Weekly Newsletter from Rev. Mary November 30, 2023

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a nice week. It's our Christmas Party this Sunday following the service. Hope to see you there! 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Christmas Party 

3. Bake Sale 

4. Next Sunday - Sunday School Service with Pajamas!

5. Stockings for the Food Bank 

6. Church envelopes and Tax receipts

1. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. We will be celebrating communion together. Our scripture passage will be Luke 1: 39-55, Mary's Song of Praise. Join us following the service for our Christmas Party.

2. Christmas Party- Did someone say party? That's right! Following the service on Sunday we will have a soup lunch in the Social Hall. There will also be some carols and stories. Plan to join us for the return of this fun event and why not invite a church friend you haven't seen in a while? 

3. Bake Sale-following the service on Sunday there will also be a bake sale. A small group of volunteers are planning a Baking, Treats and Treasures Sale.   We invite anyone who would like to contribute baking for everyday or Christmas, treats either sweet or savoury, homemade gifts and decorations.  Please package, clearly label and mark the price on each item.  All contributions will be most welcome.  All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Almonte United Church. 

4. Next Sunday- On Sunday December 10th the Sunday School and Youth Group will be leading the service. You are invited to wear your pajamas to the service! This is something we started years ago and it has become a hit. We will also be collecting new pairs of children's pajamas for Interval House.

5. Stockings for the Food Bank The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community.  For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings.

If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:

1.  At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday.  

2.  At the Church Office on Mondays between 10am and 2 pm, Thursdays from 10 am- 3 pm and Friday mornings between 10am and 12:00 noon .

6. Church envelopes and tax receipts ; For all Church  members and adherents, that currently have numbered envelopes, the 2024 numbered donation envelopes are now available in church foyer near church office. If anyone new to the church is interested in obtaining a donation number or envelopes or are interested in financial support of the church, thru PAR of E-Transfers,  please contact Robert Watson, Envelope Secretary Almonte United @ 613-314-2966 – rwatson1051@gmail.comor contact church office. 

To all Church Members/adherents, THANK YOU for your continued financial support of Almonte United Church. 

The 2023 donation Tax receipt will be mailed out by Jan 10, 2024 for your review.

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary 

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a nice week. There are lots of exciting things happening in the next few weeks and we look forward to seeing you around! 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Christmas Party and Bake Sale 

3. Items for the Bake Sale 

4. Upcoming Services 

5. Stockings for the Food Bank 

1. This Sunday we will complete our Journey Through the Hebrew Scriptures that we have been on since September. Our Scripture passage will be Ezra 1: 1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13 the rebuilding of the temple. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. Christmas Party and Bake Sale- It's time for a party! On Sunday, December 3rd following the service we're having a party! We are going to have a Soup Luncheon followed by a carol sing and a Christmas story. There will also be a bake sale. Mark your calendars and come and join the fun. 

3. Items for the Bake Sale - Calling all bakers, cooks and crafters.   On December 3rd we will be celebrating the First Sunday of Advent.  Following the Service, a small group of volunteers are planning a Baking, Treats and Treasures Sale.   We invite anyone who would like to contribute baking for everyday or Christmas, treats either sweet or savoury, homemade gifts and decorations.  Please package, clearly label and mark the price on each item.  All contributions will be most welcome.  All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Almonte United Church. 

4. Upcoming Services 

Sunday, December 3rd- Communion Service followed by Christmas Party

Sunday, December 10th- Children's Service lead by the Sunday School 

Sunday, December 17th- Christmas Music Service with the Sr. Choir 

Sunday, December 24th - 10:30 am Morning Service 

                                               - 7:00pm Christmas Eve Service 

5.Stockings for the Food Bank  

The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community.  For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings.

If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:

 1.  At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday.  

 2.  At the Church Office on Mondays between 10am and

2 pm, Thursdays from 10 am- 3 pm and Friday mornings between 10am and 12:00 noon .

