St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue U.C. News
If you would like to check out the events of
the ARW UCW Annual Meeting
held on April 26, 2025 in Sarnia,
please go to the UCW page.
the ARW UCW Annual Meeting
held on April 26, 2025 in Sarnia,
please go to the UCW page.
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
|
Easter at St. Andrew's Residence. Bonnie Sloan is on the far left and Phil and Shirley Hellerman are on the right. |
|
9th Annual Hike for Hospice
is coming up on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
In the past, Gail Scott's team has represented our church in the hike
but they are now passing the torch to Team Lorna and John.
This annual hike along the Mud Creek Trail is a major fundraiser for C-K Hospice.
To donate, or to do the hike yourself, go to: chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/hike-for-hospice.
A sign-up sheet will also be available at the coffee table in the Sunday School Hall. Thank you.
is coming up on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
In the past, Gail Scott's team has represented our church in the hike
but they are now passing the torch to Team Lorna and John.
This annual hike along the Mud Creek Trail is a major fundraiser for C-K Hospice.
To donate, or to do the hike yourself, go to: chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/hike-for-hospice.
A sign-up sheet will also be available at the coffee table in the Sunday School Hall. Thank you.
On Tuesday, March 18, five members of the Girls on The Block group, along with six ladies from St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue United Church, helped Phene Richardson make sanitary pads for girls in third world countries
so that they can go to school when they have their periods.
Four SP-VA women dropped off material, towels and sheets.
We had lots of laughs and lots and lots of treats to eat.
Thanks to Anne and two of the ladies of the church who brought their sewing machines,
we were able to not only cut out the material and the inner pad,
but get them sewn together and turned right side out.
We managed to get several dozen finished in the two hours that we met.
It was a fun morning and the church ladies hope to do this again. Anne suggested perhaps every two months.
Thank you to Phene for bringing all of the materials needed
and to Anne Gibson for arranging the church hall and inviting the church ladies.
Last month we helped Anne make some quilts (we just did the easy tying) and several attended that.
St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue's Sunday School Hall is such a great place to meet.
Perhaps we need to meet again for lunch or coffee to see what we can do next.
Anne has suggested that we help the church ladies make their rhubarb pies in May. No date set yet.
- Kathy Armstrong
so that they can go to school when they have their periods.
Four SP-VA women dropped off material, towels and sheets.
We had lots of laughs and lots and lots of treats to eat.
Thanks to Anne and two of the ladies of the church who brought their sewing machines,
we were able to not only cut out the material and the inner pad,
but get them sewn together and turned right side out.
We managed to get several dozen finished in the two hours that we met.
It was a fun morning and the church ladies hope to do this again. Anne suggested perhaps every two months.
Thank you to Phene for bringing all of the materials needed
and to Anne Gibson for arranging the church hall and inviting the church ladies.
Last month we helped Anne make some quilts (we just did the easy tying) and several attended that.
St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue's Sunday School Hall is such a great place to meet.
Perhaps we need to meet again for lunch or coffee to see what we can do next.
Anne has suggested that we help the church ladies make their rhubarb pies in May. No date set yet.
- Kathy Armstrong
Easter Hydrangeas
Thank you, everyone, for your hydrangea purchases.
Thank you, Sharon Ball, for taking orders, picking them up and delivering them to the church in time for Easter Sunday.
Thank you, everyone, for your hydrangea purchases.
Thank you, Sharon Ball, for taking orders, picking them up and delivering them to the church in time for Easter Sunday.
The Affirm Committee - P.I.E. Day
On Sunday, March 9, a few members of the Affirm Committee went to St. Andrew's U.C. Chatham
to spread the message about what it means to be an Affirming congregation and what P.I.E. Day is all about.
Thanks to the generosity of many bakers in our own congregation, we were able to offer a variety of absolutely delicious pies
at their fellowship hour following worship. By doing this, we felt we were being much more PUBLIC in celebrating P.I.E. Day.
The congregation of St. Andrew's seemed to appreciate the message, definitely enjoyed the pies,
and our free-will offering basket at the pie table raised $300 for Bill's Place.
Thank you eveyone for supporting this outreach effort!
