MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
November 20 – November 26
Sunday, November 27, 2022, ~ Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 122 (VU 845), Mark 13: 24 – 37
Reflection: “Stay On the Lookout”
Communion will be served…..
Hope is a star that shines in the night…
Welcome to Advent! This is the season of watching and waiting for the Christ-Child who comes again and again to those who yearn with expectant hearts. On the first Sunday of Advent, we focus on hope— hope that has been carried by our ancestors and passed on to us; hope that insists that justice belongs to all; hope that persists against all odds; hope that God’s dream for creation will come to fulfillment. This Sunday, November 27, we will share an Advent Communion feast that speaks of a place for all in the embrace of God’s love.
Here are some ways to reflect on hope during this first Advent week:
Watch the eastern sky for the first star of night.
Search the newspapers for a “good news” story.
Remember the story of a child born in a difficult time to bring hope.
Remember people who need hope today.
Every now and then, whisper or say aloud: Hope is coming!
(adapted from Minutes for Mission 2014)
Quote of the Day
…”If music is the language of the soul, and the language of the soul is the language of God then, music is the language of God.” ~ Abbie Barrett
A big thank you to all the Christmas angels who helped decorate the Sanctuary. Thanks to Nancy Bailey for recruiting the angels and to the Worship Committee who decorated the tree. Thanks angels- the Sanctuary looks wonderful for the Tea and for the Christmas season! The Worship Committee
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY
The tradition of “white gifts” comes to us from a small Methodist church in Ohio in the early 20th century. As the story goes, a minister’s wife who wanted to shift the focus away from gifts received at the Sunday School Christmas party invited people instead to bring gifts—gifts for Jesus that could be shared with people who did not have very much. The gifts were to be wrapped in white paper so that no one’s gift would be assessed or judged for its value.
On Sunday December 4, you are invited to bring your “white gifts” to Midhurst United Church to be gathered during worship. Rather than paper-wrapping your gifts, we invite you to use one or more of the white bags provided at the church. This year’s donations will go to the Elmvale & District Food Bank (please see the list below of preferred items). Thank you for joyfully participating in this act of caring commitment to our community!
Tomato juice
Apple juice
Pancake mix
Maple syrup
Canned fruit
Cereal
Cheese Whiz
Cookies
Ketchup
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Relish
Pickles
BBQ sauce
Monetary donations are always welcomed!
Midhurst Arts and Crafts Home Tour and Tea Room:
As you enjoy the tour highlighting community vendors, please support the Tea/Lunch Room at Midhurst United Church. Enjoy a sandwich plate, Christmas baking and coffee/tea. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Sat., Nov. 26 from 11am-2:30 pm, Sun., Nov. 27 (immediately following church) -2pm.
Thanks to all the volunteers who make this happen.
News from the Worship Committee:
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.
Up-coming Services at Midhurst United Church
ADVENT 1 (Hope): Sunday November 27 – 10:30 AM (Communion)
ADVENT 2 (Peace): Sunday December 4 – 10:30 AM (White Gifts)
ADVENT 3 (Joy): Sunday December 11 – 10:30 AM (Pageant Play)
ADVENT 4 (Love): Sunday December 18 – 10:30 AM (Carol Fest)
LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS: Tuesday December 20 – 7:00 PM (Reflective Candlelight Service)
CHRISTMAS EVE EARLY: Saturday December 24 – 4:30 PM (Family Service)
CHRISTMAS EVE LATE: Saturday December 24 – 11:00 PM (Communion)
NO SERVICE CHRISTMAS DAY
Invitation to submit your photos…
I am always looking for images to use for the Weekly Newsletter and the Sunday Worship PowerPoint.…. I would love to see your photos that you have taken……please send them to me at office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca Thanks, Peggy
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 Prayer List:
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
Mount Albert United Church
Heart Lake United Church, Brampton
Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Toronto
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church:
Amnesty International
Do you ever wonder what you can do
to make this world a safer, better place?
The simple act of writing letters
through the Amnesty International program
can have a significant positive influence
in the lives of people around the world
who are suffering human rights abuses.
You are invited to drop in
to the Old Sanctuary at Midhurst United Church
Tuesday December 6 any time between 3:30 – 7:00 PM
to participate in the annual, Write for Rights letter-writing campaign.
Case studies, sample letters, writing materials, and postage
will all be provided.