Thanks for reading, See you soon,

Mary 

 Hello,
I hope everyone is having a nice week. I will be in Kingston tomorrow for a day-long workshop on the idea of the Flourishing Church hosted by the Moderator of the church Rev. Carmen Landsdown. I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say as well as connecting with colleagues from around the area. 
Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Remit Information Session this Sunday

3. Stockings for the Food Bank 

1. This Sunday we are continuing our journey through the Hebrew scriptures. We will be hearing from 1 Kings 5:1-5 and 8:1-13, the story of Solomon's Temple. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship and a brief information session. There will be pie! 
2. Remit Information Session this Sunday- Following the service there will be a brief information session in the Social Hall. You are invited to bring a bag lunch if you wish and pie will be provided. The session is about Remit #1. Every few years each congregation across the church is asked to vote on a matter of United Church policy. This vote is about establishing an autonomous National Indigenous Organization with the United Church of Canada. Attending this info session is a great way to meet other people in the congregation and learn more about the denomination.If you can't make it but would like to learn more here's a link to a Study Guide on the topic: https://generalcouncil44.ca/.../gc44-remit-1-study-guide...
3. Stockings for the Food Bank- Bring Joy During these Stressful Times to Vulnerable Adults this Christmas! 

The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community.  For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings.

If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:

1.  At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday.  A huge note of appreciation to Kelly Church who again this year has graciously offered to help us with this important initiative.  

2.  At the Church Office on Mondays between 10am and

2 pm, Thursdays from 10 am- 3 pm and Friday mornings between 10am and 12:00 noon .

Examples of useful toiletries include: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, 5-blade razors, Nail file, Nail clippers, Shaving cream, After-shave lotion, Hand lotion, Moisturizing lotion, Loofa, Hairbrush, Comb, Cleansing cream/wash, Dental floss/picks, Deodorant, Liquid hand soap, Bar soap, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Q-tips, Facial mask, Sunscreen, Mouthwash, Nail polish, Nail polish remover, and perhaps a small sweet. Note: A selection of Christmas Stockings for your use are available in the sanctuary should you need one.

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary 

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a good week. I had a wonderful time in Barrie last weekend meeting my new niece Bridget and baptizing my nephew Emerson. It was a great weekend with my family. 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Book Club Tuesday afternoons 

3. Remit Information Session Next Sunday 

4. Foodgrains Bank 

5. Representing the UCC

1. This Sunday will be our Remembrance Service. We will hear the Roll of Honor and have a time of silence. Our scripture reading will be 2 Samuel 5: 1-5 and 2 Samuel 6: 1-5 David is anointed King. 

Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. Book Club- Now on Tuesday afternoons! If you were thinking of joining our book club discussion group this fall our next session is going to be Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 1:00-2:15 in the Parlour. We're reading chapter 2 of Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. It's a great way to get to know folks in the church.

3. Remit Information Session - You are invited to a Remit Information Session following the service next Sunday, November 12th  Please bring a bag lunch and dessert will be provided. A remit is the word used in the church for a vote required on a major policy change that affects the whole United Church. This remit is about the creation of an autonomous Indigenous church within the United Church of Canada. Here is the link to the study guide if you wish to read it ahead of time: https://generalcouncil44.ca/sites/default/files/2023-03/gc44-remit-1-study-guide-march-2023.pdf If you have any questions please let me know. 

4. Canadian Foodgrain Bank Fall Appeal- This is the final week of our annual appeal for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the important work they do around the world to prevent and fight hunger. The local growing project at the Lowry farm had another successful year. If you would like to make a financial donation please do so through the church making sure to indicate on the donation that it is for the Foodgrains Bank. 

5. Representing the UCC- I was contacted by the head office of the United Church of Canada this week to represent the United Church of Canada at a Press Conference on Parliament Hill. The press conference was held on Monday and was a multi faith coalition of leaders calling on the Canadian government to call for a ceasefire in Israel/Palestine. If you wish to watch it, it can be found on the C PAC website or just let me know can I send you the link. 

