MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
September 11-17, 2023
Sunday, September 17, 2023
10:30 a.m. Worship Service and
Church Community for Children
Brunch for everyone following the service!
Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 105, Parts 1 and 4 Hebrew Scripture Reading: Exodus 16:2-15
Reflection: Our Hope for Years to Come
Church Community for Children
We have enjoyed hearing the sounds of children in the sanctuary this fall and previously. As a community of faith, we have identified ‘finding ways to make our community more age divergent’ and also ‘encouraging faith development for all participants including in children and youth’ as two of our priorities. Children and their parents lead busy lives and traditional Sunday School is not possible for many. This new program is an opportunity for children to join in our community in a way developed specifically for them.
Cindy M. is working with Judith, Chris and others to plan and present the fall sessions (3rd Sunday each month, Sept. – Dec.) As a community of faith, we all need to support them to make this successful and sustainable beyond the fall. So, if Cindy should ask you for help, just say YES!
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Rides for Irene Cole
Irene appreciates the opportunity to worship with us and meet with friends; however, she can’t get to church on her own. Irene lives in Barrie on Edgehill Dr. and if you are driving from Barrie and could offer her a ride occasionally or frequently, please sign up on the list in the Link. Details are provided there. Thank you for providing this support and care for Irene.
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Barrie Taize Worship Service
Friday, September 22, 7:00 pm.
Join this ecumenical worship service of quiet meditation, scripture, music and prayer. If you would be willing to assist with the readings, please let Lynn know.
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Church Council
Agenda items and reports for the Church Council meeting on Sept 21 (7:00 pm in the Family Room) should be forwarded to Marilyn at Boshkung1165@gmail.com.
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Global Climate Rally
30 Simcoe Street, Barrie
Sept. 15 5pm to 7pm
As world leaders gather at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit in New York City, millions around the world will take to the streets to demand the rapid, just, and equitable end of fossil fuels.
The community of Barrie is stepping up to say no to fossil fuels, fast, fair, forever. We are gathering Friday, September 15th at the Meridian Place Amphitheatre in downtown Barrie to demand the political leaders of Canada and the world take more serious action to end the stranglehold of the fossil fuel industry on our economy. We want a swift and just transition to renewables. We welcome every person of every age to join us in this fight to save our planet.
Photo:https://www.commondreams.org/media-library/students-carry-a-white-banner-against-a-green-lawn.jpg?id=33586499&width=1200&height=400&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C77%2C0%2C350
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Simcoe County KAIROS
Simcoe County KAIROS, affiliated with KAIROS Canada, is a community of ordinary Canadians working together in faithful action for ecological justice and human rights. Through KAIROS, ordinary Canadians of faith and conscience work together for extraordinary change.
Formed in 2001 by bringing together over 10 previous inter-church coalitions, our justice commitments reach back over 40 years. We are a charitable joint venture administered by the United Church of Canada.
The September Simcoe County Kairos Meeting – September 14th (and every month on the Second Thurs, until Jun 13, 2024) at 5 pm by Zoom. Anyone with an interest is welcome to participate.
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89744273223?pwd=N2dCd1A5MExJN3poU1JtSEkySGVUQT09
Meeting ID: 8974427 3223 Passcode: 555061
One tap mobile: +16475580588
God in the Woods
The next gathering for God in the Woods will be Sunday, September 24, 3-4pm, at the Barrie Arboretum. There will be a time of gathering, centering, readings, presenting of theme, wandering and wondering, shared wisdom, shared prayer and communal blessing.
Dress for the weather, rain or shine.
Upcoming October Events
October 1 – Worldwide Communion Sunday
October 4 – Luncheon and Speaker
October 15 – Church Community for Children
October – Take-out Beef Dinner
October 29 – 5th Sunday Special
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to add events or to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. If an event is cancelled, please remember to cancel the event on the Calendar as well. Here is the Link to see what is happening: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022 . To add an event, contact Paula at office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca or leave a message on the phone.
