February 11, 2025
Calvary Compass – February 11, 2025 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca
Dear Friends of Calvary,
In last week's COMPASS, we shared the questions and answers that were presented after the worship service on February 2nd. Thank you again for your participation in this important discussion.
At our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, March 2nd, immediately following our worship service, we will be voting on the South London United Church Shared Ministry (Collaboration) - a 2 year project of sharing ministry with White Oaks, Riverside, Wesley-Knox and Calvary United Churches. The shared ministry will begin May 1st, with three ministers serving four churches: Rev. Michelle Owns, Rev. Rob Apgar-Taylor and Rev. Kerry. This is an opportunity for our congregations to experiment with sharing a clergy team and possibly programs, expertise, and resources. All four churches have vibrant ministries, unique identities, and growing memberships. We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration will deepen our spirituality, empower our justice and outreach work and encourage us to be bold disciples of Jesus.
Please be aware that voting will take place in person and online via Zoom. There will be no proxy voting or calling in beforehand.
Rev. Kerry is on vacation from Monday, February 17 to February 25. Bill Butt will be leading Worship on Sunday, February 23.
Monday, February 17 is Family Day and the office will be closed on Tuesday, February 18th. The next Calvary Compass will be Wednesday, February 19th.
Worship Services are all live-streamed:
• February 16 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU8vnkw2Hfo
NOTE: The same links will work to view the recorded service, in case you are unable to watch the live-stream.
Recorded service for February 9 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xttJh52zLWE
Death of a Member
We are sad to report the death of Fern Heslop, a long-time member and most recently very involved with the group CHAMPION. Fern passed away on Saturday, February 8th. The funeral will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel on Saturday, February 15 at 2pm with visitation from 1:30 to 2pm.
During this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
ANNUAL MEETING
Calvary’s Annual Meeting takes place on Sunday, March 2nd, following the Worship Service. Please contact the office if you would like a printed copy of the Annual Report. We will be emailing a .pdf version of the Report to everyone we have an email address for on Friday, February 14th.
BROADVIEW RENEWALS DUE
If you wish to continue your subscription or get a new subscription for the Broadview magazine, please let Kim in the office know by February 28th. The cost is $30 and make cheques payable to Calvary United Church with Broadview written on the memo line.
Formerly known as the Observer, Broadview is a Canadian magazine focused on spirituality and the United Church of Canada news.
CHAMPION
On Wednesday, February 19th, a speaker from the City of London will come to speak to us about Emergency Preparedness. All are welcome to come and hear this speaker. You do not have to be a member of CHAMPION to participate.
MEETINGS THIS WEEK:
* CHAMPION - Wednesday - 1:00 -3:30 pm
* Church Council Meeting - Wednesday - 7:00 pm via Zoom
* Bible Study - Thursday - 11:00 am - 12 Noon via Zoom
BIBLE STUDY:
Scripture Readings: Psalm 1; Luke 6: 17 - 26;
PSALM FOR THE WEEK:
Psalm 1: 1 -3, 6, from the Common English Bible Translation
The truly happy person
doesn't follow wicked advice,
doesn't stand on the road of sinners,
doesn't sit with the disrespectful.
Instead of doing those things;
these persons love the Lord's instruction,
and they recite God's instruction day and night!
They are like a tree replanted by streams of water,
which bears fruit at just the right time
and whose leaves don't fade.
Whatever they do succeed.
The Lord is intimately acquainted
with the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked is destroyed.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:
(adapted from the Evangelical Lutheran book of prayer)
Your laws and your commands, O God, are as life-giving as a stream of fresh
water that flows through a barren and parched land. Break through the
lawlessness and self-centeredness to reorder the way of living and thinking
for this world that is in turmoil and unjust. Make it so our lives reflect
Your love and care for all people no matter who they are, where they live and
how they may identify themselves. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: For those that help their family, friends and the stranger they have never met.