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary

Weekly Newsletter from Re. Mary October 26,2023

Hello,
I hope everyone is having a nice week. I'm away this weekend going to meet my new baby niece who was born in September and to help baptise my nephew who was born in 2022. I'll include some photos in next week's email. Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Canadian Foodgrains Bank Appeal 

3. Discussion Group Starting Oct. 30

4. FoodBank Stockings for Christmas 

1. This Sunday I will be away and John LeGrow will be providing pulpit supply. The scripture reading will be selected readings about confidence including Psalm 71. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and coffee in the Social Hall. 
2. Canadian Foodgrains Bank Appeal- It's that time of year again where we collect donations for the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The Lowry's local growing project had another successful year. If you would like to make a donation to fight world hunger you can do so by check or e transfer. (Just make sure to note CFGB on the donation) 
3. Discussion Group Starting Oct 30th- You are invited to join the Discussion Group starting Monday October 30th at 7:00 in the Parlour. We will be discussing the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass. (don't worry if you don't get the book in time, come anyway) Please let me know if you would like to be a part of it. 
4. FoodBank Stockings for Christmas- Bring Joy During these Stressful Times to Vulnerable Adults this Christmas! 

The Church is helping the Lanark Food Bank collect Christmas stockings for those less fortunate in our community.  For many of the Food Bank adults, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas and they look forward to the wonderful surprises that the stocking brings.

If you are able, please fill a stocking with toiletries for either a lady or a gentleman, clearly marked HIS or HERS, and return it no later than Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Again this year, the stockings can be dropped off at one of the following:

1.  At Textile Traditions, 87 Mill Street, from Monday to Saturday.  A huge note of appreciation to Kelly Church who again this year has graciously offered to help us with this important initiative.  

2.  At the Church Office on Mondays between 10am and2 pm, Thursdays from 10 am- 3 pm and Friday mornings between 10am and 12:00 noon .

Examples of useful toiletries include: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, 5-blade razors, Nail file, Nail clippers, Shaving cream, After-shave lotion, Hand lotion, Moisturizing lotion, Loofa, Hairbrush, Comb, Cleansing cream/wash, Dental floss/picks, Deodorant, Liquid hand soap, Bar soap, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Q-tips, Facial mask, Sunscreen, Mouthwash, Nail polish, Nail polish remover, and perhaps a small sweet. Note: A selection of Christmas Stockings for your use are available in the sanctuary should you need one.

Thank you for your support!

Thanks for reading, See you soon,

Mary 

 

 Hello 
I hope everyone is having a nice week. Join us this Sunday following the service for a time of Staff Appreciation in the Social Hall.

Keep reading to learn about:1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Staff Appreciation 

3. Canadian Foodgrains Bank Growing Project

 4. Discussion Group

5. Seeking Peace Together- Oct 26th
1. This Sunday our Scripture Passage will be Ruth 1:1-17, the story of Ruth and her mother in law Naomi. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. Staff Appreciation- Please join us in the Social Hall after the service on Sunday for a time of fellowship, staff appreciation time and cake.  We are truly blessed with the dedicated and committed staff who ensure that everything we do moves forward smoothly. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.

3. Canadian Foodgrains Bank Growing Project- We have received an update on the local growing project from Donna Lowry and her son Brad Lowry. Brad grew soybeans this year and the crop was good with the yield averaging about 1.6 tons/acre. Earlier in the year he locked in the selling price at 590/tonne. As in the past he is donating 8 acres. Although input costs are up there will be a very nice donation made to the Foodgrains Bank once the beans leave their bins! If you would like to support the Growing Project and make a donation to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to support the work they do around the world to fight hunger and work for policy change to prevent hunger you can do so through Almonte United Church. Please note on your cheque or e transfer that the donation is for the Foodgrains. 

