Rural United Pastoral Charge News
If you do not wish to have photos of your family that are
taken at church functions posted to the Rural United web page please let your Clerk of Session know.
taken at church functions posted to the Rural United web page please let your Clerk of Session know.
Dear Affirming United Church Communities,
I am writing to introduce (or re-introduce) you to Rainbow Camp®! Rainbow Camp® is a Mission and Service supported, welcoming/inclusive camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 17.
We believe strongly in the power of inclusive and affirming spaces for young people. Rainbow Camp® provides a safe and supportive environment where 2SLGBTQ+ allied youth can connect, build community, and celebrate their identities.
Youth from across Canada attend Rainbow Camp®, with sponsorships and travel bursaries helping make it possible for youth in your area to attend Rainbow Camp® this year.
I encourage you to highlight Rainbow Camp® during your Camping Sunday celebrations on April 27, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
• Raise awareness about the importance of affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ allied youth.
• Promote Mission and Service initiatives that support inclusivity and justice.
• Encourage youth in your community to explore the valuable opportunities offered by Rainbow Camp®.
You can find more information about Rainbow Camp® at https://www.welcomefriend.ca/camp/. Possible videos to share with your congregation include:
• YouTube Video Link 1
• YouTube Video Link 2
I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reply to this email. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive communities for all.
Sincerely,
Harry Stewart M.S.M. (he/him)
Chair/President Welcome Friend Association
([email protected])
705-842-3740 ext 105 1-888-909-2234 Ext 105 (toll free)
Please consider supporting Rainbow Camp's crowd-funding campaign www.helprainbowcamp.com www.WelcomeFriend.ca
I am writing to introduce (or re-introduce) you to Rainbow Camp®! Rainbow Camp® is a Mission and Service supported, welcoming/inclusive camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 17.
We believe strongly in the power of inclusive and affirming spaces for young people. Rainbow Camp® provides a safe and supportive environment where 2SLGBTQ+ allied youth can connect, build community, and celebrate their identities.
Youth from across Canada attend Rainbow Camp®, with sponsorships and travel bursaries helping make it possible for youth in your area to attend Rainbow Camp® this year.
I encourage you to highlight Rainbow Camp® during your Camping Sunday celebrations on April 27, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
• Raise awareness about the importance of affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ allied youth.
• Promote Mission and Service initiatives that support inclusivity and justice.
• Encourage youth in your community to explore the valuable opportunities offered by Rainbow Camp®.
You can find more information about Rainbow Camp® at https://www.welcomefriend.ca/camp/. Possible videos to share with your congregation include:
• YouTube Video Link 1
• YouTube Video Link 2
I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reply to this email. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive communities for all.
Sincerely,
Harry Stewart M.S.M. (he/him)
Chair/President Welcome Friend Association
([email protected])
705-842-3740 ext 105 1-888-909-2234 Ext 105 (toll free)
Please consider supporting Rainbow Camp's crowd-funding campaign www.helprainbowcamp.com www.WelcomeFriend.ca
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The Good Friday service was held at St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue U.C. 
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Ash Wednesday Service, March 5, 2025
The Theme of Rev. Martin's Homily
Rev. Martin based his Ash Wednesday reflection on Psalm 51, a prayer of confession before the Prophet Nathan.
David, as King of Israel, had a lot of privileges but he abused his position and sinned.
This left him with a deep sense of sorrow and shame.
He carried this feeling with him everywhere he went and so confessed, “I have done this evil,” and prayed for pardon.
The Lenten period is about self-introspection, not to make us feel guilty or judged, but to feel appreciation for our salvation from it. God has given us the gift of pardon so that we may again feel joy and happiness in this world.
A Prayer of Forgiveness
Almighty, all-knowing God, forgive all who turn to you in confession.
In your holy presence, we acknowledge the brokenness of this world and its effect on our relationships with each other.
Forgive the ways we have failed to help others; forgive the things we have done and the things we have left undone.
