Sunday, January 18th

Before Jesus began his ministry, he stepped into the waters of the Jordan and heard a voice from heaven say, “You are my beloved.” Those words shaped his ministry, sustained him in the wilderness, and named the truth he carried wherever he went.

This Sunday, we remember Jesus’ baptism and reflect on the voice of love that still speaks today. Join us as we explore what it means to be named and known, claimed and called, and how we can help one another remember who we truly are.

All are welcome.

Join us Online for Worship @ 9:00AM

or

for In-Person Worship @ 10:00 AM

You can find the online service on Facebook Live or on our YouTube channel.

The service will be saved at both locations for viewing through the week.

Update regarding Heather’s medical leave.

As we await Heather’s return, the Executive team and M&P are working with regional council to ensure the continuity of Norval’s mission and various activities. We are writing now to provide an update on our plans.

During Heather’s leave our Voluntary Associate Ministers, Paul Ivany and Ruth Noble, will provide pastoral care. Please reach out to the church office for all urgent care needs and Melanie will pass messages on to Paul and Ruth.

Ruth Noble has been appointed by regional council as the Pastoral Charge Supervisor for Norval during Heather’s leave. In addition to providing pastoral care, Ruth will support our staff, and provide guidance to Norval’s teams and committees.

The M&P and Executive committees are working with Ruth to ensure worship leaders and preachers are in place for upcoming worship services. Ruth will be preaching the next two Sundays on January 18^thand 25^th.

The United Church of Canada has a Restorative Care Process which financially supports congregations when their minister is on a medical leave. The funds Norval will receive will cover costs we might incur during Heathers leave, such as the cost of guest ministers.

Please continue to pray for Heather and for a smooth recovery. The M&P Committee will provide occasional updates on Heather’s recovery, when appropriate. At this point we anticipate that Heather will be on a medical leave for approximately 12 weeks.

There are unique opportunities in this time - opportunities to come together as a community of faith to encourage, support and show grace to one another. Please reach out if you feel called to volunteer your time and skill to further the mission of Norval United Church.

Scripture Readers – Help Wanted

Scripture readers are needed for the weeks ahead. If you would be willing to read scripture one Sunday, please email the church office at: office@norvalunited.ca

Dates where we still need readers:

Feb 15th
March 8th
March 22nd
all of April

Hip Hip Hooray! Thank You, Norval

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for the most wonderful surprise celebration at the end of the 10 a.m. service last Sunday. What began as a celebration of my two-year anniversary as your minister also became a moment of blessing and encouragement before my upcoming hip surgery.

Your prayers, kind words, emails, cards, and care for me and my family mean so much. What a gift it is to be part of the Norval community.

A special thank you to those who helped coordinate the surprise, including Bruce Cunnington, Lyn Brennan, Melanie Schrader and Heather Fraser, who also provided the delicious homemade cupcakes. And thank you all for your presence and for making the day extra special.

Sunday’s message was all about being beloved, and I truly felt that love from you. I will be sure to keep you posted on how things go and am already counting down the days until I can be back with you.

With deep gratitude and blessings,

Rev. Heather

Seeking Nominations.......

The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the role of Vice Chair of the Executive Team.

The Vice Chair will serve for 1-2 years, and then take on the role of Chair of the Executive Team for 2 years when the current chair ends their term. The Vice Chair is responsible for ensuring effective and responsible communication within Norval United Church and to the surrounding community.

This position will begin after our next annual general meeting (i.e. March 2026). The nominating committee will receive nominations between now and mid-January 2026. If you would like to nominate a member of Norval United Church to serve as Vice Chair of the Executive Team, or have any questions, please reach out to Jan Arnold here, the chair of the nominating committee.

STONE SOUP Sundays

We're back in our kitchen! Each month we provide over 80 servings of homemade soup to Food for Life.

Next soup making day is January 25th,

12-2 p.m. No special skills required! Come make soup with us.

Please contact Anne Wilcox here if you would like to help or if you can provide ingredients.

Thank you so much!

Family Movie Night!

Take Friday night, Jan 30 @ 6.30pm, off of cooking and enjoy pizza and a movie with us!

Family Movie Nights are super relaxed – come in PJ’s, bring blankets, stuffed animals, and friends – all are all welcome.

Please RSVP to office@norvalunited.ca so we can order enough pizza for all.

Volunteers needed!

Pancake Tuesday is coming up - we are looking for volunteers between 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Feb. 17th. Please reach out to Bruce Cunnington via email here.

Thank you🥞

Food For Life

Outreach 40 Challenge!!

This month, we are collecting...

40 Pantry items

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

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

Friendship Group

We meet every second Tuesday of the month from 1:00-3:00pm in the sanctuary for thoughtful chats and fellowship.

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

We’d love to see you there!

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.

Sunday Mornings @ 9:15

The prayer group meets every Sunday morning before the service. Anyone is welcome to join in prayer for individuals, our church and the world.

If you have prayer requests, kindly send us an email

Contact Marilyn Smith or Jennifer Barnett for more information.

Mid Week Breath

Join us for our weekly virtual mid week breath on Wednesdays @ 8PM.

30 minutes of meditation and reflection on zoom.

Connect to ZOOM here.

Contact the church office for more information.

Sharing your photo in our online church directory helps us all put names to faces and get to know each other better.

It's easy!! Click on the Sign Up button to sign up and create an account. Once we receive your request to create an account, then we will approve your access to the directory and send you further instructions by email.You can choose how much contact information you'd like to share in the online directory.

Please note: Only approved members/adherents of NUC are given access to the directory. Members are asked not to distribute/share the directory, or use it for any other purpose besides connecting. Please contact the office if you would like to review our privacy policy.

If you need any help, please contact Adrienne Eastwood by email or phone at 647-838-0966. She will help you access the directory and will even take your picture!

Community Bulletin board!

🌟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.🍽️✨

Hello Breathe & Believe Community 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

Happy New Year!

It’s time to get cozy on your mat again - or begin a brand-new practice with us.

Our welcoming yoga community is open to all levels and experiences. Join us to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Our next sessions begin Thursday, January 15th:

6-week session (includes a complimentary Good Karma class on February 26th)
New! 14-week session, also starting January 15th (includes the February 26th Good Karma class)

For full details, and to register click the link below to our Google registration page: here

We now have a Website and IG page! Check it out here !

About our practice:

Breathe & Believe Yoga, held in the Chapel at Norval United, began as a shared dream of creating a peaceful, welcoming space for connection and growth. Over the past four years, we’ve been grateful for the community we’ve built together.

We look forward connecting with you!