OLD WINDHAM UNITED CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2016/17
MARK THESE DATES
December
8 – Church Council meeting – 7:00 in the
parlour
11 – Congregational Pot Luck Dinner-gather
at 5:30; eat at 6:00
15 – UCW meeting – 1:30
24 – Christmas Eve Service
25 – Christmas Day Service with St. James @
Old Windham
January 2017
1 – New Year’s Day Service – Old Windham
@ St. James United
12 – Fun & Fellowship meeting – 9:30 am
19 – UCW Annual Meeting & election of
officers
27 – DEADLINE for committee reports for
Annual Congregational Meeting
February 2017
Annual Meeting (date to be determined)
26 - Communion
March 2017
1 – Ash Wednesday
7 – NMAF Festival Highlights @ Old
Windham
GOD IS CLOSE BY
If you’ve been inspired by the bluebird’s blue
And seen the gleaming yellow goldfinch,
If you’ve heard the melodious mockingbird
And observed the ruby hummingbird,
If the orange of the oriole has left you amazed,
And the red of the cardinal has dazzled your eye,
If at bald eagles soaring you’ve gazed
And on your face the chick-a-dee has put a smile,
Then sit, and enjoy, and meditate, for a while.
As your soul captures all and your whole body gives a sigh,
It’s then you will know that
GOD IS CLOSE BY.
Wilf Pond (April 29, 2008)
PROPERTY CARE AND USE COMMITTEE
The furnace is not yet completed. When it is we will pay
for it. Meanwhile I hope people will continue to make
donations to the fund. Every dollar saves us interest.
Don Daley, Chair
OLD WINDHAM UNITED CHURCH
the Rev. Dr. Paul G. Currie ~ Paul @OldWindham.ca
30 Glendale Crescent
CindySmith, Church Administrative Secretary [email protected]
Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4M2
Lorne Evans, Music Director ~ [email protected]
www.OldWindham.ca
Paula Rasokas, Church Council Chair ~ [email protected]
[email protected] ~ Tuesday to Friday: 9 a.m., to 1:00 p.m.
Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
CURRIE ON CHRISTMAS . . . .
through to the Cross, and then to sit at the right hand
of God having conquered death. And the part of the
story that keeps us going -- through the Ramahs, the
Bethlehems, the Aleppos, the losses we feel in various
ways through our life -- the part of the story which
blesses us all today is the gift of God’s Spirit. It
strengthens us to move through the days and the years
with joy in our hearts and meaning in our living.
One of the strangest moments in a strange American
election campaign was when a candidate was asked
about their policy ideas for Aleppo. The answer:
“What’s Aleppo?”
Can you imagine if the conversation had a different
topic? “How are your Christmas plans coming?”
“What’s Christmas?” It sounds incredible to think that
someone might not know about Christmas, but actually
it seems that we meet them every day.
“Christmas is about lighting up the park.”
“Christmas is when we go to parties.”
“Christmas is the name of a school break when we go
to Florida.”
“Christmas is like Hanukkah or Kwanza, you know when we all get presents.”
Any other ideas? Ever hear of Jesus? I’m told that he is
almost as popular as Santa Claus. Actually, if you are
reading this, of course you know we celebrate the birth
of Jesus on that day. Every year, on the 25th day of
December we join Christians around the world and
through the past two thousand years to mark the day.
We have moved through the preparatory weeks of
Advent practising our Carol singing and looking forward
to worshipping Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when
the carols will sound just perfect.
This Christmas, in lectionary reading year A, we will
hear from Matthew. The first gospel’s nativity story
brings us full circle to my opening sentences. What is
Aleppo? Biblically it may be the “Ramah” where Rachel
wept when she found her children were no more. It
may be the “Bethlehem’ where a furious King Herod
commanded the killing of the innocents – all boys two
years and under. Aleppo is a place where unthinkable
human conflict has led to the death of many children,
as well as the destruction of a way of life. It is a
reminder that the middle east conflict seems never
ending. It is a reminder of our own sadness.
Thank God we have the promise of Christmas that
releases us from the clouds of gloom. “Unto us is born
a Saviour, and his name is Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince
of Peace.” We know the story so well. It races from
Christmas, to a ministry of healing and wholeness,
It is this Spirit that also moves us to worship and rejoice
because we, at least, know the Reason for the Season.
May we continue to deepen our discovery, and bolster
our sharing, of the blessings of this Christmas Season.