On Sunday, March 9, a few members of the Affirm Committee went to St. Andrew's U.C. Chatham
to spread the message about what it means to be an Affirming congregation and what P.I.E. Day is all about.
Thanks to the generosity of many bakers in our own congregation, we were able to offer a variety of absolutely delicious pies
at their fellowship hour following worship. By doing this, we felt we were being much more PUBLIC in celebrating P.I.E. Day.
The congregation of St. Andrew's seemed to appreciate the message, definitely enjoyed the pies,
and our free-will offering basket at the pie table raised $300 for Bill's Place.
Thank you eveyone for supporting this outreach effort!
|
|
Communion Sunday at SP-VA, March 9, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
SP-VA sends congratulations to Mike Ball and Arden Laurie who were married in February in Spain.
|
Gail's last bulletin. Thanks for all your years as Bulletin Secretary and welcome to Melanie Young who will be taking over. Special thanks to Eric Houston who has been doing the Power Point during Gail's reign. |
|
|
St. Paul’s-Victoria Avenue UCW
will be collecting cereal and granola bars for the Pantry Program in May. Please leave donations in the wooden box in the entry. |
The Pantry Program is in need of
jars and 500 g plastic containers in which you purchase sour cream, margarine, etc. Please leave them in the box in the entryway . |
|
Please save -
- eye glasses (Darrel Stewart) - pop cans (behind the Masonic Temple) - used batteries (Battery Boy) |
Currently at St. Paul’s-Victoria Avenue we have monthly cards being sent to
11 students, 11 shut-ins and “Any Canadian Soldier”. If you know of anyone that you think should be added to our list please contact Martha Marshall and they can be added. “A quick little note can go a long way to brightening someone’s day”. |
FundScrip forms for Turin U.C. and St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue U.C.
One of the treasures Gail found in her basement.
Anyone remember the year?
Anyone remember the year?
Christmas Eve
|
Several folks from St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue had fun preparing the Christmas dinner for Bill's Place on December 19, 2024. |
|
SP-VA folks had fun carolling around the neighbourhood on Sunday evening, Dec. 8, 2024.
Marianne Willson, former Chatham-Kent Pride president, is shown.
With her tenue completed, she will now serve as past-president and board director.
(Chatham-Daily News - Nov. 30, 2024)
With her tenue completed, she will now serve as past-president and board director.
(Chatham-Daily News - Nov. 30, 2024)
Congratulations to the St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue United Church's Pantry and Food Card Program!
This charitable program was nominated by our 100 Women Who Care CK member, Marsha Summerfield, and selected by the majority of our members to receive our November collective donation.
In Marsha's Nomination Submission, she wrote that she heard about this organization's need "through my late husband, George Service, who volunteered there every Wednesday until his health prevented it". She describes the program "as a welcoming space for all people from Chatham-Kent regardless of age, sexual orientation or economic circumstance. Guests include all from babies in arms to elders, those new to the area, homeless or living in precarious circumstance". Marsha's nomination can be found below.
St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue United Church - Pantry and Food Card Program
100 Women Who Care CK Nominating Member: Marsha Summerfield
Essentials: there are two components: Pantry and Food Card
Pantry Program:
• Every Wednesday morning, guests arrive early and visit with one another while volunteers assemble quantities of various food and grocery items for display on tables. Open to all.
• Promptly at 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., those that come to the pantry select between toilet paper or a box of tissue, then two choices from grocery items such as: milk, cheese, meats, sandwiches, hard boiled or fresh eggs, tinned foods, yogurt, peanut butter, breakfast cereals, homemade chilli or stews or snack items. Something new each week! Next is one choice of personal hygiene products like tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo or dish/laundry detergent. Finally, two items from the produce table of fruits and vegetables (local and fresh when available like apples, peaches, bananas, potatoes, broccoli, peppers and carrots, or a surprise offered up with a cheerful exchange.
Everything that is donated is put to good use and is well received.
• The bare bones budget for this part of the pantry program costs approximately $10 per person and our annual budget is set at $30,000.
Food Card Program:
Gift cards assist individuals and families in purchasing food items with dignity from Food Basics, Giant Tiger and No Frills. An individual is eligible for a $25 dollar card every two months with photo identification and statement of residence, if available. We set aside 5 cards for new applicants weekly and are currently distributing between 25 and 32 shopping cards each week.
