AUC Weekly Newsletter from Rev. Heather for April 17, 2025

Hello AUC Friends:
 

It never ceases to amaze me how the smallest bulbs push their way through the hard ground, dead leaves, and other obstacles to reveal their true springtime beauty. A true lesson for us humans too!
 

What’s on this Holy Week:
Tomorrow, Good Friday at 10:30 am: A solemn Worship Service with readings and hymns; we will leave the church in silence.
 

At 12 Noon: The Almonte Walk of The Cross beginning at the R.C. Church, then AUC, followed by the Community Presbyterian, Almonte Baptist, the Town Hall and Naismith statue, and ending at the Hillside Reformed Presbyterian Church for a short service and refreshments. People are welcome to participate in any or all of the walk; it will take place rain or shine. All welcome.
 

Easter Sunday at AUC at 10:30 pm: Worship for Easter Sunday with the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Plan to attend this service when we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord in worship, sacrament and joyful Christian fellowship.
 

Friday, April 25th at 7:00 pm: Movie Night at AUC with “Julie and Julia” featuring Meryl Streep and Ann Adams; it’s a movie about how an amateur cook sets out to make all 224 recipes in Julia Child’s Cookbook. It promises to be really fun!
 

Sunday, April 27th at 10:30 am: Worship will be a Celebration of Earth Day. Also after the service,  Emmett Badger’s Bake Sale in support of Orangutans in need:‘Cakes for Apes for International Animal Rescue’. Donations accepted.
 

In the midst of all the Easter celebrations, if you would like to reflect on the true meaning of Easter, read (in order) how the Gospel writers interpreted the Resurrection: Mark 16: 1-8; Matthew 28:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; and John 20:1-29. Which is your favourite and how does it speak especially to you?
 

I hope you and yours enjoy a truly blessed Easter season; may all the joys of springtime bring you hope, peace and love.
Fondest wishes to all, Rev. Heather 🙏🙏
 

PS: The daffodils planted  along the church hall will be in bloom for Easter Sunday! 😍😍

Hello AUC Friends: 

What an absolutely beautiful Camping Service last Sunday was provided by the Sunday School, Youth Group and Helpers. Many, many thanks to all!

And the Annual Meeting which followed was pretty short and dull….just the way we like it!

What’s Happening during Holy Week:

Palm Sunday, April 13th at 10:30 am: Wear or bring a brightly coloured scarf for worship as we wave them (rather than palm branches) to remember the Jerusalem parade so long ago. 

Tuesday, April 15th at 1:00 pm: The Study Group continues looking at “Something Sacred;” the chapters are ‘Love One Another’ (pages 80-81) and ‘Improvising Hope’ (pages 82-83). Plan to join us for singing, discussion and fellowship. 

Good Friday, April 18th at 10:30 am: A sombre service to remember the tragic events of this day. All most welcome. 

At 12 Noon: The Walk of the Cross begins at The Holy Name of Mary RC church; the second stop is Almonte United Church. People are invited to participate in some or all of this Almonte Ecumenical Event. 

With fond wishes and blessings to all,

Rev. Heather🙏🙏🙏

I hope people survived last weekend’s storm; we can really empathize with the people who are coping with the terrible ice storm. I’m writing this message early this week in case our beloved secretary gets iced in on the Ottawa River on Thursday morning. 

This Sunday, April 6th at 10:30 is Camping Sunday. 

The service will be led by our own Jack Lockhart with the very capable assistance of our Sunday School and Youth Group. 

Plan to wear your “Camping Clothes;” there might even be a prize for the most interesting hat! Our service then moves into the Social Hall where we will do a special craft, conclude the service, and sing “O Canada.”

Annual Meeting: Immediately after the service, a light lunch will be enjoyed while we participate in our Annual Meeting (postponed from last Sunday). Please plan to attend this very important event in the life of our congregation. 

In case you are wondering about Holy Week and Easter, these are the services:

Palm Sunday, April 13th at 10:30;

Good Friday, April 18th at 10:30;

The Walk of the Cross at Noon departing from the R.C. Church; Easter Sunday, April 20th at 10:30 with the Sacrament of Holy Communion. 

Enjoy today’s sunshine and take good care. 

Fondest greetings to all, Rev. Heather 🙏

Good Sunny Day to All:  

What a great day before the predicted storm comes! Don’t put the salt away yet!

In the interest of safety and caution, we have decided to CANCEL this Sunday’s service and Annual Meeting. I hope it gives you an opportunity to relax and ponder how the seasons are, sometimes, reluctant to change. (Just like humans!)

Today, March 27th: If you are interested in the ‘Marvellous Monday Meals’ that are being prepared, the team is making them on Monday so please contact Mary Smiley at marysmiley1@gmail.comif you are interested. On Tuesday at 1:00 to 2:30 pm, the Study Group will be discussing and singing our way through “Something Sacred: Reflections on Music and Faith.”  Plan to join us if you can; it’s a new chapter each week.  

