December

December 2014
Caring and Sharing God’s Love in and for the world since 1916
The Harrow News
Inside this issue:
Minister’s Message
~ Teresa Moysey
Rhyme and Storytime
2
Harrow Choir
2
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall
Prayer Shawl Ministry
2
rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1-2)
Special Seasonal Services
3
Community Health & Wellbeing
3
Gifts of Hope (1Hope Winnipeg)
3
Annual Meeting reports
3
Faithful Readers Book Group
4
Harrow Memorial Library
4
Community Outreach Mission
5
Mission & Service Fund
6
Harrow’s Mission Statement
6
Birthday Blessings
7
Who Is My Neighbour program
7
Financial Update
8
Calendar of Events
8
Waiting for the Promise to be Fulfilled
The bud in this picture is on an orchid plant in my home. About
two months ago, the beautiful full blooms which had graced our home with colour and life
began to fade and fall off. But all was not disappointment. I noticed there were tiny new
buds beginning to form. Over the ensuing weeks, I watched them carefully. Some were on
stalks that eventually withered and dried up. Some, however, began to swell – at first
imperceptibly, and then larger (and more promising!). About three weeks ago, there were
at least half a dozen large, plump buds and a number of tiny ones. The large ones looked
as though they would POP! open at any moment, and I watched them carefully. I’m still
watching them … They still look large and lush – the one in the photo is about the size of
the top half of my thumb – and they still look like they will burst open at any moment. But
they haven’t.
At least not yet. They are full of promise and I am anxious to see them in
all their glory. Alas, they seem to be on their own schedule, not mine.
The orchid buds are an apt metaphor for the season of Advent. It is a time of pregnant
waiting. The Christmas season for Christians means the coming of Emmanuel – God With
Us – and we wait for it – often impatiently, sometimes with great anticipation or eager
longing. Christmas is not the only time we long for God’s presence – many are the seasons
and the reasons that we long for God to definitively put in an appearance – in ways that
are full of splendour and glory.
Advent holds a promise – just as the orchid bud holds a promise: something is coming –
soon (though not as soon as we might expect or hope!). And when it comes, joy will break
forth. Isaiah’s words of encouragement say the crocus will blossom abundantly. The
crocus, a harbinger of things to come, has a short season; you can miss it if not alert or if
you are too busy. A reminder, perhaps, that joy comes in bursts and moments – but when
it does, it has the effect Isaiah speaks of next: Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm
the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is
your God.”
I’m still watching the bud on my orchid – when it opens, so too will my spirit – celebrating
joy, my waiting fulfilled, strengthened in spirit (if not in body!). This is our faith: that God
has come, God is coming, God will come. When we are alert to Holy Presence, to Saving
Grace, the promise is fulfilled, our joy is enlarged, and we are filled with new strength and
courage.
The Harrow News
Rhyme and Storytime
every Friday morning 9:30 - 11:30
For children 0 - 5 and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Fun. Free.
Every Friday morning our Lower Hall is bursting at the seams with about 25 children and their accompanying
adults. One recent Friday a participant remarked, “Who knew my neighbourhood is so diverse?!” as he looked
around at neighbours who have lived their whole lives in Canada and others that have come from Byelorussia,
Japan, New York, Korea, Guinea, England … the list goes on. Thanks to Lynn, Asia, Susan, Rae and all the
others who work on behalf of Harrow to make this such a fabulous program!
For many years Suzanne Kotecki has been our
faithful Gown Mistress, looking after the washing,
ironing, repairing, etc. of the Harrow Choir gowns.
At our Christmas Turkey Dinner windup, last week,
we presented Suzanne with a lovely bouquet of flowers to show our appreciation for
her unwavering dedication in serving our choir. Pictured with Suzanne is Pat Colborne,
our Choir President. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the choir.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Remember last month when we received a special written request from Paul Peters Derry, the Coordinator of
Spiritual Care at Fred Douglas Lodge reading: It’s that time of year again... FRED DOUGLAS LODGE AND
FRED
DOUGLAS HERITAGE HOUSE, our United Church personal care home and supportive housing facilities, are calling
for hand-made lap throws, blankets and shawls that can be presented to residents and tenants at Christmas.
