Highlights May 17, 2015 Welcome to our beautiful new space! Highlands United Church 3255 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1 604-980-6071 www.highlandsunited.org churchoffice@highlandsunited.org
Highlands Upcoming Events and Programs This list does not include rooms booked for outside rentals (Guides, AA, Alanon etc). Highlands Event Calendar can be viewed on our web site at: www.highlandsunited.org To book a room, contact the church office at: churchoffice@highlandsunited.org Sunday, May 17 9:30 am Welcome Café in the Foyer 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service with Genesis Too Choir 11:15 am Membership Q & A, Room 201 11:15 am Newcomers Orientation with Colleen Blair, Narthex Monday, May 18 Office Closed for Stat Holiday 9:00 am Highlands Quilters, Cancelled today 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cancelled today 7:00 pm Guitar for Fun, Fireside Room 7:30 pm Badminton, Gym Tuesday, May 19 9:00 am Flea Market Sorting, Lower Hall 9:30 am ESL / ELL Beginner Class, Faith Room 9:30 am ESL / ELL Class, Room 201 12:00 pm ESL / ELL Country Dancers, Room 201 Wednesday, May 20 7:30 am Men s Breakfast, Eighties Restaurant Seniors Connection Bus Trip to British Museum 4:00 pm Tai Chi, Gym 7:00 pm Storage Committee Meeting, Choir Room Thursday, May 21 8:00 am Women s Breakfast, Daisy Restaurant 9:30 am ESL / ELL Class, Room 201 10:00 am Healing Hands, Chapel and Choir Room 12:30 pm ESL / ELL Speakers Group, Room 201 7:00 pm Eight Deadlies Rehearsal, Chapel 8:00 pm Spirit Singers Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Friday, May 22 Saturday, May 23 8:45 am Tai Chi, Gym 1:00 pm Saturday Lunch, North Shore Neighbourhood House Sunday, May 24 9:30 am Welcome Café in the Foyer 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service with Genesis Too Choir 11:15 am Newcomers Orientation with Colleen Blair, Narthex 2
Highlands Employment Opportunity Highlands United Church is seeking a full time person to Co-ordinate the children, youth, young adult and church social media ministry. This person will be responsible for the successful coordination of a full range of programming for children, youth and young adults at Highlands United Church and managing the social media needs of the church. Applications will be received until May 15, 2015 with an anticipated beginning date of July 1, 2015. Applications shall be directed to: Search Committee, c/o Rev. Cheryl Black Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, B.C. V7R 2P1 In church talk, this is a Congregationally Designated Position. Full position description is available on our web site at www.highlandsunited.org Making a Caring Connection If you know of someone who is in the hospital, ill at home, or someone who would benefit from a caring phone call or visit, we would be happy to make contact. Please let us know their name, location and any information that would be helpful: Name: Location: 3
Belonging Membership made Accessible Membership at Highlands United Church has many different levels and expressions. Over the next few weeks there is an opportunity to become a formal member. A member is a person who does some intentional reflection and who makes a public affirmation within this community, to be a follower of Jesus. It is akin to the difference between people living together (informal membership) and people getting married (public declaration). We have designed a series of Sunday services that will fulfill the requirements of formal membership and we are inviting everyone in the congregation to participate. For some it will be a refresher for others it will be new material. On Sunday, May 31, we will formally receive those who wish into formal membership in The United Church of Canada and Highlands United Church. 4
Couple of seats Left! - speak to Colleen Blair 5
Wellspring: Moving Forward on Climate Justice Report #5: Divesting from Fossil Fuel Investments The earth will survive climate change. Some species of life will adapt, some will become extinct. Even if the average temperature rises more than 2 C, humans could survive and adapt, but with serious consequences to civilization as we know it. The US president s science advisor, John Holdren, says we will respond to climate change with some mix of mitigation, adaptation, and suffering; all that remains to be determined is the mix.1 If we can keep the increase below 2 C we have a better chance. Scientists have calculated that in order to do this we must limit ourselves to producing approximately 500 more gigatons of CO 2 emissions. But burning the proven reserves of the fossil fuel industry will emit six times that limit. So, most of the reserves must be left in the ground! Unfortunately, the fossil fuel industry moves ahead with exploration and extraction, while trying to discredit the findings of the world s climate scientists. Awareness of this global threat has led to the movement to divest from holdings in the fossil fuel industry. Many institutions have taken this step with their investment portfolios: the list includes the World Council of Churches, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, many universities, cities, religious institutions, and foundations. 2 A statement signed by over 80 church leaders and theologians makes an appeal to all of us: As a matter of life, and because we believe in a just and loving Creator, we urge the faith communities of the world to divest from their holdings of fossil fuels. In addition, we implore faith communities to reinvest in a clean energy future, to make their facilities more energy efficient. But they must not stop there. They must identify creative ways to support a clean energy future, recognizing that the world s poor need new sources of safe, clean power. We have been given a gift, the Earth, and entrusted with its care. We are responsible for its future, and for the future of life. Climate change threatens that future. We must act decisively, now, to choose life. Divestment and reinvestment embody that choice. 3 And this from Forbes business magazine: 6