On behalf of Debbie and myself, may we also wish you
all blessings in 2017!
Rev. Paul
FROM ROBIN’S NEST
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
Having just returned from nearly three months in Kenya
working on our projects with the very productive Cale Gron
(former OWUC missionary), it's a privilege for me to give you
an update on Robin's Nest activities. Each day started at the
farm giving devotions to our 6 staff members. It became so
popular,
we
ended
up
with
over
25
in
attendance who received healing from many ailments, all
saved and 6 wanting to be baptised. Our 41 children in our
scholarship program continued to be appreciative of their
kind sponsors paying for their uniforms, text books, school
fees, field trips, exam fees etc. They are now enjoying
summer holidays in their villages where we also delivered
our annual relief food bags with basic necessities like soaps,
cooking oil, flour and ugali (Kenyan staple) normally received
with screams of sheer happiness and frail grandmothers
breaking into song and dance. We are proud to mention
about several of our children who have graduated into
teachers college, I.T. Technical Institutes, Medical College
and Nurse's College etc. which is nearing our final goal of
stamping out poverty. A few generous sponsors sent funds
for laptops so they had the same chances as children from
privileged families. Once they are earning their own money
from their chosen careers, they can financially feed back
into their own communities, empowering the marginalized
villagers to have ownership, increase their sense of selfworth so not having to rely on funds from well-wishers
anymore, and by boosting the local economy...we find that
normally to create change overseas, all they need is a
chance...from us.
as many live in mud huts without a toilet, shower or water.
We presented a tailoring-shorts workshop, taught tie-dying
skills, and introduced a variety or other ways to become
more employable to our widows/orphans women's sewing
group. We landed our first contract making school uniforms
giving each woman 10 clients. We had fun giving out
certificates for their participation in developing business
skills such as book keeping, building client relations,
marketing and banking workshops. Although this is just a
snippet of our work in Kenya, I trust the read gives you a
clearer picture of the essential role that OWUC sponsorships
and donations play in replacing lives from despair to joy, and
eradicating poverty.
We appreciate the assistance that OWUC has given to
support us over the years with these types of above
endeavours. Let us assure you that these Bungoma villagers
are eternally grateful as well! For our committed supporters
and for anyone else interested in contributing to this lifechanging work, our new contact address to make a
donation is: Nancy Haggith, RNGCF Administrative Support,
90 Head St, South, Strathroy Ontario N7G 2K9. Please ask
your bank to set up an electronic transfer or donate to the
following bank account: TD Canada Trust, Simcoe Branch No.
0155, and Account No. 7499-5210113. We would love to
partner with you . . . either on the ground in Kenya, or by
financial and prayer support.
Unfortunately for now, we cannot provide tax receipts until
Robin's Nest is granted its's charitable status. Please pray for
Gods favour as we work toward this goal. Thank you again
and again.
We refurbished, fenced and stocked our sustainable fish
pond with 1000 Tilapia, developed our poultry and rabbit
projects, built desks and stools for 86 kindergarten children
sitting on mud floors where threatening blood-sucking
jiggers attach and slowly consume parts of their little fingers
and toes. We dug and refurbished two wells leaving these
communities the gift of water. Imagine having to live without
water for drinking or cleaning for two years. Simply to let you
know how grateful these people were at the sight of fresh
running water, they danced and shouted gratitude's to' the
new Kenyan Mother Teresa!' Of course I was embarrassed
but made sure that everyone knew that none of this work
would
be
possible
without
the
financial
help of OWUC. Before we move forward with such projects,
we work closely with the authorities such as village chiefs,
village elders, government health departments and
children's services to establish their most crucial needs. The
environmentally friendly Community Sanitary Block we
installed provides people with privacy, dignity and hygiene
Blessings,
Robin Pond Byrnes
RNGCF International Project Coordinator/Chairperson
ROBIN’S NEST GLOBAL CHILD
We at Old Windham have enjoyed a special relationship
with this ministry which reaches out to children and
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
families in India and Kenya for over a decade now.
Indeed, the “Robin” of Robin’s Nest, formed much of
her Christian calling growing up among us. She has
recently retired from her teaching career in Australia.
As of the end of December we move into a new
financial relationship with this ministry. Robin’s Nest is
seeking their own Charitable Status designation from
Revenue Canada. See Robin’s report for the new
address for donations. Unless the Treasurer is notified
otherwise, current donors using Pre-Authorized
Remittance will no longer have the amount designated
for Robin’s Nest taken each month, thus reducing the
monthly contribution to Old Windham by that amount.