It’s a very tangible way of widening our circle of care.
Well, we at Harrow may be small in number but we are large
in our works, and here is a photo of the Prayer Shawls and Lap
Rugs that were blessed and dedicated this Sunday at Church,
the third of Advent ~ Joy (notice the Advent wreath with the
candles in the photo).
There were 15 Lap Rugs that Rae will deliver this week to the
residents of Fred Douglas Lodge and Heritage House. Thank
you all so much for helping to make their Christmas warm,
joyful, and meaningful.
I didn’t count the Prayer Shawls and Baby Blankets, but there
were more than fifteen ready to be given out to various
recipients.
Christmas Blessings to all the recipients and creators
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of these mantles of love.
The Harrow News
Special Seasonal Services
The Longest Night/Blue Christmas service is for those who do not find this
holiday season very “Ho, Ho, Ho”. Join us TONIGHT, Wednesday, December 17
at 7:30 p.m. for a quiet service of music, scripture, silence and candlelight.
There are two Christmas Eve services (December 24th) again this
year ~ at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
On Sunday, December 28th we will continue with our annual “Worship around
the Brunch Table” service in the Lower Hall at 10:30 a.m. Bring a PotLuck dish
(enough to share) and some stories and song (carols).
Community Health & Wellbeing Program
Sponsored by Area Congregations
WHERE?
WHEN?
TOPIC?
at Temple Shalom, Corner of Wilton St. and Grant Ave.
at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2015
“Busting the Most Common Nutrition Myths”
Presented by:
Cheryl Ogaranko, Public Health Dietitian
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? All are welcome, especially those 55+
PARKING?
Readily available up the ramp of the Temple
Refreshments and Entrance are Free
Come join us for a fun & lively afternoon.
Gifts of Hope
Enriching Lives - Empowering Community
Now there’s an exciting new way to support 1Hope Winnipeg and help
some of the most disenfranchised people of our city.
See how your donations can make a difference in their lives and choose
how you’d like your donations allocated.
Also makes a great Christmas gift by giving on behalf of a loved one!
Tax receipts issued for all purchases. Catalogues available in the entry or narthex.
ATTENTION COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Please start getting your reports ready for the 2014 Annual Report.
I would like to have at least some of these in by January 8th, as I will be away from
the office from January 9-18th, and the completed report is due out January 25th.
Thanks for your cooperation!! Kerry
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The Harrow News
“Faithful Readers” Book Discussion Group
January 28, 2015
The Book Thief by Markus Zusek
12:30 p.m. PotLuck Lunch, Discussion & Movie
February 25
The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
March 25
The End of Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
April 29
May 27
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
Feisty and Fearless by Janice L. Meighan
Windup Dinner at 6 pm
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
5:30 p.m. PotLuck Supper, Discussion & Movie
September 30
The Book Thief by Markus Zusek is a novel by Australian author Markus Zusak, set in Nazi Germany, a place
and time when the narrator notes he was extremely busy. It describes a young girl's relationship with her
foster parents, the other residents of their neighbourhood, and a young Jewish man who hides in her home
during the escalation of World War II. First published in 2005, the book has won numerous awards and was
listed on The New York Times Best Seller list for over 230 weeks.
We look forward to seeing you at our “Faithful Readers” Book Discussion Group
on Wednesday, January 28th at 12:30 for a PotLuck Lunch, Movie and Discussion.
All are Welcome! (even if you haven’t read the book.)
Just come, bring a dish to share, and enjoy the fellowship and fun.
Harrow Memorial Library - Violet Rumsey (Librarian)
For the Christmas newsletter, I chose three books from the Early Years Library.
The Story of Jesus’ birth, the very heart of Christmas.
A Child is Born by Gary Moore, with illustrations by Michael Hampshire,
shows (inside the front cover) a picture of the Nativity scene with the animals
waiting in anticipation at the barn door. It is a pop-up book for pre-school
children. The story is told in the voices of the animals.
The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister, translated from the Swiss by J. Alison
James, is the story of the three shepherds who are visited by angels, and who
then, along with the Kings (Magi) and the animals, follow a “magnificent
star” to Bethlehem to see “the Holy Child.”
