MINISTER’S MESSAGE
We are approaching the wrinkle in time when some say the spirit world moves closer to us. The beginning of Hebrews 12 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.”
The witnesses to which Hebrews refers is a long line of martyrs and exemplars of the Jewish faith. Christians are encouraged to think of them and be aware of their spirits cheering us on in this challenging race of life. The spirits of those who have passed on may be sensed more acutely in this transition between seasons. Who are the witnesses that have inspired and informed your faith and conscience? Whose spirits inspire you not to grow weary or lose heart?
From the 4th century on, the Hallowed Eve of All Saint’s Day has historically been a time when Christians prepared for the feasting in honour of saints on All Saint’s Day (Nov. 1) and the honouring of family and friends who have died on All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2). Methodist and Lutheran churches combined these into a remembering on All Saint’s Day of congregants who have died. As they remember the deceased, they often become aware of a gentle presence.
I have talked with so many people who tell me that they have sensed the energy and love of their beloved deceased surrounding them with a tangible presence of strength. This coming weekend, may we be sensitive to the great cloud of witnesses that cheers us on. We are not alone as we draw on their strength and look to Jesus, who gently guides us through the indwelling Holy Spirit to find a new way forward.
Happy Hallowed Eve of All Saint’s Day,
Loraine
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
October 31
Radical Love; soft re-reopening with small group in prep for next Sunday
Nov 7
Public Reopening for in-person worship—preregistration, masks, distancing and two weeks post double-vaxxed required.
Remembrance Day service with photos and communion
Nov 14
Provoked to Love
Nov 21
West Broadway guests tell their stories with Rev. Lynda Trono.
WESTWORTH COUNCIL
Westworth’s Council received notice from Pat Stephenson that she needs to step back from duties as Chair of Council for an undetermined period of time. As vice-chair of council, Dianne Sjoberg will step into the Chair until such time as Pat Stephenson returns. You may contact Dianne at dsjoberg@mymts.net. Pat asks that congregants not contact her by phone or email in the meantime as she uses the time to rest, exercise and cook some nutritious meals in order to return her health to pre-pandemic status. She knows that she is in our prayers, and that Loraine will remain in touch.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
- Committee Chairs are reminded to please submit your budget proposals to Jenny J by November 15. The Finance Committee will be preparing the 2022 budget based on the donations / pledges and the budget proposals received from Committees.
If your committee needs guidance on budget preparations or the correct form to use, please contact Jenny
Westworth’s annual Stewardship Campaign is underway.Hopefully, you will have received your stewardship information in the mail and are considering your pledge. If you have not received your stewardship materials, please contact the Church office, 204-489-6974, Ext 20. Please complete your pledge and return it soon so that it can be include in the dedication of gifts on October 31.
Your pledge is appreciated and supports the day-to-day work of Westworth. Every pledge large or small is important. Annual Westworth expenditures are based on pledges received so that we can budget carefully. 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 to everyone who has been able to return their pledge. As of October 24th, we have received pledges from 68 Westworth households which represents 24%.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This week Westworth kids will listen to the story of ‘God Calls Samuel’ 1 Samuel 3:1-20. Our topic of conversation will be ’How old do you have to be to work for God?’
– Maggie and your Sunday School Teachers
Please note starting this week as you join Zoom you will be in a waiting room and I will give you access to join Zoom Sunday school.
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: God Calls Samuel
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/westworthuc/videos/204065338521174
Curriculum is Available Here:
http://westworth.ca/category/online-sunday-school/
Travelling Youth Group: Calling all youth (G7 and up) the Travelling Youth Group is coming to Westworth on November 19th. More information to follow.
OUTREACH
- West Broadway Community Ministry (1JustCity)
Suppers at West 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. Urgently needed are breakfast foods: Instant Oatmeal Packets; Instant Coffee; Syrup; Canned Fruit; Boxes of Cereal; Tinned protein (tuna, salmon, ham, stews, sloppy joes, chilli) and Oranges. Please email wbcm@1justcity.ca to arrange drop-off. Cheques to Westworth with “WBCM Pantry” on the memo line are always gratefully received!