Monday, December 12 – Save the Date! Congregational Potluck @ MUC 6:00 p.m. hosted by the Pastoral Care Committee
What’s coming up at our neigbhouring Churches:
November 25 – 27 Elf Jr – A production by The Kempenfelt Community Players…present Elf Jr. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tprocob.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/COB_KCP_ElfJr
Missing: One red apron with the church window embroidered in white thread. Loaned out at the Garden Tour. My name is on the label. If you have this item, please contact me or the church office. Thank you, Marilyn Ashton 705-627-5879
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole:
If you are able to pick-up Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole on Sunday mornings and drive them to Church and home again, please contact Thelma directly @ thelcoudob@rogers.com or call her @ 705 302 0018 and Irene @ 705 722 8195. *Please note ~ Thelma now leaves her walker at Whispering Pines and so there is no need to load it in your vehicle. Upon arrival at the Church, Thelma uses the walker that is located in the Link. A list is posted in the Link for volunteers to drive Thelma and Irene to/from Church.
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
Image courtesy of Donna O’Brien
Congregational Newsletter for the week of
November 13 – November 19
Sunday, November 13, 2022, ~ Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 12: 1 – 6 (VU 880), Isaiah 65: 17 – 25
Reflection: “Heaven on Earth”
Quote of the Day
….“When I admire the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.” ~ Mahatma Ghandi
Midhurst Arts and Crafts Home Tour and Tea Room:
This Annual Event is taking place on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27.
Midhurst United Church is hosting the Tea and Lunch Room on both days.
We need your help to support the Mission and Ministry of Midhurst United Church. There are lots of opportunities to help out – providing sandwiches, squares, serving, kitchen clean-up. There is a sign-up sheet in the Link, or you can call the office for more information on how you can help.
News from the Worship Committee:
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.
Invitation to submit your photos…
I am always looking for images to use for the Weekly Newsletter and the Sunday Worship PowerPoint.…. I would love to see your photos that you have taken……please send them to me at office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca Thanks, Peggy
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 Prayer List:
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
Kingston Road United Church, Toronto
Downsview United Church, Toronto
Forest Grove United Church, Toronto
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church:
•Saturday, November 26 & Sunday, November 27 – Midhurst Arts & Crafts Home Tour & Tea Room. *Please see the sign-up sheet in the Link if you can help out!
•Monday, December 12 – Save the Date! Congregational Potluck @ MUC 6:00 p.m. hosted by the Pastoral Care Committee
What’s coming up at our neigbhouring Churches:
•Saturday, November 19, 9:00 a.m. – Noon – Fabulous Food Fair and Craft Market – Grace United Church, 350 Grove Street E. Barrie.
•Saturday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – UCW Christmas Fair Returns – Collier Street United Church, Barrie
November 25 – 27 Elf Jr – A production by The Kempenfelt Community Players…present Elf Jr. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tprocob.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/COB_KCP_ElfJr
Information Session on Zoom
Monday, November 21, 2022 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
To join the Zoom Meeting https://united-church.zoom.us/j/83203695467
Meeting ID: 832 0369 5467
Hey Wilders……
This time I have two events to share with you.
Our first gathering will be Sunday, November 27, 3-4 PM at the Barrie Arboretum. This date is also the beginning of Advent which suggests the themes of birth, joy, life and light. And we will be focusing on these themes.
The second event will be an evening Worship Walk on Wednesday, December 7, 7-8 PM. This is the night of the December full moon which is called, surprisingly, the Cold Moon.
We will meet again at the Barrie Arboretum. As always, dress for the weather.
Directions for both events:
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.
brucesweet4@gmail.com 705-209-3899
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole:
If you are able to pick-up Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole on Sunday mornings and drive them to Church and home again, please contact Thelma directly @ thelcoudob@rogers.com or call her @ 705 302 0018 and Irene @ 705 722 8195. *Please note ~ Thelma now leaves her walker at Whispering Pines and so there is no need to load it in your vehicle. Upon arrival at the Church, Thelma uses the walker that is located in the Link. A list is posted in the Link for volunteers to drive Thelma and Irene to/from Church.
