MINISTER’S MESSAGE
I am grateful for Westworth’s bereavement leave that gave me time over Thanksgiving to be with family in Victoria for my mother’s Celebration of Life. It was offered through Zoom from my brother’s living room with immediate family, all masked. This allowed people to join and speak from across Canada—blessings in disguise. I carry thanks back with me.
We move from Thanksgiving for the blessings we have received into our stewardship campaign when we consider how we might pass on our blessings to others. The pledges we receive will help determine the ministries that we will be able to offer in the coming year. They help to give some stability in a rather unstable time, when planning is so difficult. They offer a way to carry our thanks forward.
I hope that you have had some version of Thanksgiving that has lifted your spirits. How can you join me in carrying your thanks forward?
Loraine
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Oct. 17
Live-streamed service including baptism for a new family.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Westworth’s annual Stewardship Campaign has started. All households have been mailed a letter and pledge form about our campaign which you should receive this week. Your pledge is appreciated and supports the day to day work of Westworth. Please return the pledge in the pre-addressed envelope so that it can be included in the dedication of gifts.
Every pledge large or small is important. The annual Westworth budget is set based on pledges received. Please consider an increase in your annual pledge to help us cover increasing costs and to provide financial certainty when others are unable to pledge or donate.
Thank you from your Finance and Stewardship Committee.
UPCOMING STUDY GROUP: The Landscape of Grief and Loss with Linda W
This will be a six-week discussion group looking at grief and loss, including the losses experienced during the COVID shutdowns. It will begin this Monday, October 18, 2021 at 7:30pm on Zoom.
This will be a discussion group, in the context of which we will all learn something about grief and loss, but not only in the abstract. This exploration will prepare each of us to be a little better able to do two things: a) support others in times of crisis and b) approach perspective on our own experiences.
Sessions:
Oct 18 Session One: LIES MY CULTURE TOLD ME
Oct 25 Session Two: DUMB THINGS PEOPLE SAY
Nov 1 Session Three: AM I LOSING MY MIND? (Sadly, yes)
Nov 8 Session Four: WHAT’S GOD GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Nov 15 Session Five: THE CHALLENGE OF EMPATHY
Nov 22 Session Six: HELLO, SELF-COMPASSION
Please contact Linda at to register and receive the Zoom link. There are still spaces available.
Linda W is relatively new to Westworth and we are fortunate to have her offer her gifts of teaching and facilitation. Drawing upon her theological training, plus life and ministry experience, she brings a valuable perspective on grief and loss. She is the author of Facing Death: A Companion in Words and Images.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This week Westworth kids will listen to the story of ‘Manna, Quail and Water’.
– Maggie and your Sunday School Teachers
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89946987441?pwd=MnQrd0FHaHFHWDhMWHU0L1RMMDY1Zz09
Meeting ID: 899 4698 7441
Passcode: 323063
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
Bible Story: Manna, Quail and Water
The 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.
Bible Story is Available Here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=861654657881347
Curriculum is Available Here:
http://westworth.ca/category/online-sunday-school/
BEYOND WESTWORTH
Laura Ro, who used to attend our congregation with her family, is now student minister at Grey Street United Church. You are welcome to attend a celebration of the Pastoral Relations Covenant with Laura Rousseau (Candidate for Ordained Ministry) and Grey Street United Church on October 17 at 7:00 p.m.
| Working Together
To Grow Ecological & Social Justice |
OUTREACH
- West Broadway Community Ministry (1JustCity)
Suppers at Wear Broadway: WB is now open Monday through Thursday, afternoon to early evening. Suppers are being served early evening (still through the window). Westworth will continue to provide resources to feed the folks at West Broadway once a month. For now, we ask that you continue to support this vital ministry by continuing your generous donations for these suppers. Please write cheques to Westworth United Church, clearly marking “WBCM” in the memo line. Thank you!
- West Broadway Community Ministry (WBCM) Emergency Pantry: Thank you for your support for the folks in the West Broadway area. Cheques to Westworth with “WBCM Pantry” on the memo line are gratefully received!
