182 October 2019

Parkdale United Church 429 Parkdale Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 1H3 Telephone: (613) 728-8656 Fax: (613) 728-9686 E-mail: [email protected]

Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey: [email protected] Rev. Alcris Limongi: [email protected] Website: www.parkdaleunitedchurch.ca EDITORIAL BOARD Editor this issue: Danica Rogers Where to find it... Proofreader: Jaylyn Wong

Contributors: Anthony Bailey, Kathryn Meerburg, Susan Mailer, Minister’s Message ...... 3 Carolynn Halkett, Alcris Limongi, Camille Beaufort,Judy Hamley, Lectionary ...... 6 Photos from Hepsy Griffith, Peter Meerburg and Eliane West Birthdays ...... 7 Announcements ...... 8 Many thanks and keep those contributions coming!! 20years of Service Celebration...... 12 Remembering Janet ...... 16 We are always looking for new ideas, volunteers and submis- One Day Retreat ...... 22 sions. We reserve the right to edit, Celebrating our Cultures ...... 25 condense or reject submissions, but will try to find space for all. Pastoral Care Week...... 26

Next issue: November 2018 Young People Faith Formation ...... 30 Editor next issue: Habitat for Humanity ...... 34 Elise Mennie

Send submissions to: [email protected] or the church office by Oct 20th

IMPORTANT: When submitting photos to the Messenger, please ensure you have asked permission of the individuals if their faces are clearly recognizable. They should know that an electronic PDF version of the Messenger is posted to the Parkdale website. See: http://www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/connections/photos/permissions2 FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Thanksgiving and gratitude belong together. In distinct and yet interre- lated ways they give expression to the most beautiful and wise ways of navigating life together. We must not make too fine a distinction be- tween these two words and what they may mean, but we can appreci- ate their relatedness and their dis- tinctiveness. Swiss philosopher and poet Henri Federic Amiel wrote:

Thankfulness is the beginning of Gratitude “Resentment blocks action; grat- Gratitude is the completion of itude lets us move forward to- thankfulness. ward new possibilities. Resent- Thankfulness may consist only in ment makes us cling to negative words. feelings; gratitude allows us to Gratitude is shown in acts. let go. Resentment makes us pris- oners of our passions. Gratitude Some regard thankfulness as an helps us to transcend our com- expression for something received pulsions to follow our vocation. and/or appreciated, whereas grati- Resentment exhausts us by com- tude is a cultivated disposition; a plicated jealousies and ambigui- way of being. I believe they are ties, stirring up destructive de- intertwined partners in the discern- sires for revenge. Gratitude takes ment, acknowledgement and re- our fatigue away and gives us sponse to how we receive life. God new vitality and enthusiasm. Re- is the source of this life and offers sentment entangles us in endless us wisdom and instruction on how distractions, pulling us down to to steward this life with one another. banal preoccupations. Gratitude Gratitude and thanksgiving also anchors our deepest self beyond provide formidable resources to this world and allows us to be identify and deal with what is poi- involved without losing our- sonous and undermining of the life selves.” that God intends for us.

On the topic of gratitude and some Our celebration of life, our thanks- of those things that threaten to un- giving and gratitude for life come dermine it, Christian monk and precisely from the acknowledgement scholar writes: that God is the Creator of life. We 3 are called to share together, in just program event on October 19 in Me- and holy ways, this abundant life. morial Hall, Since we are not the originators of • Make note particularly of our our own lives we are dependent on World Communion service October the One who has given us life. Fur- 6 and our Thanksgiving service Oc- ther, our gratitude for this life and tober 13, our love of others summon us to strive not so much for independ- • Spend time in the joyous fellow- ence, but rather for inter- ship of others over your favourite dependence. Interdependence beverage, sharing stories, life, laugh- acknowledges the web of giftedness ter, experiences, hurts and faith. that we receive from God’s Creation • There are so many opportunities and from others. The most appropri- here at Parkdale, for all ages, to ate response is gratitude and thanks- grow in faith, to pray, to serve, to giving, offered to God who is the worship, to reach out. Discover… ultimate source of our blessings. Step In….and Step Up. Just read on in this month’s Messenger and see This month at Parkdale there are a what is on offer. number of ways to celebrate this web of giftedness in which we are In our personal lives, may I invite us privileged to participate. to spend time in prayer, silence and • Take time to behold and relish service to the ultimate source of our the change of seasons as the foliage giftedness – God. This time of inten- yields its greens to the reds, browns, tional “lingering” with God will yellows and oranges, bless our lives, our community, and the world, as it sponsors acts of gen- • Let us come together to worship erosity, the sharing of faith, and the regularly. This month there will be practice of justice, love and peace- an emphasis on our individual and making. communal life of stewardship. How do we responsibly and faithfully May we all experience deep blessing care for and use all the gifts of life from God as we offer thanks and that come our way? gratitude. • Please come out and enthusias- tically participate in our annual Cel- Anthony ebrating our Cultures supper-music-