There will be a day of reckoning when it comes to fossil fuels, and investors need to take far stronger steps to avoid the climate cliff. Fundamental shifts in investment are warranted, and investors must begin diverting capital away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy at a much faster clip. The societal costs of inaction on the climate are immense, and the risks are rising just as surely as the seas. 4 The United Church's General Council, which convenes every three years, is meeting this August to set directions for the church. The question of fossil fuel divestment (the selling of our Church s financial holdings from the fossil fuel industry) will be debated. This is the notice of motion: The pastoral charge of Trinity-St. Paul s United in Toronto, ON proposes that: The 42 nd General Council (2015) direct the United Church of Canada Foundation and the United Church of Canada Treasury to take active steps to sell their holdings in the 200 largest fossil fuel companies. 5 For more background, see the document prepared last year by Rev. Greg Powell and Trinity-St.Paul s United. 6 1. http://grist.org/climate-energy/preventing-climate-change-andadapting-to-it-are-not-morally-equivalent/ 2. List of institutions that have divested: http://gofossilfree.org/ commitments/ 3. http://www.greenfaith.org/programs/divest-and-reinvest/divestreinvest-statement-from-theologians-and-religious-leaders 4. http://www.forbes.com/sites/mindylubber/2012/12/17/fossil-fueldivestment-is-timely-issue-for-investors/ 5. http://bayofquinteconference.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/gc42- Fossil-Fuel-Divestment-Proposal-Final.pdf 6. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/61a76f1e652b0c83198ef5c0f/files/ TSP_Climate_Justice_Divestment_Primer_vA.pdf Beyond Wellspring: Dr Katharine Hayhoe, climate change scientist and evangelical Christian, spoke at UBC a week ago. You may have seen the article about this event in last week s newspaper. If not it s worth reading and you can read it and listen to her here: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/ Douglas+Todd+Evangelicals+become+serious+about+climate+change/1 1041157/story.html 7
Helping Hasna to Highlands! Hasna Mohamed is a 27 year old Oromo single woman from Ethiopia. Hasna sought refuge in Egypt and is considered to be at high risk by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), as a victim of violence and torture. She has now been approved to be sponsored to Canada by Highlands. Your generous donation to the Highlands Refugee Fund will contribute to Hasna s settlement and living costs for the 12 months of our sponsorship, including accommodation, food, clothing, furniture, basic household needs, transportation, medical and dental fees. Donation forms available Sundays at the Action Table or weekdays from the Church Office and will receive Income Tax receipts. We have no details yet on Hasna s arrival; however we will let you know as soon as we are updated by United Church of Canada. Oromo Fundraising Lunch! Sunday, 14 June 2015 (after 10:00 am service) All are Welcome! Tasty Oromo Foods Silent Auction Oromo and Ethiopia Info As a fundraiser, this lunch will be paid for differently than the usual Sunday meals. We will be asking individuals or families for donations for their lunches, rather than the usual charge for cost-recovery at a set price and Highlands will give tax receipts for donations. Enjoy great food and camaraderie as you Help Hasna to Highlands! Our research has shown that the Oromos consider their food distinct from that of predominant Ethiopian culture. We ll present our best renditions of Oromo cuisine, to suit available Canadian produce and local taste buds!. Please visit the Action Table or call Catherine Alkenbrack (604 980 7051) with any questions. 8
Kitchen Sweep! Enjoy an hour or two of conversation and laughter in the kitchen at Highlands as we do a general tidy up and brighten up those coffee mugs! Thursday, May 21 st starting at 9:00 am, refreshments provided. Sunday Morning Greeters: If you enjoy welcoming people, join the team of greeters who gather at 9:15am on Sunday morning to prepare to welcome folks as they arrive. Orientation provided. Sign up for a month, at the action table. Speak to Colleen Blair for more details. 9
Nomination for Leadership Board Message from Stephen Beaton, Chair The Leadership Board is seeking two new members to join the Board on July 1 st and the nominating committee welcomes recommendations from the congregation. Have a look at the nomination form (see page 11 of this week s Highlights) and if you feel called to serve, or would like to recommend someone for membership, make a submission to the Church office. If you want more information, speak to any current Board member. As well, there is one vacancy for a Highlands Presbytery Representative, and for Chair of the Finance committee. We would like to receive nominations by May 22 nd. Nominees will be presented to the congregation for approval at a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 7 th, 2015. Highlands United Church Congregational Meeting Please be advised that there will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 7 th, 2015 after the 10:00 am worship service. Agenda will include the following: (1) Review from the Building Committee and discussion of next options. (2) Congregational approval of nominations to the Leadership Board, Chair of the Finance Committee and Presbytery. 10