Old Windham will not process donations as of January
1, 2017, but we encourage current and future donors
to continue to support its work.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
We have some new endeavours planned for the year
2017 with local & global dimensions.
On the global scene Madi Drescher will serve as a
mission intern at The Dream Centre in Fish Hoek, South
Africa for three months starting in January, 2017. This
is a project of the organization Extreme Response to
help people living in extreme conditions in developing
nations. Madi's goal is to raise $7,000 to share with the
ministry and the children of Fish Hoek. Your generous
help will be sincerely appreciated. Tax receipted
donations may be made to Extreme Response and given
to Madi, Jane or the office. They will be deposited to
Madi's Extreme Response account.
Closer to home, Norfolk County has seen the recent
addition of at least two new outreach centres:
The Church Out Serving has opened a resource centre
in the old LCBO. We will be presenting more
information and we hope to have a speaker address us
soon.
As well Indwell is open for business in the old
Hambleton Hall. There are many volunteer
opportunities that will entail a variety of skills.
Information and again hopefully a speaker will be
presented at a future date.
In February we will have a presentation and display of
the proposed Safety Zone Community and Children's
Safety Village for Haldimand-Norfolk.
More information on all of these projects is on display
in the foyer, from Cindy's office, one of our Committee
members or @:
Church Out Serving: www churchoutserving.org/
Indwell: indwell.ca/projects/4
Extreme Response: extremeresponse.org/
Extreme
Response
Africa
(Fish
Hoek):
extremeresponse.org/where-we-serve/africa/
Your Outreach Committee members are:
Dianne Elliott, Joanne Pond, Rev. Murray Barnet,
Sandy Pond, Dawn Bowslaugh and
Lee Whitehead, Chair
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
Financial Report @ November 30, 2016
FESTIVE FARE OBSERVATIONS
This is just a short observation and/or comment on the
Festive Fare of 2016. First of all, we were very sorry
that Lorne was unable to carry out the overall duties of
Chairperson for this event as he and Sheila did a
magnificent job of shepherding us through the years of
change in leadership. However, our three happy
songstresses from the choir - Joanne, Jane and Janice
(Three J's), took over when Lorne went on sick leave
and a most successful 2016 Festive Fare was the result.
In experiencing the actual day, everyone was in place
when the opening bell rang and the hoards that were
waiting came quickly down the stairs, the halls and all
about the church. People had a great selection of
baking, preserves, jewellery, and what a luncheon!!!
Three cheers for the wonderful turkey sandwiches and
other good items at the OWL Café. The attendees sat
and visited over lunch and no-one was rushed to get
away. All in all, there was a great spirit of friendliness
and joy evident in every corner of the church. The
Boutique with purses, shoes, scarves etc. fared well and
was popular and the silent auction went extremely well.
Thanks are due all who attended, worked, donated, or
helped in any way. The success of the FF was a mark
of what can be accomplished when we all pull
together.
Jan - Nov
20116
Income
REVENUE
102,997
EXPENSE
128,032
NET LOSS
(25,036)
The deadline for tax receiptable donations to Old
Windham United Church is December 31, 2016. The
past year has been challenging for our congregation as
we have had to install a new furnace and have been
looking for donations (and still are) to help fund that as
well as maintain the daily operation of our
church. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Be safe over the
holidays and all the best for 2017.
Carol Sproule,
Treasurer
CATERING COMMITTEE
The catering group would like to thank all the
volunteers who helped with our Annual Turkey
Supper and the Festive Fare Luncheon. Without your
assistance these events would not have been such a
success. We look forward to another year and hope
that you will consider joining with us.
Catering Group
FINANCE COMMITTEE
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
OLD WINDHAM UCW
FUN & FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE
The UCW has just completed a five session study
entitled “Embracing a Life of Meaning”. Each study
began with a DVD presentation by Kathleen Norris, a
biblical scholar. This was followed by comments and
insights by a panel of people interacting with Kathleen.
After the half hour presentation our group had their
discussion on the topic.
Many things matter in our lives including the Bible, our
faith community and as people of faith, we matter.
The discussion on “Community Matters” revealed how
we feel about our faith community at Old Windham.
