Dear Congregants,
At a recent planning meeting for our Lenten services, I was struggling to find creative energy. For the first time, I did not have any ideas to bring to the virtual table. Debbie M., our beloved music director, took up the torch and poured through material to offer a number of ideas. Her words about hope stayed with me. I went for a walk right after the meeting, asking God for wisdom and hope began to blossom. I saw a picture of varied hues of purple ribbons woven through a willow sculpture. The title of our Safe Reopening Committee’s report, “Because There is Hope Here” came to mind. Eunice P. had offered this name that so aptly describes the motivation of the Safe Reopening Committee. The Worship Team members, at their meeting last night, each took a few moments to share how they find hope in this time. Even though we were all Zoomed out after meeting for two hours, energy lifted and smiles began to spread. I encourage other committees and groups to take a few minutes at your online gatherings and ask each member to talk about where they find hope. It’s amazing how contagious hope can be.
One of the things that inspires me is to hear stories of how others continue to make significant contributions to the community. Nancy W.’s cards of care that she sends to congregants has inspired others in the congregants to send cards (see Nancy D.’s note from Community Care Team below). The Winnipeg Free Press has been written recent stories about our Westworth, including our own Marion M. and Wendy M. See following link: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/coronavirus/making-masks-a-glorious-task-573654412.html
Our bulletin board at church is filling up with these stories! I would like to resurrect our celebrations of milestones of our congregants—whether that be birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, awards or accomplishments. These celebrations will bring hope on their wings. Please let me know of milestones of congregants that I can include in our Sunday services and congregational emails.
There is, indeed, hope in our midst.
Loraine
Upcoming Worship Service Highlights
Jan 31: giving tribute to Wendy M.; Church Mouse will be making an appearance
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
Start of Estate Planning workshop series delayed. Registrations still being accepted.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the workshop series will start a week later on February 3 at 7:00 on Zoom and the order of the presentations will change.
Updated workshop series:
February 3rd part 1. “Charitable giving as part of your estate planning”. Presented by Norm Velnes
February 3rd part 2. “Roles and responsibilities of churches and funeral homes” Presented by Rev. Loraine McKenzie Shepherd.
February 10th. “Organizing for Death” Presented by Eleanor Wiebe.
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 The Woman at the Well 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 water. Then join the online service with Loraine following Zoom Sunday school for Time with the Children
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.
There is also a video of visual only instructions on how to make an ORIGAMI dove.
Zoom Sunday School Information
Zoom Meeting ID 743 937 1522
Pass Code 042976
Maggie
Heather’s Thank You
Thank you for the lovely tributes on last week’s online service including the song composed by Debbie M.. I’m overwhelmed by all your kindness and generosity. I much appreciate all the cards, calls and gifts I have received. I will miss you all but am looking forward to new adventures in my retirement. Hope to see you at the next Bazaar!
Happy New Year from your Community Care Team.
Did you know that Nancy W., on behalf of Westworth’s Community Care team has sent out 171 cards and notes this year? That’s an average of one card every two days! While some were cards related to bereavements and illness, approximately 40% were cards of support for those experiencing the loneliness of lockdown restrictions. Thank-you Nancy for your generous gift of written encouragement in these challenging times.
Our team challenges all members of Westworth to take the time to write a note of thanks or encouragement to someone this coming week. It can be via Canada Post, email or text. Everyone appreciates an unexpected greeting in the month of January.
Spread Westworth’s care today!
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.
