Spread the News

ISSUE #89 OCTOBER 2018

Produced in Upper Nappan Nova Scotia Contact Jean Smith 902-667-8748 [email protected]

NOTICE: Meeting of Chignecto UCWs & Presbyterial Executive scheduled for Friday morning in Amherst

Chignecto UCW FALL BUSINESS MEETING will take place this coming FRIDAY, OCT. 26, 2018 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, 1 Ratchford Street, Amherst, NS.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and have your UCW represented at this important meeting of Chignecto UCW, when plans will be discussed for the Annual Meeting 2019 to be held at St. Paul’s United in Riverview, NB, as well as other important items of business for Chignecto UCWs, including the UCW National Gathering for the 60th Anniversary in the summer of 2022 to be held in Cape Breton.

Please note: Representation at this meeting from all Chignecto UCW groups is important. Your input into the life and work of our United Church Women’s organization is needed! All members and others interested in UCW will be welcome.

If you, as a UCW group leader, or someone from your UCW unit has not been present at these meetings for some time, this is a good time to attend to catch up on all that is hap- pening in the United Church circles in the area, meet with United Church women from other Churches and have an opportunity to make your voice heard. Your opinions and sug- gestions count during this time of transition. We hope to see you there! Jean Smith – Secretary UCW – Chignecto Presbyterial Spread The News October 2018 - P2 Next National Gathering of UCW to take place in Sydney, NS Women representing the UCW the cost of insurance for being out of A bit about our new project: from across Canada and Bermuda came the country,” she explained and Women for Change (WFC) is an together at Queen of Apostle Renewal announced, “therefore, our 60th organization that works in rural com- Centre, Mississauga in Ontario to cele- Anniversary, which is being hosted by munities in Zambia, focusing on social brate, discuss and decide important Maritime Conference UCW, will be and economic changes that empower issues at their annual meeting held in Sydney, Cape Breton at women and children. Women for September 17 – 21, 2018. Membertou, where there is a nice hotel Change has been a partner of The Among those attending the meeting and conference centre large enough to since 1992 were Ruth Kennedy, the UCW hold all of us.” While education is key to develop- Maritime Conference President, and The plenary speaker will be Sally ment many children face significant Vice-President Elaine Burrows, PEI. Armstrong, a human rights speaker and barriers to education, and in many One of the items for discussion and award-winning journalist. The gathering countries, girls face multiple chal- decision was the location for and who will start either Monday, July 11th or lenges. Traditional attitudes towards would be the hosting conference for the July 18th. Stay alert to hear more on the women, poverty, early marriage, gender 60th Anniversary National UCW National gathering 2022 and learn how based violence, poverty and a choice to Gathering in 2022. we, as UCWs in the Maritimes, will be use scarce resources to educate boys President Ruth Kennedy took a pro- asked to help the event organizers. rather than girls can all stand in the posal of the possibility of two location Also coming out of the meeting in way of women and girls fully partici- in the Maritime Conference — Ontario, a new NUCW project was pating in education. The program Bermuda or Sydney, NS. She reported named. After a lot of discussion, and works with adolescent girls aged 10 to to the MCUCW executive on October after looking at several possible projects 18 who often drop out of school and 15 in meeting at the Conference for the United Church Women, our offers incentives to girls to motivate Centre, Sackville, NB, that the event National Project for the rest of 2018 them to re-enrol. will not be held in Bermuda. “It was until the fall of 2022 is: “Women For What can the UCW do? felt that it was asking too much for our Change In Zambia...Never accept • Learn more about the barriers to UCW members to get a passport plus poverty. Unite and fight it.’’ education faced by women and girls in Zambia and in Canada. • Support in prayer Women for Change and others working to remove barriers to education for girls. • Support local community initia- tives for homework clubs, school breakfast programs and after