2014-November 27-NewsfromPews

November 27 2014
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NEWS FROM THE PEWS
NEWS AND INSPIRATION FROM
ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH, GEORGETOWN, ON
Sunday,
November 30
Reader:
Mattie Spencer
Greeters:
Gord and Mattie
Spencer
Ushers:
Joe and Lois
Oatman
Counter:
Ross Yahiro
AV operators:
Bryan Scott and
Rob Ogger
Announcements:
Board of Directors
Next week,
December 7 Christmas Play
Greeters:
Leslie Moore and
Valerie Jordan
Ushers:
Lorne and Susan
Campbell
Counter:
Ross Yahiro and
Mike Sprague
AV operators:
Bryan Scott
Announcements:
Ministry and
Personnel
WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND
November 30, 2014, 10:00 am
“56th Anniversary Sunday Advent 1”
This Sunday we celebrate our 56th
anniversary as a congregation. Way
back in 1958 a group of forward thinking church planners had the idea that it
was time to start a new church in
Georgetown. On November 30, 1958
the first service was held for the “New”
St. Andrew’s United Church in the new
Delrex Subdivision part of Georgetown.
There may be some church members
who remember that special day.
Now here we are 56 years later and we
continue to praise God and support
one another through worship, pastoral
care, Christian Education and more. A
lot has happened over these years to
which we owe God thanks for.
In the service, we will be reflecting on
how the church vision was all started
and how it still continues today in 2014.
This is a special year for St. Andrew’s
as we are embarking on a new major
Vision Campaign for the next 3-5 years.
In the sermon I will be reflecting on what
the new vision is about and how we can
be engaged with it. This is truly an exciting time to be a part of the St. Andrew’s
community of faith.
Also in the service we are beginning the
season of Advent where we will be lighting a candle in the advent wreath. This
week our candle theme is Hope. At the
end of the service we will be celebrating
the sacrament of Holy Communion. We
hope that you will join us for this special
day of celebration.
This week’s readings are:
Isaiah 43:18-19
Mark 13:24-37
Sermon:
Casting The Vision For 56 Years And
Still Going Strong….
News from the Pews is the electronic newsletter of St. Andrew's United
Church, Georgetown, Ontario, produced every Thursday.
If you would like to publicize an event, please send it in the body of an e-mail
(not as an attachment) to: standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca by Wednesday NOON.
For further information, contact our secretary, Margaret Yahiro, or our
Minister, Rev. Grant Williams, at 905-877-4482.
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News from the Pews
CHRISTMAS MUSIC/CANTATA - PLEASE JOIN US ON THURSDAYS!
if you are interested in joining the Senior Choir for Christmas please come to practices on
Thursday nights at 6:30 pm.
If you want to sing in the cantata only, please join us on Thursdays at 7:30 pm.
The cantata is to be held on Sunday, December 14th in the evening.
Please come out for a fun evening of song!
GUITAR GROUP
The group consists of about 8 beginners. If you’re interested, or would like to play the guitar,
come join us Friday mornings @ 9:30 a.m. We have spare guitars to get you started. Maybe
someone would like to come sing with us??
ATTENTION: YOUNG AT HEART !
St. Andrew’s Friday night Youth Group needs one adult volunteer for each of the following dates. No
planning or leadership is required, just come and spend a couple of hours from 7-9 p.m. on the following
Friday: December 12th. Please contact Sula Anne Kosacky (our Student Minister) if you can help out.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS - PICK-UP IS
TOMORROW OR SUNDAY
CHURCH ENVELOPES FOR 2015
ARE READY TO BE PICKED UP
Thank you to everyone who supported this
Fundraiser. Reminder that the plants will be
available for pick up TOMORROW - Friday
November 28th between 5 and 7 pm or on
Sunday November 30th. Please contact
Jeanne Brennan if you are going to wait until Sunday to
pick up your flowers (or contact the church office and
we'll inform Jeanne).
Church envelopes are on a table outside of
the Fellowship Room. They are in
alphabetical order by last name. If you would
like to change to PAR (i.e. Pre-Authorized
Remittance) givings, please ask for a form
from the Church Office or from Nancy
Thompson.
VISION NEWS!!!!
VISIONING SESSION ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH
Visioning Session for St. Andrew’s this Saturday, November 29th from 9am -3pm. You are
invited to join in a Visioning Session to plan and dream what the future will look like at
St. Andrew’s. Our Consultant Duane Whittey will be leading us through this process. All are
welcome. Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP to Grant Williams or Alan Grundy your attendance by tomorrow
(Friday, November 28th).
