Grande Cache United Church Newsletter

September 2003 Volume 1

Notes From Nancy

Hello! Let me introduce myself – I am Nancy Monteith, the intern minister for this September to April. Although I have met some of you, I realize there are many of you out there I have yet to meet.

We are walking on a journey together, you and I, and so far I like what I see. Your natural surroundings are beautiful and a reflection of God’s creativity. The people too have been welcoming and certainly reflect God’s hospitality. Mocha, my cocker spaniel and I have settled quite comfortably into the manse. Thanks to all who cleaned and prepared for my arrival.

My husband Glyn is a teacher who you will only see occasionally. He is back home in King City, keeping the home fires burning. On Thanksgiving weekend, he is coming for a visit so you will meet him then. We also hope that he will return for the two week school holiday time at Christmas. That will depend on how his mother is faring. She is taking cancer treatments, so if she is well, then he will come.

For our time together, I hope we can worship together or at least spend some time over a cup of tea or any preferred beverage. I will be at the church Tuesday to Friday mornings, so feel free to drop by.

If you would like a pastoral visit, please call me and let me know.

Some activities that you may wish to join have sign up sheets at the entrance to the sanctuary.

They include:

Scripture Readers – sign up and a schedule will be organized and sent out.

Singers – come early to Sunday morning worship – around 9:45 and learn the hymns and the responses for that morning’s worship. Any age and any ability welcome. Maybe we can work towards doing an anthem or Christmas music later in the season.

Reading Group – Let’s find a mutual time and a book that we can share in some discussion around.

Walking Group – Wednesday, meet at the church at 2:00. Wear walking shoes and these will be at a level that whoever shows up can manage. Feel free to bring a dog too. Mocha would love to make some friends.

If you have any ideas for events or activities you would like to see happen at the church, give me a call.

I want to thank my supervisor, Phylis Lyster and the Reflection Team who are Julia Jewison, Shirley Erickson, Grace Morey and Sharon Dew. These are the ones who need your opinions on how the internship is going. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Blessings, Nancy Monteith

Sunday School: The contact person for the Sunday School this year is Arlene Martin 827-4811. There is a sign up sheet for helpers on Sunday morning. If you can cover a Sunday morning or two with the children please sign up. Come and have a good time!

Upcoming Events:

Thanksgiving Sunday, October 11^th – bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.

Sunday, October 19^th – covenanting service for intern minister during worship.

Sunday, October 26^th – Family Service on a Hallowe’en theme. Come dressed in your costume and learn the history behind this strangely celebrated day. Bring a friend. There will be a party after the service with some traditional games.

Sunday, November 9^th – Remembrance Sunday

Sunday, November 16^th – Children’s Sunday – Family Service

Watch for details about a Baptism event. Come out and learn about baptism and meet some people who are about to join our community.

There will be a potluck meal to follow.

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We begin a new church year and these are some of the possible events planned for this exciting Advent and Christmas season:

Sunday, November 30^th – First Sunday in Advent. Practices for the Christmas pageant begin during Sunday School time. Following the service there will be an Potluck lunch and Advent Event. All ages welcome.

Sunday, December 7^th – Christmas pageant during worship.

December 5th – bazaar in the mall.

Sunday, December 14^th – Second Sunday in Advent.

Sunday, December 21^st – Service of Lessons and Carols.

Wednesday, December 24^th – Christmas Eve service