November 22, 2022

Calvary Compass – November 22, 2022 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca  

Dear Friends of Calvary,

This Sunday is the beginning of the season of Advent and the hope for Christmas to come. The sanctuary Christmas tree is up and we encourage everyone to start decorating it with new mittens, scarves, hats and socks to give to the families at the London Community Chaplaincy - Southdale and Limberlost.

This Sunday, we will be celebrate Communion and a Benevolent Offering will be taken to help those less fortunate. You can either bring your own communion elements or utilize the kits that will be at the front of the sanctuary.

Church Council has changed the wording for masking within the church to "strongly recommend" even though at least 95% of those attending in-person worship services already routinely mask when in the church and sanctuary. We also tend to social distancing ourselves without being asked.

Please be aware that the church office will be closed this Friday, November 25th as Kim Knowles will be away. Nancy Hind will check phone and email messages.

Worship Services are all live-streamed:

•          November 27 - https://youtu.be/gK6GkJ-7RJc

•          December 4 – https://youtu.be/IfGGEDdtHHM

Recorded service for November 20https://youtu.be/awSSRZ2J390

MINI-BAZAAR

A mini-bazaar will be held on Sunday, December 11th after the worship service. It will include frozen food sales. Marg. LaRocque is taking orders for tourtieres. The cost is $20 each. If you would like one (or more), please contact Marg this week (519-681-7810) or mglarocque@rogers.com.

CLOTHING COLLECTION

During the month of November, the Outreach Committee asks that you bring in gently used winter clothing to be donated to Ark Aid and other organizations such as The Good Sam Cupboard at Dundas Centre United Church. Many are struggling to buy groceries and pay their rent and therefore do not have the money to purchase warm clothes for the winter. You can leave your clothing donations at the parking lot entrance/alcove and it will be taken to the stage for sorting.

We are looking for winter clothes for men, women and children including winter coats, boots in good condition (no leaks), warm winter scarves, socks and sweaters. (Please note that we will also continue to have the Mitten Tree for the London Community Chaplaincy with donations of hats, mitts, scarves, and socks in December.)

Thank you in advance for your donations.

Calvary Catalyst

The Catalyst will be emailed to those with email addresses and a printed copy will be mailed to those without email this week.

CHURCH NURSERY

We are looking for people to cover the church's nursery during worship services. If you are willing to occasionally cover the church nursery, please let Ruthanne McLagan (r.mclagan@hotmail.com) know. We have a well-stocked nursery for little ones to play in while their family is upstairs enjoying the worship service. The Sunday School children are also down in the Meeting Room so you are never alone if you need help.

Sharing Extra 2023 Calendars

If you receive any 2023 calendars which you don’t need, please consider dropping them off at the church. There are two drop-off areas – one at the back entrance off the parking lot and one at the back of the Sanctuary.

Calendars will be distributed to various social organizations whose clients may find them useful.

If you find yourself in need of a 2023 calendar, please help yourself!

Seasonal Events:

•          Christmas Bazaar, Whiteoaks United Church, November 26, 12 to 3pm, $1 admission

•          Poinsettia Bazaar - Rowntree United Church, November 26th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

•          95th Annual Christmas Carol Service, RCCO, Sunday, November 27 at 7:30 pm, Metropolitan United Church.

•          Canadian Celtic Choir, Lambeth United Church, Sunday, November 27 at 2:30pm, Tickets $25

•          Star of Bethlehem, Wesley-Knox United Church, Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm, Tickets $20

•          Choral Connection would like to invite you to our performance of Handel's Messiah on Saturday, December 17th at 7:30pm. This concert will take place at Knox Presbyterian Church in St. Thomas. To purchase tickets online, go to www.choralconnection.ca

Meetings this Week:

•          CHAMPION - Wednesday at 1:00 - 3:30 pm

•          Bible Study - Thursday at 11:00 am - 12 Noon via Zoom

•          Guides Sleepover in the lower hall - Friday 6:30 pm - Sat. 10:30 am

•          Book Club - Monday at 7:30 pm via Zoom

 Bible Study:

Thursday - 11:00 am - 12 Noon

Scripture Readings – Psalm 122, Matthew 24: 36-44

Psalm for the Week:

Psalm 122 verses 6-8 (NRSV translation)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

‘May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls,

and security within your towers.’

For the sake of my relatives and friends

I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’

 Prayer for the Week:

God of justice and peace,

You call your people to love one

another as you have loved us.

Use our hearts, hands, and voices to care

for all whom you have called your beloved.

Give us courage to go forth in peace and in love.

In His mightily and powerful name we pray.  Amen.

Kim Knowles