Look for more news next week about April 6th when our Youth Group will lead worship for ‘Camping Sunday’. It promises to be great so please mark it on your calendar. 

Take very good care; stay safe and warm. 

Fond regards to all, Rev. Heather 😍🎶🙏

Hello All:
Both the calendar and the outside world are telling us that spring is coming.
These are the snowdrops here at AUC pushing their way through the mulch…a miracle of nature!
 

What’s going on this Sunday?
Our scripture lesson is Luke 13: 1-9 where Jesus tells the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree….a story to which we can all relate.
We’ll also be celebrating the March birthdays with cake and coffee after the service.
 

Remember to look up, print, and read the 2024 Annual Report on the AUC website for next Sunday’s annual meeting.
 

I hope you are able to enjoy the promises of springtime all around us.
 

Blessings from Rev. Heather 🙏🎶🌺🇨🇦

 Hello All:
       All the signs of spring are around us; I hope everyone is having an opportunity to enjoy them.
 

      This past Tuesday our first Lenten Study Group was held in the parlour. As a guide we are using “Something Sacred: Reflections on Music and Faith.” There was plenty of meaningful discussion and with David at the piano, we enjoyed great singing. If you would like to join us this coming Tuesday, we’d love to welcome you; we meet from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The script from Something Sacred will be provided.
 

Coming Up on this Lenten Sunday:
The Scripture lesson is from Luke 13:31-35 where Jesus calls Herod a ‘fox’ and compares Himself to a ‘broody hen with chickens’.
Wear your Irish Green for St. Patrick’s Day; we’ll be singing Irish hymns🎶🎶
 

An Important Note from our Treasurer,
Bob Watson:
Because of the mail strike, Revenue Canada is allowing all donations made from January 1st to February 28th, 2025 to be included in your ‘24 tax return.  Bob has the receipts ready for these dates if you wish to use them on your 2024 tax return. Requests may be made directly to Bob at 613-314-2966 or email: rwatson1051@gmail.com or contact the Church Office.
 

Don’t forget to see the Eclipse of tonight’s Full Moon; the optimum time in our area is from 2:26 am to 3:31 am; a once in a lifetime event for some of us!
 

Blessings and best wishes to all,
Rev. Heather 🙏😍🌺🎶🙏
.

Good Sunny Morning to All:

As I walked into the church this morning, the water was tinkling down the eaves troughs and I was glad to be wearing my rubber boots because of the puddles!

What a great pancake lunch we enjoyed last Sunday; many thanks to the Worship Committee who organized and the many helpers, donors and decorators who made it all possible. 

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday which begins six weeks of the Lenten season. This Sunday, the scripture lesson is from Luke 4:1-13 which tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. We will also be celebrating Holy Communion. (It was my mistake and it wasn’t not last Sunday.)

Our Annual Congregational Meeting is set for Sunday, March 30th after worship. The Worship Committee is asking for several loaves of sandwiches to go with our coffee; if you can help out, please speak to Terri-Lynn Funnekotter. 

Enjoy this spring day until the next freeze up. And very best wishes to the kiddos and parents for a fantastic School Break. 

Blessings and Fond Regards, 

Rev. Heather 🙏😍🇨🇦

Hello All:
This is our gang (sorry Jack, you kinda got cut off!) who walked last Saturday night for  Cornerstone Landing….a safe and warm place for homeless youth and those at risk. It was a great night to be outside…not cold and no wind; our Youth led by the enthusiastic Margie did the five km. Supported by Sheila and Doug, I managed three km. with no problems; the hot chili tasted really great on our return to the Canoe Club. With thanks to all our sponsors and cheerleaders, we raised $1938. Bravo!
 

Coming up this week:
 

Sunday:
Worship at 10:30, we will be looking at the Transfiguration of Jesus from Luke 6:28-36. We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Our Sunday School is looking at the many facets of “Peace.”
 

Congregational Pancake Lunch immediately after worship. Plan to stay for yummy pancakes (GF, Buckwheat, and White Flour),  sausages, and Lanark County maple syrup, plus juice, tea and coffee. Hosted by the Worship Committee and Helpers, this event is free. For those wishing, donations will go to updating the kitchen.
 

Wednesday, March 5th marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season.
 

Friday, the 7th, at 1:00 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church marks the World Day of Prayer. This service is prepared by the women of the Cook Islands with the theme, “I Made You Wonderful.” Refreshments and fellowship will follow; all welcome!
 

When the hint of  sunny spring comes again, let’s  go out and count the diamonds glistening on the melting snow; yesterday there were millions!
 

Fondest wishes to All,
Rev. Heather  😍☃️💕🎶🙏🙏🙏

Hello AUC Friends:

What a beautiful sunny day in February! I hope you are enjoying the winter’s beauty: shadows on the snow; long icicles hanging from rooftops; children playing in the snowbanks; the list could go on and on…

What’s going on this week at AUC?

