry Hatt, Wayne Burroughs and the Trustees are most appreciative of the support this appeal has received. Your generosity has served to permit Tansley to begin the New Year as an amalgamated congregation with a clean financial slate. Many thanks to all for this outstanding achievement.

4 Advent is a time of preparation prior to the celebration of Jesus birth. This year throughout Advent our themes will be celebrated with a celtic feel and pattern and will form part of a slightly different way of looking at the coming of our Saviour, based on the Jesse Tree What is a Jesse Tree? The Jesse tree is the family tree of Jesus. It goes back to the very beginning, to Creation, it traces His family through the Old Testament, and it ends when He is born on Christmas day. A Jesse tree is a little like an advent calendar, except that it emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Like any advent countdown, the Jesse tree has one ornament per day. Unlike a calendar, though, the Jesse tree tradition focuses on a Bible story, a character, a devotion each day. In four weeks, we adorn a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. We read about the great and wonderful things that God did on our behalf. And then we rejoice in the birth of Jesus December 3 Advent 1: The Creative Breath: God Stories for the week include: God, Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph Evening Advent Service: The Gifts of the Four Directions December 10 Advent 2: Light and Darkness: Moses Stories for the week include: Joshua, Gideon, Ruth, Samuel, Ten Commandments and Jonah December 17 Advent 3: Obedience: David Stories for the week include: Isaiah, Habakkuk, Zechariah, December 24 Advent 4: Birth and Re-Birth: Journey to Bethlehem Stories for the week include: John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus The theme in bold will be the focus on Sunday mornings during advent; however, the Jesse Tree ornament patterns and readings for the entire four weeks of Advent will be available for families to take home to their own Jesse Tree. These readings can be a time when family gets together to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.

5 Sunday December 3rd 7:00 p.m. The Gifts of the Four Directions Prepare a Way for the Lord A service of readings and music set to the Aboriginal teachings using the medicine wheel. Come and join the Tansley Choir for an evening of Advent music and teachings. TIS THE SEASON! Okay so it is 4 weeks away It is that time of year again. You want to show your appreciation to those you know.. But how?? A GIFT CARD IS YOUR ANSWER!! Each Sunday at the back of the sanctuary you can buy a multitude of gift cards for your Christmas needs. Last day to order is December 10th for delivery on December 17th. Remember not only do you get an easy way to purchase gift cards, Tansley receives a commission from each card sold. To see all of the retails offered click on the link 20Card%20Order%20Form.pdf

6 The Tansley Juniors present. A Christmas treat made with Tansley spirit to give to your family and friends! The Tansley Juniors will be baking up a storm over the next few weeks to make edible Christmas cards (in the form of delicious cookies!) for you to purchase and have delivered to your friends and family in the Burlington area in place of (or in addition to) Christmas cards. It s easy! Just fill out an order form at the Tansley Junior Cookie Card table at the back of the church after the services on Nov 19, 26 and Dec 3. There are peanut free and gluten free options this year! Tansley Juniors will personally deliver the cookie gram to your friends and family. And the best part is your gift keeps on giving. All proceeds from the sale of cookies will be used to help make Christmas a little brighter for the families in our community that Tansley is supporting this Christmas. For more information contact Stacy Goodale (msgoodale@yahoo.com) or speak to a Tansley Junior after the service.

7 Special Christmas Musical Tansley United Church Monday December 18 th 1:00 pm Here s your chance to get in the spirit of Christmas! Featuring performances by Tansley s musical talent! Sing some Christmas Carols! Invite your friends and neighbours to come along! Festive refreshments provided In lieu of an admission fee, we would appreciate donations towards the Tansley Elf Network and other Tansley Outreach programs. For more information, please contact Tansley United Church at

8 The Tansley Christmas tradition continues + PIZZA and CAROLS Friday December 15 5:30 7:30 pm What a fun way to celebrate and connect with your Tansley friends this Christmas season. We ll have pizza and drinks, Christmas crafts for the kids and of course music and carol singing. And while it s great fun for families, this is an evening for EVERYONE to enjoy. BUT you need to buy tickets in advance so we know how much pizza to order. Children need to be accompanied by a parent/adult. Tickets will be for sale soon, so watch for more info.

