Photo above by Elizabeth French-Gibson from our Lakeshore United 10th Anniversary Coffeehouse, June 10, 2023 - a view from the stage of the audience

What's Happening - Sunday, December 3, 2023

The information below is from our weekly Lakeshore United email newsletter. If you would like to receive this in your inbox contact Shirley Rodger using our contact page.

Lakeshore United Church news and events:

Minister Message: “Keep Awake!”
 
“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, nor the Divine Parent.  Be awake!  Keep alert!”  (Mark 13:32)
 
However, you or I might anticipate or understand the end-times passages like this one are referring to, watchfulness and being alert is a worthy daily practice.  Here we go into the season of Advent, attuning ourselves to the transformative Sacred Presence of God still bringing newness of life to birth.  Where do we see signs of that gestation in our midst?  God still calls us into partnership even as we experience stirrings of both fear and hope within us.
 
Where does our world need a wake-up call?  Who might benefit from being startled into living and acting differently?  What states of emergency around us need addressing?  How and where do we notice God already at work in those situations?  There’s some who are dismayed and disgruntled with public and secondary school policies that prohibit mention or presentation of Christ’s nativity, the singing of carols, even saying “Merry Christmas!” during school concerts?  Hmmm.   We rejoice with our Indian friends and neighbours when they celebrate Diwali, with our African friends and neighbours who celebrate Kwanzaa, with our Jewish neighbours and friends when they celebrate Hannukah and other holy days on their calendar, and with our Muslim friends and neighbours when they keep holy times.  Is the public mention of Christmas and sharing the story of the birth of Jesus really a triumphalist move by a dominant culture over other cultures in our nation and world?   Secularism and Santa have shanghaied Jesus as the reason for the season for a long time now.
 
Dare we become as prophets in our own time?  Consider a playful approach followed by some words or deeds of witness not intent on persuading or convincing, but as an opportunity for honest dialogue and conversation about faith, the purpose of life, the future of humanity and creation.  Set off an alarm clock in the midst of a Christmas party and invite people to join you in a corner for such a conversation.  Ring some bells in a workplace lunch room and share why Christmas still has meaning for you.  Invite friends and neighbours over for a Christmas baking spurt and let the aroma of the baking goodies set off thoughts about where God is acting for good and peace and justice.  Put a banner on your front lawn and set up a hot chocolate stand and invite passers-by for a chat about what really matters to them and to all of us as we crawl out of the Covid-19 pandemic together.  Pray about such concerns when you receive your meal in a restaurant just loud enough to be overheard. Or, maybe just put some of your thoughts and hopes and perceptions in that Christmas letter you tuck into your Christmas cards.  It’s about building bridges, inviting others whose path of faith is different or those who claim little or no faith into partnership, into the possibilities of hope, peace, joy, love, and light we believe arrived when Jesus was born.
 
  • Upcoming events & meetings at Lakeshore UC:
Dec. 3 – Communion
Dec. 3 – tea/coffee prepared by Pastoral Care after service
Dec. 3 – UCW Bakeless Bake Sale after service
Dec. 6 – Pastoral Care meeting 11 am in office meeting area
Dec. 9 – UCW brunch 11 am in Fellowship Hall
Dec. 10 – Congregational budget mtg
Dec. 10 – LUC Movie Matinee 1-4 pm at Huron County Museum
Dec. 12 – Stewardship 4:30 pm in office meeting area
Dec. 13 – UCW Executive 2 pm in office meeting area
Dec. 17 – luncheon prepared by Pastoral Care
Dec. 24 – regular service at 10:30 am + Christmas Eve service 7 pm
 
  • Benevolent Fund:  Thank you to all who have recently supported our Benevolent Fund through special offerings on Communion Sundays.  Our fund is fairly healthy at the moment, so a shift is being suggested.  We will seek support for our Benevolent Fund on five Communion Sundays in the calendar year:  February, April, June, September, and November.  Close to these times we will remind you of this appeal.
 
  • Thank you to Wanda Keith! for Advent Pulpit and Communion Tablecloths.  Advent is the season for waiting.  As the Voices United Hymn # 5 states, “All earth is waiting to see the Promised One,” which inspired me to create the new cloths for our pulpit and communion table.  I wanted the focus to be the Christ star and to evoke the feeling of anticipation.  Also, it was important to create a sense of the spirit moving over the earth.
 
