Dear Congregants,
This past week I’ve had the privilege of being part of two webinars. One was the first of three webinars which Ron Bailey organized on Estate Planning. It was so good to see about 23 “Westworthians”—I can attest that we’re still alive and kicking! It was good to have some serious conversation and some laughs—what a delightful combination. The other webinar was a cross-country session on Thriving Churches. Over 200 participants are learning about what I learned on my sabbatical and I’m learning from them. Many of them are offering creative ministry in these tough times.
What is becoming increasingly apparent in these times is that interpersonal connections are more important than almost anything else. In a couple of weeks, we’ll be beginning our Lenten Study small groups, which will give us more opportunity to check in with each other and support each other in prayer and care. I invite each of you to think about how you might reconnect with friends and family which you haven’t seen for awhile. Strolling on the Assiniboine River with its many installations of games, poetry hubs, ice sculptures, fire pits and skating rinks is one of my favourites ways to visit with friends. On one walk, Nancy and I encountered 8 different modes of transportation on the river: snowshoeing, walking, skating, skiing, tobogganing, fat tire biking, motorized tricycling and even dog sledding! I’m seeing the fruit of people’s abilities to visit and have fun in safe, creative ways.
The light is brightening in so many ways. This coming Lent, we will be celebrating the growing light of hope. Instead of entering into the darker place of contemplation and confession, this year we will be focussing on where we find hope, even in the midst of darkness.
In hope,
Loraine
Photos of Hope
To accompany our Lenten services that will focus on hope, we invite you to send us by next week any photos you have that remind you of hope. It’s best if they can be horizontal in high resolution. Please email Peter Sim for further instruction on how to send them to him.
Congregational Tributes
Congratulations to Ray M., who has received a small grant from the Manitoba Band Association to help him send out YouTube videos of music for members of Westworth Winds to practice at home. Congratulations, Ray—and keep that music humming!
Amanda Y.: has taken a term position managing an alternative isolation accommodation for northern communities that are experiencing outbreaks. Her particular unit is working with those with complex medical conditions in an innovative paramedical model. She is working 60 hour weeks until the end of June.
Pat S.: offered to return to work late last fall to help the personal care homes. She was assigned as COVID Lead for the Long Term Care Program in the WRHA. She monitored homes to ensure they understood use of PPE while giving care. She also assisted with staffing as many homes were short-staffed. The job evolved into assisting with the vaccine program and ensuring that the clinics in the homes are well informed with ever changing information and education coming through the vaccine task force from shared health. Pat has been working long days for weeks on end with few days off.
To both Pat and Amanda, thanks so much for jumping into the COVID response and taking on these long hours to help save lives. Our prayers are with both of you!
Please send me tributes of others in this congregation that we can include in future congregational emails and in our prayers. I would like us to celebrate one another as much as possible and join our prayers together in support of the amazing ministries that this congregation is offering outside the church, as well as inside!
New Members
On Sunday, Feb. 7 we will be welcoming two new members: Sharon S. and Madeline P.. Their brief bios follow:
Madeline P.
Hello, my name is Madeline P. My husband and I live in the south end of Winnipeg, in the Whyte Ridge neighbourhood. We have been married for over 40 years and have two sons, and a daughter-in-law. My parents, who are no longer with us, were born in British Columbia and my grandparents moved to Canada from China. I am the fourth of five children and my siblings live all across Canada, except for my youngest brother, who lives in Winnipeg. We are a close family and keep in regular contact. I spent most of my career working for various deputy ministers and Civil Service Commissioners of the Manitoba government. After retiring in 2017, I had the fortunate opportunity to check a few things off my “bucket list”. My husband and I spent some time travelling through Europe and we were also able to experience an Alaskan Cruise with my siblings and their spouses. It was a lot of fun bonding.
I started attending Westworth United church with my sister-in-law Sharon in February of 2019. At the time, I had just been diagnosed with a progressive health condition and realized something was missing in my life. I needed the spiritual strength to help me cope with this difficult news, so I was looking for a church nearby. I had read one of Minister Loraine’s sermons online and it really touched me, so I decided to attend a service in person, and as they say, the rest was history. Besides the warm welcome I received from Westworth, I really enjoyed the choir and the minister’s messages. I grew up attending the Chinese United Church, which is a smaller church, so I found the size of congregation at Westworth to be just right. I look forward to this pandemic being under control, so we can gather in-person again. While I miss travelling and being able to visit my out-of-province siblings and their families. I am so blessed to have a loving husband and two wonderful sons, an amazing brother and an incredible sister-in-law all in Winnipeg.
Sharon S.
Hello, my name is Sharon S.. The first time I came to Westworth was in the winter of 2019. My fabulous sister-in-law, Madeline, and I were talking about attending church and she expressed the need to reconnect with church again. I quickly chimed in that I would be happy to go on that journey with her. Initially, our plan involved attending a few churches; Madeline suggested Westworth United for our first one to attend. That first morning, we were welcomed with open arms, everyone was so kind and thoughtful, and we absolutely loved the service. There were so many opportunities for us to join in and volunteer, such as West Broadway lunch program and the famous church bazaar and luncheon. We made our minds up on that first day that we had found somewhere very special to belong. Our search was over.
