MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
March 5 – March 11, 2023
Sunday, March 12, 2023 ~ Lent 3
Please join us for our 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
and for coffee hour following the service…
Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 95, Part 1, John 4: 5 – 30, 39-42
Reflection: “This is my story”
Quote of the Day
“Because of God’s great love we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail.”
~ Lamentations of Jeremiah
Prayer Requests
A clipboard has been placed on a lectern just inside the sanctuary for congregants to place their prayer requests. The list will be brought up with collection. Judith will also invite other congregants for any concerns or celebrations they may want included.
A note from the Worship Committee
Flowers in the Sanctuary:
We have been blessed with the flowers in the sanctuary. If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary for a service in memory of someone, thanksgiving, celebration or “just because” please email the office and copy me, harohacek@gmail.com .We will acknowledge the gift of flowers during announcements.
Easter flowers:
The Worship committee is purchasing pots of daffodils and tulips to decorate the sanctuary at Easter. The pots will be sold at the end of service.
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church
National PIE Day
March 14 (3.14)
What on earth is PIE Day??
It’s a special day designated by the United Church of Canada. PIE is an acronym: P.I.E.
“PIE = Public. Intentional. Explicit. These are the standards we hold ourselves and our welcome to when we become affirming, welcoming, or inclusive communities. March 14 is a chance to serve some pie and roll out the PIE by celebrating the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit people in faith communities and beyond across Canada.” (from the AffirmUnited website)
Pie is also a delicious food item enjoyed by many.
You are invited by Judith to come and enjoy eating some pie and take a stab at talking about PIE.
Tuesday March 14, starting at 10:00 AM, in the Family Room.
We’ll watch a couple of short videos and kick off some conversation about whether it’s important for us at MUC to explore being an affirming ministry.
Bring your honest feelings, your questions, your thoughts. We’ll listen to each other, and we’ll probably learn from each other.
P.S. You will not be asked to put your name on anything! Please click on the link below to hear the The United Church of Canada Moderator’s video message: participate in PIE Day
CAFÉ CONVO ~ with Victoria Fisher MSW
victoria-fisherCafé Convo is a safe space to listen, ask questions and join the conversation on a variety of topics. All are invited.
The Amnesty International letter-writing group has changed its meeting dates and times to the following:
Monday April 10, 7-8:30 PM in the Family Room
Monday, May 8, 7-8:30 PM in the Family Room
Monday June 12, 7-8:30 PM in the Family Room
Tuesday Evening Cribbage
Cribbage night has started up again and will hopefully continue on Tuesday evenings through the winter. Please join us in the Family Room. Play starts @ 7:00 p.m. Sharp!
Cost is a loonie! Adults only please, beginners are welcome.
For more information, please contact Ian or Marilyn Ashton.
What’s coming up at other Churches in our area:
Grace United Church, 350 Grove St. E., Barrie – Spring Supper – Wed. Mar. 15
Please see the poster on the Family Room bulletin board or visit graceunitedchurch.ca for more information…
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
The Donway Covenant United Church, Toronto
Fairbank United Church, Toronto
St. Bartholomew’s United Church, Brampton
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole
If you can provide a ride for Thelma and Irene to/from Sunday Worship, please let the Church office know or see the volunteer sign-up sheet in the Link. Thelma resides at 140 Letitia St. Barrie (Whispering Pines) and Irene resides at 132 Edgehill Drive, Barrie (The Waterford Retirement Residence).
Coffee Hour after Church:
Coffee Hour after the worship service has resumed and the Pastoral Care Committee is looking for volunteers to host. Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link.
Door Greeters:
Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link if you would like to volunteer to be a Sunday Morning Door Greeter before the Worship Service.
Are you new to Midhurst United Church?
If you have been attending our worship services at Midhurst United Church or on Zoom, welcome to our Church Community! If you would like your name, address, phone number and email address added to our Church Directory, please email the church office with your information: office@midhurstunitedhchurch.ca
2022 Income Tax Receipts
**2022 Income Tax receipts were e-mailed out this week……if you didn’t receive yours, please contact Jean Varep @ 705 721 7629 or jeanann.varep@gmail.com
Time Change this Weekend!
Just a friendly reminder……this Saturday night (March 11) before you turn in for the night, don’t forget to set your clocks forward 1 hour as Daylight Savings Time Begins.
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to add events or to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. Here is the Link: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
How to Join by ZOOM
The ZOOM link has not changed https://us02web.zoom.us/j/948706557?pwd=L1hMN1pITWpvN2dOZVpLdXFNM3FuUT09
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: Midhurst
ZOOM by phone – Dial by your location +1 647 374 4685 (from a location in Canada)
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: 56266156
Church Office Hours: (Secretary)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 – 11:30, 1:00 – 3:00, Friday 9:30 – 11:30
MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
February 26 – March 4, 2023
Sunday, March 5, 2023 ~ Lent 2
Please join us for our 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
and for coffee hour following the service…
Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 121, John 3: 1 – 17
Reflection: “God so loves….”
