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April 19, 2024

MESSAGE FROM REVEREND IRENE TY

This Sunday is “Good Shepherd” Sunday in the liturgical calendar. We will reflect on how Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and how he cares for and protects the flock. The good shepherd puts the well-being of the sheep ahead of everything else. How are we, as individuals and as church, being called to emulate Jesus? What can we do to help and protect the vulnerable in society? How are we being called to put their interests and well-being ahead of ours? 

During the Time of Wonder, we will be reflecting on volunteerism and consider the ways in which we give our time and talents to the church and to the wider society. 

Everyone is invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.   Newcomers to Westminster will be specially welcomed.  This event is being hosted by the Congregational Care team of Westminster. 

Please join us in person or by livestream with the link below: Sunday 10 a.m. Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlJ3yNI2_RI

Upcoming Sundays:

April 21: Volunteer Appreciation Sunday. Newcomers Welcomed! Everyone is invited to refreshments time after church.

April 28: Earth Day Sunday Service and Sunday School  

May 5th: Communion Sunday. Refreshments Time to Celebrate Mother's  

May 12th: Mother's Day with Guest Musicians: Proclamation Quartet. Bring Your Family and Friends to this Special Service!

May 19th: Pentecost Sunday!

National Volunteer Week

April 14 - 20, 2024

Every Moment Matters

Let's recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they’re making to strengthen inclusivity and wellbeing in our communities. Now more than ever, Every Moment Matters! 

#NVW2024 #EveryMomentMatters

Good News from the Green Team:

As Earth Day gets closer the Green Team wants to tell you good news about solar panels. The council in Wakefield, England plans to install solar panels on the roofs or on the grounds of up to 22 schools so the classrooms can be powered by renewable energy. This project will reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. (BBC News, July 27, 2023.)

People are sometimes concerned that renewable energy installations take up too much space. But there are lots of underused spaces where they can be placed such as farms, roads, parking lots and cemeteries. In the French town of Saint -Joachim solar panels are being installed over the cemetery and will provide free electricity to people in the community. 

THE BLANKET EXERCISE - Islington United Church on April 27^th, 2024

The blanket exercise is an interactive educational program that teaches the history of colonization in Canada. Led by KAIROS Canada, the program was created in response to the 1996 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. It has been used as a teaching tool across Canada thousands of times.

The Blanket Exercise is based on using Indigenous methodologies. The goal is to build a shared understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through the periods of pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance.

Participants are actively involved as they step on blankets that represent the land, and step into the role of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.

By allowing participants to engage on emotional and intellectual levels, the blanket exercise serves to both educate and increase empathy.

This is an adults-only event happening at Islington United Church on April 27th from 9:30am - 12:30pm, and advance registration is required. As space is limited, please register early to avoid disappointment. 

Register: https://islingtonunited.org/event/the-blanket-exercise/

DAY OF FELLOWSHIP, Celebrate 100 years of the United Church of Canada

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sat. June 8^th  Wellington Square United Church, Burlington

Main Speakers: Rev. Alexa Gilmour and Rev. Michael Blair. Everyone is invited.

Lunch is included. Please register by May 27.   

Renewal and Transformation … A Season of Hope.   

https://hfrcucc.ca/event/the-day-of-fellowship-horseshoe-falls/

Rev. Irene Ty’s Sabbatical: June 3 – September 22, 2024

A document entitled “Sabbatical Journey 2024” with background information about Rev. Irene Ty’s upcoming sabbatical was sent out with the March 1st, 2024 eblast. If you would like a copy of that, please contact Susan Wilson.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES!

1. Monday, April 22nd 10 a.m. PRAYER SHAWL knitting group.  Do you enjoy knitting? Join us for a time of knitting and fellowship in the library. All are welcome. 

2. Tuesday April 23rd from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Tight-Knit Senior's Club - Participants meet every Tuesday in the Board room to learn to knit, share their knitting and crocheting skills, enjoy socializing and light refreshments. Yarn and materials will be provided and some of the products can be donated to support the DBNC Care Closet. For more information and to register, please contact: Wendy Mullinder at 416-276-7592 or by email at wendym@dixiebloor.ca.

3. ZOOM CHECK-IN, BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER: 

Thursday April 25th 10:20-11:30AM: This is an opportunity to study scripture together, share how we are doing, and encourage one another through prayer. If you haven’t participated before, you’re welcome to join! 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86164499299 Or By Telephone: 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 /Meeting ID: 861 6449 9299

4.  SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS at Sunday’s Service. Children are welcome to join in the learning through story-telling and crafts. Please bring your/friends’ children and grandchildren. Next classes are April 28 and May 12.
 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday 10am to Noon

Tuesday to Friday: 9:30am to 1:30pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 9:30 to 3PM

MARCH 17, 2024

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