school programs that help children succeed in school. • Advocate for effective internation- al support for access to education. • Contribute funds to help Women for Change keep girls in school. United Church Women of Chignecto Presbyterial offer More information will be coming out about this project in the New Year. sincere condolences to the family and friends of... Our Maritime President has given - JESSIE ELIZABETH DONAGHY, 85 years old, of Moncton, passed away herself a winter project. She reported to September 29, 2018. She dedicated nearly three decades as a Brownie the fall executive meeting that she Leader with the Girl Guides of Canada. She was an active member at would like to contact every UCW unit and UCW member in the Maritimes/ Central United Church, Moncton, NB and a member of the UCW. Bermuda. “There are now churches - MARY ‘MOLLIE’ VIOLA ALLEN, who passed away September 24, 2018, with UCW members without units, or in Amherst at the age of 101. A teacher and mentor, Mollie taught as someone coined ‘orphaned’ UCW school for 30 years in Hopewell Hill, Dorchester, Moncton, Amherst members, she said. “I would like to have a contact for all our members so Head and Warren. She was active in choirs, church, UCW and commu- we can be counted and we can keep nity in every place she lived, She was a UCW Life member and a mem- connected and informed.” ber of Trinity-St. Stephen’s Unit One UCW. —Jean Smith Spread The News October 2018 - P3 UCW Rally Day at Hillsborough Submitted to 'Spread The News' by DORIS BROWN - AREA TWO UCW CONTACT PERSON Approximately 30 women attended the UCW Area Two Rally held at the Hillsborough United Church earlier this month. President of the UCW at Hillsborough invited me down to this rally and I must say I truly enjoyed meeting with the ladies. Rev. Peggy Reid was the special program speaker for the event shar- ing information about her time spent in Malawi, East Africa as a Missionary Overseas Personnel. As well as four years in Malawi, Rev. Reid also returned to worked for two years in Nigeria, West Africa. For rally day she titled her program “Africa for Beginners”. She told stories about learning the language. At each table she placed hand- crafts from Africa. It is amazing the amount of work that went into those carved baskets, bowls and animals. All the items on the tables were crafted by the people of Malawi. What was very interesting was when it was time to take up collec- tion and she showed us how the African people would get in a line and dance and sing their way to the front to share their offerings. It was different, but so neat. The luncheon included African dishes. Rev. Reid recipe was called Nsima (corn flour and water) but was tasty. The German dish made by Val Olson, musician and singer, was called 'Bienenstich'. It may have had a lot of calories in it, but certainly delicious. In the pictures: Below: several of carvings, the ele- phants and the two beautiful baskets. Top, right: Rev. Peggy Reid with Nerenne Russell, who had just finished knitting 30 dish clothes for the baskets that go out to different families. Center, Rev. Peggy Reid with Annie Simpson, who turned 100 this past sum- mer. Left, Val Olson, who taught us a new song "I love him better every d-a-y". Right, President of Hillsborough UCW, Verna Elliott and Donna Gaskin, a member and great worker for the UCW there. Spread The News October 2018 - P4 Programs offered at Leading Innovative and Engaging Youth Programs Courage to Lead Retreat – November 29- (LIEYP) – November 5-8. A high-level training in December 1. Are you actively engaged in creating a youth engagement and program planning to enhance more just, peaceful, and ecologically responsible their abilities as youth workers, mentors, social work- world? Are you passionate about your vocation or ers, employment counselors, teachers, volunteers or cause, but trying to sustain yourself in the midst of recreation staff. heavy demands and the urgency you feel about mak- ing a difference? This retreat is a rare opportunity for Bringing Role-Playing to Everyone – with Avery renewal, deeper connection with kindred spirits and Alder – November 23-25. A weekend intensive delv- committed peers, and the chance to explore questions ing into the art of running role playing games for of importance to you. diverse audiences and skill levels with award-win- For more information on Tatamagouche Centre, ning, queer, game designer, Avery Alder. visit https://www.tatacentre.ca

