Highlights February 11, 2018 This week, on the North Shore, we actually felt the sun peak through the rain, and the people around me seemed to chirp and purr and sigh. No mystery there. The clouds had cleared for a moment. And today we hear and think about the way the clouds clear for us and we catch a glimpse of the Great Mystery at the heart of life. Come join us. 3255 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1 Ph: 604-980-6071 churchoffice@highlandsunited.org www.highlandsunited.org Rev. Will Sparks, Lead Minister
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 Sunday, February 11 9:30 am Coffee/Tea in the Welcoming Space 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:15 am Coffee & Hospitality, Welcome Space 11:45 am Re:Sound Rehearsal, Choir Room 12:00 pm Music Man Rehearsals, Sanctuary and Room 201 3:30 pm Music Man Orchestra Rehearsals, Choir Room Monday, February 12 Family Day (Church Office Closed) 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry, Choir Room 6:00 pm Music Man Rehearsals, Sanctuary 7:30 pm Badminton, Gym Tuesday, February 13 9:00 am Flea Market Sorting, Lower Hall 9:30 am ESL/ELL Class, Room 201/202 3:00 pm Livestream Testing, Sanctuary 5:00 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, Gym 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Music Man Rehearsals, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Guitar for Fun, Storage Area 7:00 pm The Way of Discernment, Welcome Space Wednesday, February 14 7:30 am Men s Breakfast, Eighties Restaurant 9:00 am Organ Tuning, Sanctuary 6:00 pm Music Man Rehearsals, Sanctuary and Room 201 Thursday, February 15 9:30 am ESL/ELL Class, Room 201/202 12:30 pm ESL Speakers Group, Room 201 5:30 pm Thursday Dinner, Gym 6:00 pm Leadership Board Meeting, Room 201 6:00 pm Genesis Too Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 6:30 pm God s Free Spirits Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 8:00pm Spirit Singers Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Friday, February 16 10:00 am Friday Fiddles, Room 202 6:00 pm IGNITE Worship, Sanctuary Saturday, February17 1:00 pm Saturday Lunch at North Shore Neighbourhood House Sunday, February 18 9:30 am Coffee/Tea in the Welcoming Space 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:15 am Coffee & Hospitality, Welcome Space 11:45 am Re:Sound Rehearsal, Choir Room 12:00 pm Music Man Rehearsals, Sanctuary and Room 201 3:30 pm Music Man Orchestra Rehearsals, Choir Room
Fasting for Lent? from the Highlands United Growing Greener Team (HUGG), formerly the Climate and Environment Action Group Traditionally, Christians fast during Lent as a spiritual practice giving something up, making a sacrifice a time of reflection. This Lent, you are invited to reflect on the state of God s earth and the climate, and ask yourself, What can I give up this Lent to bless the earth? Acting together, we CAN make a difference. Pick up a package of Give It Up for the Earth" materials in the Welcome Space: Write a pledge card (put on your fridge or take a selfie with it to post) - Hang your pledge leaf on our tree (a Valentine card to the Earth) - Send a postcard to our environment minister (encouraging the government to take strong action). Lots more information on the Highlands website, www.highlandsunited.org We are going to win this; we are going to solve this crisis. The key is solving it quickly enough. That s why it matters that so many people are organizing to accelerate the solutions. -- Al Gore, An Inconvenient Sequel
Uncommon Transformation March 2-4 A Weekend with Peter Rollins Co-sponsored by Highlands United Church and Leadershift of BC Conference Want to get your Spiritual Fire fed and fearlessly explore your faith? Join us for a weekend of great events with Irish philosopher, story-teller and radical theologist Peter Rollins. The weekend begins with Pints and Parables on Friday evening, continues on Saturday with a full day workshop, and ends with worship on Sunday morning. This event is open to all ministry staff, lay leaders, youth, young adults, contragational saints, mustics, poets and the curious. It combines theology, philospphy and music to take you on a journey into your faith. Peter s gift to make you question, re-examine your assumptions, look at the bible in another way, and engage your own faith. Pints and Parables Friday March 2, 7pm 10pm With music by West My Friend Cross the threshold and be transformed by the dissembling power of story, music and spirituality. Author, philosopher and verbal magician Peter Rollins takes us on a journey of story, questioning and alchemical musings based on the Parables that will transform and challenge you. At turns funny, poignant, irreverent and shocking, parables cut into us with surgical precision, reaching deep into the hidden recesses of our soul, operating on those parts of our being that more direct speech can t touch. West, My Friend s music is often described as indie-roots to chamberfolk. A better description might be just plain beautiful. West My Friend has an acoustic blend of instruments and four-part harmonies that challenges the conventions of popular music. Expect great live music, good brews from Steamworks Brewery and great conversation with friends!
