Our life is a journey. We are always “on the road” but there are certain experiences that are opportunities to pause and reflect. This coming Sunday is one of those opportunities, when we say goodbye to the Bellefair building. This huge change in our faith community, gives us a vantage point, from which we can:
*look back and remember the places that have blessed and enriched us, as well as those that have challenged and tested us
*take stock of our present situation and think about what we need to do to refuel and restore our energies
*identify the road-blocks, the places where we have got stuck or ignored the “road closed” sign
*look forward into the unknown, where we do not know what surprises we might encounter along the way.
We can risk looking in all directions because we have the assurance that God goes with us on the journey.
“Be confident. For go where you will, your God is with you.” Joshua 1:9
We trust that there will be enough strength and beauty amongst the pain, to sustain us and urge us forward. We trust that on this road we come to greater wholeness and transformation.
Blessings, Karen
BUC THIS WEEKEND
Jazz Vespers Series - Saturday, February 6th 4:30pm Beach EAST
Featuring the Malvern Dance Band. Music for the soul, fair-trade coffee, free-will offering. Children welcome.
Beach West Service of Closure - Sunday, February 7th 10:30 Beach West
We are holding our last service at our beloved Bellefair building. Please join us for this opportunity to come together to acknowledge the loss of a building and to celebrate the continuation of the Bellefair legacy through the ministry of Beach United Church.
Arrive a few minutes early for WonderCafé to share a warm cup of fair trade coffee or tea and conversation with friends.
Skating with BUCKY - Sunday, February 7th 11:30am Beach West
After service, join Beach United Church Kids/Youth (BUCKY) at a nearby ice rink for an hour of icy fun, followed by hot chocolate and snack. The location will be either the natural rink at Glen Manor ravine or the pond in Woodbine park. There is good ice at both spots. We’ll plan a few totally original fun games, free skating and shinny.
Beach Bereavement Group - Sunday, February 7th 1-3pm Spirit Space, Beach East
Ann Morwood & Jane Monro are leading this group to offer support & practical help to those who are grieving the death of someone important to them.
BUC UPCOMING EVENTS
Jesus to Constantine Study Group - Wednesday, February 10th 7pm Parlour, Beach East
This week's topic is "The Early Persecutions of the State; The Causes for Christian Persecution". For more information contact Dick Allan 416-698-8614.
Knitting for Shivering Children - Saturday, February 13th 10:30am Spirit Space, Beach East
Our first meeting was packed and fun as we sat around the growing pile of pneumonia vests and warm clothing for the Streetknit project. Whoever thought the word "exciting" could apply to a gathering of knitters? Come join our next meeting. Bring your needles (around size 4mm is good) and we supply the pattern and yarn. Just follow the sound of laughter. Contact Pat Davies 416-465-3081 or
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Lent 2010: Feasting on the Word - Sunday, February 14th noon-2pm Nursery, Beach East
Lent 5 Group: "serving the poor". Create community. Break bread together. RSVP
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BUC Pancake Supper - Tuesday, February 16th 5:30-7:30pm Auditorium, Beach East
Bring your family and friends to eat good food and get to know each other. The young people will be able to try their skill at pancake tossing. Volunteers for set-up, serving and clean-up are needed. Please contact Carol Andersen 416-261-9261or Margaret Burley 416-699-1368. After you have finished feasting, there will be an opportunity to take a quiet moment to reflect and pray in the Spirit Space. We will use ashes as a symbol of endings and new beginnings, to mark the season of Lent. This will not be a set service; people can come & go as they feel moved. Info:
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Skating with BUCKY - Sunday, February 21st 11:30am Beach East
After service, join Beach United Church Kids/Youth (BUCKY) at a nearby ice rink for an hour of icy fun, followed by hot chocolate and snack. Have fun, play games, free skate and shinny. We plan to reserve a regular Parks Department rink, actual location to be announced later. Comments/suggestions/more information: If you are interested in helping or have any suggestions, contact Sunday School Supervisor Wendy Johnston
or Hastings Withers 416-691- 1657 or
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Taizé Community Vespers - Sunday, February 21st 4pm Beach East
Sing, light candles, pray or meditate during this simple service: you are invited to participate as the Spirit moves you. This is a time to stop, reflect and rejuvenate for the week ahead.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gala Report
Due to the generosity of gifts and donations we can report in excess of $10,000 resulted from our fabulous evening. The final amount is still being tallied after all expense vouchers are collected and final donations are received. CONGRATULATIONS!
Carbon Fast for Lent
KAIROS and the BUC Green Team invite you to join us in a “Carbon Fast” for Lent. Fasting has a long history in many religious traditions including Christianity. Fasting is not just a literal abstaining from food but also a time of prayerful reflection and a gesture of commitment to God’s justice. Participating in a “Carbon Fast” means that we will try to reduce our use of fossil fuels, the leading cause of climate change, and advocate for social change. KAIROS has created a daily calendar for Lent that connects a scripture focus to daily suggestions for personal change. The calendar can be found at: http://kairoscanada.org/index.php?id=71&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=916
“BUCKY” News
A Message from Lori Jones-Chizewski, Programs Manager at the Versa-Care Centre:
"On behalf of the residents and staff at Versa-Care, I would like to thank you and your group for all the preparation and care you put into your visit with the Residents (on Sunday, January 31st.) Thank you to your piano player and talented singers. Thank you for continuing to support seniors in your community. Please let us know when you would like to visit again."
Music-2gether, b+, <10 and 'The Fauré Earth Ballet'!
The music program at BUC is starting to reinvent itself. The realities of peoples’ busy lives and the natural law of change require us to create exciting new opportunities, to transform and to tackle challenges we have not envisioned. Keep your ears open and listen for new music making, the sound is in the air.
Beach Interfaith Lunch Program
Both the Tuesday and Thursday lunches will now be held at Beach East starting February 9th. A volunteer with a car is needed every Monday to pick up food from Corpus Christie Church (Queen&Lockwood) and bring it to Beach East. Please speak to Rosalie Bradley or Karen Dale.
BUC Parking Reminder
Parking is free in either Green P parking lot on Hammersmith or Lee Avenues with a Beach United Church pass from 9:45am to 1pm on Sundays only. Please see Ross Richards or call 416-691-3292.
Family Day Volunteers Wanted
The Beach B.I.A. is looking for volunteers to help out for a few hours between 10am and 5pm on Monday, February 15th in and around Kew Gardens (including Beach East.) It is a great way for high school students to earn community service credits and for others to pitch in just for the fun of it. Please call Dianne or Mike Howarth at 416-693-1893 for more information.
Helping Haiti
Designate a gift for the “Haiti Appeal.” Funds collected will be shared directly with networks in the region. Online donations: http://www.united-church.ca/haiti Cheques to be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "Haiti Appeal." The funds will be treated as “designated gifts.”
Please note: Designated gifts cannot be counted as M&S Fund credits. However, they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and receipt individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church.
CONTACT US
Ministers: Karen Dale
Abigail Johnson
Ann Morwood
Director of Music: Douglas Brownlee
Locations: Beach West: 2000 queen street east toronto
Beach East/Office: 140 wineva avenue toronto M4E 2T4
Tel: 416-691-8082 Email:office@beachuc.com Web:www.beachunitedchurch.com
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