THE SUNDAY NEWS
FEBRUARY 3, 2008
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ELORA BETHANY PASTORAL
CHARGE The United Church of
Canada PO Box 737, Elora,
ON N0B 1S0 — 519.846.0122 www.elorabethanyuc.org elorabethanyuc@bellnet.ca
Office Hours: Rev. Greg Smith-Young is usually in the
office on weekday mornings. Secretary Judy McMullan
is in the office Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30 to 4:00. |
Worship
Theme for Lent
Prodigal
Sons and Bitter Brothers . . .
and the Saviour Who Welcomes Us All
Exploring
one of Jesus’ best-loved Stories
Jesus was often
criticized for spending time with the wrong sort of people. How did he respond
to his critics? He told stories, including the one we commonly call “The
Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Stories have a way of getting through the
defences we put up. Jesus uses his stories to change us, moving us deeper into
the wonders of God. How might Jesus use it to move us?
February 10:
The Prodigal Son
February 17:
The Bitter Brother
February 24:
The Forgiving Father
March 2:
Finding Ourselves in the Story
March 9:
Celebrate with Me
March 16:
The Welcoming Saviour (Palm/Passion Sunday)
Annual Congregational
Meetings
Bethany’s meeting will be at 12:30 pm next Sunday, February 10. Pick up your copy
of the annual report today.
Elora’s meeting will be 12:30 pm on Sunday, February 24. Final deadline for
written reports: next Sunday, February
10. Thanks to those who have already
submitted their reports.
Thursday, Feb. 7th @ 7:00 p.m.-- All choir
members and aspiring choir members are invited to a Choral Workshop at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Fergus. Louise
Elder is leading the participants in a session that will involve warming up the
voice for singing, choral techniques and general musicianship. We will be
working on a piece for Easter and sending home the participating choirs with an
anthem "to go". Please come and join in this
choral fellowship. There will be no
senior choir or praise team rehearsal at Elora United Church on Thursday,
February 7th. Children's choir rehearsal after church service
on Sunday, Feb. 3rd for about 15 minutes.
The Book Study Group will meet Sunday, February 24th, in the home of Nancy Van Veen,(16 Water St.) between 7 and 9 pm. The group will be discussing Chapter 1 "Crossroads", in Bill Phipps' book, "Cause for Hope". New members are welcome to be a part of the study group which meets once a month If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Phipps' book for $22.85, which is a discounted price, contact John Markvart. (846 8678)
Events This Week – February 3 to 10 |
Sunday: after worship Elora Junior
Choir rehearsal
Monday: 1:00 pm Elora
Quilters in the Bissell Room
7:00 pm Song
of Faith
Tuesday: 7:30 pm Elora
Worship Planning team
Thursday: NO CHOIR OR PRAISE TEAM PRACTICE TODAY
Sunday: 12:30
pm Bethany Annual Congregational Meeting
7
sharp Junior Youth and High School
Youth family movie night
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Coming Up |
Tuesday, Feb 12 7:30 pm Elora Council
Wednesday, Feb 13 8:00 pm Bethany UCW
Sunday, Feb 24 12:30 pm Elora
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday,
Dec
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In the Community |
Canadian Blood Services is
holding a blood donor clinic at the Elora Community Centre, 60 David St. W., on
Wednesday, Feb 6 from 3-8 pm. This clinic is kindly sponsored by the Optimist
Club of Alma. Please call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2DONATE
(1-888-236-6283) to book your appointment. Give someone their life back by
donating blood. By donating, you’re not just helping one, you’re helping many.
That’s the beauty of blood.
You are invited to the Ash Wednesday service at St. John’s Anglican church
in Elora on February 6th at 7 pm.
~~~~~~~~
Minute for Mission
Getting
to Know the People We Support
First there was the
construction job injury that caused Andrew to lose his job; then Andrew found
himself living on the street in Toronto.
Luckily, Andrew found the
Fred Victor Centre. Their permanent housing became his new home and, in their
Friends Restaurant, Andrew learned cooking and prep work. Soon after, he met a
new partner and they began a family. Though life was good for a time, Andrew’s
joy was short-lived. He was heartbroken when his partner suffered health
problems and their two children were taken into custody. With no income, shared
housing, and disappearing hope, Andrew feared he would lose his family.
However, with unflagging
determination and help from Fred Victor Centre staff, Andrew found a
two-bedroom apartment, attended parenting classes, arranged appropriate
daycare, and presented a positive case for bringing the children home. “I am
blessed,” he says, “to have the privilege of bringing up my children. Even in
the winter I try to ride my bike whenever I can to save money. I want to
provide for them.”
Speaking from his job in
the kitchen of Friends Restaurant, Andrew knows that the Fred Victor Centre
helped him get back on his feet. “I can give my kids a wonderful future and the
opportunities they deserve. I hope sharing my experience can help others.”
Our Mission & Service Fund supports the Fred Victor Centre in their
vital work. Please give generously.
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Elora Bethany www.elorabethanyuc.org The United Church of Canada National Office www.united-church.ca Hamilton Conference Office www.hamconf.org Waterloo Presbytery www.sentex.net/~watpres Camp Ganadaoweh www.ganadaoweh.ca United Observer Magazine www.ucobserver.org Five Oaks
Conference and Education Centre www.fiveoaks.on.ca |