- An Incredible Opportunity to Consider – “LET JUSTICE FLOW“!: Westworth United Church has supported involved with West Broadway Community Ministry since its beginning, continuing for decades as a member of the Winnipeg Presbytery’s Partners in Mission. We have had members serve on the WB Board and on the Pastoral Care Team. We have invited members of the West Broadway Community to share their story in worship services. We have served their favourite lunch—meatball subs—on a monthly basis. Even through the COVID pandemic, we have supported them with a monthly meal and donations for emergency food.
- As you may know, to address the reality of an aging Church, shrinking dollars and fewer volunteers, West Broadway Community Ministry opted to join with other Community ministries in the city and reach out beyond the churches for both funding and volunteers. In early 2021, West Broadway officially became part of 1JustCity.
While we celebrate this choice, we are concerned that our church’s vital connection to inner city mission could become lost. Rev. Linda Trono, the outgoing Minister at West Broadway has devised a plan where each Community of Faith might encourage a member to engage in education and collaboration through a 10-week certificate program, Let Justice Flow. The course will begin in November. Brochures are available now and applications for the course are due mid-October. If you are interested in taking the course, please contact Ruth Wiwchar at ruth.wiwchar@mymts for more information.
- A Letter From Lynda Trono, Minister at West Broadway: Once again, we’re approaching the time of year when we celebrate Harvest and give thanks for life in all its fullness. We still find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and, in spite of the hardships it caused, it’s given us an opportunity to pause and assess what is of real value in our lives.
Over the years, members of the West Broadway community have had the opportunity to give thanks through the Alabaster Jar.
The Alabaster Jar is for “extravagant gifts in exceptional circumstances”. It was established in 2013 at West Broadway Community Services to give one of our volunteers in a period of extreme stress the chance to slow down and reflect.
When West Broadway Community Services transitioned fully into 1JustCity, we brought this phenomenal program with us. The Alabaster Jar exists to give people an extra boost, a boost beyond a bowl of soup or a bag of groceries.
Sometimes, things happen in life that we don’t have control over. Those of us who have the means can manage the unexpected. Those living on social assistance don’t have the funds to manage emergencies or opportunities.
Chances are, you know and love someone who wears glasses, or, you wear glasses yourself. Now, imagine wearing the same pair of glasses for years — never being able to afford new frames and having to look at the world through an out-dated prescription. Then one day, your glasses break. What would you do? How would you be able to read, or navigate your way across busy streets?
That’s exactly what happened to Thelma. Thelma broke her glasses and couldn’t see a way to afford a new pair. When you donate to the Alabaster Jar this Thanksgiving, you’re helping someone like Thelma, who got a new pair of glasses and can once again read to her granddaughter. You also support people like Don, who had to travel up North for a funeral; and Ayla, who needed her First Aid certification to get a job.
Making a Difference in the World
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Join Canadian Foodgrains Bank for a virtual “Singin’ in the Grain” fundraising concert on, Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 8:00 pm, Central Time. Appropriately, October 16th is World Food Day. The video will be available to be viewed later as well.
Since 2011 the “Singin’ in the Grain” committee has organized annual fundraising concerts to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the concert became a virtual event in 2020. Given the positive response to that virtual concert we are delighted to invite you to another virtual Singin’ in the Grain concert.
Michelle Sawatzky of Golden West Radio will MC this musical event featuring three sets of talented musical guests who have offered their time and talents for you to enjoy in an hour of outstanding music. The Quonset Brothers from Winkler are back by popular demand. Quattro Grani is a quartet from Winnipeg featuring Matt Pauls, James Magnus-Johnston, Nolan Kehler, and Mike Wiebe. The musical duo of Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg round out a lineup of wonderful musical talent. For more information, click on the link! https://foodgrainsbank.ca/news/singin-in-the-grain-2021/
UCW
JAMS, JELLIES AND MORE!
Our Preserves Sale launches, once again, this week. Hope you found your order form in the Westworth congregational email, personal mail or with your stewardship package. Information on how to order is included with the form. All your favourites are back, with a few new flavours to try, as well as SCONES by Shirley W. New items available are Rhubarb Marmalade and a limited number of gift bags that just fit our jars for your holiday giving. All orders must be in by Monday, October 25. We look forward to your support once again.