Baby Jesus Prince of Peace by Carol Greene, and illustrated by Michelle
Dorenkamp (for ages 4 – 8), is based on Luke 2:1-16. It is the Nativity story
told in answer to pertinent questions and comments made by two little mice.
Their questions and comments are displayed in callouts, shaped like balloons.
NOTE: The clip art is from Christian Clip Art’s free Christmas Clip Art.
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The Harrow News
HARROW COMMUNITY OUTREACH MISSION INVOLVEMENT
Harrow United Church plays an active role in Peace, Justice and Outreach initiatives locally and globally:
 Souper / Salad Sunday - The Peace / Justice / Outreach group hosts lunch and a presentation on the first
Sunday of the month.
 Prayer Shawl Ministry - a faithful group of individuals knit, crochet, and weave prayer shawls which can be
gifted to anyone in the community or beyond, mostly given during a time of challenge or hardship. Prayer shawls
are also given to newly baptised children and infants. This group also makes Lap Rugs for the residents of Fred
Douglas Lodge.
 Amnesty International - approximately 8 times a year, information presented and cards, letters, or petitions
are available to sign.
 Who Is My Neighbour? - This initiative aims to help newly arrived, isolated senior immigrants to become
more integrated into the community through social activities, language lessons, games, music, yoga, computing,
storytelling and more. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the project coordinator, Sydney
Roberts: 204-891-6418 or [email protected].
 Positive Discipline for Newcomer Families - This new program presented by Family Dynamics ran from spring
to fall on Thursday afternoons. A new session is anticipated in 2015 - one leader has just given birth and the other
will soon return from her maternity leave - in the meantime, the program is taking a break!
 Care for Shut-in members - our shut-ins are blessed by the faithful ministry of our Visitation Committee, who
stay in touch on a regular basis. There is also a distribution cards & cookies to shut-in members in December and
distribution of geraniums each spring.
 Rhyme & Storytime - program for children 0 - 5 years of age and their parents / caregivers. Free drop-in
Fridays 9:30 - 11:30 mornings.
 Monthly worship and special Christmas services at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, and at Central Park
Lodge (Poseidon Care Centre), and we assist Crescent Fort Rouge UC at Riverview Health Centre.
 Connections to West Broadway Community Ministry, Oak Table, and Rainbow Ministry through
1 Hope Winnipeg.

Relationship with United Church Halfway Homes and provide Christmas gifts to the women’s home.
 Habitat for Humanity - Harrow supports the annual blitz build with coffee break goodies. Thank you to
Allyson for coordinating this and transporting the food! Check out Habitat thank you letter on the bulletin board.

Kairos Ecumenical Justice Initiatives

Right to Housing Coalition

Provide meeting space for non-profit self help groups such as Al-Anon, TOPS, etc.
 We have supported Sistema Winnipeg, the Muraleando Project, Buy-A-Net Malaria Prevention Group,
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (Welcome Place), L.I.T.E. (Local Improvement Through Employment),
and the Crescent Fort Rouge and Westworth United Church refugee sponsorship.
 The Community Health and Well Being Program planning committee meets at Harrow once a month to
provide presentations at Temple Shalom for anyone to attend, particularly those 55+ years.
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The Harrow News
Mission and Service Fund
May This Never Happen Again
For more than 180 years there has been a church on the traditional lands of
Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, Ontario. It has been the goal of the congregation
of St. Clair United Church over the years to live out Micah’s words: to do justice, love
kindness, and walk humbly with God. That has meant listening to the spiritual and
other needs of the people in the community and to be a voice for those experiencing
racism, poverty, and especially the impacts of Indian Residential Schools.
Congregation members wanted to learn these impacts from Elders who had been students of the schools,
including the United Church–run Mount Elgin Industrial Institute near London, Ontario. A decision was made
to erect a monument acknowledging the anguish of the members of Aamjiwnaang who attended residential
school as well as celebrating their resilience. Located next to the church, the stone tribute reads:
Dedicated to all our children who were taken from their families,
their homes, their community, their language, their culture,
their traditions, their life.