4. Discussion Group- Our Discussion Group will be starting up on Monday, October 30th (note the date change) and we will be discussing the book Saving Jesus by Diana Butler Bass. Everyone is welcome to attend. No experience necessary. It's a great time to chat and get to know folks in the congregation better. Please let me know if you would like to be a part of it. 

5.Seeking Peace Together- St. Paul's Anglican Church is hosting Seeking Peace Together - A Time for Peace. This will be a special time of silence and reflection on Thursday October 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This will not be a religious service, and it is open to people of any faith background, or of no faith background. Let's come together to pray/meditate/reflect on recent world events.

You can come and pray; you can come and be still; you can come and be with other people during this very challenging time. If you aren't able to join us in person, you could set aside time at home or perhaps a few minutes during your lunch hour (if you are working or volunteering) to pray for peace in our world. Let us all seek peace together.

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday. 

Mary

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a nice week. It was wonderful to have my parents visiting for Thanksgiving. They enjoyed seeing everyone at AUC and Maria was thrilled to have some one on one time with Nana and Grampie without all the cousins around. 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Successful Food Bank Drive 

3. Staff Appreciation Event- October 22

1. This Sunday we will be hearing from the book of Joshua. We'll hearing the story of the renewing of the covenant from Joshua 24: 1-15. Following the service you are invited to join for a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. A Successful Food Bank Drive!

Thank you to all who contributed to our recent Lanark Food Bank Drive. The drive was a success, with not only 120 pounds of food donated, but also financial donations totaling $1,230! This contributed to a better Thanksgiving for many in our community and benefited the food bank tremendously by enabling them to purchase fresh food such as milk, eggs and bread.  Thanks to all for your amazing support and for making a difference.

3.Clergy Appreciation Month

Each October Clergy Appreciation Month is celebrated in the United Church of Canada.  Last year, Almonte United Church celebrated each of our paid accountable staff and we’d like to do so again this year.  This year on October 22nd, we will gather during Fellowship Time in the Upper Hall to celebrate their dedication, commitment, and loyalty. If you are unable to join us then, we encourage you to seek out another opportunity to do so.

4. Thank you from Heather Kincaid- Dear AUC Friends via Nancy: Many thanks for the lovely card and best wishes on the occasion of my 60th wedding anniversary. Sixty years ago, it was a beautiful sunny day like today; the bride wore white velvet and the groom looked very handsome; they honeymooned at a major Jersey cattle show in Ohio. 

Emerson joins me in thanking you for your continued support through all the changing scenes of life. 

Blessings and love to all from Heather🙏💕🌺

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary 

Good morning,

I hope everyone is having a nice week. What a taste of summer weather we have been having this week. 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Youth Group Book Sale Postponed 

3.  Book Study/Discussion Group 

1. This Sunday is Thanksgiving Sunday. We will be hearing again from the book of Exodus. We will hear from Exodus 16:1-18, the story of God providing Manna for the people in the desert. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship. 

2. THANK YOU to everyone who has brought in used books for our Youth Group’s upcoming Used Book Sale and Rocking Readathon! We are going to have a wonderful selection for our shoppers to choose from - thanks to you!

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE: Because the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Library are having their used book sale on the same weekend as our event was planned for, we are postponing our sale until late January/early February… perfect time to hibernate with a good book! We will keep you posted with all the details in the new year.  ~ AUC Youth ~

3. Book Study/Discussion Group- Are you interested in being part of a discussion group this fall? We're going to read Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. We're (hoping) to start on Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 in the Parlour. Please let me know if you would like to be part of the group. 

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary 

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a great week. I had a great trip to Halifax this week for the United Church of Canada Foundation Board meeting. It was wonderful to connect with colleagues from across the country and we even had time to do some exploring around the city. 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday?