What’s Happening...Events coming up in Chignecto churches CHRISTMAS SALE The St. James United Church Women of Petitcodiac will be holding their Annual Christmas Sale on Saturday, November 17th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the church basement. There will be home bak- ing, crafts, fudge and a "New To You" table. Tea, coffee and muffins will be available. (22 Price Street) RUMMAGE SALE St. John’s United Church, 75 Alma St., Moncton (basement entrance). October 20, 8:30 AM. – 1:00 PM. Clothing, Books, Toys, Linens, Electronics, Household and many more items for sale. Something for everyone. You don’t want to miss it! BAZAAR & LUNCHEON St. John’s UCW Bazaar & Luncheon - 75 Alma St. Moncton - Saturday, November 3, 2018, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Crafts, Baking, Jams-Jellies-Pickles, Fudge, New-to-You Treasures, Jewellery, and lots of Books. Luncheon: $8.00 ~ served 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Includes your choice of Corn Chowder or Chili or Chicken Soup, plus Roll, Pie & Beverage Come and Join Us For a Fun Day! COFFEE & MUFFIN PARTY, CRAFT & BAKE SALE On Tuesday, October 30 the UCW of Mount Royal United Church will be hosting a coffee and muffin party 9-11am at 106 Mount Royal Blvd. And the craft group will be hosting a craft and bake sale. SMILEY-FACE PANCAKE BREAKFAST On Saturday, November 3, Mount Royal United Church will be hosting a Smiley-face pancake breakfast at 106 Mount Royal Blvd. The menu is pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, toast, tea/coffee, juice, jam and real maple syrup. Adults - $10, Kids under 12 - $6. SMILEY-FACE PANCAKE BREAKFAST On Friday, November 9 from 5-7pm and Saturday, November 10 from 8-10:30am Mount Royal United Church will hold their fall Rummage Sale at 106 Mount Royal Blvd. There will be clothing, dishes, furni- ture, books, sports equipment and so much more. RUMMAGE/YARD SALE Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, 1 Ratchford Street, Amherst, UCW Fall Rummage Sale and Giant Yard Sale will be happening 9 -11:30 PM, Saturday morning, October 27, where there will be many bar- gains to be found. Please drop in for a visit and a look at our many items that will be available, and do some shopping. We look forward to seeing you there. Spread The News October 2018 - P5 Quilt show and Cafe at Amherst church

All the pews in the sanctuary at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst, were draped with ventage as well as more recently created quilts of many different colours and patterns for a two-day showing during the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival last weekend. The UCW and friends hosted the Muffin and Mugs Cafe and used the space in the church hall to serve coffee, tea and muffins to the quilt show visitors and display other fibre works. It was reported that visitors were down somewhat from the show and display in 2017.