Quote of the Day
“Following Jesus is simple, but not easy. Love until it hurts, and then love more.”
~ Mother Teresa
Prayer Requests
A clipboard has been placed on a lectern just inside the sanctuary for congregants to place their prayer requests. The list will be brought up with collection. Judith will also invite other congregants for any concerns or celebrations they may want included.
A note from the Mission and Care Committee
Thanks to the generous donations from those who attended this past week’s Soup Sunday. $475.00 was raised to support this years Mission and Outreach projects. A special thanks to those who helped make soups, scones, cookies and helped in the kitchen. It was wonderful to enjoy a meal together!
THE MUC FAITH FAMILY SPEAKS ABOUT GOD
Here’s what some people said about God, highlighted in our February 12 worship service:
- God is my comfort at all times in crises, sad and happy times, and all the seasons of my life.
- God loves us unconditionally.
- God is ever-present for anyone who needs Him; God is the very definition of “unconditional love.”
- I am not alone.
- God is comforting; “let go and let God” is virtually the only thing that gets me through in this world that just sometimes feels like we are all doomed.
- If anything, God is our conscience.
- I do believe that God is always and always with me.
- God lets me say in times of difficulty, “I’ll leave this problem with you to make clear.”
- God is always listening.
- God is like solid ground we usually take for granted.
We are so grateful you shared!
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church
Amnesty International Letter Writing
If you want to make a difference by advocating for human rights around the world, please join us for our MUC Amnesty International letter-writing gathering on Tuesday March 7 between 3:30-5:00 PM in the Family Room. All writing supplies are provided.
Tuesday Evening Cribbage
Cribbage night has started up again and will hopefully continue on Tuesday evenings through the winter. Please join us in the Family Room. Play starts @ 7:00 p.m. Sharp!
Cost is a loonie! Adults only please, beginners are welcome.
For more information, please contact Ian or Marilyn Ashton.
What’s coming up at other Churches in our area:
Grace United Church, 350 Grove St. E., Barrie – Spring Supper – Wed. Mar. 15
Please see the poster on the Family Room bulletin board or visit graceunitedchurch.ca for more information…
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
Hungarian United Church, Toronto
Stewart Memorial United Church, Lake of Bays
St. Andrew’s United Church, Toronto
St. Paul’s United Church, Brampton
Meals for Senga and John Coutts
As Senga is recovering from recent surgery, we are looking for volunteers to provide meals for her and John. There are several dates in March available. Meals are required Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s. If you are able to provide a meal on one of these days, please contact the Church office for the available dates.
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole
If you can provide a ride for Thelma and Irene to/from Sunday Worship, please let the Church office know or see the volunteer sign-up sheet in the Link. Thelma resides at 140 Letitia St. Barrie (Whispering Pines) and Irene resides at 132 Edgehill Drive, Barrie (The Waterford Retirement Residence).
Coffee Hour after Church:
Coffee Hour after the worship service has resumed and the Pastoral Care Committee is looking for volunteers to host. Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link.
Door Greeters:
Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link if you would like to volunteer to be a Sunday Morning Door Greeter before the Worship Service.
Are you new to Midhurst United Church?
If you have been attending our worship services at Midhurst United Church or on Zoom, welcome to our Church Community! If you would like your name, address, phone number and email address added to our Church Directory, please email the church office with your information: office@midhurstunitedhchurch.ca
2022 Income Tax Receipts
**2022 Income Tax receipts were e-mailed out this week……if you didn’t receive yours, please contact Jean Varep @ 705 721 7629 or jeanann.varep@gmail.com
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to add events or to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. Here is the Link: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
How to Join by ZOOM
The ZOOM link has not changed https://us02web.zoom.us/j/948706557?pwd=L1hMN1pITWpvN2dOZVpLdXFNM3FuUT09
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: Midhurst
ZOOM by phone
Dial by your location +1 647 374 4685 (from a location in Canada)
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: 56266156
Church Office Hours: (Secretary)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 – 11:30, 1:00 – 3:00, Friday 9:30 – 11:30
MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
February 19 – February 25, 2023
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Please join us for our 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
and for coffee hour following the service…
Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 32, Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Reflection: When Wilderness Happens……
Quote of the Day
“Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault-finding or finger-pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store. — N.T. Wright
Prayer Requests
A clipboard has been placed on a lectern just inside the sanctuary for congregants to place their prayer requests. The list will be brought up with collection. Judith will also invite other congregants for any concerns or celebrations they may want included.