9 Tansley Elf Network With Christmas fast approaching, we can all help to make the season a bit merrier for many children in our community and take some stress off the shoulders of their parents. The Tansley Elf Network is comprised of many programs to support families in our community at Christmas. We are truly blessed to be able to help others at this time. Community Families (food hamper & gifts) We have chosen 10 families in our local community who could use some extra help this Christmas season. We will be providing them with a Christmas hamper full of food, as well as, Walmart gift cards and gifts as appropriate. Gift cards can be purchased at the VISTA table. Gift in kind charitable receipts will be provided. The gifts/cards will be distributed on Thursday Dec 14 th and the food hampers on Thursday Dec 21 st. White Gift Service: At the back of the sanctuary, you will find ornaments with gender and age of children in families that are being supported by the Tansley Elf Network. Please choose an ornament, buy a gift for that child and bring it on December 10 th. Remember to attach the ornament to the gift.

10 Mission Fish Funds donated to the Mission Jar from September to December will be directed to purchasing items for one of the Tansley Elf Network programs. Single Moms Group On Dec 12 th, we are hosting a Christmas party for the single moms group. We are planning a fun-packed evening for them as well as a separate party for their children. The children will be making a wonderful craft for their moms. Food For Life Families Families who regularly come to Tansley for food on Friday mornings with the Food for Life program will receive their turkey, as well as an opportunity to choose a gift(s) for their child(ren) on the morning of December 22 nd. Dinner Night Out The annual North BurLINKton Dinner Night Out Christmas dinner is being held on Wednesday, December 13 th at 6:00 pm at Glad Tidings Church on Guelph Line. Watch for details on how you can come out and be part of this great evening.

11 Knitting Calling all knitters & crocheters! A number of programs in the Tansley Elf Network could use some knit or crocheted items, perhaps a scarf, hat, mittens or even an afghan. If you would like to contribute, please bring them in by December 10 th and place them on the Outreach Christmas tree. These will be used for the Single Moms children s shopping experience or the Food for Life families. Annual Turkey Drive for Food for Life Help a family in need this holiday season by giving your time at Food for Life's Annual Turkey Drive: Saturday December 9 th and Sunday December 10 th from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at one of six Fortino s locations in Burlington. They are seeking volunteers to encourage shoppers to donate a turkey to Food for Life and help a hungry family this holiday season. Last year 1500 turkeys were donated. Some of these turkeys will be given to the Tansley community families that we help at Christmas. Please contact Sarah Wolf at ext. 225 or sarah@foodforlife.ca.

12 Looking for a way to work off all of those Christmas goodies. Well come out to our great fitness programs for adults over 50. Mondays Tansley Seniors Yoga Balance, Stretch and Strengthen Program (in the loft) at 1:00 2:15 pm Research has shown that physical activities reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. It reduces high blood pressure, relieves depression and anxiety, and helps control our weight. Those who exercise regularly maintain strength, balance, are more supple and are able to move without falling. Join this group which will focus on becoming fit with a focus on stretching and flexibility, strength training, and balance. Exercises can be done sitting or standing. Cost $80 for the 10 weeks or $10 per session. Space is limited so please register in advance to guarantee a spot. Until November 28th. Classes start up again January 8th Thursdays Line Dance with Bev In the loft 1:00 2:00 pm Come out and get your groove on! This is a beginner program, so don't worry if you have never done this before. Drop-ins are welcome. Cost $6.00 per session. Until December 7th and starts again January 11th. Contact Tansley United Church or office@tansleychurch.com for more Information about either program.

13 The staff of Tansley wish you a blessed Christmas and holiday season! Thanks to you all for your best wishes. We are very Blessed at Tansley! Stephen Huntley, Michael Mulrooney and Rhonda Robertson Please note: The church office will be closed from noon on December 22nd until January 2nd, 2018.