The dedication on the cloths reads, “To the Glory of God and with Advent anticipation.  Designed and crafted by Wanda Keith November 2023.”   ~ from Wanda Keith
 
  • United Church Women events:
  • The Bakeless Bake sale is Sun. Dec. 3rd.  Come, enjoy donating without the work of a bazaar, and after church the Pastoral Care team will be serving coffee in the hall, the Pie Shoppe gals will be selling pies and Chris Moore will have some Christmas arrangements for sale.
  • The Christmas event will be on Sat. Dec. 9th, a Brunch beginning at 11:00, music, worship, and surprises. Please let the committee know if you are attending by signing the sheets in the Narthex or emailing Marilyn at mpelgie30@hurontel.on.ca . The cost is $25.00 and will be paid at the door. Please let us know by Dec. 3rd if you are attending in order to calculate the amount of food needed. 
 
  • Christmas arrangements:  Anyone wanting an arrangement can either order ahead by calling\texting Chris Moore @ 519-440-6904, or there will be some available for sale at the UCW bakeless bake sale on Sun. Dec 3rd.  These will be $40 or $50 size again. Half the proceeds go to UCW's Bakeless sale fundraiser. Thanks for your support.

  • Advent Coin Collection:  During the season of Advent, the Christian Development committee invites you to add loonies and toonies to your change collection in support of the following local and global charities:
Hope - Goderich Free Little Pantries
Peace - Global Emergency Response Fund - from Gifts with Vision
Joy - 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity Fund - from Gifts with Vision
Love - Huron Women's Shelter
 
Check out more opportunities to give through the United Church of Canada's Gifts With Vision Catalogue.
 
  • Thanks for the Food: Our recent food drive collected a carload of groceries as well as $275 that were gratefully received at the foodbank.  You can drop off food items anytime to the carts located in the narthex and below the office.
 
  • Singers for special occasions: you are welcome to be part of the choir for Lakeshore's Dec. 24th Advent IV/ Christmas Eve services (morning and evening).   Although practices of Advent pieces are now ongoing, the Christmas repertoire is just beginning to be learned or relearned by the choir.  Please consider joining us or having visiting family/friends join us.  Practices are Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm.
 
  • Living Faith Story: Please have a look at the Living Faith Story attached.  The Search Committee requires the Congregation’s support on this piece so that we can move forward in posting for a new minister on ChurchHub.  We will include this in the congregational meeting on Dec. 10th.
 
  • Congregational Budget Meeting:  The draft budget and notes attached were approved by Council on Nov 15th for recommendation to the Congregation.  The Congregational Meeting to discuss the budget will be after the service on Sunday, Dec. 10th.  If you have questions before the Congregational Meeting, please feel free to approach any member of Council.  For those people unable to print the budget, a few copies will be able in the Narthex or the office.
 
  • LUC Movie Matinee:  Come join fellow Lakeshore church folk to watch “The Greatest Showman” courtesy of the Christian Development committee Sun. Dec. 10th 1-4 pm at the Huron County Museum.  The movie is free and so is the popcorn and refreshments!
 
  • Casual Crafters:  Do you like to knit or crochet or do some other type of craft?  Join us in the office meeting area on Thursdays at 1 pm.  Bring your craft to work on while enjoying conversation & laughter with other crafters.  You may even get some useful instructions or a chance to share your knowledge with someone else!
 
  • Lakeshore UCW is trying very hard to keep everyone informed and up to date on what is happening – events, meetings, news, etc.  Our email coordinator has developed, over time, a list of emails addresses for the women of Lakeshore so that they may receive meeting minutes, scheduled event info, WOW Newsletters, updates, etc. but we know the list can be longer.   Please take this opportunity to add your email to the list so that you do not miss out.  All women of Lakeshore are very much welcome to sign up!  We will also be posting printed copies of news on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex.  Please forward your contact information to drsutton@hurontel.on.ca to add your name or if you need more information.  Thank you!
  
  • Going to be in hospital?  Or know someone who is in hospital?  Please let Rev. Disher know so that a pastoral visit can be arranged – 519-860-9198.
 
  • From the Sew n Sews:  At the present time, we have a very nice selection of beautifully made care quilts.  There may be members of the Lakeshore community or local community who are facing illness, loss, or personal difficulties at this time.  If you know someone who would be comforted by receiving one of these lovely quilts, please contact Marian Lane, Diane Sutton, Betty Thomasson, or any member of the quilters group.
 