Many thanks to everyone on the committee for their
hard work to make the jewellery table and the silent
auction table a success at the Festive Fare.
F&F is looking forward to our next congregational event
which is the potluck supper on December 11th. There is
a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. This will help us
to determine the number of chairs and tables to set up.
Volunteers to help set up tables after worship on that
Sunday would be appreciated. Bring your own plates
and cutlery. Drinks provided.
Look forward to
seeing
you
there.
Our next meeting will be in January. If you have any
suggestions for future events you would like us to
consider please let a committee member know.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
C – Church family, caring, communion, compassion
O – Old Windham, optimism, one, ordinary
M – Music, ministry, mission
M – Money, memories
U – United, U.C.W., uplifting, understanding, useful
N – Nurturing, nice
I – Interesting, inviting, intelligent, interacting
T – Trustworthy, talented
Y – Youth
Your Fun & Fellowship committee
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Warm hugs and best wishes to everyone especially
those members of the congregation whose presence
has been missed in recent months.
M – Meditation, mystery, meetings
A – Active, acceptance
T – Truth, teaching
T – Thanksgiving
E – Energetic, enthusiastic
R – Rewarding, resourceful, renewal, refreshment
S – Spiritual, strength, service, support
June Barnet
WANTED: Canadian Tire Money – The UCW
uses this money to purchase items for the
kitchen.
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
Shouldn’t keep your grin away.
Even though the day may be dreary,
T’is no reason for you to be weary.
There’s always a storm before a rainbow,
And without the sun there’ll be no shadow.
So look at dull days as a garden gateway,
Through which will be a brand new day.
Take your new day and fill it with love,
Greet your friends with a caring hug.
Enjoy every minute of every day,
Sunny, stormy, snowy, or gray.
Wilf Pond (June 21, 2008)
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The next communion date is on the Sunday before Ash
Wednesday – February 26, 2017.
Piano humidifier/dehumidifier is installed to help
prevent further environmental damage to the grand
piano. Appreciation to the people who funded the unit.
MUSICAL KEYNOTES
Let me begin by thanking Gloria Walpole, Joanne Pond
and the choir for continuing to bring Christmas music
and special music to the Advent services during my
absence. December is such a busy month for everyone
(shopping, gift wrapping, parties, baking, etc.) but Old
Windham United is very fortunate to have so many
dedicated musicians and faithful choir members.
Personally, I am missing the choir and everyone else
during my recovery period. I look forward to returning
in the early part of 2017.
I might as well take this opportunity to sincerely thank
everyone at Old Windham for your phone calls, e-mails,
cards, visits, thoughts and prayers during my time away
for surgery. Both Sheila and I feel so blessed to have
your caring support at this time. You are the best!
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas
season filled with great joy and peace. May we all enter
2017 with a year of good health and happiness.
Lorne Evans
Music Director
STRANGE FACTS
GRAY DAYS
Did you know?
Just because the day is gray,
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Old Windham United Church Newsletter
Winter 2016/17
…the name December comes from the Latin word
“decem” meaning “ten” as it was the 10 th month in the
Roman Calendar.
Classes start September 12
Pilates:
Monday’s @ 5:50
$125 for 10 class pass
…Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, Christmas and Kwanzaa are
all holidays in which cultures use candles to symbolize
an important part of their holiday.
Strong Bones Strong Bodies:
A gentle restorative Pilates class suitable for anyone with
osteoporosis, arthritis or recovering from injury
Monday’s & Wednesdays @ 11 am
$85 for 10 class pass
…The song “Jingle Bells” was written by James Pierpont
in 1857. It was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh”
and was made for Thanksgiving.
Mind Body Fitness Program for Cancer survivors:
Monday’s & Wednesdays 3-5 pm
FREE
…The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower which
originates in Mexico and is known as the “Flower of the
Holy Night.
…Santa Claus is also known as St. Nicholas, Father
Christmas, Grandfather Frost and Kris Kringle.
…Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” between
October and November of 1843. The story was a hit
selling 6,000 copies by Christmas Day.
…”The Nutcracker” is the most famous Christmas ballet.
…Christmas trees are evergreen trees, usually a fir tree,
pine tree or spruce tree which are grown for
approximately 15 years before they are sold.
Christmas trees are also known as Yule trees and were
first decorated with foods such as apples, nuts and
dates.
Next issue deadline date is
February 26, 2017
This spring issue will cover from April – June
…Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
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