More of What’s Happening... Church events coming up in Chignecto

TURKEY SUPPER At Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, 1 Ratchford Street, Amherst, Saturday, November 2, 5 PM. Tickets on sale now from the church office. Eat in or Take out. $15. Adults, $6 for children. MUSIC AT TRINITY Just in time for Hallowe’en! On Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm, Music at Trinity presents Halifax- based organist Shawn Whynot performing pipe organ accompaniment for the 1922 silent horror film, This silent film is an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic novel, “Dracula”. Tickets $15 for adults. Children and youth over the age of 7 and under 18, accompanied by an adult ticket holder, will be admit- ted free of charge. Tickets can be picked up at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church Office, Ratchford Street, Amherst , also available at the door. UCW CANDLELIGHT and COMMUNION SERVICE Mount Royal United Church, 106 Mount Royal Blvd, Moncton, NB. All are welcome to join us for the Annual Mount Royal UCW Candlelight and Communion Service Wednesday, December 5 at 7 PM. Theme: Faces of Joy. MOVIE NIGHT AT CENTRAL The Affirming Committee of Central United Church presents the movie "Lion" on Thursday, November 15 at 7 pm in the Community Peace Centre Forum, 22 Church St., Moncton. Movie and snacks are free of charge. Come and bring a friend. Movie Synopsis: Five-year-old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of kilometers away from home and family in India. He must learn to survive alone before being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories and his unwavering determination, he sets out to find his lost family and returns to his first home. Spread The News October 2018 - P6 Advent small group study resource available at Prayer Bench https://prayerbench.ca I expect you have one, a favourite creche. At the • Downloadable image for the series for use in beginning of Advent we unpack the figures and place posters or social media them in their traditional poses. There they stand and How Do Prayer Bench Small Group Studies Work? witness to the story of incarnation. In this four week — When you register and pay, you receive an email small group study, we take a closer look at the figures with information to access to a private webpage. You and how their presence in the story connects with the will find the Leader’s Guide and all the resources you human spiritual journey. We explore incarnation in the need. This Advent Small group study is written by bigger picture of Love and as a practice of cooperation. Janice MacLean, Host of the Prayer Bench and Nigel We see how each figure can infuse the ordinary, and we Weaver. ask who is always in the story and never in the creche. Spread the News Note: Nigel Weaver was Interim Our beloved figures they take us deeply into the mys- Minister at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church in Amherst, tery of incarnation and the Divine Longing at the heart and during his time spent there he shared his beautiful hand- of “the hopes and fears of all the years.” Love is fully crafted wooden creche with the congregation and study here, and isn’t yet. We never get tired of the story. group, and often added interesting stories of his grandchil- What You Receive in this Small Group Study dren in Sunday sermons. Although I was not able to name all • Leader’s Guide (includes the process for each ses- of the grandchildren while he was with us, it was moving to sion: Gathering, Opening, Check-in, discussion ques- read this add-on to the Prayer Bench notice: “Learn more tions, and a closing spiritual practice.) about: Nigel! Nigel is an eager and enthusiastic grandfather. • Four easily downloadable Audio Recordings with a He misses Andrew and Malachi in PEI; laughs with Ryley in teaching for each session. Burlington; hangs out with Mateo and Nico, and assembles • Four Scripts of the Audio Recordings to download with Aiden in Toronto; barely knows Maya and Caleb in the and photocopy Netherlands; wonders and worries about Corbin who’s who • Participant Handout Sheet to download and pho- knows where. For each, to each, in each, Christmas and the tocopy. Christ are coming, of that he’s sure.” — Jean Smith