4

A THANKSGIVING CONTEMPLATION

May an abundance of gratitude burst forth as you reflect upon what you have received.

May thanksgiving overflow in your heart, and often be proclaimed in your prayer.

May you gather around the table of your heart the ardent faithfulness, kindness, and goodness of each person who is true to you.

May your basket of blessings surprise you with its rich diversity of gifts and its opportunities for growth.

May you always be open, willing and ready to share your blessings with others.

May you never forget the Generous One who loves you lavishly and unconditionally.

Joyce Rupp

5 LECTIONARY FOR

OCTOBER Proper 22 (27) - October 6, 2019 - Lamentations 1:1-6 and Lamentations 3:19-26 or Psalm 137 - Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 and Psalm 37:1-9 - 2 Timothy 1:1-14 - Luke 17:5-10

Proper 23 (28) - October 13, 2019 - Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 and Psalm 66:1-12 - 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Psalm 111 - 2 Timothy 2:8-15 - Luke 17:11-19

Canadian Thanksgiving Day - October 14, 2019 - Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Psalm 100 - Philippians 4:4-9 - John 6:25-35

Proper 24 (29) - October 20, 2019 - Jeremiah 31:27-34 and Psalm 119:97-104 - Genesis 32:22-31 and Psalm 121 - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - Luke 18:1-8

Proper 25 (30) - October 27, 2019 - Joel 2:23-32 and Psalm 65 - Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 and Psalm 84:1-7 - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 - Luke 18:9-14

6 Birthdays in October

Our warmest greetings to:

1st Hannie Fitzgerald 2nd Alice Menzies 2nd Isaiah Duah Many thanks to the gardeners. Spring, 5th Cora McQuinn summer and fall for planting, weeding, 5th Jaylyn Wong and watering their respective gardens.

8th Carl-Henry Mercy This photo shows the work of Kathryn 8th Ruth Bush and Peter Meerburg as he pruned and 11th Delphine Ahmed-Robin shaped the hedge and trees. 11th Arianne Epale 16th Doreen Bullied 17th Maddy Crabtree 17th Mark Bradley 19th Alexis Bannoff 22nd Julianna Jeglic 23rd Jessica Ann Clark 25th Hannah Johnston 27th Tyrese Musenga 29th Isabelle Duncan 31st Chania Bailey 31st Camille Beaufort

If you would like your birthday to be a secret and your name taken off the list, or if your name was not includ- ed and you would like it to be added, please let the office know.

7 Baby Congratulations Congratulations to Rev Rob Merritt and Rev Hilary Merritt on the birth of their first grandchild, a granddaughter whose name is Amelia Claire. Best wishes

Congratulations to Lynne and Don Angus on the recent mar- riage of their daughter Kristin, to Riley Bond. The couple live in Barrhaven. Kristin's great grandmother, Mrs Hazel Stewart, wasMarried a long September time Parkdale 13th member.at Parkdale United Church, Beth Hamley & Nate Rodgers. Daughter of Judy & Richard Hamley. Left: sisters Joanna & Beth Hamley. Right: Beth & Nate at Parkdale.

WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to Amelia Balsillie and Neil Mason who were married last month in Ottawa. Neil is the son of Diana and David Mason. Best wishes to Amelia and Neil.

REMEMBERING

Please remember the family of Ken Armstrong in your prayers. Ken was Judy’s husband and as well, brother of Chris King.

8 On September 1st, one of Park- dale’s former youth, Lorena (Mason) Thompson, and husband Matthew brought their daughter Erin Paige Thompson for baptism.

Lorena is the daughter of David and Diana Mason. Erin is wear- ing the same gown for baptism that Lorena wore … just a few years ago.