Dear God, create in us clean hearts, in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Theme of Rev. Martin's Homily
Rev. Martin based his Ash Wednesday reflection on Psalm 51, a prayer of confession before the Prophet Nathan.
David, as King of Israel, had a lot of privileges but he abused his position and sinned.
This left him with a deep sense of sorrow and shame.
He carried this feeling with him everywhere he went and so confessed, “I have done this evil,” and prayed for pardon.
The Lenten period is about self-introspection, not to make us feel guilty or judged, but to feel appreciation for our salvation from it. God has given us the gift of pardon so that we may again feel joy and happiness in this world.
A Prayer of Forgiveness
Almighty, all-knowing God, forgive all who turn to you in confession.
In your holy presence, we acknowledge the brokenness of this world and its effect on our relationships with each other.
Forgive the ways we have failed to help others; forgive the things we have done and the things we have left undone.
Dear God, create in us clean hearts, in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
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The Charge extends a big welcome to Melanie Young
who is replacing Gail Scott as bulletin secretary.
She will work with Carol Verstraete and 'do' the bulletins
at St.Paul's-Victoria Avenue U.C.
who is replacing Gail Scott as bulletin secretary.
She will work with Carol Verstraete and 'do' the bulletins
at St.Paul's-Victoria Avenue U.C.
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March 7, 2025 – World Day of Prayer World Day of Prayer will be recognized with a service at Turin United Church at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. This years service titled “I Made You Wonderful” was prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Cook Islands. |
CONGRATULATIONS
“Martin Mwale is ready for admission into ministry in The United Church of Canada
as an ordained minister”.
“Martin Mwale is ready for admission into ministry in The United Church of Canada
as an ordained minister”.
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When it came time to have a final prayer after the Official Board meeting on January 29, 2025, Supervising Clergy Melodee Lovering suggested that we pray for Rev. Martin who will have his interview on January 31st, the final step to becoming a United Church minister. It will become official at the ARW RC meeting on May 31st, 2025. The service will be held at Grace United Church in Sarnia. Melodee will also be ordained at that time. We offer prayers for her, too. |
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Rev. Martin has begun to serve Communion where the people are.
Here he is at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown. December 5, 2024 |
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Congratulations to Melodee Lovering at your Covenanting Service
with Leamington Pastoral Charge on October 7, 2024.
with Leamington Pastoral Charge on October 7, 2024.
The Pastorlal Charge sends condolances to Kelly Wright, our treasurer,
on the passing of her mother, Ada Wright, at the age of 91.
on the passing of her mother, Ada Wright, at the age of 91.
from Betty Stirling
I wish to thank everyone for their support over the last 3 1/2 years
that I have been your Congregational Designated Minister for Preaching.
The party last Sunday, your monetary gift and best wishes are appreciated.
I wish to thank everyone for their support over the last 3 1/2 years
that I have been your Congregational Designated Minister for Preaching.
The party last Sunday, your monetary gift and best wishes are appreciated.
Kenesserie Camp
Earlier this month we held our Annual Walk-a-Thon. It was a huge success!
There were 15 walkers who participated and collected pledges.
We had set a target goal of $12,000 for our General Operations.
We surpassed that goal and raised a grand total of $23,703 thanks to YOU!
Kenesserie Camp
Earlier this month we held our Annual Walk-a-Thon. It was a huge success!
There were 15 walkers who participated and collected pledges.
We had set a target goal of $12,000 for our General Operations.
We surpassed that goal and raised a grand total of $23,703 thanks to YOU!
Kenesserie Camp
Tri-Regional Council Meeting in Port Elgin
May 24 to 26, 2024
May 24 to 26, 2024
We formed a choir on Saturday under the direction of
Devon Hansen from St. Andrew's, Chatham. This proves that Betty and Wendy were present. |
These are the newly recognized OM's from Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways. |
The World Day of Prayer was held at Turin on March 1, 2024.
At the Official Board meeting on April 17th, it was decided to send $1,500 to Kenesserie Camp
for its Solid Ground, Soaring Future campaign.
It aims to raise $500,000 to install a new commercial kitchen,
relocate cabins, upgrade utilities and boost camp safety.
for its Solid Ground, Soaring Future campaign.