ANNIVERSARY OFFERING
We will be collecting a special anniversary offering this Sunday. If you can make a special donation,
please find envelopes in the pews. Thank you for your continued support!
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ATTENTION SENIOR YOUTH CLASS!!!
COME AND JOIN US FOR THE NEXT FEW SUNDAYS AS WE CELEBRATE THE COMING
OF JESUS. WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON ADVENT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO US. HOPE
TO SEE YOU THIS SUNDAY.
YOUTH CHRISTMAS PLAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
As the weather turns colder and the seasons change, we start to think about the Christmas
play! Practices have begun. The complete practice schedule is below (Note: This may be
subject to change). For more information, please contact Stephanie Scott.
The next practice is This SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30th from 4 to 6 pm.
November:
Sunday 30th
4pm-6:00pm
December:
Dress Rehearsal:
Saturday 6th
1pm
Performances:
Saturday 6th
Sunday 7th
7pm
10am
TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE - THIS SUNDAY - November 30th at 7:00 pm
Join us for this quiet, contemplative Candlelight Service. We will take this time as we enter the
rush and excitement of Advent and holiday preparation to slow down and experience a sacred
space with music, prayer and silence.
PASTORAL CARE TEAM MEETING ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
There is a Pastoral Care Team meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd at 1:00pm in Grant William’s Office.
BIBLE STUDY GROUP: THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY HAS FINISHED
This morning ended the Thursday morning Bible Study group. Thank you to
Rev. Grant Williams for leading this session.
Thank you also to everyone who attended.
CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE AT ST. ANDREW'S
Thank you to Dorothy and Gord Robinson who have built mail slots for a Christmas Card
Exchange at St. Andrew's. Save on postage and bring your Christmas cards for Church
friends to church! Also, once December comes, don't forget to check the slots once in a
while for cards addressed to you!
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ST. ANDREW'S WOMEN AND UCW - THURSDAY, December 4th at 1:30 pm
You are invited to an afternoon of fellowship and refreshments to celebrate the Advent and
Christmas seasons. Our student intern, Sula Anne Kosacky, is coming to share with us about her
life's journey and call into ministry. All women are invited to come and enjoy!
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY WANTED
ANNUAL REPORTS
We are in need of about 6 wagons to borrow for
White Gift Sunday on December 14th. If you can
help with this please let Grant Williams or the
office know.
Please submit your reports for the
2014 Annual Report to the office
Thank you!
To all Ministries:
by Sunday, January 4th, 2015.
Those with Internet can email them to
standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca
Thank you!
News from the Pews
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COMMUNITY
Help to fill the sky with Light & Love again this year. Bethell Hospice has always been known as a special
place of peace, love and joy. Bethell Hospice cares for people in their final stages of life at no cost to
residents or their families. One of our Church members - Joanne Brown - stayed there.
Remember Joanne or another special person with a Gift of Light to Bethell Hospice.
As the holiday season approaches, friends of Bethell Hospice are encouraged to buy a light to honour
someone special in their lives, or in memory of someone they loved. This year, the tree lighting
ceremony and reception will take place at Bethell Hospice on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. to honour all
those remembered.
Buy a light on the Bethell Hospice tree today for $30, or 5 for $100. Or with a gift of $500, an entire box of
lights. Your name, and the name of the person you are remembering, will be listed throughout the holiday
season on the Celebration of Light & Love scroll in Bethell Hospice and on their website.
To donate online, visit www.bethellhospice.org and click “Donate Now”. You can also mail a donation to
Bethell Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box # 75 STN MAIN, Inglewood, Ont. L7C 9Z9
(Mention Light & Love and the person you want remembered.)
ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM - THIS WEEKEND - November 28, 29 & 30, 2014
6:30–8:30pm at Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
“On the Way to Bethlehem” tells the Christmas story in an outdoor, living pageant.
ADMISSION: Adults $5 – Children FREE
This pageant is a cooperative project of Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together
For more information: info@onthewaytobethlehem.ca or phone 905-875-0839
Website: www.onthewaytobethlehem.ca
SUPPORT & HOUSING – HALTON’S THE COFFEE HOUSE SOCIAL GROUP
A FUN AFTERNOON OF GAMES & ACTIVITIES
Light refreshments will be provided.
Every TUESDAY, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church.
This space is wheelchair accessible – if you need arrangements for accessibility, please
contact Jennifer beforehand to make arrangements.