Congratulations to the family.

9 20th Anniversary Card for Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, by Vita, and presented by Garth McLeod September 15, 2019

10 11 20 Years of Service

produced by card-maker extraor- The congregation honoured Dr. dinaire Vita Savelieva was circu- Bailey during the September 15 lated for signature by members of worship service, which marked the congregation following the his 20th year of service with Park- service. And a celebratory cake dale United Church. Dr. Bailey, was featured at a Rally Day Sun- who has been an ordained minis- day barbecue in Memorial Hall. ter for the past 33 years, com- menced his employment with our The text of the framed certificate congregation on September 15, from the Mayor and Coun. Leiper 1999. (He preached his first Park- read: dale sermon four days later.) “On behalf of the members of Parkdale Council Chair Garth Ottawa City Council, it is our McLeod, on behalf of the congre- distinct pleasure to extend con- gation, presented Dr. Bailey with gratulations to you in recognition a gift. of your 20th anniversary serving as Minister of Parkdale United Liz Cheesbrough, on behalf of Church. Council’s Ministry & Personnel Committee, read the text of a “Your ministry and inner-city framed certificate signed by community development work in Mayor Jim Watson and Kingston, Jamaica attest to your Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff commitment to social justice, Leiper. where you were instrumental in the realization of a Human Devel- Kathleen Stephenson conveyed opment Center, providing daycare greetings from the residents of and early childhood education, Abbeyfield House, located next while also ministering for six door to our church on Parkdale years at North Street United Avenue. The message said: Church in the capital. Additional- “Yours is a resonant voice in a ly, your social justice included frequently desolate world. Con- partnering with Miami-based gratulations on your 20th anniver- Food for the Poor to build homes sary at Parkdale. Thank you for for the homeless in West King- being such a good neighbour.” ston, and supporting co-operative micro-enterprises, as well as ad- A large custom-designed card vocating for electoral reform in 12 Jamaica through Citizens for petence, anti-racism, Black Histo- Free and Fair Elections ry, racial justice and Reconcilia- (CAFFE.) tion.

“You have also distinguished “Your involvement on the boards yourself as an effective lecturer, of a diversity of local organiza- teaching at McGill University tions, including the Ottawa Mis- and the United Theological Col- sion, Crime Prevention Ottawa, lege of the West Indies, Jamaica, and OCISO, are a testament to in addition to the Ottawa School your dedication to community of Theology and Spirituality. service, along with your insight- Your effective oratory and aca- ful contributions to journals, na- demic degrees in social work, tional magazines, newspapers, theology, philosophy of religion, and enlightening radio and TV ethics, and culture, have also commentaries. proved to be valuable assets to the facilitation of workshops for “Allow us to offer you our best schools, churches, the federal wishes for continued success with government, and service clubs on your spiritual mission.” the themes of intercultural com-

Council Chair Garth McLeod and Dr. Bailey13 Rally Sunday and Welcome BBQ, and 20th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey Parkdale United Church, Sunday, September 15, 2019

14 15 Rocking Chair from Janet Taylor and Prayer Shawl Dedication, In Loving Memory of Janet Taylor September 15, 2019

Alcris, Anthony, Ned Taylor and Scott Taylor

16 On September 15 the Pastoral by a member of the Prayer Care ministry dedicated a Shawl Team after she passed rocking chair and a prayer away). shawl to the service of God in our sanctuary in memory of We get this amazing image of our late sister Janet Taylor to the love of God from the Book continue her legacy in our of Hosea 11: 1-3 “Yet it was I church. Her husband, Ned who taught Ephraim to walk, I Taylor, and son, Scott Taylor, took them up in my arms; but were our special guests. These they did not know that I healed items will be a visible remind- them. er of the tender love of God 4 I led them with cords of hu- for each one of us and a state- man kindness, with bands of ment of welcoming and hospi- love. I was to them like those tality to parents with babies. who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed (The prayer shawl was started them” by Janet Taylor and completed -Rev. Alcris Limongi

17 Moving in Spirit liturgical dance group, with Dalesong singing "Spirit of Life"

Youth praising God with their musical talents

18

Dr. Judy McIntosh with Mayor Jim Watson.