2. Community Vigil for Truth and Reconciliation Day

3. Baking for the Bake Sale on Sunday

4. Youth Group Fall Decor Sale 

1. This Sunday we will be celebrating World Communion together. This is something that happens every year on the first Sunday in October. Our journey through the Old Testament takes us into the book of Exodus and we will hear the story of the Promise of the Passover from Exodus 12:1-13 and 13: 1-8. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. Community Vigil for Truth and Reconciliation Day- You are invited to gather for a community vigil beginning at 7:00 on Saturday, September 30th at Riverside Park on Spring St. Our Youth Group will be helping to provide leadership and I have been asked to say a few words. Please bring a chair if you wish to sit down during the vigil. It is scheduled to go until 8:30. 

3. Baking for the Bake Sale on Sunday- Do you love to bake? If so, we would love to buy your tasty treats! This Sunday, October 1st, following the service we will be having a Pop Up Bake Sale. Please bring your items to the Social Hall before the service. (Please package and price them) The items will be for sale following the service. This is a fundraiser for Almonte United Church. 

4. Youth Group Fall Decor Sale- Thank you so much to everyone who bought items from the Youth Group Fall Decor Sale last Sunday. The Youth will be back again this Sunday. Items are for sale by donation and all proceeds are going to School Box North to support their Reconciliation work in Northern Ontario communities. 

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,

Mary

Hello,
I hope everyone is having a good week. What an exciting day we had on Sunday. The Welcome potluck and Faith Fair were wonderful and then the Opening Ceremony for The Seven Gifts was very powerful and moving. 
Keep reading to learn more about:
1. What's Happening This Sunday?
2. The Faith Fair Continues
3. Mary at Foundation Board Meeting 


1. This Sunday we will be acknowledging The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone is invited to wear an orange shirt. This takes place each year on the Sunday preceding September 30th. We will continue our introduction to the Narrative Lectionary and hear another story from the book of Genesis. We'll hear selections from Genesis 38, the story of Joseph and his brothers. Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 


2. The Faith Fair Continues- We have lots of sign up sheets for you to look at and find out how you can get involved in the church community (as well as request more information on how you might like to get involved.) These sheets will be at the side in the sanctuary for the next few weeks so you have a chance to look at them and see how your interests and gifts could help make AUC flourish this year! 


3. Mary at the Foundation Board Meeting- Several of you know that I am currently serving a term on the Board of DIrectors of the United Church of Canada Foundation. The board is meeting next week in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As the majority of our meetings take place on Zoom the board was quite thrilled to hear about a trip to Halifax. As part of the meeting we will be visiting the Brunswick Street Mission which we have heard about in the Mission and Service Story. As well we will be going to the Africville Museum to learn about the history of Anti Black Racism in Nova Scotia. I look forward to sharing about the meeting upon my return. (I will not in the office next week but will be back in the pulpit on Sunday) 


Thanks for reading, See you Sunday,
Mary 

 Hello,

I hope everyone is having a nice week. This Sunday is Welcome Sunday!!! We hope you are going to join us for the service and potluck afterwards. Sunday School is starting this Sunday too! It's going to be a fun morning, you won't want to miss it!

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening this Sunday?

2. Funeral Announcement- Lillian Mohr 

3. Funeral Announcement- Erle Douglas 

4. Food Bank Drive 

5. The Seven Gifts Opening Celebration 

1. This Sunday is Welcome Sunday! We are excited to welcome everyone to the service. Following the service there will be a potluck lunch in the hall. If you are able to help with accepting potluck dishes before the service begins or help with cleaning up after the meal please let me know. There will also be a Faith Fair following the service which is a great way to find out how you can get involved with the church community this Fall. 

2. Funeral Announcement for Lillian Mohr- It is with great sadness that we let the church community know about the passing of long time church member Lillian Mohr. Lillian was a friendly face around here for many years. We didn't see her as much in the past few years once she had moved into Orchard View but she is remembered by her many friends here. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 11:00 at Gambel's Funeral Home. More information can be found on Gambel's website. 