News from Salisbury United Pastoral Care Workshop Greetings for the fall season from Salisbury Clergy and lay visitors (already visiting or newly United. The leaves are such beautiful colours but interested) are invited to a Pastoral Visitors work- unfortunately will soon fall with the winds and the shop on Saturday, Nov. 3rd at The Maritime rain. We have a few items we would like to adver- Conference Centre, Sackville. We gather at 10 am tise for November. and are on our way at 3:00 pm. Our annual Bazaar will take place at the We consider recent shifts in pastoral care, espe- Church on Wednesday November 7th. The Angel cially in changing times and within part-time ministry; Tea Room with desserts of cheesecake, other we explore what makes a visit “pastoral” and explore cakes and pies, tea, coffee or cold drink will open practical ways to bring the gift of prayer, music and from 6:30 until 8:00 and the bazaar in the base- silence to pastoral visits. We share good ideas with ment will start at 7:00. Love to see you there. one another and discuss ways to create a culture of Also on Friday, November 16th, our Men in caring in our communities of faith. Black will be hosting a night of Gospel music at The first 30 participants registered will receive 4 the Salisbury United Church, probably at 7:00 sets of 10 seasonal Pastoral Visiting Cards to share PM but watch the paper for more detail or call the with those visited. Cards include a photo, scripture, Church Information line at 372-5112. There will brief reflection and Prayer. Pastoral Visiting Cards be refreshments following the music. are also available for sale. Take care everyone until next time, Register with Anna Peters by phone at 506 383 Janet and Doris 1479 or email [email protected] Spread The News October 2018 - P7 What is prayer? It seems wherever I looked this week, I was reading exploring what being disciples of Jesus means to them, someone’s words that included their thoughts about and join with them in doing some wonder about what prayer, or offering a written prayer. Many wordsmiths, is next for us as church. This is his prayer of gratitude for sure. That got me thinking. Why not invite the for the UCW. readers of Spread the News in Chignecto to share their For the women of the church.... thoughts on prayer? So this is your assignment for the and all they have done, November issue of “The Spread”. Send to to be people who live Christ's love [email protected] your favourite prayer, or a story in word and in action, about an answered prayer, or your answer to the title with support and with protest question: What is Prayer? This request is going to all and with all that they are ... the newsletter readers, and not just aimed at the UCW Alleluia, loving God! of Chignecto. And for the mission and ministry Here’s a sampling of what I experienced this week. of the UCW, 1. The only source for this reflection on prayer was its past, present, and future, “The Mind Journey”. for all they have been, Do you pray? all that they are, Prayer doesn't only happen when we knell or put our and all that they are yet to be .... hands together and focus and expect things from God. Alleluia, loving God! Thinking positive and wishing good of others in prayer, May all that they do when you hug a friend — that's prayer. be infused by your love, When we send off our 'near and dear ones" and say that in their witness and work, "drive safely" or "be safe" — that's a prayer. they would heal your world. When you are helping someone in need by giving Alleluia, loving God! your time and energy, when you forgive someone – 4. And from Janet Salbert, pastor with United that's prayer. Methodist Church in USA, who blogs “Put Out into Prayer is a vibration, a feeling, a thought. Prayer is the Deep” came this morning prayer: the voice of love, friendship, genuine relationships. Give to this day Creator of Life, who calls us all Prayer is and expression of your silent being. toward a relationship of grace. A new day yawns, open- Keep praying always. ing its emptiness before us. Before our steps take us to 2. Reading a “Note from Nora”, Nora Sanders, people and places, we turn to the Holy One, to gaze General Secretary, United Church of Canada, ended upon wonder and mystery finding fullness of Presence her message this way: in silence. When we hear our hearts catch, perhaps that I think prayer is often like this. Aside from the beau- is where we are supposed to go next. When our memo- tifully crafted prayers that we might read from a book, ries capture our attention, perhaps we find what we our personal prayers are often a jumble of mixed feel- thought was lost. And when our mindful, chatter clears, ings. And this makes sense really, if we are going to perhaps we notice the Other in whose life and death we turn our burdens as well as our joys over to God. There are inextricably joined. Take into our day, these glimpses are few days that are purely filled with one or the other. of grace that move our lives with gentle strength and joy God is there for all of us, for all parts of our lives. filled love. Remind us to take into our world, only our- Thanks be to God. selves. (So Be It!) 3. On September 21, at 10:28 United Church of So, that’s your assignment, my friends. Share your Canada Moderator was on his way to thoughts on prayer. Fill my inbox with your meet with the United Church Women gathered in responses. — Jean Smith Mississauga. He wrote he was looking forward to Spread The News October 2018 - P8 Bits of News from National UCW