Building on Fire: Finding the spiritual way of life in uncertain times Saturday March 3, 2018 9:30am-4:30 pm After you chuck out dogma, certainty, and rigid understandings about the Christian faith, what emerges next? And can we uncover a faith that will change the very way we live our lives? Join writer, philosopher and revolutionary storyteller Peter Rollins as we strip away old concepts and reveal a surprising vision of how Christ-followers and the church can live out a life-affirming Way that just might change the world. Prepare to explore how Christianity can be an active practice or Way of being in the world, and what that would mean for your relationships, work and your agency in the world. Working with the very fabric of our lives, which are full of uncertainty and change, we will dive deep into our faith and in our own brokenness and troubles to uncover what this wild and surprising Way might lead us to do and be. For more information and to register, send an email to: churchoffice@highlandsunited.org or will.sparks@highlandsunited.org Highlands Special Registration for the Uncommon Transformation Event w/ Peter Rollins Now Open Forms are available in the Welcome Space Adults $50 Youth and Young Adults (up to 30) Friday Night $25 Bursaries available. Talk to Sandi Parker or Will Sparks
Nomination for Highlands Leadership Board You are welcome to nominate yourself or another person for membership on the Leadership Board of Highlands United Church. There are three vacancies available. Term: July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020, renewable once The ten members of the Leadership Board are willing to grow in their faith and in their leadership. They feel a strong connection to Highlands United Church, and a wish to serve this community. 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 vision and defines what Highlands wants to do; Ministry defines the process by which Highlands achieves these goals. The Board meets one evening monthly (usually Thursday evening between 6 pm and 7:30 pm). Each member is expected to allow time for preparation for the meeting (reading reports sent in advance; researching topics that require background knowledge) and may be assigned (or volunteer for) specific tasks. The time requirement is about four hours per month. Nominee: Please explain briefly why you want to serve on the Leadership Board. If you are suggesting someone else for service, please have their permission, and explain here why you think that person would be a good member on our Board. Nominator: Thank you for your interest in the ongoing work of Highlands United Church. Please return this form by Sunday February 11.
Highlands United Church Nominations for Leadership Positions Two Chair positions become vacant this year, and are required to be filled for the term July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. They are: 1. Finance Committee Chair see David Boal for information 2. Stewardship Committee Chair see Bob Brown for information I, (your name) nominate (nominee's name) for the position (Finance Chair or Stewardship Chair) I believe this person is suitable for the position because: Please return completed form to the Church Office in an envelope marked "Nominating Group" by Sunday February 11, 2018. Thank you for your interest in the ongoing work of Highlands United Church.
URGENTLY NEEDED a message from our Shelter to Home Team We have a mother and a one-year old child who need household items immediately can you help by providing the following for this family and others in need: Dressers or chests of drawers and bedside tables Small-medium coffee tables and end tables Flat screen TVs Electrical appliances: toasters, coffee makers, kettles and microwaves Easy chairs Small kitchen tables and chairs Lamps and lamp shades 8-12 ounce drinking glasses A play pen To donate, please call 778-331-8465 Amica Hosts Needed Every Sunday the Highlands service is livestreamed to a lovely gathering of 8-15 people at Amica Seniors Home in Edgemont Village. We host these services by simply attending with bulletins and welcoming the residents. We have a small cluster of volunteers and need one or two more. This is a simple outreach opportunity to seniors who can t make it out to the services but want to be connected to Highlands. For more information, talk to Colleen Blair, Will Sparks or call the Church Office.
To reserve your spot for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner be sure to sign up at the Action Table this Sunday!