3. Funeral Announcement for Erle Douglas- It is with great sadness that we let you know about the passing of Erle Douglas. Erle joined the congregation with his wife Enid a few years ago. They moved to Almonte to be closer to their son Ian and his wife Heather. Many of you know Ian from his years of leadership with the Folk Choir. The funeral service will be held here at the church on Tuesday September 19th at 12:00. More information can be found on Gambel's website. 

4. Food Bank Drive- Please bring your donations (food or financial) this Sunday for the Lanark County Food Bank. Our Back to School Food drive is one way we are helping to fight rising hunger in our community. 

5. Seven Gifts Celebration- The opening celebration of the Seven Gifts art project is happening this Sunday from 1:30-4:30 in Riverside Park on Spring St. Everyone is invited to attend. Organizers are asking folks to walk or bike if possible as parking will be limited. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. It's going to be a wonderful afternoon. 

Thanks for reading, See you Sunday, 

Mary

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a good week. Maria started grade three on Tuesday and she is happy to report that she thinks grade three is off to a good start! I hope the children in your lives who are also back to school are also having a good start. 

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. What's Happening This Sunday

2. Welcome Sunday

3. Sunday School 

4. The Seven Gifts Opening Celebration 

5. Food Bank Drive 

6. Request for Books 

7. Thank you from Bernadette

1. This Sunday we will be hearing from Matthew 18: 15-20 Jesus is talking and he says, "where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there" Following the service there will be a time of coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. 

2. Welcome Sunday- You are welcome to come on Sunday, September 17th for our Welcome Sunday Celebration! Welcome back! Welcome for the first time! You are welcome to invite a friend or neighbour who has been saying they want to come see what's happening at ACU. Following the service there will be a potluck lunch and a Faith Fair. The Faith Fair will be an opportunity to learn about the different ways to get involved in the church community. 

3. Sunday School- Margie and Jessica are so looking forward to seeing all the children on September 17th to kick off a year of fun, learning and growing in faith! The 17th is also Welcome Sunday so be sure to also check in at the Sunday School and Youth Group booths at the Faith Fair to see what exciting things are coming! 

4. The Seven Gifts Opening Celebration- On Sunday September 17th from 1:30- 4:30 you are invited to join the Opening Ceremony and Celebration for The Seven Gifts art installation in Riverside Park on Spring St. This is the latest project of the Mississippi Mills All My Relations group of which AUC is a part. 

5. Food Bank Drive- We are collecting food and financial donations for the Lanark County Food bank for the next two weeks. You can bring your items to the church this Sunday and the following Sunday. Every bit makes a difference for our neighbours who are struggling with the cost of food. 

6.Book Sale- We need your books! Our AUC Youth Group is collecting gently used books, all genres, all ages, for our upcoming Used Book Sale and Rocking Readathon… and we need your help! Bring any books you would like to our two collection boxes at the entrance to the Sanctuary or at the glass door entrance. Then our youth will take it from there.

Be sure to save a little time on October 21st, noon until 8:00 pm, to pop over to the Social Hall and check out the sale, see what’s happening, catch some celebrity readers in action, learn how to repurpose old books, grab a book themed snack… its going to be so much fun!  All of the proceeds are going towards SchoolBOX and the building of Indigenous libraries in Treaty 3 communities. 

7. Thank you from Bernadette- Here is a thank you note to the congregation from Bernadette van Duyvendyk: 

"Thank you to everyone who took such good care of Richard and me while I was in the hospital and also now that I am home. We received snacks, meals and soups (love those soups) and many caring messages. Thank you, thank you.

I am home now for almost two weeks and take nothing for granted. My oncologist has a treatment plan for me that starts in about two weeks. It will be at least six months before I am through it all. I am optimistic and feel buoyed by the love of so many. Thank you. Sincerely, Bernadette"

Thank you for reading about everything that is happening, See you soon,

Mary