VESPERS SERVICE: The Choir will be offering a Vespers Service by Candlelight on Sunday, February 23rd at 4:00pm. Vespers is a sunset evening prayer service and will be structured around the Transfiguration of our Lord through hymns, psalms, scripture canticles and anthems of the 20th century composers. All members of the congregation and community at large are encouraged to attend. Many people in their busy lives are looking for a place of quiet rest and their service will provide spiritual refreshment through reflective and meditative worship.

If you are aware of someone in our congregation that would benefit from a visit or call from our Pastoral Care Team, kindly let the office know so that we can ensure that all of our member's needs are being met.

For Pastoral Care Emergencies please contact Rev. Kevin at:  905-979-1751 (please note the new phone number)

Breakfast Before the Annual Meeting

On Sunday, February 2 the Men's Group is offering a full breakfast starting at 9 a.m.  This will take place before the AGM and worship. Come and enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, muffins, coffee and tea.  This is a fundraiser for the church, so a free-will offering will be taken.  Hope you'll plan to come early for this breakfast.

All members and adherents are invited to attend the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Marshall Memorial congregation, which will be held on Sunday February 2nd  in the Fellowship Hall. Starting at 10am there will be a brief communion  service and then the annual meeting to review the Annual Report for 2019 and conduct the business of the congregation, including approving the slate of officers, financial statements for 2019, and the proposed budget for 2019.  The 2019 Annual Report is available here. 

It's that time of year when the weather can be a little tricky.  If the weather makes it unsafe for worship notices of cancellation will be made in the following ways:

-  The Church's phone message will state that church is cancelled (905-648-4631)

-   An email will be sent out to those that subscribe to our Newsletter

-   Our website  and our Social Media (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)will be updated

Join us February 9, 2020  for a variety of soups including split pea and beef barley. Of course there will be a vegetarian selection too! Children 10 and under are free. We will begin serving at 11:30. Cost is $15 per person.  Tickets on sale after the annual General meeting on February 2. Please buy your tickets early so we can prepare the appropriate number of  delicious soups, sandwiches  and treats needed to make your lunch the best it can be!! THANK YOU as always--your Outreach Team

It has been over 5 years since we did our last photo directory so we feel it is time for an update.   For all those who book a sitting, you will receive a free directory and free 8x10 picture.  There is no obligation  to purchase a photo package when you book a sitting. Allot 30-45 minutes for the sitting.   Sign-up sheets will be in the foyer this Sunday.  There are still lots of times available, please remember to sign up or contact the office for a date and time!

SITTINGS: Feb. 10-14 from 1:30pm-8:30pm

                   Apr. 24  1:30-8:30pm

                   Apr. 25  9:30am-4:00pm

Wednesdays at 1 pm in The Gathering Place: Making Sense of the Bible

Join our small group study of Adam Hamilton's book and DVD, Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today.

This six-week series will expand on our previous study of 30 Days To Understanding the Bible, focusing on the following topics:

Week 4 - Feb. 5: The Bible and Science

Week 5 - Feb. 12: Violence, Suffering, and Other Troubling Issues

Week 6 - Feb. 19: Wrestling with Issues of Sexuality and Relationships

Books will be available weekday mornings from the church office or on Sunday in the foyer. Cost is $20. 

Meetings are on Wednesdays at 1 pm in the Gathering Place 

Don't have time to read the book? No problem! 

The DVD lessons will give you enough information to participate in the discussion, so everyone is welcome to come to any sessions they choose. 

Wednesdays at 7 pm in The Gathering Place: Sermon Scripture Study

Would you like to get more out of the sermons on Sundays?  Or do you wonder how Kevin develops such fantastic messages each week?  Join Pastor Kevin on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm in the Gathering Place to dig deeper into the Bible passages for the upcoming Sunday. 

Everyone welcome. 

The following new books have been purchased for the library:

Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer by Richard Rohr

Governance and Ministry by Dan Hotchkiss

My Year of Living Spiritually by Anne Bokma

A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan

Universal Spirit: The Seasons of the Christian Year in the Company of Northrop Frye by Don Collett

Check the book shelf in The Gathering Place to browse through these books and sign one out if you wish. On the shelf with them are reviews of 3 of these books from the United Church magazine  Broadview.  As the reviews suggest, these books would be excellent for readers taking time to think about their faith journey.    Pat McKnight

Have an upcoming event and not sure where to host it?  Why not rent the Gathering Room for smaller functions or the Hall for your larger event?  Contact the office for information about rates and availability.

Income tax receipts will be available after the Annual General Meeting.  Can't make it to the meeting but in the area?  Come pick it up at the office during business hours.  If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Vacation Alert:  I will be out of the office February 12 - February 19.  Any announcements for the February 16th newsletter and bulletin will need to be in to me by the 10th.  Thank you!

Island Dreams Dinner Dance:  Dreaming of the sunny south? We're bringing the islands to you! Join us Saturday, Feb 1st for Island Dreams Dinner/Dance; a 3-course Caribbean-inspired dinner served buffet style. Cash bar and raffle. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. From 8-10 pm, dance to or just enjoy the music of InfraRed, an upbeat party band playing contemporary music with Caribbean flair! Limited seating, tickets $40 per person; 905-689-6223, [email protected].

 

Still dreaming of getting away? Raffle tickets available now for a $3000 gift card from CAA to use for your choice of travel, products or services. Only 60 tickets available for $100 each; great odds! Draw to be held at Island Dreams Dinner Dance on Sat Feb 1st; proceeds in support of St. James United Church and Youth Unlimited. Contact the church office to get your ticket now! 905-689-6233 or [email protected]

A weekend with John Dominic Crossan - Westdale United Church on Friday and Saturday, April 3 &4, 2020.  The topic is:  Human Evolution and Christian Faith...the Meaning and Challenge of Resurrection.  More information can be found on the Community Events bulletin board.