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October 2019

Take a good look at God’s wonders... They will take your breath away!

Psalm 66:5

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to our new Office Administrator,

BECKY

We’re glad that you’re here!

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Yes! It’s time to talk … TURKEY!

Westminster’s Annual Turkey Supper is on

Saturday, November 9th

at 5:30pm

This fabulous fundraising feast, including a delectable

assortment of delicious homemade pies, is a wonderful

opportunity to enjoy a (second?) turkey dinner, with all

the trimmings, and your Westminster family.

Tickets are available on Sundays after service,

or from the Church Office during the week.

Adults: $20.00

Youth: $10.00

Children under 6: Free

Come and be part of this

Awesome Small Group!

This monthly “come as you can” group

brings adults of all ages and genders together

for a time of

discussion, food,

fellowship and prayer…

...all in a casual and

comfortable environment.

Faith & Fellowship

will meet on the following dates,

from 1:30pm-3:00pm:

October 9

November 13

December 11

January 8

Hope you can make it!

For more information, contact Cathy Shaw at

cshaw@westminster-uc.ca or 905-723-6442

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Our J.a.M Kids are AMAZING!

It doesn’t matter if they’re listening

in the Sanctuary or making a Creation Snack Mix in a J.a.M Session

to hand out to the Congregation, our Community of Faith is Blessed

by their energy and enthusiasm!

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COMMITTEE This month’s featured committee is Westminster’s CHURCH COUNCIL

Westminster United Church is operated through

a volunteer Council and staff. The Council consists

of the Chair, Minister of Word & Sacrament,

Minister of Faith Formation, Minister of Music,

Treasurer, Secretary and representatives from

each of the following committees:

Christian Education, Communications, Finance/Stewardship, Ministry & Personnel,

Nominations, Outreach, Presbytery, Property, Trustees, UCW, Wellness and Worship.

Westminster has thrived because many decided to use their time and talents, and become

involved. The opportunity to serve has created new friendships and lasting experiences.

If you would like to share your talents or would like more details, please contact our

Council Chair, Paul Pierson. or the Nominating Committee Chair, Tom McNown.

=============================================================================

Friday, October 18th

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Westminster United Church

The UCW will prepare your Dinner,

you pick it up from the church and enjoy it at home.

Dinner will be Soup, Sandwiches, and Dessert.

Cost:

Dinner for 2: $10.00

Dinner for 4: $20.00

Sorry, there are NO pre-orders.

For more information, please contact Shirley Penny

CO

RN

ER

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Hurricane Relief

Collection of Personal Hygiene Supplies

After hearing about the devastation left by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas’ and Abaco Islands,

sometimes one wants to do something more than just donate money to our UCC Emergency Response.

Through Carol O’Neil and the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee – Carol’s employer), the UCW is offering the congregation a wonderful opportunity to participate in

Buckets of Thanks

These buckets contain personal hygiene supplies that will be sent to the people affected by this disaster.

Donations will be accepted only until Sunday October 13th

We will be collecting the following items: Combs (Wide-toothed) Bath soap (Wrapped bars) Shampoo (300ml + bottles) Laundry soap (Bars: ie Sunlight) Toothbrushes (Adult-sized, new) Bath towels (New, approximately 75 X 150 cm) Adhesive bandages (Assorted) Sanitary pads (Packages of Thin Pads)

Nail Clippers

All donations can be left in the marked box in the church

Message

in

a

Bottle

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Parish Mosaic Committee – Summer Activity

This summer was a very active time, particularly for LGBTQ activities. As a result, your Parish

Mosaic committee was very busy, performing outreach and representing Westminster United

as a welcoming and Affirming church. Some of the activities included:

At the end of May, we hosted the AIDS Candlelight Vigil, in memory of the victims of AIDS.

Reaction from the AIDS Committee of Durham region was very positive as “we were finally able

to get this memorial off the parking lots”.

In June, we were again fully involved in the Multi-Faith Pride service and Parade. This was well

attended and was great exposure for our Affirming message.

Also in June, we participated in the 2nd annual Youth Pride event. This is an event hosted by the

Children’s Aid Society of Durham. We were the only faith-based organization at this event.

The following week, we were personally asked, by the president of PFLAG, to participate in a

Pride event at Pickering Town Centre. We were again the only faith-based organization at this

event.

This year, we sponsored a student to attend Camp Rainbow Phoenix, providing an opportunity

for LGBTQ youth to experience a camp in a safe and welcoming environment. On the Thursday,

we participated in an event at the camp. We were again the only faith-based group at the camp.