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
How to Join by ZOOM
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
Congregational Newsletter
for the week of September 4-10, 2023
15th Sunday after Pentecost
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Worship leader – Rev. Dr Judith Visser
Psalm: 14
Gospel Readings: Mark 7:24-30
Matthew 15:21-28
Coffee and Conversation following the service.
Photo: B Kutcher
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Welcome to MUC’s new Office Administrator – Paula Marengeur
Paula lives in Beeton. She and her husband have 2 adult children who have moved on in their lives – one to work and one in university. She is a retired teacher with the Simcoe County District School Board.
Paula began her transition into this new role on Tuesday Sept. 5 meeting the rest of the staff and starting to learn some of the tasks. One of tasks she is taking over immediately is the Power Point for Sunday services. If you have a church announcement which should go on the Power Point before church, please send the details to Paula. Over the next few weeks, she will meet with a number of people as she takes on more components of the job. M & P advertised this job as a hybrid position, which means she will be working from home some of the time. However, you can call the church number 705 322-6331 or email office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca to be in touch with her.
Corn Roast This Sunday
5:00 pm at the church – happens rain or shine! Bring a lawn chair, and a neighbour. We hope to see some new faces and old friends.
Choir rehearsals will resume today, and every Wednesday, at 7:00 pm. No auditions and no experience required – voices of all ages are welcomed. If you used to sing or but haven’t for a long time, or you have never sung in public, we will help you find your voice!
(And, if you’d rather play your instrument, we will find a space for you too.)
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MUC will host the Barrie Region Taize worship on
Friday, Sept 22 at 7:30pm.
Taize Worship is an ecumenical quiet, reflective worship in the style of the Taize community in France. Candles, banners and other staging materials help to set the ambience. The songs are simple, repetitive choruses which are easy to learn and sing, many of which are in our UCC hymn books. Find some quiet in your hectic life and join in this worship opportunity.
This partnership with other churches and individuals in the region is also one way MUC can contribute to the spiritual nurture beyond our own building.
There are a number of opportunities for the people of Midhurst to contribute:
- set up Thursday, Sept 21. 2:30-4 pm;
- reading scripture/prayers during the service;
- leading the singing (from the back of the church);
- providing a light meal for musicians following rehearsal before the service;
- hosting light refreshments (cold drink and snack) for fellowship time after the service; and
- take down of the staging after the service.
Please contact Lynn Godfrey at lynn.godfrey79@gmail.com or 905-869 to offer your help. Thanks SO much!
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There will be a Church Council Meeting Thursday September 21 in the Family Room. If you have a report to submit or an agenda item, please send it Marilyn. Thank you.
COME HOME FOR A VISIT
We had the joy of reconnecting with a family of youth and their mom on Sunday. Although this family now regularly worships with another community of faith, they said that they felt like they were coming home for a visit!
If you used to come to Midhurst UC (with or without your children), and then got tied up in other Sunday activities, please know that you are always welcome to come home for a visit or a fresh start. We do remember you and would love to reconnect.
Our New Banner is up!
CHURCH COMMUNITY FOR CHILDREN (CCC)
We are launching an exciting new program for children aged 5+!
CCC program will be provided the third Sunday of every month. The dates for Fall ’23 are September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 17. September 17 will include a brunch for everyone following church. Come celebrate with us.
Of course, children are welcome any and every Sunday!
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Help Needed for Lunch and Speaker Event
October 4 – 11:45
A sign-up board is posted in the Link. Please indicate where you can help out. Tickets for the event are now available from Jean Varep 705-721-7629.
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. If you are planning an event at the church, check the calendar to see that rooms are available. If you pick a date and time, get it on the calendar, Paula (and Bruce or Judith) can add it for you. Please email or phone the office. If an event is cancelled or stopping for a period of time, please remember to ask to have the event cancelled on the Calendar as well.