Kinago Bimaadziowin
The story of residential schools is an ignoble chapter in Canadian history.
Our community continues to suffer. For more than a century
well over 100,000 Aboriginal children attended these institutions.
May This Never Happen Again
Your gifts for Mission and Service ensure that the ministry of St. Clair United Church continues and its
determination to build right relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people can be lived out.
Please give generously.
Mighty and tender God, our gifts to M&S help your church to
do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
Harrow’s Mission Statement
Harrow United Church
is a group of people
worshipping God in word and action.
As a community of faith, we seek to be:
inclusive and inviting;
grounded today in the teachings of Jesus as found in Scripture and Tradition;
sensitive and responsive to God’s Spirit.
“Caring and Sharing” characterize our life together in the congregation
as well as our stance toward the larger community and world in which we live.
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The Harrow News
Birthday Blessings
Happy Birthday Ethan Alkana,
born December 5, 2014, and to Zion,
who celebrated his first birthday on
November 16th. (left to right) Mom, Tressia,
with baby; Sister, Amara with baby;
Mom with brother, Zion. A beautiful family.
Happy Birthday Teresa
Happy Birthday Jesus
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
The Who Is My Neighbour project has
been running for 6 months and just celebrated
year end with a potluck feast and the
publication of a booklet highlighting
some of their activities.
A copy of the booklet is on display
in the narthex at Harrow.
Many thanks to all those who have given of
their time and talents in making this a most
meaningful and successful project.
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The Harrow News
Financial Update to December 10, 2014
Income
Donations
$143,350
Anniversary Appeal
9,364
Fundraising & Garage Sale 12,934
Rent etc.
26,363
Total Income
$192,011
Expenses
176,987
Difference
+ $ 15,024
Estimated Income in December
Income Received to date –
$ 3,487
December PAR
2,750
Expected Infrastructure Grant pmt. 1,950
Offering and Anniversary Appeal Dec 14,21,24,28
9,000
Total Estimated Income
$17,187
Estimated Expenses for December
Paid to date
$ 1,905
Nov. Anniv. Appeal Outreach pd. in Dec 2,072
Salary, estimated
10,000
Rhyme & Storytime, estimated
350
Utilities (hydro, gas), estimated
1,000
December M&S, estimated
1,800
Presbytery
585
Snow removal
173
Anniversary Appeal Donations, estimated 200
Postage, Office Supplies, estimated
100
Total Estimated Expense
$18,185
Estimated Shortfall for December = $1,000
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 17, Wednesday - Blue Christmas service 7:30 p.m.
December 19, Friday
Rhyme & Storytime 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. weekly free program
open to children from birth to age 5 along with their parents
or caregivers. Snacks, songs, stories and play. No program
on December 26 or January 2nd; will resume - January 9
December 24 - Christmas Eve services
at 7 and 10 p.m.
December 28, Sunday - Brunch, Stories & Carols 10:30 a.m.
January 5, Monday
Yoga 9:30 a.m. in the Upper Hall. $7 drop-in fee
Dare to Clog from 7 - 9 p.m. in the Upper Hall weekly
January 6, Tuesday
Choir Practice at 7 p.m. Like to sing? Join us any Tues.
M.E.O.W. meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
January 7, Wednesday
Al-Anon at 9:30 a.m. every week in the Parlour
Village Green English Country Dancers 7:30 p.m. weekly
January 8, Thursday
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weekly 9:30 a.m. in L. Hall
Dare to Clog from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Upper Hall weekly
January 11, Sunday
Peace, Justice, Outreach meeting 11:30 following worship
January 17, Saturday
Who is My Neighbour? 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the Lower Hall
January 28, Wednesday
Faithful Readers Book Discussion Group PotLuck Lunch
Discussion and Movie at 12:30 p.m.
Matthew 6:21 (English Standard Version)
Remember…
December 31 is the deadline for
financial donations for 2014.
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Harrow United Church
955 Mulvey Ave.
Winnipeg, MB
R3M 1G8
Phone: 204-284-0079
Office E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter Editor E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.harrowunited.ca