We are now planning for an active season, dealing with the issues of Affirming, Inclusion,

Multi-Culturalism, Truth & Reconciliation, etc. If you are interested in joining the Parish Mosaic

Committee, please call Don at (416) 579-6833.

Parish Mosaic Committee

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Tuesday, October 22nd

7:00pm 9:00pm

Barb will be hosting this meeting in her home.

Please contact the church office if you are in need of directions.

Theme:

"Learning to hear God’s voice"

Please bring a Bible is you have one. __________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Camp Quin-Mo-Lac Request

Our closest United Church camp – Camp Quin-Mo-Lac

is in need and if you have any of the following sup-

plies, could you please bring them to the church and

leave them in the designated box and they will be

picked up on Sunday October 13th, 2019.

They are in need of: Canadian Tire money, new 13 or 60

watt lightbulbs, new 9-volt square batteries, and assorted

sport balls: soccer, baseball, basketball, and football.

Thank you for your assistance in providing these items for Camp Quin-Mo-Lac. It is greatly appreciated.

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OUTREACH COMMITTEE Christmas Hampers and Tin Cans

It’s not too late to pick up your tin can and start collecting for this

year’s Tin Can contributions towards the 70+ Christmas Hampers

we assemble for needy families/individuals in our area.

See the table in the gym after church service – or contact

Peter Spratt directly. The money collected goes towards

the Loblaws gift cards (in lieu of groceries and turkey, etc.).

If you prefer, you can simply donate directly. Make sure you label your contribution envelope

specifically towards the “Christmas Hamper/Tin Cans Program.” Of course, whether you

collect via the tin cans or a donation envelope, you will receive credit towards a 2019

charitable donation receipt.

Thank you for continuing to support this annual campaign by Westminster United.

It is so worthwhile and brings Christmas joy to so many in our community.

Here are a few dates to keep in mind: (Yes, it’s almost Thanksgiving, so Christmas is less than 3 months away!)

Tuesday, November 4

th: 7:00pm - Tin Can Counting.

Sunday, November 24th

and December 1st

: Handout of Gift Tags. Saturday, December 14

th: 12:00pm – 4:00pm - Gift Drop-off at Church Gym.

Sunday, December 15th

(after church service): - Delivery of Christmas Hampers.

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Mark your Calendar for

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18th

Come out for a fun, free evening of

Board Games 7:00pm - 9:30pm

This event is for Adults and Youth

(10 years and older)

Bring your favourite game

or try one of ours!

SEE YOU THERE!

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As a disciple,

you are invited to live out your faith

by engaging in the upcoming

election process.

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord

on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jer. 29:7, NRSV)

God’s people are called to faithfully engage with the world around them to help shape a space

for the kin-dom of God to become manifest. Many of our communities of faith serve those who

are vulnerable, feed those who are hungry, house those who are homeless, and advocate with

the most vulnerable. In these actions, the churches answer God’s call. Choosing to vote is

another way for individuals to answer that call.

As a disciple, you are invited to live out your faith by engaging in the upcoming election process.

We can work toward a world in which the welfare of one is the welfare of all!

This fall political candidates will seek your vote and offer a vision of how Canada could operate.

People of faith can bring God’s vision of fullness of life for all our relations into the conversation,

setting an agenda for the election campaign and the resulting government.

Let us change the conversation of fear, negativity, and mistrust that has become too prevalent

and challenge candidates to be their best selves as together we answer God’s call in this

moment.

Please vote and encourage others to vote. When we act together as one body seeking God’s

vision, we can build a better future for this country. By participating in the democratic process,

we work together to create a country that lives up to Canada’s positive image worldwide and

brings us closer to the kin-dom of God. When we demonstrate humility, dignity, and integrity

and offer that to all, we will influence the public dialogue.

Resource: United Church of Canada Website

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JUST FOR LAUGHS!

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You won’t want to miss

BROADSWAY Saturday, October 26, 2019

7:00 pm.

This incredible event features

International Artist,

Julie Michels

Juno Award nominee,

Heather Bambrick

Dora Mavor Award nominee,

Diane Leah

Tickets: $30.00 each

They are ON SALE NOW and GOING FAST,

so contact the Church Office or purchase Online at

www.brownpapertickets.com

DVD Series

Monday Evenings

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Oct. 28, Nov. 11, Nov. 25 and Dec. 9

NOOMA is a series of short films that promote spiritual reflections on individual life experiences.