I have two daughters who are married; one lives in Grande Prairie, Alberta (2 grandchildren) and one lives in Stockholm, Sweden (3 grandchildren). My partner, Daryl, and I are both retired and enjoy life immensely. I spent the majority of my career working in Human Resources, primarily in healthcare. I have varied interests and passions (theatre, ballet, opera, Fringe, Folk Fest, running, golf, fitness, travelling, baking, cooking). I love to challenge myself and I did my first solo vacation to Amsterdam a couple of years ago to join a group of crazy women on a bike tour. Best experience ever and hopefully it won’t be my last. My first volunteer role was a candy striper at St. Boniface Hospital on a surgical unit. To this day, I volunteer in a variety of ways throughout the year. I have a difficult time saying no, but for the most part, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Upcoming Worship Service Highlights
Feb. 7: welcoming new members and hearing from them
Feb. 14: gospel music love-themed service with jazz/gospel guest musicians
Wednesday, Feb 17: Regional Ash Wednesday Service
Feb 21: First Sunday of Lent—this year’s theme: Because There is Hope Here, featuring congregational reflections every Sunday of Lent on hope
Feb. 28: online service begins earlier 10:30-11:00 am, followed by the AGM on Zoom at 11:15 am.
Estate Planning Workshops
Continued workshop series: Registrations still being accepted.
Part II: February 10th. “Organizing for Death” Presented by Eleanor Wiebe.
Part III: February 17th. “Legal Aspects of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives”, Presented by Eleanor Wiebe
Detailed descriptions of each workshop are on the Westworth website, www.westworth.ca
To Register
To allow for discussion we would like to limit the number of registrations to 25 sites. More than one person can participate at each site. Please register at office@westworth.ca and put “Estate Planning” in the subject line or call 204-489-6974 ext. 20. You will be sent a Zoom link by email prior to each session.
Sunday School News
This week’s Sunday school lesson on ‘A Storm’ has been sent by e-mail, it includes all the age groups from N/K to G5/6, with the activity sheets. If you need a printed copy of the curriculum, please let me know at churchschool@westworth.ca.
The Sunday school teachers will be on Zoom this Sunday from 10.15am-10.40am to chat with you. Our theme this week will be ‘How do you cope with being afraid and how does having FAITH help’. Then join the online service with Loraine following Zoom Sunday school .
This week’s bible story is read by Julia, and The Lord’s Prayer is read by Danielle, your Sunday school teachers are on the Westworth Face Book page for you to view, there is also a link in the CE drop down menu on our web site.
Zoom Sunday School Information
Zoom Meeting ID 743 937 1522
Pass Code 042976
Maggie
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Covid – Church Closure
Just a reminder that the church is closed as we follow the public health measures put in place to reduce possible Covid 19 infections. Only staff, contractors and the online worship team are allowed in the building with a limit of 5 people total at any one time.
As we continue to contribute to keeping the line flat, if you need to drop an item off or pick up an item, call the office first to make arrangements. Items can be placed in three drop boxes: locked box by the back door (slit for envelopes), locked mailbox at the front door (slit for envelopes), and a large, unlocked wooden box to the left of the front doors.
Thank you for your continued patience during these times. Your efforts help keep us all safe.
Hello from Tammy, Office Administrator
Hello, everyone. My name is Tammy and I have been hired to take over the Office Administrator position from Heather. I have big shoes to fill! I am super pleased to be working with and for Westworth United and look forward to getting to know all of you in the months ahead. There is much to learn as I navigate through the processes and I appreciate the patience and kindness that you have shown me. Much gratitude!
The office hours will change slightly as I will only be taking a ½ hour lunch break. Starting February 8th, the new office hours will be:
Open: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed for Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Open: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Annual Report
The 2020 Annual Report will be posted online next week and paper copies will be available the week of February 15th. After that date, if anyone would like a paper copy, please let the office know and we will put a it in the drop box for you. We have some volunteer drivers who can drop off a copy for you if it is difficult to come to the church—just let the office know if you would like a copy.
Lenten Study
This Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17, we will be having another small group Lenten Study, similar to last year. We hope to have a few small groups that will meet once a week and share reflections on the Gospel of Mark, which is the primary gospel we will follow during this year’s lectionary readings. The purpose of this study is to help you become more familiar with another gospel, consider reflective questions that help you in your personal spiritual journey, and get to know a few other people at Westworth. This year, the groups will meet over Zoom as follows:
Tuesday 7:00 pm, beginning Feb 23, Facilitator Heather R. There is still room in this group.
Thursday 1:30 pm, beginning Feb 25, Facilitator Dorcas W. There is still room in this group.
Monday 1:30 pm, beginning Feb 22 Facilitators Arlene H. & Kathy W.: This group is now FULL.
Please let Tammy, our new Office Administrator, know of your interest as soon as possible and which group you would like to join. Workbooks have been prepared and are available for pickup at the church. If you are able to contribute $10 for the cost of the workbook, that would be appreciated, but not necessary.
1. West Broadway Community Ministry:
a. Lunches: The Outreach Team is overwhelmed with your generous support for the lunch program that Westworth will continue to offer on a monthly basis. Thank you so much for your contribution to the cost of each month’s lunch which is approximately $350. . Cheques may be sent to the Westworth office with the memo line indicating “WBCM lunches”.
b. West Broadway Community Ministry (WBCM) Emergency Pantry: As the building remains closed, weekly donations of food, toiletries and feminine hygiene products cannot be placed in the WB Buckets, please consider making a donation to the purchasing of food and supplies for the pantry. Cheques to Westworth with “WBCM Pantry” on the memo line are gratefully received!
- 1JustCity “Beat the Cold”:
Beat the Cold is an annual triathlon hosted by 1JustCity and TriFactor where weekend warriors, super athletes and fun-letes will run, bike, skate, sled, ski, etc! in the frigid February weather. For the last two years, the wildest Winnipeggers have beaten the cold so others don’t have to. This year, from February 5-15, 2021, they’ll do it again! Because this year’s race is over 10 days, racers can be flexible with their time and creative with their sports and outfits!
For detailed information about this terrific opportunity to challenge yourself and to help 1JustCity – explore the link at https://www.1justcity.ca/beat-the-cold.
