November 28, 2023
Calvary Compass – November 28, 2023 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca
Dear Friends of Calvary,
We will be having a guest from Wesley-Knox, Mallory Brennen, next Sunday to give the Minute for Affirming. If you have questions or concerns about Affirming, you will be able to talk to her. Mallory is also on The Affirming Committee with the Regional Affirming Group.
This Sunday, the first of Advent, is the Sacrament of Communion (bring your own or we have the elements for you). Also a collection for the Benevolent Fund will be taken this Sunday.
Hopefully by now, you have received your online edition of the Christmas Catalyst. If you have not, please let Kim know so that she can send it to you. A big thank you goes out to Kim for putting together the Christmas Catalyst and to Fran Menard for proof reading it. It looks wonderful!
Reminder – If you haven’t already submitted your Treasure Support Form from the Called to be the Church mailing, please do so as soon as possible. Your submission assists the Stewardship and Finance Committee in their budget planning for 2024.
Worship Services are all live-streamed:
December 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz1hQaztFTE
December 10 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUDqSQDFB_w
Recorded service for November 26 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh0dfLnh_qk
GIFT CARDS
After many months' deliberation, a decision has been made that it is time to wind up Calvary's participation in Fundscrip program. We've had a long and successful run, raising an average of over $3,000 each year from 2007 to 2019. Then the pandemic hit. With closures and broken ordering habits, our profits averaged out to $800/year over the 3 year span from 2020 -22. We've never really recovered to our old levels of participation, but can't blame it all on Covid. Much of it has to do with store loyalty programs, credit cards, bonus points and general distrust of gift cards.
Our last ordering date for gift cards is Sunday, December 10. A list of available cards can be found at fundscrip.com. Write your order on a slip of paper or print off an order form, accompanied by cash or cheque to "Calvary United Church" and either hand it to me or place it on the offering plate. I'll have your cards for you the following Sunday. Gift cards are great for teenagers, millennials (Amazon or Best Buy) or a small thank you (Tim Hortons? Indigo/Chapters?) Don't forget your day-to-day purchases for groceries or gas too and maybe even a little treat for yourself?
Thank you to everyone for all your support in ordering gift cards for 17 years! We had a great run. Nancy Hind (nancyhind@rogers.com or 519-434-4048)
LIFE*SPIN Advent Project
You can now bring your items for Life*Spin to the church leave them on the table in the foyer off of the parking lot. They are looking for the following:
• Winter clothing - long sleeved shirts, sweaters, sweat pants, pants , warm pyjamas, slippers
• Winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mitts and boots
• Both children and adult clothing
• Kitchen items
• glasses, cups, plates, bowls
• cooking pots and serving utensils
• cutlery
• sheets
• toasters ( they always need toasters)
• children's games and stuffed animals
• Baby clothing and blankets
SHARING EXTRA 2024 CALENDARS
If you receive any 2024 calendars which you don't need, please place in the drop-off boxes at the back of the sanctuary or in the foyer off of the parking lot. Calendars will be offered to those who attend the Community Breakfast or others.
MITTEN TREE
The Christmas trees in the sanctuary are up. We will be continuing with our practice of decorating the trees with mittens, hats, gloves, scarves and socks for the London Community Chaplaincy.
SANCTUARY DECORATING
Thank you to all who helped put up the two Christmas trees in the sanctuary, decorated them and also placed all of the other decorations that adorn the sanctuary. We are ready for Advent!
TOURTIERES
There are a few left if you are wanting one. To order, contact Marg LaRocque at mglarocque@rogers.com or 519-681-7810.
The price is $20 for a 10 inch pie.
Story of Jesus in Islam' Exhibition on December 2nd and 3rd —an enlightening event where we aim to foster understanding, bridge communities, and explore shared values.
Event Highlights:
• Who is Jesus?: Delve into discussions exploring various perspectives.
• Meet the Imam: An opportunity to engage and learn from our esteemed Imam.
• Henna Art Station
• Calligraphy
• Islam Q & A: Explore and ask questions about Islam
• Quran Listening Station: Listen to the serene recitations of the Story of Jesus and Mary from the Quran.
• Gift Bags
• Enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the exhibition.
- Saturday, *December 2nd* - [Registration Link] https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/752384451147?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Sunday, *December 3rd* - [Registration Link] https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/756259641947?aff=oddtdtcreator
Where - London Muslim Mosque* 151 Oxford St W, London, ON N6H 1S. When* 1-6 PM
Upcoming Seasonal Events:
• Christmas Bazaar, Wesley-Knox United Church, December 2nd, 10am to 2pm, also Hot Lunch for $10 with advance ticket.
• Silver Bells, Christmas Concert, Wesley-Knox United Church, December 2 at 7:30pm. Tickets $25
• RCCO Carol Service, December 3 at 7:30 pm, Metropolitan United Church
• The Music Makers Seasonal Concert, Riverside United Church, December 16, 2pm, Tickets $25
• Choral Connection - Knox Presbyterian Church - St. Thomas - December 16, 7:30 pm- http://www.choralconnection.ca for tickets
Posters can be found on the bulletin board at the Parking Lot entrance.
Meetings this Week:
• CHAMPION - Wednesday - 1:00 - 3:30 pm
• Bible Study - Thursday - 11:00 am - 12 Noon via Zoom
• Affirming Committee - Friday -7:00pm via Zoom
Bible Study
Thursday - 11:00 am - 12 Noon
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 3 -9: Mark 13: 24 -37;
Psalm for the Week
Psalm 27: 11, 13, 14, ( New Catholic Bible Translation)
Teach me your way, O God,
and lead me along a level path
because of my enemies.
I am confident that I will behold the goodness of God
in the land of the living.
Place your hope in God;
be strong and courageous in your heart,
and place your hope in God, now and always.
Prayer for the Week
O gracious and comforting God,
fill us with the promise and the hope that your goodness
is within and around us always. Give us strength and courage
to be the people you have created us to be.
May we always follow in Jesus' ways. Amen.