GREETINGS                                   February 16 2017

Prayer and Possibilities
Mark Link, a highly respected, Jesuit priest, teacher, author, and spiritual director died on January 18 of this year at the age of 92. Here is an adaptation of one of his many meditation aids that appeared in a book called Prayer Paths published in 1990.
Imagine that you are a young person named Chris. She wants to fit in at school and she also wants to follow Jesus. She feels torn at times between what's right and what's wrong. One night she picks up a pencil and writes out a prayer to Jesus. Feel free to pray her prayer and let your heart become as her heart:
"Jesus give me your light
because sometimes I get confused and it's hard for me to know what's right.
Jesus give me your courage,
because sometimes I feel pressured, and it's hard for me to do what's right.
Jesus, give me your love
because sometimes I feel rejected and it's hard for me to keep loving.
Jesus, give me yourself,
because my heart was made for you and it will not rest  until it rests in you."  Amen.
 
If you wish to tap into more of Mark Link's stories and reflections you can visit the website:  www.staygreat.com

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
Allan & Ruth Michelin and family, and their son Darren in China;  Judy VanDuzer, Connie Kuntz, Geoffrey Parkinson (nephew of Patricia Bradshaw).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 
Annual General Meeting
This year the Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 26.  Coffee & Conversation will be available between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.  At 10 a.m. we will have a shortened Joint Worship Service, followed by the AGM.  Harry Disher will also lead us in a visioning exercise.  This will be an interesting and informative morning.  Please make every effort to attend.

Printed copies of the Annual Report are available. Please take one copy per household and only if you do not have access to a computer. The annual report is available on our website at www.mmuc.org.  Open "Explore" to "Members" to "Annual General Meetings" and the user name is Marshall with the password being Mmuc1957.
 
Towards a Motivating Vision
Keep on reading and reflecting on those selected vision texts of scripture and hand in your words and phrases that might become Marshall's vision to any member of our Transition Team or to our church office.  Thank you to those who have already made submissions.
       
Time out with Jesus
Join in the parlour during the winter at noon on Tuesdays.   Bring a lunch, sit and chat; then, have a half hour of quiet meditative time with God. 
 
Round Table Talks
"Round Table Talks" that focus on revealing a Motivating Vision for the congregation will continue through the next couple of months.  Each week those who gather will listen for the Spirit in a different passage of Scripture.  Please join in and share your reflections, ponderings, and thoughts.
Tuesdays for Tea in the Parlour 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.;                                  Wednesdays over Wine in the Church Hall  5:00 to 6:30 p.m.; or                 Coffee Time Thursdays in the Parlour 10:00 to 11:30.

Book Study for Lent
During Lent the five United Churches of Ancaster have planned a 7-week discussion on the book, Grounded: Finding God in the World, by Diana Butler Bass.  The study will be hosted by Marshall, Ryerson, Bethesda and Jerseyville churches each Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., starting March 1 and continuing until April 12.  Anyone interested in participating in this study may obtain a FREE copy of the book from the church office.  The locations and schedule are as follows:
March 1      Ryerson       Introduction & Chapter 1
March 8      Marshall      Chapters 2 & 3
March 15    Marshall      Chapter 4
March 22    Ryerson       Chapters 5
March 29    Bethesda     Chapter 6
April 5        Bethesda     Chapter 7
April 12      Jerseyville   Chapter 8
This promises to be a very interesting, practical and thought provoking read.  It is also an excellent opportunity to get to know others in the United Churches of Ancaster.

Ancaster Food Drive - Helpers Wanted
On Saturday, March 4 the Marshall Men`s Group will field a team to assist the 25th Ancaster Community Food Drive with the door-to-door pickup of food items.  It is expected that the collection of non-perishable food items on a designated route will take the team from 2 to 3 hours.  Walking and carrying of food bags will be involved.  The food donations will be provided to 8 local food agencies, including Ancaster Community Services.  If you would like to help out, contact David Putnam at
905-648-4786 or [email protected].
 
EVENTS
L'Arche Hamilton
On Saturday February 25th Barton Stone United Church is hosting a gourmet beef dinner by Chef William Wallace featuring entertainment by "Splendour-In-The-Brass". There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Tickets are $45 and must be reserved before February 20th by calling Robin Wilkie at 905-870-0314.
 
Pancake Supper
Who doesn't love pancakes?  Join us on Shrove Tuesday for an informal pancake and sausage supper on February 28th from 5 - 6:30.
Tickets at the door: Adults $12, children 10 years and under $5. Proceeds will be directed to local community causes by your Outreach Committee.

T: (905) 648-4631      W: www.mmuc.org       E:  [email protected]
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