It aims to raise $500,000 to install a new commercial kitchen,
relocate cabins, upgrade utilities and boost camp safety.
The Easter Sunrise Service was held at St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue at 7:00 a.m.
Breakfast followed and the fellowship was enjoyed by all.
Breakfast followed and the fellowship was enjoyed by all.
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Read the article about Rev. Martin in The Voice.
(Click on the sentence below.)
New minister adjusting to new climates
(Click on the sentence below.)
New minister adjusting to new climates
Sunday, January 21, 2024
The covenanting service for Rev. Martin was held at Turin in the afternoon.
Besides the members of his own communities of faith,
many friends from area churches were in attendance to wish Rev. Martin well on his new journey.
The covenanting service for Rev. Martin was held at Turin in the afternoon.
Besides the members of his own communities of faith,
many friends from area churches were in attendance to wish Rev. Martin well on his new journey.
The Christmas Eve service at Turin was well attended.
Rev. Martin's homily was intitled "The Great Light Has Come".
Rev. Martin's homily was intitled "The Great Light Has Come".
The Charge has been appointed a new Pastoral Charge Supervisor,
Melodee Lovering of the New Scotland-Ridge Charge.
"I have been unwell for a while and decided not to continue
as Supervisor and asked for a replacement.
Thanks so much for your kind treatment of me,
and your patience with following the rules.
I wish you all the best in the future."
Rev. Sandra Fogarty
Melodee Lovering of the New Scotland-Ridge Charge.
"I have been unwell for a while and decided not to continue
as Supervisor and asked for a replacement.
Thanks so much for your kind treatment of me,
and your patience with following the rules.
I wish you all the best in the future."
Rev. Sandra Fogarty
It was wonderful to see a full church on Sunday, September 10, 2023,
to welcome Rev. Martin Mwale and his family.
The Covenanting Service for Rev. Martin will be held on January 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
to welcome Rev. Martin Mwale and his family.
The Covenanting Service for Rev. Martin will be held on January 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
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On Sunday, July 23, an Ice cream social was held at Turin U.C. to thank Brenda Gardiner for her many years of work as treasurer of Rural United Pastoral Charge. Paul Hogg made the presentation. Thanks, Brenda. |
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Brenda and Bill Gardiner would like to thank everyone for the lovely afternoon planned for Brenda on July 23. It was an afternoon of visiting and ice cream sundaes. Special thanks to Paul and Mary Hogg for hosting the event and scooping ice cream. There are many people on this pastoral charge who give so much. Maybe we need more ice cream sundae afternoons to celebrate one another. Brenda and Bill very much appreciate the recognition of her contribution to the charge. |
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The gifts with vision catalogue
is available on-line. Are you looking for meaningful gifts to give? Shopping here is a great way to make a difference and show someone that you care. |
FundScrip form
for Turin U.C. and St. Paul's U.C. |
Facebook group for Antler River Watershed Regional Council
This group is a place for members of the regional council to share ideas, to offer encouragement, to update one another with congregation events! Share your Good News! Let everyone know what your congregation is doing. Invite neighbours to plays, fundraisers, BBQs, bazaars and special worship services. Let everyone know what's working.
This group is a place for members of the regional council to share ideas, to offer encouragement, to update one another with congregation events! Share your Good News! Let everyone know what your congregation is doing. Invite neighbours to plays, fundraisers, BBQs, bazaars and special worship services. Let everyone know what's working.
“KLUCK” - Kent Leaders of United Church Kommunities
This is a gathering of leaders - lay and clergy - that take a few hours to support one another,
to talk about what’s happening in the United Church and to share information.
They compare themselves to a bunch of hens and roosters in the barnyard sharing conversation,
so that everyone within Kent remains connected.
This is a gathering of leaders - lay and clergy - that take a few hours to support one another,
to talk about what’s happening in the United Church and to share information.
They compare themselves to a bunch of hens and roosters in the barnyard sharing conversation,
so that everyone within Kent remains connected.