For more information, contact Jennifer at (905) 693-8771 ex. 380 or jbarclay@shhalton.org
Support & Housing – Halton providing excellence in supportive housing, peer support & recovery since
1982. http://www.shhalton.org COFFEE HOUSE Social Group
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MONTGOMERY CHRISTMAS - THIS SATURDAY
- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH IN NORVAL
Bazaars:
Norval Presbyterian Church - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Norval United Church - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Visit:
Crawford’s Village Bake Shop - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Jack and Linda Hutton - LMM Gift Shop
Bala’s Museum with memories of LMM
The Wellness Centre
Bake Sale and Lunch
St. Elias the Prophet Church
Booksigning at Crawford’s - Benjamin Lefebvre - Volume 3: A Legacy in Review
Theatre:
3:30 pm - St. Paul’s Parish Hall - “A Kindred Spirit Christmas”
Enjoy United Church Brass Band
Meet Anne of Green Gables and Santa
Websites:
norvalontario.com
lmmontgomerynorval.com
GEORGETOWN BACH CHORALE PRESENTS: HANDEL’S MESSIAH - THIS WEEKEND
Two Performances of this timeless masterpiece will be offered.
Saturday, November 29, 2014, 7:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, 116 Main Street S.
Sunday, November 30, 2014, 2:30 pm at St. John’s United Church, 11 Guelph Street
$35 adults/ students $10. Tickets may be ordered online at www.georgetownbachchorale.com or calling
905-877-6569, or purchased at two locations in Georgetown, and one location in Acton.
• Foodstuffs, 89 Main Street South, 905 877 6569
• Pat’s Prime Cuts & Deli, South Georgetown Centre,
333 Mountainview Road South #10, 905 873 0352
• The Holland Shop, 71 Mill Street E, Acton 519 853 0950
GAUDEAMUS CHOIRS OF HALTON HILLS PRESENTS: AIN'T THAT NEWS!
THIS SATURDAY!
Welcoming the season with a gospel flair!
Diane Murray-Charrett, Conductor and Rachelle Risling, Piano
Gaudeamus Children's Choirs
with Special Guest, Orea Vocal Ensemble
Saturday, November 29th at 7 pm
St. John's United Church, 11 Guelph Street
Tickets available at the Silver Creek Cafe, 122 Main St., Georgetown
www.gaudeamuschoirs.com
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A giving catalogue from the
People of the United Church
of Canada is now available.
Gifts with Vision Projects support the work of United Church partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and across
Canada. Gifts starting at $10. You can also choose gifts online. Website: www.giftswith vision.ca.
Catalogs are available on the table across from the Church office.
CHRISTMAS JAZZ VESPERS AT WINDERMERE UNITED IN TORONTO
You are invited to attend a Christmas Jazz Vespers
at Windermere United Church, 356 Windermere Ave, Toronto, ON M6S 3L3
on Sunday December 7th at 7:00 pm.
Brian Stevens (piano) and Bill MacLean (vocals) will offer an hour long program of music and from their
latest CD, Twelve Songs for Christmas. Brian and Bill will be joined for this concert by Geroge Jardine
(drums), Michael LaLonde, (bass) and Lucas Tensen (cello). A free will offering will be taken.
SENIOR'S TOUR OF THE LIGHTS
Hosted by: The Kinsmen Club of Georgetown
Date: Wednesday, December 10th
Times: The tour departs from the Walmart Parking Lot at 7:00 pm
The tour will be followed by snacks, entertainment and refreshments served
at 8:00 pm at
The Salvation Army Church
Pick ups, at the following locations, will begin at 6:30 pm:
Mountainview Residence, Kincourt, Armstrong Terrace, The Sands, Cote Terrace, Royal Ascot,
Georgetown Seniors Centre, Sargent Court, Victoria Gardens and St. Andrew's Church
For further information, please contact Rob Blackburn at 416-779-2754
MUSIC AND REFLECTION SERVICES AT MAYFIELD UNITED CHURCH
on November 30 and December 14, 2014 at 6:30 - 8:00 in the evening.
These services create the environment of calm, safety and support, to bring people to their quiet place
using the techniques of relaxing meditation and toremain there for a time, wrapped in the blanket of music.
People of all faiths are welcome to explore their inner connection with spirit and expand their personal
spiritual growth.
An example of music created in the moment, is found at the following address:
http://www.jango.com/music/Howard+Lopez?l=0
Listen to the first track called "Four Minutes"
Offerings are accepted on a volunteer basis and are gratefully received in the form of money, food or
clothing. These gifts are in turn used to support Mayfield's several community partners.
