January 31, 2023
Calvary Compass – January 31, 2023 - Calvary United Church
Dear Friends of Calvary,
It is already the end of January and we have had a fairly mild winter so far. It will be interesting to see what Wiarton Willy says about whether we will have 6 more weeks of winter or not on Ground Hog Day.
Submissions for the Annual Report are due this Friday.
We encourage you to submit prayer requests for family, friends and neighbours that you are concerned about.
Sad News – We have just learned that Beth Chapman passed away on Saturday in Waterloo. The funeral will take place at Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on February 4 at 2 pm with a reception to follow. See their website for details: https://erbgood.com/
Beth Chapman was a Candidate for Ministry for Calvary in 1969. When she and her husband retired, they returned to Calvary as members. We will lift her up to God in prayer and also her family for comfort in their grief.
Worship Services are all live-streamed:
• February 5 - https://youtube.com/live/8kl32Fk0ABw
Recorded service for January 29 - https://youtu.be/O7d0HF3MFlo
MOVIE AFTERNOON
The members of the Affirming ad hoc committee invite you to an afternoon movie in the parlour on Sunday, February 12th after church. Please bring your own bagged lunch for the viewing and discussion of the film Green Book. This film is rated PG. Mahershala Ali won the academy award for his portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class pianist. This film addresses discrimination against people of colour and people of gay sexual-orientation as based on a true story. Tea, coffee and chocolate chip cookies will be provided.
CHAMPION ART WORKSHOP
Spaces still available for the acrylic painting workshop on February 1st from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. You will be creating an owl. Cost is $5 per session and canvas, paint and brushes are supplied. To register, contact the church office.
We will also be having our regular activities for those who are not participating in the acrylic painting workshop.
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Congregational Meeting is Sunday March 5th. We will be having a hybrid meeting which will be a combination of an in-person meeting and a Zoom meeting that includes viewing and participating in the decision making. Further information in regards to this will be forthcoming closer to March 5th.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Please write up your annual reports and send them to Kim by Friday, February 3rd so that she can collate them and prepare the booklet containing the various reports. Please note that submissions should use the Arial font and 12 pt. size. Do not format with page numbers, headers or footers.
UCW - WOW
There will be an online UCW event by Western Waterways Regional Council to introduce the UCW funding project for the Healing Fund to support Indigenous women, children and families. The guest speaker is Joni Shawana, Healing Fund Co-ordinator, UCC Indigenous Ministries and Justice. The event is Saturday, February 11 at 1 pm and the Zoom address is
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89314142952
LENT
Lent is a period of 40 days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. This year Lent begins on Wednesday February 22nd and ends on April 3rd. Every year Rev. Kerry utilizes a book of daily lenten devotions that the United Church of Canada bookstore recommends. This year the daily Lenten devotionals are titled, “Good Courage.” The daily devotions aim to inspire with honest testimonies from people who have had the courage to follow their hearts and to faithfully work towards a better world. In these pages, find comfort with examples of practical and courageous hope in the midst of despair, and accept the challenge to deepen your theological understanding of hope, resurrection, and new life. The book costs $16.95 plus taxes and shipping for a total close to $20. If interested contact Rev. Kerry at kerry.stover@calvaryunitedchurch.on.ca or call the office to place your name on the order list for this book of daily devotions and prayers. Order date is February 3rd. Financial support is being provided to offset the cost of the book so everyone can follow the devotions.
FundScrip
This Sunday, February 5th, is a FundScrip gift/shopping card ordering date. For full list of available cards go to http://www.fundscrip.com
Orders are placed every other Sunday with your order available the following Sunday. Depending on the card, it provides a certain percentage as extra money for Calvary. Upcoming order dates are Feb. 5 & 19th; March 5th & 19th. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Hind, nancyhind@rogers.com
Accessing e-books and audio books through the London Public Library
Often books are recommended by the Affirming ad hoc Committee and other groups to read. If you prefer listening to the books, the following are ways to access e-books or audio books if you have an iPad or other electronic device.
You will need a London Public Library card. This is free to citizens of London.
Libby
Using your unique library card number, you can create an on-line account through Libby App (free).
Download the App and create an account indicating the London Public Library. This gives you access to any library books which are available in the e-book or audio book format.
Hoopla
The LPL also has a partnership with Hoopla. Download the Hoopla App (free) and log on/ creating an account indicating the London Public Library and using your library card number. Hoopla has access to a large selection of e-books and audio books, many of which are not on the LPL system.
Concert
Amabile Youth Singers and Prima present “Where the Light Begins . . . Sing!” a concert on February 11 at 7:30pm. Beautiful music celebrating hope and love. Just in time for Valentine's Day! Perfect way to dismiss any mid winter blues!
Meetings this Week:
• CHAMPION - Wednesday at 1:30 - 3:30 pm
• Jazz Vespers – Wednesday at 7 pm
• Bible Study - Thursday at 11:00 am - 12 Noon via Zoom
Bible Study:
Thursday - 11:00 am - 12 Noon
Scripture Readings: Psalm 112: 1-9; Matthew 5: 13-20
Psalm for the Week
Psalm 31: 1-3
In you, God, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Prayer for the Week
Holy and Loving God,
you surprise the world with your wisdom
in giving your love to the lowly and pure in heart.
Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice and to
always strive for peace. Through our thoughts, words,
and deeds may the world see the life of your son,
Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Teacher. Amen.