Judy is a member of Parkdale. Many sup- porters from the church participated in the Getting an early start on Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope, Sept. 8th. Judy's team B-TRAIN, a Masters' fall cleaning? Swim Team, raised $1570 It is never to early to donate your gently used jewellery, watches and scarves. Leave them with Don in the office and it will get to the PARKDALE BAZAAR jewellery table organiz- ers so they can get a head start.

19 Welcome Back BBQ

Thank you to all the volunteers!

20 A free kids clothing and toy swap was held in Memorial Hall following the September 22 worship ser- vice. This was an opportunity to trade cloth- ing, footwear, toys, books, etc. The articles ranged in size from Pokemon cards to bicy- cles. Some of the leftovers were held in reserve for the church rummage sale in the same hall six days later.

21 We Had a One Day Retreat! by Rev. Alcris

We met at Mary McLeod’s home on Fill My Cup Lord – Meditation August for our First Annual(?) Sum- Prayer led by Elise Mennie Be Still mer Women’s Retreat! We gathered and Know that I am God (Psalm to reconnect with our Parkdale 46:1). friends, to get spiritually nourished and be revitalized before starting a Potluck lunch – a wonderful spread new church season. The theme was of food and lively conversation. Fill My Cup Lord! We opened the day right at 9 am with Tai-Chi led by Fill My Cup Lord – reflecting on Gloria Goodine. In the meantime, Psalm 23 specialty coffees were being pre- pared by our Barista Garth McLeod. One Cup at A Time – we selected Coffees made to order and tea, along one of the cards made by Vita to with yummy banana bread baked by give it to special woman in the Mary, were available to welcome group. This was our time of sharing and prepare us for the day. Here is a in pairs and praying for one another. summary of our day together: A Latte Fun – went to the garden to Tai-Chi – led by Gloria Goodine play Baranga! Lots of laughter and emotions!!! (we really got to know But First Coffee – specialty coffee people…) made to order, tea and baked treats When Life gives you Lemons – by our hosts. After our coffee, we Happy Hour! With refreshing lem- opened the day with Spirit Of Life onade, lemony squares and snacks body prayer led by Moving In Spirit members. With this prayer, we set Dinner – BBQ with our Barista our intention before God and invited turned into a Chef God to bless us and lead us through the day. Brewing Together – time of prais- ing, singing and reflection A Cup of Friendship – passing around a big cup with silly questions Filled to the Brim – giving thanks to get to know each other a little for the day more and have a good laugh. Blended to Perfection – Holy Com- Overcoming the Daily Grind – we munion divided in small groups to discuss themes that might be filling our cups With thanks to Mary and Garth for and pressing on us: Aging, Ordinary opening their homes for this retreat; People, In Need of Healing, Inter- for all the work before the event and rupted and Overwhelmed. for making us feel at home! Thank 22 you to Gloria for leading us in Tai- Chi ; thanks to Vita Savelieva for creating 24 individualized cards for each one of us; thanks to those who drove others; thanks to Elise for leading us in Christian medita- tion prayer; to Jennifer Payne, Camille for the music and Mov- ing In Spirit members. Thanks to each participant for your enthusiasm, committed par- ticipation and reflection (and for being such good sports playing Ba- ranga!).

Overall thanks be to our God, praise be to the One who filled our Cups!

23 Epilogue:

A very special and unexpected out- come from our Summer Women’s Retreat.

Carolynn had received two of Vita’s beautiful cards and later that week she gave them to her two granddaughters, aged 9 and 7. They were delighted with them, especially the 7 year old who held hers for about an hour and kept smiling at it. At one point, she opened the card and read the verse: “"God will use you to make the lives of others better.”. She jumped up with excitement and ran to her older sister and said, “ God is going to use you to help me! And he is going to use me to help you!” A few minutes later she turned to Carolynn and said, “Do you know what I am going to do? I am going to cut out little pieces of paper and write this verse on them and give them to all my friends!” Carolynn smiled with love and at the same time, disbelief. How could a 7 year old be so moved and come up with a wonderful, loving idea like this! Yes, God does work in amazing ways.

O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How un- searchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! (Ro24 11:33) CELEBRATING OUR CULTURES

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 5:30 PM in Memorial Hall

Join us for an engaging and informative evening of fun activities (song, dance, poetry, etc.) acted out by members of three specific groups: kids, teens and adults presenting an intergenerational mosaic of what it is like to be a Parkdale worshiper. We have your ideas from our yellow-sheet survey and we are now working to use your responses to treat you to a special evening featuring another look at Parkdale’s culture.