On Saturday evening from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm: 

Our brave Youth Group supported by some braver adults are participating in “The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk;” an event to assist youth ages 16-24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Lanark County. For those wishing to donate money to our AUC team, please place it in a marked envelope in your Sunday offering. 

On Sunday at worship, we will be looking at Luke 6:27-38 where Jesus tells people to “love your enemies.”

After the service, we will gather in the Social Hall to celebrate the February birthdays🎂🎂

That’s all for now. Enjoy a wonderful weekend!☃️☃️

Until next Thursday, Blessings to All…..

Rev. Heather🙏🙏🙏

Good Thursday Morning to All:

Last Sunday at the end of our service, we sang ‘O Canada’. One person reported having tears in her eyes as she sang our national anthem in light of the uncertainty coming from our southern neighbour. 

We’ll be singing “O Canada” at the end of worship every Sunday as our pledge to Canada: “the true North strong and free.” Our service usually ends about 11:30; plan to pause and sing along with us from wherever you are! (It might be great fun if you are with a crowd!) 🎶🎶🎶

So…what’s going on at AUC in the near future: 

On Sunday, we will be looking at Luke 5:1-11 when Jesus calls the first disciples. If you want to do a small Bible Study, look also at Mark 1:16-20 and Matthew 4:18-22; it’s very interesting how and when the three NT writers handle the same story. 

I’m told our wonderful Sunday School will have some special treats for us❤️❤️❤️

On Friday, the 14th, we will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Luncheon for those who will dearly miss their spouses/significant others. Please contact the Church office by Wednesday, the 12th, to facilitate planning for ‘When Your Valentine is Gone’. 

On Saturday, February 22nd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, our Youth Group and others will be “walking the walk” in a cross-country event to help fight youth homelessness. Join us or come to cheer our AUC team on (including myself!) as we raise money for this very worthy cause. All donations most welcome!

It’s snowing hard again. Stay warm and safe and buy Canadian. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🙏🙏

Fondest blessings, Rev. Heather 💕💕

Good Snowy Day to All:
 

On this cloudy day, the amaryllis are blooming; a spark of brightness telling us winter won’t last forever!
 

What’s Happening This Weekend:
 

Tomorrow Night at 7:00 pm: Movie Night at AUC: “Sapphires. This musical/comedy/drama is set in 1968, when four young Australian, Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship and war, as their all-girl singing group travels to Vietnam to entertain.”
 

This Sunday:
We will be looking at Paul’s very thoughtful treatise about the One Body in Christ with its Many Members: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a. This is a great passage reminding us that, even with our various talents, we still need to work together as one.
 

Birthday Cake after Worship: We will celebrate the January birthdays during Coffee Time. Plan to join us after worship!
 

Enjoy these remaining January days….and stay safe and well.
 

Fondest Greetings,
Rev. Heather ☃️💕😍🎶🙏
 

Good Snowy Day to All:

First a report on last Sunday. We reaffirmed our Baptism vows with lots of water on our heads from the font. This was followed by a great and generous potluck luncheon; the chatter and laughter were contagious. All in all, it was truly an inspiring and memorable day!

Here is what’s happening this coming week:

Sunday, our scripture lesson is from John 2:1-11; the story of Jesus at the wedding at Cana. 

Monday at 9:30 a.m.: For anyone who will be using the brand-new dishwasher, a tutorial is being offered. 

Tuesday at Noon: The Almonte Community Friendship Luncheon in the AUC social hall. All most welcome; charge is $10. per person. 

Next Friday at 7:00 pm: Movie Night with hot dogs, popcorn and drinks for 1$ each. The movie is “Sapphires; a 1968 musical/comedy/drama. Everyone welcome; plan to bring a friend. 

I hope you can join us in some or all of these activities. Stay warm, safe and well!

Fondly, Rev. Heather 🙏☃️💕

Hello Friends:

Happy New Year! As we turn the calendar to 2025, let us continue to reveal the peace and hope, joy and love of the Christmas Christ in our everyday living. 

Here’s what happening this week:

Worship: On Sunday, we will be joined by our SS children and teachers as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. Luke tells the story in Luke 3:15-17; 21-22. We will respond by renewing our own Baptismal vows during the service.

New Year’s Pot-Luck Luncheon: Our Worship Committee is hosting a party after worship on Sunday. Please bring lots of Appetizers and Desserts….and your own plates and cutlery to minimize cleanup. Please include a card with a list of ingredients. And think about your goals for 2025 for yourself and AUC. Be creative!

Hats: Let’s make this a great fun party….wear a hat! Again, be creative!

Decorators Needed! After many years of dedication, the MacMeekins are retiring from decorating the church for the various seasons. So for all you creative spirits at AUC, this is your opportunity to display your talents as an individual or as a team! Many thanks to Mary and Ron; your dedication is very much appreciated. 

Stay warm and safe. See you on Sunday! 

Fondest greetings, Rev. Heather ☃️💕🙏