SUMMARY OF THE DOTS from JANUARY 29TH SERVICE
The chart below shows where the congregation at our Fifth Sunday Special service indicated their interest in possible action responses to justice issues highlighted at three focus centres (Climate Crisis, Poverty, Inclusivity). Green dots were used to show strong interest, and other colours were placed on secondary choices.
| ACTION RESPONSE | # OF GREEN DOTS | # OF OTHER COLOURS |
| Sponsor or foster a homeless person or persons | 10 | 2 |
| Establish MUC Green Team | 7 | 3 |
| Movie & Discussion Night(s) on any of the issues | 5 | 3 |
| MUC Affirming Ministry | 4 | 1 |
| Support networks for affordable housing | 3 | 3 |
| Research legislation re. income, living wage, etc. | 1 | 4 |
| Amnesty Int’l Letter-writing | 1 | 3 |
| Write letters to gov’t on environmental concerns | 1 | 1 |
| Book study Indigenous awareness | 1 | 1 |
| Info session on Indigenous everyday culture | 1 | 0 |
| Book study climate crisis | 0 | 1 |
| Respond to a Call to Action/Truth & Reconciliation Comm. | 0 | 0 |
Chez Valentine’s Dinner – Feb 10
Update – Correction:
It was previously reported that $2900 would be sent to The Canadian Red Cross Earthquake Relief Fund, however, the expenses of $600 for the Chez Valentine Dinner had not been deducted, so the final amount donated was $2300
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church
Soup Sunday – February 26
You are invited to join us in the Family Room after the service on February 26 for a hearty soup luncheon! Three different kinds of soups, scones and goodies are on the menu. A free will offering will be appreciated with proceeds supporting MUC’s Mission and Outreach efforts.
*Take-out lunches will be available for those who are unable to stay……
Amnesty International Letter Writing
Tuesday, March 7th @ 3:30 p.m. in the Old Sanctuary
Tuesday Evening Cribbage
Cribbage night has started up again and will hopefully continue on Tuesday evenings through the winter. Please join us in the Family Room. Play starts @ 7:00 p.m. Sharp!
Cost is a loonie! Adults only please, beginners are welcome. For more information, please contact Ian or Marilyn Ashton.
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
St. Andrew’s United Church, Markham
St. Paul’s United Church, Orillia
Taiwanese United Church, Toronto
Taizé Prayer Service
Friday, February 24th, at 7:30 pm, at Westside Evangelical Lutheran Church, 510 Ferndale Drive N., Barrie. We invite you into reflection and meditation through prayer, song, Scripture and silence. This service is hosted by The Barrie Taizé Community—A partnership of Christian Churches. For more information, please email Susan Stott-Hood at sstotthood@gmail.com
Thank you for your support.
Susan Stott-Hood
For the Barrie Taizé Community
A partnership of Christian Churches
God in the Woods
Here is the information for the gathering in February at the Barrie Arboretum.
Friday, February 24, 7-8pm. (Full Moon)
Why do we meet outside in the woods?
We do this to return to the natural world to find connection with God, Source, Creator, whatever you name that which is bigger than we are. We will meet outside not to be in nature but, rather, because we are a part of it. This is to help us explore and experience the spiritual and the sacred.
And the following I am quoting from my friend Wendy Janzen of Burning Bush Forest Church:
Did you know that February 1st marks the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox? In Celtic communities, they would celebrate this as Imbolc or St Brigid’s Day, when the first signs of spring could be seen. It might be hard for us to imagine here, buried under 15+ cm of snow, but we are through the darkest weeks of the year and spring is coming. I wonder what early signs of spring you might notice where you are.
February also holds Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, Fat Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday – what a rich array of celebrations to help us through what can be a difficult month.
Directions for Arboretum:
The Arboretum is found in the North-West corner of Sunnidale Park.
As you are driving North-West on Sunnidale, towards the intersection with Cundles, the Arboretum will be on your right. And, as you approach the intersection, you will see a cleared space on the shoulder for parking. I will be waiting there for you here. Dress warm and bring a friend.
If you have questions: brucesweet4@gmail.com 705-209-3899
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole
If you can provide a ride for Thelma and Irene to/from Sunday Worship, please let the Church office know or see the volunteer sign-up sheet in the Link. Thelma resides at 140 Letitia St. Barrie (Whispering Pines) and Irene resides at 132 Edgehill Drive, Barrie (The Waterford Retirement Residence).
Coffee Hour after Church:
Coffee Hour after the worship service has resumed and the Pastoral Care Committee is looking for volunteers to host. Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link.
Door Greeters:
Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Link if you would like to volunteer to be a Sunday Morning Door Greeter before the Worship Service.
Are you new to Midhurst United Church?
If you have been attending our worship services at Midhurst United Church or on Zoom, welcome to our Church Community! If you would like your name, address, phone number and email address added to our Church Directory, please email the church office with your information: office@midhurstunitedhchurch.ca
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to add events or to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. Here is the Link: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
How to Join by ZOOM
The ZOOM link has not changed https://us02web.zoom.us/j/948706557?pwd=L1hMN1pITWpvN2dOZVpLdXFNM3FuUT09
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: Midhurst
ZOOM by phone – Dial by your location +1 647 374 4685 (from a location in Canada)
Meeting ID: 948 706 557 Passcode: 56266156
Church Office Hours: (Secretary)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 – 11:30, 1:00 – 3:00, Friday 9:30 – 11:30