Sunday, December 7th

As the season of Advent continues, we turn our attention to the promise of Peace. But this is not a passive peace. It is a peace that calls for our attention, our intention, and our preparation. In this week's Gospel reading, John the Baptizer cries out from the wilderness, urging the people to prepare the way for the One who is coming. His call is as urgent today as it was then.



What does it mean to prepare ourselves for the peace of Christ? How can we create space in our lives, our relationships, and our world for that peace to take root and grow?

Join us for worship as we reflect on how peace is not only something we pray for, but something we participate in. Whether you gather with us online at 9 a.m. or in person at 10 a.m., you are welcome in this community of hope and peace.

Longest Night Service

on Sunday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom

All are welcome to join us for our Longest Night service, a gentle and contemplative time of worship for those who find the holiday season difficult. This service offers space for quiet reflection, prayer, and hope. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or carrying other burdens, we will honour those feelings and find comfort together in God's unyielding presence.

Join us on Zoom here. You are invited to have a candle ready to light during the service.

Calling All Shepherds, Angels, and Wise Ones! An Invitation to Families

Join Rev. Ruth and Rev. Heather as we prepare to tell the Christmas story together at our Family Christmas Eve service at 4:00 p.m. We would love for your children and youth to take part.

This year’s celebration will be simple, joyful, and does not require rehearsals. Just come and join in the fun. There is space for every child and youth to participate in a way that feels just right for them.

We will also be honouring some of our most beloved Christmas Eve traditions, such as lighting candles and singing Silent Night, as we celebrate the wonder of Christmas together.

To learn more or to get involved, please reach out to Rev. Ruth at revyren06@gmail.com or Rev. Heather at heather@norvalunited.ca

Volunteers Needed for Christmas Eve Services!

Our Christmas Eve services are always a meaningful and memorable part of the season, and we would love your help in making them extra special this year.

We are currently looking for volunteers to assist in a few key ways:

• Communion Servers (7:00 and 9:00 p.m.)

• Advent Candle Lighters (7:00 p.m.)

• Greeters (4:00 p.m.) 

If you are available to serve in one of these roles, please reach out to Rev. Heather at heather@norvalunited.ca

Roles will be filled as sign-ups are received, so let us know as soon as you are able. Thank you for being part of the warmth, welcome, and wonder of Christmas at Norval.

WAKING UP: Advent Small Group Study

Christmas invites us each year to wait, wonder, and wake up. Together, we will explore what it means to awaken to the Mystery of Christmas and the story of the Incarnation.

Our two sessions will focus on:

·      Waking Up (again.)

·      Waking Up to Carry the Light Within

Join us online by Zoom on Mondays, December 8, and 15, from 7:30–8:30 PM.

Come for one, two, or all three evenings!

For more information or to register, please email cherylmees@yahoo.ca. Registration is not necessary, but greatly appreciated if possible.

We need your help for a very special delivery!

Poinsettias and Christmas cards

A Pillar of Faith at Norval United is Reaching Out to Serve Others. One of the ways we reach out to serve others is the annual delivery of poinsettias to shut-ins and others.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with delivery. There is a sign up sheet in the gathering area or contact Beth Laidlaw beth.laidlaw@hotmail.com or Jan Arnold jarnold@execulink.com. The poinsettias will be in the church for delivery on December 14th.



We extend heartfelt thanks to Arnold’s Greenhouse for the donation of poinsettias that allows us to do this important outreach work.

For those that do not live in the area we will be mailing Christmas cards that will be available for everyone to sign on December 14th. Thank you to Fay Baxter for donating the materials and guiding the Friendship group in making these cards.

“God calls each of us to serve others. Reaching out and truly caring for others in our community and beyond is vitally important in the life and work of Norval United Church”. (Outreach pillar of faith)

Christmas Decoration!

Huge thanks to Helga and Wendy for creating such festive & charming Christmas decorations - bringing the Christmas spirit to life and to the Frasers for supplying the boards.

The display looks wonderful—truly well done!

Loving Memory Tree

During this special time of year, one of our traditions is to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbons to honor those we remember.

If you'd wish to add a ribbon in memory of a loved one, please email their name to the office, and we’ll place it on the tree for you.

🌟We still need gifts for Links2Care Holiday Giving 🌟

The main focus of the Holiday Giving Program is to provide listed items for children and seniors in need this season.

If you would like to help complete someone's wish list this season, please click here & let Holly hollydevelter@gmail.com or the office office@norvalunited.ca know what items you would like to complete.

All items must be returned by Sunday December 7th, unwrapped, and with the Family Number attached.

Thank you for your support!

The Giving Tree!

This year we will be collecting socks, winter hats, mitts and scarves, non-perishable food items, toiletries and gift cards for our Giving Tree. Items collected will be donated to Out of the Cold - Georgetown, Halton Women's Place, the Georgetown Break Basket and Food for Life. Items can be dropped off anytime starting November 30th.

A special celebration and blessing of the Giving Tree will take place on December 14th.

If you live at a distance from Norval and would like to support our Giving Tree this season, please send a donation to NUC through our regular channels, with a memo "Giving Tree". We will use those funds to fill in the gaps.

Upcoming - Family & Youth Programs:

• PRISM Youth Hangout, Friday, Dec 5th at 7pm
• Junior Youth Group, Friday, Dec 12th at 7pm
• Teen Leadership Group, Sunday, Dec 14th from 11.30 am - 1 pm
• Movie Night, Friday, Dec 19th at 6.30 pm

Food For Life

Outreach 40 Challenge!!

This month, we are collecting...

40 cans/packs Pasta & Sauce

Please drop off in the bin in the Gathering Space before December 31st!

P.S. Next month's special features will be Rice!

Friendship Group

We will be meeting on Tuesday, December 9th from 1 00-3:00 pm in the sanctuary.

We are having a pot luck luncheon commencing at 1:00 pm. Bring one of your favourite dishes to share if you are able.

Following our festive lunch, we will be assisting the Outreach Committee by making Christmas cards. This creative activity will be lead by Fay Baxter.

For more information, contact the church office at office@norvalunited.ca.

Guyz Group

Thursdays @ 9:30AM

A bunch of guys meet at the church each week to watch videos, ask big questions and work to find answers. They've also enjoyed having various guest speakers attend. Anyone is welcome to join.

Please email David Venning for more information.

🌟FOOD & MEAL SUPPORT🌟

Life can be tough, and we want you to know you’re not alone. If you’re in need for food support and/or a warm meal incl. some friendly company, there are resources available to help you💙

Click here to explore some helpful options that are available in Georgetown and Acton.🍽️✨

Annual Community Concert!

Where: St. John's United Church, 11 Guelph Street, Georgetown

When: Dec 15th

Time: 7.30 pm (Doors open at 7 pm)

Seating is limited and tickets are required.

Free tickets are available during the church office hours.

See you there!