You will surprise your taste buds as you enjoy appetizers, main dishes or desserts from a potluck supper with an international flavor. Please plan to bring your favourite appetizer, main dish or dessert. All are welcome. Don’t worry if you can’t cook or can’t bring a dish. We usu- ally have enough for all. If you are able, we would welcome a freewill offering. Add to the fun and wear a costume to the event. See you there!!

If you would like to help with organizing, staging and set-up, please contact Jennifer Payne [email protected] or Faye Beaufort fbeau- [email protected] or Don in the church office 613-728-8656.

25 Pastoral Care Week from October 20-26

This year we will be celebrat- Parlour… the topic will be ing a Pastoral Care week. Dur- announced in the bulletin. ing this week we will show- case some of the pastoral care Wednesday 23: Prayer and ministries of the congregation. Healing Service in the Chapel The theme will be Nurturing at 6:15 pm. Spaces for Hospitality and Spirituality. Thursday 24: Caring Kitch- ens Extravaganza. All are Sunday October 20: Special invited to participate in a Communion. It is our tradition cooking marathon for the Car- to celebrate Holy Communion ing Kitchens freezer. We will twice a year with our Elder be preparing soups and casse- Saints. For the occasion, the roles, cookies… in the Tape Pastoral Care Team sends an Hall Kitchen. invitation, arranges for rides and honours them with a re- There will be two groups: ception and time of fellowship morning and afternoon. Reci- after the service. pes and ingredients will be provided. Please bring your Monday 21: A Pastoral Care Instant Pots… if you are inter- Conversation in the Ladies ested please contact

26 alcris@parkdaleunitedchurch. play and dedication. After the ca or put your name on the service, please join us for sign-up sheet. cookies at the Pastoral Care Table. You can sign up for Friday 25-Sunday 27: Din- different ways to engage in ner for Eight…ish! We will this ministry of our congrega- be having Parkdalers’ dinners tion; we are all part of it… all over the city on these three days. People can choose to For as in one body we have host or to be a guest. We will many members, and the mem- be organizing the tables ac- bers do not all have the same cording to postal code areas, function, so we, though many, so you will know who is your are one body in Christ, and neighbour! Please send me an individually members one of email with your preference or another. Having gifts that dif- sign up on the board. fer according to the grace giv- en to us, let us use them: if Saturday 26: Cancer Prayer prophecy, in proportion to our Chain. We will be praying for faith; if service, in our serv- people impacted directly or ing; the one who teaches, in indirectly by cancer. Everyone his teaching; the one who ex- can participate by picking one horts, in his exhortation; the hour of the day to pray from one who contributes, in gener- your home – let us know by osity; the one who leads, with email or signing up on the zeal; the one who does acts of board sign-up sheet. You will mercy, with cheerfulness. ... receive the prayer list by email (Romans 12: 4ff). or mail. If you have a specific prayer request please send it by email to Rev. Alcris Limongi alcris@parkdaleunitedchurch. ca or place it in the Prayer Box (confidentiality will be respected by those who will be praying).

Sunday 27. We will close the week with a prayer shawl dis-

27 Christmas Bazaar Planning and Help Required

Greetings from the just one or two items this will help keep planning commit- the knitting table going. We are looking tee for this year’s for baby items (cardigans and sweaters Christmas Bazaar! from 6 months to 3 years in white, lemon, The Bazaar is coming up on November multi-coloured, taupe or grey), hats, cowls 2nd. The Christmas Bazaar is one of our and infinity scarves for women, and mitts major events for fundraising and for and hats for men. Contact Pamela, our getting people together and working Knitting Convenor, at toward this wonderful day. Our receipts [email protected], for pattern ide- last year totaled over $16K, which is an as. Hope you can help! amazing accomplishment. We had over 150 volunteers over the 2 days of set-up Putting up Bazaar Posters in local busi- and the day of the Bazaar. Working side nesses: We are looking for 2-3 people to -by-side with so many Parkdalers makes help put posters up in local businesses. it a very rewarding experience. We already have a list of businesses that support us in allowing posters. Early Oc- Here are some specific areas that we tober is the best time to get these posters need help with, in addition to existing up. volunteers. If you have never experi- enced helping with the Bazaar, please Donations: Donations for the Bazaar can consider helping in one of these ways: be made at any time. We are looking for:

Jewelry Room: We need a few more Attic Treasurers – such as kitchen dishes, volunteers in the Jewelry Room, specif- appliances, linens, sports equipment, CDs/ ically when the doors open and for the DVDs, luggage, Christmas decorations, first couple of hours of the Bazaar, as toys, pictures & frames, knick knacks you there is a steady stream of shoppers no longer have a use for, etc. looking for their special gem of an item. Can you spare a couple of hours on Sat- Jewelry – any & all, including costume urday morning of the Bazaar? and fine jewelry. Please bring your jewel- ry donations in as soon as possible so they Attic Treasures Helpers: We need more can get the items ready for display. helpers to sort and set-up the dona- tions for the Attic Treasurers that are Baking for the Bake Table – our custom- displayed in the Tape Hall and to help ers love homemade goodies. Bring in sell on the Bazaar day. This is an inter- your favourite sweet or dessert. Pies are esting area to work in as there is such a very popular. If you don’t want to bake a wide range of items, from housewares to full size pie try baking a smaller pie – 4”- outdoor tools to pictures to CDs/DVDs 5” pie. We’d appreciate your baking on and Christmas items and toys. Please Friday so they can package & price them consider helping on a set-up day or just before Saturday. You can even bring them the Bazaar day or all three days! in beforehand & freeze them in the church freezers. Please label as for the “Bazaar- Knitting: We know there are knitters Bake Table”. Please identify main ingre- and crocheters in the congregation. If dients, particularly nuts, and if your items you can find time to knit or crochet are gluten free. 28

Baking for the Please remember we do not take clothing Coffee Shop – at the Bazaar except for fine ladies fash- we will also have ions & accessories. You can donate our Coffee Shop clothing to our Rummage Sales. If you open and will missed the September 28th Rummage again be serving Sale the next one will be the last Satur- coffee, tea, juice day in April. and sweets. We Please contact me if you can help in need donations of the specific areas we’ve identified here finger foods for the Coffee Shop, such or if you’d like to volunteer in other are- as bars, squares, loaves, cookies. Mark as. these items as “Bazaar-Coffee Shop”. Please identify main ingredients, partic- Thank you so much, ularly nuts, and if your items are gluten Judy Hamley, Convenor, free. [email protected]

We are also looking for donations for: -antiques, china & collectibles and older items of interest -knitting, -books, -plants, -fine linens & antique lace, -ladies’ fine accessories, and - unique items and vouchers for experi- ences and/or services for the Silent Auc- tion.

When James asked if he could plant his favourite flowers, sunflowers, I replied, “Sure, where?” James confidently men- tioned the gravel area behind the bus stop along the sanctuary wall. I could only imagine any flowers growing there. Scant soil and gravel was all that I could see. How would seeds germinate there? True to his word, one Sunday, James arrived at church with a bag of sunflower seeds. After church he enthusiastically planted a long row of seeds. Gradually, without TLC, the plants slowly grew along the wall. Once the stems were confused for weeds, but fortunately left alone. By July the flowers had bloomed. They really brightened up the area. Thank you, James, for the faith to plants your seeds to the delight of all who enjoy the colourful display.

Elaine West and James 29 FAITH FORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS and IGNITE!

For information regarding Mission Trip for Senior children and youth pro- youth and College and grams, please contact Career 2.0 Camille Beaufort Saturday, October 12 ([email protected]) Parkdale’s youth and young adults are exploring how they College and Career 2.0 For can serve and minister in the those young people just out of church and the community. high school, college/university They will be planning and fa- students and those new to ex- cilitating project(s) over the ploring the world of work. coming months. In our first This is an opportunity to de- discussion, they expressed an velop positive relationships interest in social justice, sus- with fellow students and tainable development and af- friends, a place where you can fordable housing. On this trip, feel understood and have your the youth will lead us by visit- own community. Together, ing organizations of their we will choose a day and time choosing like the Salvation to meet. Please contact Ca- Army or Mission shelters, mille Bethany Hope, The Haven, ([email protected]) and an environmental organi- if you are interested in partici- zation. In order to help plan pating. transportation, please let us know asap if you can join us. 30

