Feb 1, 2020

Hi Folks:

We have finally come upon a weekend that does not include a significant weather event. Only a few flurries here and there; stuff we can brush away with our hands. I am also happy to report that the printer in the office is working again, the internet is back on, and the sanctuary furnace is working. It's been an interesting week. You know how they say things always fall apart in threes. Apparently, they repair in threes as well.

On Monday morning our Faith Formation Team met. We planned our Intergenerational Sunday Services until June. Our next one is February 16th where we will be doing a Godly Play Reflection in Worship, involving candle lighting, snuffing, re-lighting, taking away, and putting back of candles that will keep the kids busy as we all reflect on the Light of Epiphany.

We talked about our next Messy Church which will be on Saturday February 8th from 4 to 6 pm. The Theme is Our Community, Making A Difference, and we are pretty much set to go, and places are filling up fast, so if you have not done so yet, please register, no later than Wed. Feb. 5th by contacting me at sguc@bell.net or calling 613-822-6433.

We also talked about our Next Faith Formation session which will begin on Mon. April 20th. We will explore favourite hymns, talking about the stories behind their formation, but as well the meaning of the lyrics behind the tunes we love so much. 

Speaking of Faith Formation, we had our second session on Epiphany and God's Mission on Monday night. We had a great conversation about how to effectively speak of our faith to others, those close to us like family, and others whom we have the privilege of encountering in life. It was a very moving and helpful conversation. Our next session is Monday Feb. 3 at 7:00 pm. The Theme is "Light of the Nations, and we are invited to read Acts 13 in preparation. 

On Tuesday the Council met. We are getting ready for our Annual Meeting by searching and finding nominations for the Council and our Church Committees. I am pleased to report that we will have some new volunteers helping out with the work of the church, and their willingness to serve is greatly appreciated.  If you are thinking and praying about being a part of one of our Committees or our Council, and would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to ask me, Joan Johnston or Doug Moore. We would be happy to give you as much information as we can. Our Annual Meeting will be Sun. Feb. 23 after church.

We also talked about our Mission with seniors. We are focusing on growing a partnership with Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS). We talked about how we can be a part of their projects like the Photo Gallery they are creating of seniors in their catchment area, and how we can advertise and support their events, as they are willing to advertise and support ours.  

Our Council is also looking at altering our marriage policy to include same gender marriages, and we need your feedback. I have attached a survey that we will also be making available in church over the next few Sundays. We would ask that you take the time to fill the survey out, print it off, bring it to church, and put it in a box that will be available at the back of the church. Hard copies will also be made available at church. We need a sense of where you folks are to inform us on how we should engage the whole congregation in this conversation, so filling out the survey and handing it in would be very helpful to our Council. Thank you very much. 

The Craft Group is resuming its activities on Tuesday Feb. 4th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. They would like to put a plea out for anyone in the congregation who is good with a sewing machine to help with some of their products like scrunchies, child aprons, tooth fairy pillows and lanyards. This is a fun group who enjoy each other’s company just as much as they enjoy doing crafts. It's a great way to make friends while helping to support the church with fundraising, so I would encourage you to attend if you are interested.

Here are some things happening Next Week at South Gloucester:

Mon. Feb. 3 - Faith Formation Session at 7 pm - "Light For The Nations - Please Read Acts 13 

Tues. Feb. 4 - Bridge Club - 2:00 pm

Tues. Feb. 4th - Craft Group Restarts - 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Sat, Feb. 8 - Messy Church - 4 to 6 pm. Please register by Wed. Feb. 5th

This Sunday, we will be focusing on Matthew 4:12-23. Here, Jesus calls the first four disciples, and they immediately leave everything and everyone to follow him. How do we know it is the voice of God calling amidst the many voices we hear in our lives? One way is to get to know the one who calls. Are they, like Jesus, teaching about God's words and ways, and bringing healing to many. One who speaks the voice of God should also be one who demonstrates God way in one's living.

That's it for me folks.

Take care and God bless.

Ed