The annual budget for this part of the program is set at $35,000.
These programs work because we have awesome volunteers. Even through isolation and Covid restrictions, these programs remain a very important part of peoples’ lives providing some food security.
In Marsha's Nomination Submission, she wrote that she heard about this organization's need "through my late husband, George Service, who volunteered there every Wednesday until his health prevented it". She describes the program "as a welcoming space for all people from Chatham-Kent regardless of age, sexual orientation or economic circumstance. Guests include all from babies in arms to elders, those new to the area, homeless or living in precarious circumstance". Marsha's nomination can be found below.
St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue United Church - Pantry and Food Card Program
100 Women Who Care CK Nominating Member: Marsha Summerfield
Essentials: there are two components: Pantry and Food Card
Pantry Program:
• Every Wednesday morning, guests arrive early and visit with one another while volunteers assemble quantities of various food and grocery items for display on tables. Open to all.
• Promptly at 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., those that come to the pantry select between toilet paper or a box of tissue, then two choices from grocery items such as: milk, cheese, meats, sandwiches, hard boiled or fresh eggs, tinned foods, yogurt, peanut butter, breakfast cereals, homemade chilli or stews or snack items. Something new each week! Next is one choice of personal hygiene products like tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo or dish/laundry detergent. Finally, two items from the produce table of fruits and vegetables (local and fresh when available like apples, peaches, bananas, potatoes, broccoli, peppers and carrots, or a surprise offered up with a cheerful exchange.
Everything that is donated is put to good use and is well received.
• The bare bones budget for this part of the pantry program costs approximately $10 per person and our annual budget is set at $30,000.
Food Card Program:
Gift cards assist individuals and families in purchasing food items with dignity from Food Basics, Giant Tiger and No Frills. An individual is eligible for a $25 dollar card every two months with photo identification and statement of residence, if available. We set aside 5 cards for new applicants weekly and are currently distributing between 25 and 32 shopping cards each week.
The annual budget for this part of the program is set at $35,000.
These programs work because we have awesome volunteers. Even through isolation and Covid restrictions, these programs remain a very important part of peoples’ lives providing some food security.
Read Barbara Robbin's report from Antler River Watershed Regional Council's Fall meeting
held on Zoom on October 25 and 26, 2024.
held on Zoom on October 25 and 26, 2024.
Apple Pie time, again.
Lots of fun and laughter as well as hard work
to make 600 apple pies.
October 21, 22, and 24, 2024.
Lots of fun and laughter as well as hard work
to make 600 apple pies.
October 21, 22, and 24, 2024.
The Thanksgiving table is set for Communion.
The church famiy sends condolences to
the family of David Martin
who passed away on August 8, 2024
at the age of 52.
the family of David Martin
who passed away on August 8, 2024
at the age of 52.
These members of the Br. 642 Royal Canadian Pipes & Drums are among those who will be marching in a parade
during the 49th Dominion Legion Convention being held Aug. 24-28 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
They include, from left Erin June, Drum Sergeant Greg Cowan, Lorelai June, Allison Oster and Pipe Major Walter Tomaszewski. (Chatham This Week, Aug. 8, 2024)
during the 49th Dominion Legion Convention being held Aug. 24-28 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
They include, from left Erin June, Drum Sergeant Greg Cowan, Lorelai June, Allison Oster and Pipe Major Walter Tomaszewski. (Chatham This Week, Aug. 8, 2024)
Kenesserie Camp
Earlier this year 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 year 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
The Tri-Regional Council Spring Meeting 2024
Barbara Robbins and Wendy Kempster attended on behalf of SP-VA.
Barbara Robbins and Wendy Kempster attended on behalf of SP-VA.
A special service was held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, to celebrate PRIDE month.
Martha Marshall and her family walked for Kenesserie Camp on behalf of SP-VA.
They raised $826. Thanks so much.
They raised $826. Thanks so much.
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 and not lying on the beach
although it was beautiful out there. |
These are the newly recognized OM's from Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways. |
Eric Skillings receiving his OM designation.
Eric was previously a designated lay minister. |
Michael Shewburg receiving his OM designation.