  • From the Pie Shoppe:  There are a variety of small & large meat and fruit pies and preserves available for purchase in the office.  Come check out our selection!  There will also be pies available for purchase at the UCW Bakeless Bake Sale Dec. 3rd.
 
In the Community:
 
  • Goderich Blood Donor Event: Thursday, Nov. 30th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Goderich Knights of Columbus Hall.  By appointment.  Book now by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App
 
  • Downtown Goderich Open House:  Sun. Dec. 3rd 11 am to 4 pm.  Santa & Mrs. Claus noon to 2 pm around the square.
 
  • Surviving the Holidays:  Dec. 6th 6:30-8:30 pm at Trinity Church.  A two-hour seminar providing encouragement, support, and valuable tools to navigate the season when you’re grieving a loss.  See posters on North and South bulletin boards.
  
  • HUUG (Help Us Understand Grief): Sat. Dec. 16th at 2-3 pm in Goderich.  HUUG is program to educate and support children and their families who are grieving a death, divorce, or other major events.  Make a festive ornament to help remember a loved one.  For more information or to register contact Sally Brodie at 519-525-6331 or sally.brodie@huronhospice.ca.
 
  • Caroling on the Square: Presented by Goderich Ministerial Assoc. Sat. Dec. 16th at 3:30 pm at the Performance Stage.  Free hot chocolate and candy canes and gift to children.  Free draw for a Christmas dinner for 10 courtesy of Harbour Hill Retirement Suites.
 
  • Help needed during the Christmas Season: Volunteers are needed until Dec. 18th to move and pack items such as toys and dry goods.  Please contact Kendall Strome at 519-524-2950 if interested in helping.
 
  • HuronSong Chorus & Friends Christmas Concert:  Mon. Dec. 18th 7:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich and Tues. Dec. 19 at 7:30 pm at Northside United in Seaforth.  Admission by donation to Huron Women’s Shelter.
 
  • Christmas Takeaway Meal:  Harbour Hill Retirement Community is providing traditional Christmas meals with wine or pop for those who would rather spend more time with family and not cooking a big meal.  Cost is $250.  Pre-order by Dec. 15th by calling Heidi Schilbe at 519-440-0110.
 
  • Grief Recovery Support Group:  Moving forward after a death, divorce, or other loss.  Begins Wed. Jan. 10, 2024 until Feb. 28th from 7 to 9 pm.  For more information or to register please call Sally Brodie at 519-525-6331 or sally.brodie@huronhospice.ca

Resources on Privilege, Anti-Racism

This is a time to listen.  Listen to the voices of those with lived experience of racism.  Listening to their voices so that our actions will be thoughtful, appropriate and helpful.  When we are moved, we all have a tendency to want to rush out an do something.  As a congregation of mostly white, middle class people - it is time for us to listen, learn and examine our own privilege.

Here are some resources to do that.   

The United Church of Canada has resources:  https://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism

The United Church also has resources for exploring healing and reconciliation with Indigeneous Communities.
Here is a place to start: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/reconciliation-and-indigenous-justice​

CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), has some good resources.
This link takes you to good movies to watch, most of which can be watched for free:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/what-to-watch-black-stories-1.5600291     

Ted Talks are an excellent way to explore topics.
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=Racism+   
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=white+privilege
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Our Mission:  "With Christ as our Guide, we are called to be an inclusive, progressive faith family, to worship God, nurture our community and serve the wider world."
Statement of Intention: 
  • We are intent on making Lakeshore United Church a broader reflection of God’s vision for creation, to be a safer haven for all seeking peace, justice, affirmation, acceptance, and equality.
  • We are a people who celebrate differences and accept them as gifts; in a place where new ideas are embraced, rather than feared, as we learn to expand our hearts and open our minds so that all are welcome.
  • We are called to be a part of a ministry that welcomes and includes all, honours the gifts of each, and recognizes that all receive God’s abundant grace.
  • We affirm that this includes full participation of persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races, abilities, ages, economic circumstances, ethnic and faith backgrounds in the life and work of the ministry.
  • Jesus reached out to all people, honouring all in their diversity.  We celebrate the richness this brings to Lakeshore United Church.






Lakeshore United Church
56 North St., Goderich, ON N7A 2T4
519-524-2103