GRANTS GIVEN from the old I travel to the new, Keep me travelling along AND LIFE MEMBERSHIP PINS with you.” Program Assistant at United Church of Canada General A MESSAGE FROM Council, Sartu Mohamed, reported on her work for UCW at BETTY TURCOTT the NUCW meeting in Ontario last month. She said that it has been a quiet year. There has been We are certainly in a time of transition, but to me it does only one application to the Agatha Kaasa fund for $322 not feel like a wilderness experience. Perhaps because I and nothing for the Dorothy Amos fund. One Leadership know that we are not alone on this journey. As UCW Grant was sent to Montreal and Ottawa UCW. (UCW women we have had wonderful leadership in the past, and members: Please be aware that these sponsorship funds I know that we will continue to do the work that we feel are available, and if money is needed for traveling to pro- called to do. Structures change, directions change, ener- grams or for registrations fees, find out about them.) gy changes, faces change, but our will to be a force for Life memberships pins sent out in 2017: 161 new recip- good in our churches, communities and the world still ener- ients, eight deceased transfers and 11 broken or lost for a gizes and calls us. total of 180. It has been a year of highs and lows at our home. I have a new knee... wonderful. The other is booked to be A COMPELLING MESSAGE done this December. We lost part of our roof in the wind FROM MICHAEL BLAIR storm that roared through Bowmanville. Gary keeps well A special speaker at the NUCW meeting, Michael Blair, and we celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer. Executive Minister of the Church in Mission, asked the Our youngest grandson married this past September and I United Church Women “how much of the experience of the had the amazing joy and honour to officiate at their cere- caterpillar does the butterfly retain?”, suggesting that in this mony. Thanks to the wonderful women in our UCW circles, new season of the church, the church is learning how to fly, my book is selling very well. Thank you all. My head is learning how to use its wings of rebirth. The UCW is in the stirring with the idea of a novel based on the life of Sarah. caterpillar stage, on the edge of something exciting. It is We will see. Blessings to each and everyone. time to risk, a time to fly! Michael ended his message by WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2019 proclaiming, “Lets Fly!” Stop trying to be caterpillars! Fly! Think of change as a gift. Fly, create history!” He then World Day of Prayer service for 2019 (to be held on added that The United Church of Canada is presently going Friday, March 1) has been prepared by the World Day of through the biggest change since union in 1925. Nobody is Prayer Committee of Slovenia, a small country in Central telling the UCW what to do. The UCW is free to fly! Europe. Theme is Come — Everything is Ready! (Luke 14: 14-24). In 2022, Canadian women will be responsible for BEULAH HAYLEY INSTALLED preparing the program for this International prayer service. AS NUCW PRESIDENT THANKS TO PAST PRESIDENT Michael Blair led in the installation service suggesting the women gathered at the NUCW think of God as mis- NANCY SUTHERLAND chievous, asking them how often they remember being Our thank you goes out to Nancy Sutherland, our past surprised by God. He asked the incoming NUCW NUCW President. Seventeen women from Chignecto had President, Beulah Haley of Newfoundland that she stay the opportunity to meet with her at MCUCW Biennial mindful of the playfulness of God—God isn’t static, and to Meetings in Summerside, PEI in the spring. be open to the surprises – look for them through people Perhaps many women in UCW circles in this regin have and circumstances. He went on to suggest that you can’t had an opportunity to read our National newsletter Keeping put God in a box and that she look at the invitation to trust in Touch (News for UCW Groups), but perhaps some have that God has her back. As well he suggested she be open not. For that reason, it is attached to this newsletter. This is to the teachings from unexpected places where God is at Nancy’s last reporting for National United Church Women work. Following the installation Michael led in communion. via that venue, and for this issue she reported on the 43rd The new NUCW President has chosen as her theme: General Council, Risking Faith, Daring Hope, held this Walking in the Holy Spirit’s Power and theme scripture: 2 summer in Oshawa, adding quotes about UCW from sev- Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Hymn eral of the nominees for the post of Moderator, a very inter- VU 639 “One More Step Along the World I Go” – “And it’s esting read. Thanks, PP Nancy Sutherland. Well done! October 2018

Keeping in News for Touch UCW Groups The National United Church Women Here I Am, Lord

“You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–4)