Michael was previously a designated lay minister. |
Jane Jenner has been looking through some pictures and has shared these with us.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Claudia Wilcox, Myra Adkin, Jane Jenner (standing), Alice VanOverloop and Helen Jenner
peeling apples for pies. |
Bob Jenner, Harry Slegers and Doug Bellamy. Harry and Doug were "chauffeuring" guests to a dinner
at the church. |
Shirley Hellerman and Harry Slegers making pies.
|
To see a report on the 61st Annual Gathering of ARW UCW and a slideshow of pictures,
go to the UCW page and look under ARW UCW.
go to the UCW page and look under ARW UCW.
On Monday, May 6, the Affirm Committee hosted a Taco dinner at Bill's Place.
A big thank you to all those who helped out.
To all those who donated food, helped prepare the meal, transported the food to Bill’s Place,
served the food, cleaned up or enjoyed a wonderful taco dinner
with members from the community who came out to enjoy the meal, a very heartfelt thank you.
Over 30 people had a delicious dinner and everyone seemed to have a great time.
A big thank you to all those who helped out.
To all those who donated food, helped prepare the meal, transported the food to Bill’s Place,
served the food, cleaned up or enjoyed a wonderful taco dinner
with members from the community who came out to enjoy the meal, a very heartfelt thank you.
Over 30 people had a delicious dinner and everyone seemed to have a great time.
|
The Pantry Program is happy to announce that two generous donations were recently received. A $200 donation from a companion group associated with the Ursuline Sisters and $500 from the I.O.D.E., Captain Garnet Brackin Chapter. |
|
St Paul’s-Victoria Avenue Outreach and Social Action Initiative are thankful to receive a $1,000 donation from the Legion Branch 642 in Chatham. We certainly appreciate them being a Friend of our Pantry and Food Shopping Card Program. |
|
Beautiful hyrangeas were purchased by individual families to be placed in the sanctuary on Easter morning and then enjoyed at home. |
|
|
St. Paul's-Victoria Avenue's choir. March 24, 2024 |
|
A huge assortment of pies was available on P.I.E. Day.
Officially, March 14 (3.14) is National Affirming Day,
a day to celebrate Public, Intentional and Explicit inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ People.
Thanks to all who baked and donated them.
$385 was raised for Bill's Place.
Officially, March 14 (3.14) is National Affirming Day,
a day to celebrate Public, Intentional and Explicit inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ People.
Thanks to all who baked and donated them.
$385 was raised for Bill's Place.
Sunday, January 21, 2024
The covenanting service for Rev. Martin was held at Turin in the afternoon.
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu was the guest minister.
Born and educated in Zambia, Ireland and South Africa, and presently residing in Toronto,
he is currently serving as a Global Program Coordinator for global partnerships in the Church and Mission Unit
responsible for the Philippines, India, Angola, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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.
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu was the guest minister.
Born and educated in Zambia, Ireland and South Africa, and presently residing in Toronto,
he is currently serving as a Global Program Coordinator for global partnerships in the Church and Mission Unit
responsible for the Philippines, India, Angola, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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.
If you are wondering if your pantry donations are being put to good use, YES, THEY ARE.
Here are some pictures from last week's pantry program. Items are not the same every week but it gives you an idea.
People can chose two proteins. One small bag of milk is one protein and, if they choose that,
they can have one other item from proteins.
They also have the choice of a roll of toilet paper or a box of Kleenex each week.
At the personal hygiene stop, they have one choice of
deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, or sanitary pads every week.
One week they can get coffee, tea, or sugar, etc., and dish or laundry soap the other week.
Then they have two choices from the fruits and vegetables table.
The people can also get a $25 shopping card every two months.
Your donations to this outreach are used wisely and are much appreciated.
Here are some pictures from last week's pantry program. Items are not the same every week but it gives you an idea.
People can chose two proteins. One small bag of milk is one protein and, if they choose that,
they can have one other item from proteins.
They also have the choice of a roll of toilet paper or a box of Kleenex each week.
At the personal hygiene stop, they have one choice of
deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, or sanitary pads every week.
One week they can get coffee, tea, or sugar, etc., and dish or laundry soap the other week.
Then they have two choices from the fruits and vegetables table.
The people can also get a $25 shopping card every two months.
Your donations to this outreach are used wisely and are much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|