Would you like to get to know people? Want to help the church but can t commit to an ongoing job? The Spring Plant Fundraiser could be the perfect fit for you. Lisa Madill and Julie Hunt are ready to pass the golden gardening glove to someone new and are happy to mentor you through the process. You would need access to a computer, a few brief order taking sessions after church, and some time on the weekend before Mother s Day to receive and distribute plants. Please email Julie if you are able to take this on. Gardening knowledge is not a prerequisite juliehunt@shaw.ca
Centennial Theatre s Play, Pie & Pint featuring Saxalamode - The Passionate Sax Join us for a mid-week matinee performance followed by an Aussie Pie Guy pie and beverage of choice in the theatre lobby. The fabulous Saxalamode Sax Quartet will play your favorite jazz tunes to the sensuous tangos of Astor Piazzolla, from Charlie Parker to Count Basie, Duke Ellington and big screen movie ballads. Date & Time: Wed, March 28 noon, doors open at 11, seating: 11:30 Where: Centennial Theatre at 23 rd and Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Access to the parking lot is from 23 rd St. Level entrance access is from the North parking lot, through the doors facing Lonsdale Ave. Transportation: Participants who are able, should drive directly to the theatre. If you are willing to pick up someone who needs a ride, please indicate this when you sign up. If you would like to attend and cannot arrange transportation, please check with Colleen. Cost: $22 covers the concert, lunch and your choice of beer, wine or soft drink. Payment and Tickets: is due by February 21 st and should be labelled to the attention of Colleen Blair. Cheques can be made out to Highlands United Church. Space for lunch at the theatre is limited so sign up early to avoid disappointment! Please collect tickets before Sunday March 25 th, either at the church office during office hours or on Sunday after church from Colleen. Tickets that are not collected in advance will be available at the box office on the day of the performance, labelled Highlands United Seniors. More info? Speak to Colleen Blair 604-980-6071 ext 27
HUC Refugee Sponsorship News Hasna Mohamed, our energetic Ethiopian newcomer in Canada since May 2015, has a new job at Canyon Bistro in Edgemont Village! Hasna has been self-supporting financially since Highlands' official sponsorship completed in 2016. She is working as a dishwasher and hopes to also develop skills in prep cooking. We encourage you to stop by Canyon for lunch or dinner and see Hasna's smiling face in the open kitchen. The first anniversary of the arrival of our two Syrian families (shared sponsorship with the North Shore Sponsor Group) is April 2018. Both families are living in Burnaby, with children and adults busy learning English and Canadian culture as they settle into their new community. The Sept 2017 Celtic Concert Fundraiser (hosted by Highlands) raised approximately $5,000 to help pay back the government of Canada for their airfare transportation loans. Highlands may now be ready to look at sponsoring a new refugee family to Canada! Our leadership board has confirmed directional support in principle for the Refugee Committee to explore various options for a potential sponsorship, possibly in partnership with another church or group. One huge challenge for settling any new refugee family on the North Shore or in the Lower Mainland is the high cost of rental accommodation. Partnering with another church in a more financially viable geographic area of BC is one option being considered. As we take the next steps in hopefully bringing a refugee family to the safety of Canada, we'd love to hear from any of you who may be interested in participating in this important work as part of the Refugee Committee. Please contact Marilyn MacDonald at 604-908-3747 or mmacd4753@gmail.com - Highlands Refugee Committee
A Gift for Highlands Want Your Donation to Highlands to Go Farther? The Highlands United Church Heritage Fund ended 2017 with a value of just over $180,000, which represented an annual growth of 7.6%. The earnings of the fund (and only the earnings) are available as a durable and long-lasting source of money for long-term projects. That means your donation can help Highlands for years and years. Presently, last year s earnings of $12,564, together with previously earned amounts, are available to support projects that add significantly to the longevity of Highlands, its vitality as a congregation, and its impact on the community. The Heritage Fund committee will report quarterly to the Highlands congregation on donations and earnings as we receive updates from the fund s professional managers, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital Ltd. We encourage you to consider making a lasting gift now, or to include a clause in your Will leaving a bequest to the HUC Heritage Fund.
C O MMUNITY E V ENT S A Message from First United Church in Vancouver s Downtown Eastside COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR 2018 Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 24, 2018 for the 4 th Annual Coldest Night of the Year walk for the homeless, hungry and hurting in Vancouver. We love to celebrate this event with our partner congregations, please email cnoy@firstunited.ca for details. We re thrilled to welcome walking teams from several United Churches, and also a conglomerate of 4 Presbyterian churches from Burnaby and New Westminster. PRAYER REQUEST WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS ON THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE A recent article has drawn attention to the strain and trauma being borne by frontline workers who respond to overdose calls day and night. Here at First United our staff responds to ODs daily. Even if the user survives, the experience can take its toll on first responders, who are often not EMTs, but rather folk who work or volunteer in the neighbourhood. If the user passes away despite interventions, the trauma to responders can be significant. Please pray for these brave, stalwart folk who are giving so much. https://tinyurl.com/dtescrisis Notice of a Public Information Meeting Domus Homes is hosting a Public Information Meeting to present the development proposal for a 12 unit townhouse development located at 3288 Brookridge Drive and 1135-1147 Ridgewood Drive. Meeting Time and Location: Thursday February 15, 2018 7:00 8:30pm Highlands United Church (In the Gymnasium) 3255 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver, V7R 2P1 Meeting Agenda: Doors Open: 7:00pm Open House Discussion: 7:00 8:30pm Presentation: 7:30pm 7:45pm For further information please contact: Yasser Yassin, Domus Homes 604-628-2660 Emel Nordin District of North Van, 604-990-2347 Planning Dept.
C O MMUNITY E V ENT S YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY BC CONFERENCE - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA If you are a volunteer, in a paid ministry position, a Sunday School teacher, a Youth Leader, or Clergy in a congregation we welcome you to register and take part in The INSPIRE Conference 2018! Come and gather at our third annual Ecumenical INSPIRE Conference! "To be inspired is great; to inspire is incredible" Sponsored by BC Conference, The United Church of Canada In partnership with: BC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Diocese of New Westminster, and The Contemplative Justice Network Registration Fee: $230!