The Reflection Services will be held on November 30 and December 14, 2014 at
Mayfield United Church, 12496 Dixie Road, Caledon L7C 2L7.
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CHRISTMAS WITH THE GEORGETOWN CELTIC FIDDLE ORCHESTRA
- SOLD OUT
Friday, December 5th at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's United Church. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
ADVENT CORNER
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advent 1 – No shame in poverty
…and she placed Him in a manger….
Jesus was born to a family that would today be described as the “working poor”. He had nothing but rough
linen, put to bed in a feeding trough. Why would God allow His son to be born in such conditions? Because in coming to the world in this way Jesus teaches us that there is no shame in being poor. It is easy
to fall into the trap of thinking that we are somehow more blessed then those who need our generosity.
When we look down upon those experiencing poverty - we look down upon the infant Jesus Himself.
GRANT’S WORLD
Last Sunday we concluded a two week series on Christian Stewardship. The first week we learned about
the importance of using our talents in the life of the congregation as we put our faith into action serving
others in community.
Last week we looked at the importance of giving and tithing as a way of supporting the faith community. At
the beginning of the service, Brian Heinmiller gave an excellent visual presentation on the state of the
church currently. He outlined what our level of givings are compared to our church membership. He noted
how much we receive through rental income and through fundraising efforts from volunteers. We know
that we need about $220,000 to support the churches ministries.
The highlight that Brian made and I would like to highlight also is that the gap between what donations we
receive from Church members’ offerings and what our expenses are is widening. What this means is we
are relying more and more on fundraising events such as garage sales, dinners, shows, auctions and
more. We also are getting used to renting out our facilities to outside groups to raise revenue. As Brian
pointed out these efforts can allow us to continue to support the work and ministry of St. Andrew’s United
church but it is not sustainable in the long run. There must be a better method of raising the funds required
for supporting our faith ministry.
This year we have incurred some additional costs related to increases in Snow removal, increased staffing, and more notably the necessity of a new roof in the Sanctuary. As many of you know the roof has
been leaking for a couple of years now and it came time that we could not wait any longer and we had to
take out a loan of $30,000 to order a new steel roof. The roof was literally leaking in the pulpit. This new
roof will hopefully be installed in mid-December. Hey, we could call that a Christmas present for the
church!
At this point in the year, our treasurer points out that we are already behind about $17,000 from budget in
our offerings and this does not include the cost of the new roof yet.
So what does this all mean for us as a congregation?
First, the finance team would first like to encourage church members to prayerfully consider making an
over and above donation to the church to help us bridge the gap in the giving’s shortfall and this will allow
us to finish the year off in a good place as we have done so for the past 56 years. On Sunday there will be
News from the Pews
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GRANT’S WORLD continued...
special anniversary offering envelopes available.
Second, our church board this year has been made aware of the situation that Brian highlighted last Sunday. As a board we have decided to do some major thinking about the future direction for ministry as a
congregation. In doing this we have engaged with a consultant named Duane Whittey who will lead us
through a vision and stewardship campaign that will enable us to focus on who we are as a church and
perhaps change the focus on what our ministry is about.
In the vision and stewardship campaign we will look in new directions on how to raise funds for the ministry we are doing and have to rely less on fundraising and rentals. Imagine what it would be like if we were
to focus on where God in leading us in the next 3-5 years. Imagine being able to spend time on personal
faith development. Imagine the possibilities for outreach for serving the needs of people in the wider
Georgetown community. Imagine if we were able to utilize more volunteers engaged in Christ’s ministry
and less on fundraising efforts to balance the books. Imagine if we were able to better use our facilities
for ministry programs rather than renting them out for income.
If you would like to find out more about this exciting vision process there is a day long envisioning day
this Saturday with Duane Whittey. We will be meeting from 9-3 PM. This will be a great opportunity to
engage with the process by offering your own ideas and dreams for what St. Andrew’s can be about.
Please let me know if you plan on attending prior to Saturday.
When the church pioneers in 1958, 1974 and in 1985 decided to build a new worship facility I believe that
had a great vision for what the people of St. Andrew’s could do for the community. As a church we have
built three different buildings to worship in and Christ’s ministry continues strong to this day through the
continued faithfulness of church members and adherents.
The time is now to refocus on how God may be calling you to support the mission and ministry of St. Andrew’s United Church. We have so many great worship services, concerts and programs to participate in
in the coming weeks.