Each of the four DVD’s is presented in a highly relatable manner

that invites you to search, question and join the discussion.

Join Cathy Shaw, your Minister of Faith Formation

for any, or all of this informal faith forming series.

No registration required.

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LET’S KEEP EVERYONE

BREATHING WELL!

FOR THE HEALTH, SAFETY

AND WELL-BEING OF ALL ,

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING SCENTED

PRODUCTS WHILE AT WESTMINSTER!

THANK YOU!

You are called to

care for Creation,

not only as

responsible citizens,

but as followers

of Christ.

Pope Francis

ALLERGY REMINDER!

With the beginning of J.a.M, your Christian Education and J.a.M Teams would like to remind you that we have children in our congregation who have severe, life-threatening allergies to Tree Nuts and especially to Peanuts (we probably have some adults as well).

We are also asking for your help in preventing any serious incidents of anaphylaxis.

How can you help?

The best way to help is to choose not to eat peanut butter or any products containing

peanuts/nuts (peanut butter, granola bars, etc) before heading to church.

Should you need to have these products for breakfast then please brush your teeth

thoroughly and wash your hands well with soap and warm water...unfortunately hand sanitizer does not get rid of the residue left from peanuts and other nut products.

We are doing our very best in J.a.M to offer programming that will keep our children safe and healthy, and we are extending this request to everyone in our congregation, so that together we can make Westminster a place for all to enjoy. T Thank you for helping us help others!

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Westminster United Church Annual Christmas Bazaar

Baked goods Knitting

White Elephant Table Christmas Décor

Silent Auction And so much more!

Saturday, November 16, 2019 9:00am – 2:00pm

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Did you know…

...that Tyler Tran did a fine job of reading the scripture lesson one Sunday in the summer?

Many thanks, Tyler.

...that “Buds and Shrubs” are looking for people who wish to help care for our gardens?

Please speak to Monica V. or Ron K. to volunteer.

...that there is a lovely Memory Garden just south of the main doors? In this garden are planted

three beautiful Butterfly-attracting bushes, donated by the Choir and dedicated in memory of

Rev. Michelle and Jake’s triplet daughters.

...that seventeen people joined the Westminster United Church family last Spring, either by

Profession of Faith or by Transfer? Welcome, one and all.

...that the United Church magazine, The Observer, is now called Broadview?

Subscriptions begin soon. Watch for information in the bulletin.

...that the UPCOMING EVENTS fridge flyer is available on the kiosk/pamphlet rack in the

Narthex, just inside the main doors? You can’t miss it...it’s neon green!

...that Gail B. recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Greenland and the Dingmans travelled

to China!

...that Shirley W. is recovering from hip surgery? Get well soon, Shirley!

Diversity

Embraced

Here

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You Are Needed!

If we are to live out our motto - Be Welcomed, Be Nourished, Belong – we need your help.

Please sign up to greet and light the candles one Sunday (or more?). Having cheerful greeters at the door to welcome people to worship is an important aspect of our ministry.

There’s also a personal benefit – it’s a great way to to meet people and build relationships!

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You’re invited… Worship Service - Worldwide Communion

10:30am

Sunday, October 6

UCW Meeting

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Monday, October 7

Faith & Fellowship (Small Group)

1:30pm - 3:00pm

Wednesday, October 9

Worship Service - Thanksgiving Sunday

10:30am

Sunday, October 13

Thanksgiving Day - Church Office is Closed Monday, October 14

UCW Fall Gathering (Region Event)

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday, October 16

Dinner to Go (prepared and sold by the UCW)

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Games Night - (Free)

7:00am - 9:30pm

Friday, October 18

Worship Service

10:30am

CDMC Meeting

11:30am - 1:00pm

Sunday, October 20

Federal Election Polling Station

7:00am - 11:30pm

Monday, October 21

Prayer Team Meeting

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Church Council Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Wine, Women and the Word (Offsite)

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Tuesday, October 22

BROADsWAY (Fundraising Concert)

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, October 26

Worship Service - Stewardship Sunday

10:30am

Stew for Stewardship Luncheon following Worship

Sunday, October 27

NOOMA DVD Series (Small Group)

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Monday, October 28 November 11 November 25 December 9

REMINDER - CLOCKS GO BACK TONIGHT! Saturday, November 2

Worship Service

10:30am

Tin Can Return Day - please get them in to be counted

Sunday, November 3