isking Faith, Daring Hope remits, the many proposals, and During closing worship, I asked Rwas the theme of the 43rd other business that came up. The the Rev. Bott, “Will you, with General Council, held in Oshawa, Rev. Dr. Richard Bott was voted to Christ’s people, be faithful ON, July 21–27. This was an become our new Moderator. I had in prayer and in the study of exciting but exhausting week as the honour of participating in the scripture, that you may discern we went about the business of opening worship service, and the God’s calling?” To which he our United Church. There were closing service when the Rev. Bott answered, “I will with God’s aid.” lively discussion groups on the was installed. The UCW congratulates the Rev. During opening worship I read: Bott on this next step in his faith “The United Church of Canada journey. We look forward to made me a feminist as I witnessed working with him and pray God women in leadership, whether will guide him as he carries out as Moderator or C.G.I.T. leader, his duties as Moderator of The as money-raiser or agitator. United Church of Canada. The UCW (United Church Women) powerfully lobbied both government and corporations for justice and through study, armed ❦ themselves with compassionate knowledge. We have been a pro-choice denomination since Prior to General Council, I asked the 1970’s. We championed nominees their thoughts about inclusive language that opened UCW. Some replies: our theology to an expansive vision. The Ecumenical Decade ● “It wasn’t until I was ordained of Churches in Solidarity with and serving in a congregation that I women (30th anniversary this really began to realize the wideness year!) gave focus to violence of the ministry of the UCW.” against women, economic ● “I know only too well the injustice and barriers to incredible value of the UCW and Photo: The United Church of Canada Church United The Photo: leadership—even as we the amazing work they do on Nora Sanders, Joy Bott, George Bott, and experienced the decade as the behalf of local congregations and the Rev. lay hands on the Decade of Women in Solidarity the wider church. The United Rev. Richard Bott during his installation as with Women...but we did not give Church of Canada would not be Moderator at GC43. up. We risk faith and dare hope.” what it is without them!” Looking Back on the Child Well Being Initiative

Darlene Thompson, Secretary, Robert McClure United Church, Calgary, Alberta About 10 years ago, Lillian Stewart of Red Deer Lake United in Calgary saw a need for feeding the children of the Inn from the Cold Program. She talked with Sharon Prenevost of Lethbridge, AB, and Carolyn Pogue ● “The UCW is the spiritual hub of Hillhurst United in Calgary. These women put words into action and of our church” the Child Well Being Initiative was born. These women started talking ● “The essential nature of UCW to MLAs, MPs, mayors, councillors, faith groups, professional groups, both roots mission in Christian service clubs, justice groups, media, and other organizations in small faith and expresses that faith towns, villages, and larger centres in Alberta. Then off they went the through study, outreach, and Alberta Legislative Assembly four times to be heard. During those early political action. The United years, the Child Well Being petition was tabled seven times. They did not Church of Canada is, in large give up! There was letter writing, editorials, press releases, informative part, what we are because of the DVDs, and YouTube pieces. Busy hands across the province created and UCW.” distributed thousands of Hope Dolls to influential people in Alberta and across Canada. In November 2017, these ladies participated in the Bread ● “I appreciate very much the Not Stones event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Thank God for these way the UCW contributes in women who put words into action—you can’t stop them! churches of every size to the fabric of the church community Rag dolls made by UCW and, very often, to the health of the financial picture.”

● “I think the UCW is an important part of the church on all levels, congregation to national.”

● “I think UCW is an expression of the church at its best and I hope to be given the opportunity to work with them to bring my generation to the inspired table of Canada Church United The Photo: of service.” National UCW Executive ● “I was struck by the fact that There has been a change in This wonderful journey I have you do much more in terms command—we welcome Beulah been on with UCW has come to of advocacy and advancing Haley of Newfoundland as our an end. I know you will be in good gendered approaches to new National President. We also hands with Beulah. Thank you questions of faith the wider have a new National Secretary. for your love and support. May we church appreciates.” Emily Pettypiece, secretary continue to risk faith and dare hope. ● “While there may be extraordinaire, retired September God bless you all. uncertainty in the future for 30 and will be missed. We welcome all of us in this United Church Karen Gardner, from Metcalf, I am honoured to be among you. of ours, I have no doubt that ON, who joined our executive as Blessings, the UCW will continue to be National Secretary on October 1. a strong and vital part of our We offer both Beulah and Karen Nancy Sutherland particular incarnation of the our support and look forward to Past President body of Christ.” working with both these ladies. National United Church Women

For all UCW matters, e-mail: [email protected].

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