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-1Invitation-to-submit-your-photos
What
MIDHURST UNITED CHURCH
Congregational Newsletter for the week of October 30 – November 5
Sunday, November 6, 2022, ~ Worship leader – Rev. Dr. Judith Visser
Scripture Readings: Psalm 119, Luke 19: 1 – 10
Reflection: “Making Eye Contact with Jesus”
Quote of the Day
“Perhaps love is like a resting place, A shelter from the storm, It exists to give you comfort, It is there to keep you warm, And in those times of trouble, When you are most alone, The memory of love will bring you home.” ~ John Denver
A SONG OF FAITH
A Statement of Faith of The United Church of Canada
We place our hope in God.
We sing of a life beyond life
and a future good beyond imagining:
a new heaven and a new earth
the end of sorrow, pain, and tears,
Christ’s return and life with God,
the making new of all things.
We yearn for the coming of that future,
even while participating in eternal life now.
Divine creation does not cease
until all things have found wholeness, union, and integration
with the common ground of all being.
As children of the Timeless One,
our time-bound lives will find completion
in the all-embracing Creator.
In the meantime, we embrace the present,
embodying hope, loving our enemies,
caring for the earth,
choosing life.
Grateful for God’s loving action,
we cannot keep from singing.
Creating and seeking relationship,
in awe and trust,
we witness to Holy Mystery who is Wholly Love.
Amen.
News from the Worship Committee:
Prayer Requests- A clipboard will be 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.
~ MUSIC MARATHON ~
All are warmly invited to Midhurst United Church’s first MUSIC MARATHON!
**This coming Saturday! November 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM,
resident and guest musicians will treat you to a continual instrumental repertory from our church songbooks. Come any time during the day, and stay for as long as you wish.
Do you have a favourite song from one of our books? For a cash donation of your choice, we’ll play it! Cookies and hot apple cider will be provided for your refreshment
as you find your comfy seat and enjoy the music.
If you would like to support this fundraising event financially, please approach one of the participating musicians to offer your pledge. All funds raised by the MUSIC MARATHON will support the mission and ministry of Midhurst United Church.
Invitation to submit your photos…
I am always looking for images to use for the Weekly Newsletter and the Sunday Worship PowerPoint.…. I would love to see your photos that you have taken……please send them to me at office@midhurstunitedchurch.ca Thanks, Peggy
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 Prayer List:
Each week, Shining Waters Regional Council are asking that we pray for other congregations in our ministry.
This week we pray for……
Deutsche Evangeliums Kirche United Church
Toronto, Forest Hill United Church, Toronto
What’s coming up at Midhurst United Church:
•Saturday, November 5 – Music Marathon @ MUC
•Saturday, November 26 & Sunday, November 27 – Midhurst Arts & Crafts Home Tour & Tea Room. More details to follow.
•Monday, December 5 – Save the Date! Ladies Christmas Potluck @ MUC
What’s coming up at our neighbouring Churches:
Saturday, November 5th- Annual Roast Beef Dinner Burton Ave United Church – Pickup Only (4:30-5:30 pm) https://www.burtonavenueunited.com or Andrew Telford at 416-254-4378
Worship Walk, or Holy Hike, will take place Tuesday, Nov 8, 7-8 pm, at the Barrie Arboretum.
This is a part of Wild Church Barrie and our participation in Nature. And this particular evening
will host the November Full Moon, known as “Beaver Moon”. We will be walking and pausing to
reflect on spiritual, or faith-full, themes suggested by late Autumn and Winter, and perhaps even
by Beavers. Nature is full of ideas and supplies plenty of themes for reflection.
Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. The Arboretum is situated in the North-West corner of Sunnidale Park, Barrie at the intersection of Cundles and Sunnidale.
Directions: Drive North-West on Sunnidale Rd. towards Cundles. Before reaching the intersection, you will see a long-cleared space on the right shoulder for parking. I will be waiting here, not far from the intersection.
Contact: brucesweet4@gmail.com
Rides for Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole:
If you are able to pick-up Thelma Coutts and Irene Cole on Sunday mornings and drive them to Church and home again, please contact Thelma directly @ thelcoudob@rogers.com or call her @ 705 302 0018 and Irene @ 705 722 8195. *Please note ~ Thelma now leaves her walker at Whispering Pines and so there is no need to load it in your vehicle. Upon arrival at the Church, Thelma uses the walker that is located in the Link. A list is posted in the Link for volunteers to drive Thelma and Irene to/from Church.
Reminder:
**Daylight Savings Time ends this coming weekend….
Don’t forget to adjust your clocks….1 hour back
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