This Sunday night as we begin the season of Advent we launch a new service called “Advent Taize” It
will be held at 7 PM. This is a simple, quiet and reflective service with lots and lots of candles to help
people ease into the season of Christmas. Next weekend, December 6-7th we have two performances
of the Sunday School Musical. Saturday night at 6:30 PM and then on Sunday morning at 10 AM. Then
on December 14th our choir performs their annual Cantata. For those who have had a difficult year because of a loss of sadness we offer a Blue Christmas service on December 17th. This year will be joined
with the folks from St. John’s United Church.
The most exciting news I want to share with you now is the addition of a 4 PM service on Christmas Eve.
This short and interactive service is designed for young families with babies and toddlers in mind. There
will be familiar carols, candle lighting and a story time. A great time to celebrate Christ’s birth before people get settled into dinner and bedtime. We hope that you will share news of this service with your
friends, family and neighbours. We will also be continuing our 7:00 PM family service with an Impromptu
Nativity play and then at 9:00 PM our traditional Candleight Communion Service.
I hope that you will enter into the season of Advent with the warmth of God in your hearts.
And a final note. A Happy Thanksgiving to all our American neighbours today!
Blessings,
See you on the weekend,
Grant
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News from the Pews
Did you know…
The UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER is the oldest continuously published magazine in all of North
America? (Since 1829)
In April 2014, it took home 25 Associated Church Press (ACP - a North American organization) Awards, including 10 first-place prizes and “Best in Class” for denominational
magazines?
In May 2014 it was recognized by the Canadian Church Press (CCP) by winning 15 CCP
awards, including 8 first-place prizes and the top award for general excellence in magazine publishing?
In June 2014 The National Magazine Awards, a foundation with a mission to recognize and
promote excellence in the content and creation of Canadian print and digital publications, gave the UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER first and second place prizes for pieces in two
different categories?
 Gold - Science, Technology & the Environment for “Losing the Hooded Grebe” by Alanna
Mitchell
 Silver - Online Video for “Cold Comfort” by Kevin Spurgaitis & Jill Kitchener
 plus two other Honourable Mentions
If you go to church, then the UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER is your magazine, and can be had for
only $20 per year, OR if we increase our subscriber list by 50%, a mere $10 including tax!
That’s for 11 issues per year, less than a buck an issue!
Please contact Graeme Thompson or the Church office ASAP as the subscriptions have to be
placed in early December. You will get a $10 refund if we reach our target.
Name __________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
News from the Pews
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OUR CHURCH VISION
With God’s Help we will:
develop Spiritual and personal growth through Christian faith and fellowship
welcome and encourage new ideas
encourage outreach programs
offer programs for all ages and stages in life
foster personal growth and friendship through Small Groups ministries
be more visible in our community
Week-at-a-Glance
Thursday, November 27
10:00 am
Bible Study
6:30 pm
Choir practice
7:30 pm
Cantata Choir practice
Friday, November 28
9:30 am
Circle of Friends
9:30 am
Guitar Group
7:00 pm
Youth Group
Saturday, November 29
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Envisioning Day
Sunday, November 30
10:00 am
Worship
4:00 to 6:00 pm Christmas Play Practice
7:00 pm
Taize Service
Tuesday, December 2
1:00 pm
Coffee House
1:00 pm
Pastoral Care Team Meeting
Church Secretary/Office:
standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca
Secretary - Office Hours:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9 am - 1 pm
Thursdays: 9 am - 3 pm
Thursday, December 4
1:30 pm
St. Andrew’s Women and
U.C.W.
6:30 pm
Choir practice
7:30 pm
Cantata Choir practice
Friday, December 5
9:30 am
Guitar Group
7:00 pm
Celtic Concert
Saturday, December 6
1:00 pm
Christmas Play Dress
Rehearsal
6:30 pm
Christmas Play I Witness News: Live from Bethlehem
Sunday, December 7
10:00 am
Worship - Christmas Play I Witness News: Live from Bethlehem
Minister Hours:
Monday - Thursday
Grant Williams:
standrewsminister@cogeco.ca
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News from the Pews
Reminder - the play is also being held with no Church service on Saturday, December 6th
At 6:30 pm - doors open at 5:45 pm - $5 per ticket - Proceeds will be given to a cause
decided on by the Youth.
News from the Pews
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OUR 2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND BAKE SALE, SILENT
AUCTION AND RAFFLE
A few more photos from the Christmas Craft Sale - Some of the Volunteers
who helped...
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Thanks again
to everyone
involved!
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