Faith formation and Fel- Building Community lowship for Young Through Play Adults (ignite!) Throughout the year, children and youth are invited to stay Are you 25ish-35ish years after church, meet up on Sun- old? Then our IGNITE! day evenings, or participate in group may be just what you group activities. We have the are looking for. The IGNITE! following groups that meet up: group meets for Bible study, Kids Club (JK through 8yrs; fun and fellowship. This is an parents welcome to stay), Jun- opportunity to find communi- ior Youth (Grades 3-6) & Sen- ty through life’s transitions, ior Youth (Grades 7+) support one another in our Dates: October 6, November 3 faith journey and be inspired and December 15 (additional to grow and serve God. An dates to follow) initial gathering will be an- nounced soon. Following that, a six-week series is planned. It will explore how the various “playlists” in our lives and in our world impact us. The re- source is called “A New Playlist: Hearing Jesus in a Noisy World”. Details regard- ing dates and meeting time Confirmation Classes: will be announced in consulta- If the root is holy, then the tion with those who are inter- branches also are holy. — ested. Contact Anthony Romans 11:16 ([email protected]) Youth, grade 8 and up, are or Camille invited to join our Confirma- ([email protected]) tion program of study, mentor- if you are interested in this ship, and exploration of faith. group experience. Classes will be offered mid- October through the beginning of December. Day and Time: TBD. If you have youth who would

31 like to participate or if you How can you help? Volun- would like to mentor a youth teers needed…. during this important journey, please let us know. Would you work with a small group of children or youth? Coffee Shop: Please join us We are looking for volunteers on October 6, November 3 and to teach knitting, play chess December 15 and checkers, be a reading buddy, or help with holiday Save the dates! craft projects, baking and Please keep these dates in cooking. your calendar. More infor- mation is forthcoming. Do you have a free evening • Coffee Shop: October 6, every couple of months? If November 3 and December you can help with babysitting, 15 we can offer parents a “date • December 1 – 1st of Ad- night”. Perfect for grandpar- vent : Luncheon, Carol ents, youth and those who just Sing & Wreath making enjoy hanging out and playing • Children’s Christmas Pag- board games. eant - Sunday, December 8 during service Attention writers! We have some budding story tellers Gracefield – Next year’s who could use your encour- CONGREGATIONAL agement and support with bi- Camping Weekend will be ble story projects and personal June 26-28, 2020. It’s not just creative writing. tents! Cabins and lodge ac- commodations are available. Theatre and tech support buffs – the children and youth some- Parkdale Camp times create skits, perform Awesome - July plays, and act out scripture 20-24, 2020 passages. Perfect if you are (tentative date) interested in an occasional the- atrical dive into the bible.

Guitar, piano players and other musicians – support our Sun-

32 day school teachers through Sunday school teacher assis- musical accompaniment. We tant or teacher. Everything is will provide the songs and the provided – Lesson plans, ac- voices! tivities, training, support and assistance. Choose to help out Help “prepare God’s people monthly, or by 4 or 6 weeks or for works of ser- season “session”. vice” (Ephesian 4:12) as a

33 Habitat for Humanity: An Interfaith Team Becomes a Reality

All of us at Parkdale United Church with the contractors. Osman volun- support Habitat for Humanity with teered as part of his commitment our time, our talents, and dona- for home ownership. He and his tions through Mission, Outreach wife, from Somalia, have been in and Justice. Each year we have Canada for 25 years. At comple- been privileged to volunteer at a tion, the family will own this town- build site. This year it was Phase III house at Leacross Landing. at Leacross Landing in Orleans on July 4th. The picture of the Interfaith Team: Left to right: Osman, future home- owner, Scott, H4H builder, Rev. Bailey organized the first Inter- Rev. Joseph Kiirya, River Jordan Ministries, Nadim Missaghian, Ba- faith Team comprised of leaders ha’i Community, Rev. Dr. Karen Di- from various faith traditions. The moch, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian team worked on the walls along Church, Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, Parkdale United Church.

34 35 We enjoy meeting you and being together in minis- try. Parkdale’s congregation responds to God’s call and Jesus’ teachings by:

Uniting in joyful worship as an act of praise and gratitude, for inspiration and guidance

Providing learning opportu- nities for the Christian way of life and to enhance Biblical literacy

Supporting each other through pastoral care and concern

Reaching out to people in need

Promoting justice

Praying for guidance,

wisdom, and support.

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