Nomination for Leadership Board You are welcome to nominate yourself or another person for membership on the Leadership Board of Highlands United Church. Term: July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016, renewable once Task: The ten members of the Leadership Board are willing to grow in their faith and in their leadership. The Board has an oversight role to ensure that Highlands serves its mission and reaches the goals laid out in our Ministry and Business Plans. It reviews and updates these plans. It empowers Highlands Ministry (staff, volunteers and ministry teams) to do the work. In short, the Board sets the ends; Ministry sets the means. The Board defines what Highlands wants to do; Ministry defines how Highlands does it. The Board meets one evening monthly. Each member allows time to prepare for the meeting and may be assigned specific tasks. The time requirement is about 4 hours per month. Nominee: Please explain briefly why you want to serve on the Leadership Board. If you are suggesting someone else for service, explain why you think that person would be a good member on our Board. Nominator: 11
United Church Response to Nepal Earthquake The United Church of Canada is calling for prayer and welcoming donations for Nepal Earthquake Relief in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the south Asian country on April 24. The United Church has contributed $7,500 from its Emergency Response Fund to ACT Alliance to provide emergency aid in Kathmandu and surrounding areas. The Canadian government will match, dollar for dollar, donations to registered Canadian charities (including the United Church) made between April 25 and May 25. Pray We pray for the people of Nepal, tens of thousands of whose lives have been suddenly and violently shattered, their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods lost. We also pray for the Nepalese who are now living in Canada, in particular members of Knox United Church in Winnipeg, and for those Canadians whose loved ones were in Nepal when the earthquake struck and are still waiting to hear if they are safe. A Prayer for Nepal Donate Now Your donation to Nepal Earthquake Relief will be applied directly to support relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts in the country. Here s how you can donate: Online via our secure donation page. Phone 416-231-5931 ext. 3050 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 3050 and use your Visa or MasterCard. Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to: The United Church of Canada Philanthropy Unit Emergency Response 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 Please be sure to note Emergency Response Nepal Earthquake Relief on the face of your cheque. For More Information http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150427 12
Supporting low-income families at Camp Fircom On Saturday, May 23, as the summer camping season at Fircom kicks off with our Family Camp, a small group of hikers will be setting out on our annual Gambier Grind a hike from Camp Fircom to the summit of Mount Artaban on Gambier Island. The hikers have been raising money through their social media networks for weeks. It s a great fundraiser that puts all of the money raised into our campership fund. Camperships at Fircom are used to reduce the cost of coming to camp for children and families. This financial support helps ensure Fircom is a welcoming place for all, including those who would not otherwise be able to afford camp. Coming to camp and getting a break from the daily grind of city living allows many low-income people the opportunity for a summer vacation. This chance for rest and relaxation amid the amazing natural surroundings of Gambier allows for spiritual growth, personal growth, and just plain old fun. Today, Fircom is reaching out to our many community partners to consider donating to the campership fund as part of this fun Gambier Grind fundraiser. Learn more and donate at http://raiseathon.ca/ gambiergrind2015. It costs $525 for a child to register for camp without a campership. Help us ensure all the kids who want to come get the chance! Thanks for your time! Sincerely, Jeff Willis, Executive Director, Fircom Society, 2776 Semlin Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4R6 Telephone: (604) 662-7756 Fax: 1 (866) 350-3833 www.fircom.ca 13
Community News Higher Ground Women s Ensemble Concert Messages Tuesday, May 19 th 7:30 pm Mulgrave School, 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver Tickets: $15.00 www.highergroundchoir.eventbright.ca Friday Night Live at Lynn Valley United Church For those who are not aware, Friday Night Live is an alternative to worship that Lynn Valley United Church has been running for 4 years. It began as a way to engage people in the big ideas and questions about what it means to be live fully and well- without the church language that is a barrier for so many people in this time. Each show is an opportunity for people to gather in community using performance arts as the lens see creation, in the moment, as artist and artistry unfold. Contact Kelly if you want more info or to reserve tickets. Kelly Jenner, Lynn Valley United Church, 604-987-2114 or lvuc@telus.net / Interim Office: 3158 Mountain Highway, www.lynnvalleychurch.com 14
Community News Upcoming Concert at Highlands 15
Camps are filling-up! don t delay Register today on-line at: www.highlandsunited.org 16