Marshall's Newsletter for the week of August 2, 2020

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

We remember the many families in our congregation who have lost loved ones recently. We also remember those who are struggling due to illness and the consequences of what is going on in the world around us. We also remember Rev. LeSage as he is off on disability. We pray that he feels the Lord's healing hands upon him and gives him patience and strength.

OUR SERVICES

During the July 26th service (available online or watch it Sunday, August 2nd at 6pm on Cable 14), Rev. Kevin challenges us to write our own parable. If you would like to share yours with the rest of the congregation, please feel free to send it to the office .

For the time being, we will be continuing to worship via Livestream at 9am Sunday morning. Rev. Kevin Taylor will be leading the service.

Children's Sunday School will happen via ZOOM: 10AM for Little Zoomies (ages 4-7) and 10:35 AM for Big Zoomers (ages 8+). Just text your e-mail and time preference to Heather at 905-978-7610.

Cable 14 is now showing our service Sunday evenings at 6pm!

You can also watch our services from YouTube. You can click "Subscribe" once (free of charge) so the site is added to your YouTube for easy retrieval.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

**25 Years**

of Musical Leadership and Devotion to Marshall Memorial

Frank Pierce, our much-loved Director of Music and organist, has for 25 years provided outstanding service to our congregation and to the wider church and civic communities. Congratulations to Frank!

The Board of Directors, ministry personnel, church congregants, Marshall Band and Chancel Choir gratefully appreciate his dedication to providing spiritual guidance and kinship through music. Frank started his music ministry at Marshall on August 1st, 1995. He has provided us with music for the soul, and Christian engagement through many avenues - chancel choir, handbell choir, dining and singing events, invited musicians, and Christmas concerts. Frank has always invited the community into our church, and has fostered the participation of our choir in the life of other congregations encouraging both them and us in our spiritual journeys. His work has provided comfort and inspiration to many.

We are especially thankful to Frank during these past few months of Covid-19 upheaval in our personal and church lives for his organizational skills and direction, creativity and encouraging musical guidance. Plans had been in development for recognition and celebration of Frank's service this past June. Due to the restrictions that have been placed upon all of us during the pandemic, we have opted for a time in the future. Till we can be together again to honour you and your valuable work - THANK YOU FRANK!

On behalf of the Board and the Congregation I would like to extend congratulations to Frank Pierce who is celebrating 25 years of Music Ministry at Marshall.

We are grateful to Frank for his years of dedicated service as our Music Director, his many collaborations with other churches and organizations in the community (Ryerson, White Brick, Milgrove, Highgate ), as well as his long time association with musicians from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

We look forward to joining the Chancel Choir in formally celebrating and honouring Frank in person once we are safely able to return to the church.

With Sincere Appreciation,

Jan Thompson

REV. TAYLOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION

Rev. Kevin Taylor will be in the office in the mornings Monday-Thursday if you would like to call him or pop in for a visit. You can reach him at 905-979-1751 or by email. Please call first before coming to the church.

REGULAR OFFERINGS

Thank you to members who have maintained their givings through PAD, e-transfer, Canada Helps or mailed-in cheques. If you are wondering how to maintain your offerings when we are not in our Sanctuary:

Mail cheques to Marshall Memorial United Church, 20 Gilbert St, Ancaster L9G 1R4 (mail is being picked up every day).
eTransfer using [email protected] as the recipient address. This function is available from most online banking sites
Donate button at www.mmuc.org/give or go directly to the Canada Helps site with the link https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/19884.
Sign up for PAD to make a regular contribution through your bank account. Contact Henrietta at [email protected] or by phone at 905-648-4631 to start PAD or to make changes to your current PAD offerings.

PHOTO DIRECTORY UPDATE

Due to Covid-19 the company doing the photo directory had to completely shut down. They are now up and running but it will take some time for them to process all of the pictures that were taken and send them out to you. Some people have received theirs recently and we anticipate the rest being sent out within the next month. We thank you for your patience.

ANCASTER COMMUNITY SERVICES ONLINE AUCTION

Dear Community Supporters,

We are writing today to inquire if you may be able to help Ancaster Community Services in some way with our upcoming online auction, starting this Saturday August 1st. The auction is taking place in lieu of other fundraising events which we were forced to cancel, and heavily rely upon for donations.

As you know, Ancaster Community Services (ACS) is an organization which provides assistance and necessary programs to youth, seniors and those considered to be a in the vulnerable population within our community. We never ceased to provide such services during Covid-19 and continued to work on the front-lines. Now we are calling upon our community to support our efforts in a difficult time for many. All funds raised from our auction will go towards the continuation of great programs; such as Meals on Wheels and Shopping 4 Seniors.

Please click on the link to head over to the auction.

CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT

Read & Reflect Daily Scripture Readings: Attached is the calendar of daily scripture readings for August, based on the Common Lectionary. Regular reflection on scripture is the number one catalyst for spiritual growth, and following along with this calendar will give you a framework to guide your devotional reading.

Even better is to read the Bible in community! You can join our private Facebook group - Members and Friends of Marshall Memorial - for posts related to the readings. If you are not a member, please contact Richard Hamilton on Facebook for an invitation.

CLOTH FACE MASKS

Another batch has arrived! We are very grateful to Diane Paton who has made and donated a number of cloth face masks to be given to people at Marshall Church. If you would like to have one, please email or phone the church office (also provide your mailing address) and a free mask will be mailed to you. Thank you Diane for your work and generosity, as you help us protect ourselves and others.

For all those feeling creative and wanting to make their own, this link will lead you to directions that one of our members used to make her own.

UCC - E-SSENTIALS

Please follow this link for the latest from the United Church of Canada.

OFFICE HOURS

The church office is open Monday-Thursday 9-noon. Need a face mask? We've got them. Want to make a contribu tion to Givings? Want something to go in the Newsletter? Have a prayer request? Send me an email or call (905.647.4631).

Please note that the church office will be open this Monday, August 3rd but closed Thursday, August 6th.

You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in the Marshall Memorial United Church Newsletter. Don't forget to add [email protected] to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!

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