- “LET JUSTICE FLOW“!: Westworth United Church has supported and been 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.
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.
- The Alabaster Jar: 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 lover which we have no control. 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. Thelma broke her glasses and couldn’t see a way to afford a new pair. Donations to the Alabaster Jar assisted Thelma, who got a new pair of glasses and could once again read to her granddaughter. Gits to the Alabaster Jar also supported Don, who had to travel up North for a funeral; and Ayla, who needed her First Aid certification to get a job.
A gift from the Alabaster Jar is a gift for the soul. It honours a persons’ uniqueness by directly helping them in their specific circumstances. Once again appealing to you for a donation to our Alabaster Jar. Your gift to this program will someone’s life in a major way! You may donate by sending your cheque to Westworth United Church with WBCM Alabaster Jar in the memo line.
- MAKE POVERTY HISTORY!: After almost two years of work, The City of Winnipeg is set to release its Poverty Reduction Strategyon November 17, 2021. We need the Mayor and EPC to pass it! The strategy will be made public on November 12, 2021. But, we need to make sure that the strategy passes AND lives up to the massive need in our community. Here’s what you can do:
– Quick & easy! Share your support on social media! Share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
– More work, but more effective! Contact the Mayor and all of Council’s Executive Policy Committee sharing your support for why Winnipeg needs this strategy and what should be included. Follow this link for more information: http://makepovertyhistorymb.com/campaigns/winnipeg-without-poverty/
CHRISTMAS BAKING FUND RAISER
Linda P and Cathy Mare raising funds for Westworth with a bake sale. Baking will be sold in packages of one dozen. Orders will be taken from October 31 – November 14th and filled as soon as possible after the order is received.
Please place your order by calling Cathy M or emailing her
There is a maximum number of items available for sale.
Item Description Quantity Cost/Dozen
Shortbread 2” and decorated ___ dozen $7.00 per dozen
Pecan Puffs contains Pecans ___ dozen $7.00 per dozen
Maple Buds shortbread bottom ___ dozen $7.00 per dozen
with maple bud on top
Cuban Treats like a chocolate; contains ___ dozen $7.00 per dozen
peanuts
Chip Butterballs Chocolate chips, pecans ___ dozen $7.00 per dozen
Name: _________________________ Phone number: _______________________
Email address: ________________________
Please make cheques payable to Westworth United Church.
JAM, JELLIES AND SCONES SALES
Thank you to everyone who participated in making the Jam, Jelly and Scones sale such a success! Approximately $2,500.00 was raised and proceeds will support the life of Westworth. To the production team, Nancy, Marion, Barbara, Gail, Alexa, Shirley, Ruth and Barb – your contributions were all appreciated. To our customers, your enthusiasm made this all a lot of fun and we hope you and your friends enjoy every bit.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PHOTOS & STORIES
This year, Loraine is collecting stories of family members who served in the armed forces. Please email her a story by Oct. 31. We will also be including photos of family members who served in the Armed Forces for our Remembrance Day service on Nov. 7. If you haven’t yet sent in a photo or two, please email Loraine a scan of the photo in a jpeg or tiff file, actual size by Oct. 31. If unsure how to do this, please phone her at 204-775-8817.
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE READERS
We have received our notice from Broadview of the need to renew our Group Subscription. If you are planning on renewing your subscription to Broadview please send a cheque for $25. to the church office or drop it in the church mailbox. Should you choose not to renew please inform us of that as well. The group subscription rate is unchanged at $25. and it would be more expensive to renew on your own. The deadline for submission of your cheque is December 3rd. Because this is a group subscription the payment from Westworth is made for the group. Therefore your cheque needs to be made out to Westworth United Church with a note that it is for Broadview magazine. If you have any questions please contact the church office or Rochelle B
We appreciate your prompt response to this renewal.