Here is the Link to see what is going on: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
Unfortunately, our lovely location in a valley in Midhurst village, makes it challenging to get consistent internet. We continue to try to provide live viewing and participation in the worship. However, on weeks when this does not occur, those who sign in to the link can engage in conversation with the others who also sign in. We will continue to offer on-line ZOOM worship as much as our internet allows.
How to Join by ZOOM
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
Congregational Newsletter
for the week of August 28-September 3, 2023
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Worship leader – Rev. Dr Judith Visser
Scripture Reading: Psalm 100
James 1:17-27
Light Refreshments and fellowship following the service.
Mission and Service Stories: Patti Talbot’s Work
As School starts up again, pray for those who don’t have the opportunity to attend school!
When children can’t go to school, society suffers. And that is why Mission and Service is in partnership with 85 organizations that work to increase access to education across the globe. Each partner has their own approach to education and skills training, each supported by your gifts to Mission and Service. (Control+click on the blue text to follow the link for more info.) [Video still: The United Church of Canada]
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Come Sing with us!
Choir rehearsals will resume September 6 at 7:00 pm.
No auditions and no experience required – voices of all ages are welcomed. And, if you’d rather play your instrument, we will find a space for you too.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our New Banner is up!
CHURCH COMMUNITY FOR CHILDREN (CCC)
Midhurst United Church is launching an exciting new program for children aged 5+!
CCC program will be provided the third Sunday of every month. The dates for Fall ’23 are September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 17. Of course, children are welcome any and every Sunday!
EPIC Climate Change Impact!
Last Sunday the pictures in the Power Point were from Pangnirtung Nunavut, on Baffin Island. Pangnirtung Fiord is the starting place for Auyuittuq National Park and the Akshayuk Pass, a skiing and hiking destination in the park. This is a 97-kilometre natural corridor between mountains and ice. On CBC this morning we heard that the melting glaciers have made this hike impassable and treacherous so it is now completely closed to visitors.
Imagine if you heard that Niagara Falls was now being closed to visitors as it is being diverted and drained for drinking water for cities. Or, perhaps all ski resorts in Ontario and Quebec are being shut down completely – even beyond lockdown measures. Those would signal EPIC climate impacts.
Bruce and I have been to Auyuittuq National Park and this announcement caught our attention. What climate impact announcement would make you sit up and take action? What can you do?
1. Talk about it with your neighbours and family. Set up challenges with each other to take some action.
2. Let your municipal, MP and MPP know that you want all levels of government and all parties to work together to take stronger faster action to reduce the impacts of climate change. And, when you get the opportunity to vote, make your vote count for climate change.
3. Air dry your laundry; drive less; eat a more plant-based diet; add to this list!
-Jeannette-
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If you enjoy light refreshments and fellowship after church, volunteer to provide this for one week. The sign-up list is on the table in the link.
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MUC will host the Barrie Region Taize Worship – September 22
Watch for more details!
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Lunch and Speaker Event
October 4 11:45
Tickets are now available from Jean Varep.705-721-7629
Corn Roast
Sunday
September 10th
5:00 pm.
Invite a neighbour!
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There will be a Church Council Meeting Thursday September 21 in the Family Room. If you have a report to submit or an agenda item, please send it Marilyn. Thank you.
Google Calendar:
We encourage you to use the Google Calendar to view what is happening at Midhurst United Church. If you are planning an event at the church, get it on the calendar (Bruce -for all rentals, or Judith can add it for you. If an event is cancelled or stopping for a period of time, please remember to ask to have the event cancelled on the Calendar as well. Here is the Link to see what is going on: https://tinyurl.com/MUCMarch2022
Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 on ZOOM or in-person.
Unfortunately, our lovely location in a valley in Midhurst village, makes it challenging to get consistent internet. We continue to try to provide live viewing and participation in the worship. However, on weeks when this does not occur, those who sign in to the link can engage in conversation with the others who also sign in. We will continue to offer on-line ZOOM worship as much as our internet allows.
How to Join by ZOOM
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