29 Feb 2008

News on the Raza Family Sanctuary Case

On August 3, 2006, Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, made a decision to offer sanctuary to the Raza family. We did this quickly, but not lightly, believing the well- being of the six Raza children would be in jeopardy should they be deported to Pakistan. Today, February 29, 2008, we are delighted to announce that the Raza family has been granted temporary resident status, and their time of sanctuary is ended. This is the first step in a process that should see the Raza family obtain their permanent resident status.

We are deeply thankful to the family’s lawyer, Kenneth Zaifman, for his work on this case. Our lawyer worked with the Immigration Canada and Canadian Border Services Agency to work on a solution that balanced the circumstances that the Raza found themselves in and the requirements of the Immigration Act.

The family will continue to live with us while appropriate housing is found, and as we navigate a time of transition, both for the Razas and for the many volunteers who have been working with them. For 18 months, Crescent Fort Rouge United has been both home and prison to the family, and the change for the Raza family and for us in the church will be enormous. We have formed deep bonds, and we look forward to continuing to support the family as they return to our community and begin a new life among us.

It has been an amazing journey, and there are many, many people to thank, both within the walls of this church and beyond. The prayers, lobby efforts and financial support from churches across Canada are greatly appreciated. There is no longer need for political lobbying on their behalf. Your continued prayers for them as they move ahead are welcomed. So too, financial support for the congregation is welcomed as we meet legal costs, rent and other costs relating to the sanctuary and settlement process.

Donations may be sent to: Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L9

WILLIAM (BILL) RUSSELL STARK 1930 2008

Bill and Nora have been coming to Pinawa in the summer for many years and often worship with us. Please keep Nora and her family in your prayers.


WILLIAM (BILL) RUSSELL STARK 1930 2008 It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Bill, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Bill was a loving person and will be missed by all who knew him. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Nora; his son Russell and wife Michele; his daughter Heather and husband Greg, together with his much loved grandchildren Tyler, Spencer, Zachary (Ace), Max and Blake. He is also survived by his brother Jim and wife Jenny and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Agnes Stark and his sister Betty Miller. Bill was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 24, 1930. He emigrated to Canada in 1957 and quickly put down roots in Winnipeg, finding a position in the printing business and joining Home Street United Church where he met his future wife, Nora. For many years he served as a church elder, Cub Scout leader and choir member. He also shared his passion for reading by helping others with their literacy skills. Bill was enjoying his retirement; taking trips, reading, enjoying his new found interest in cooking, and spending his summers golfing at Pinawa. The infectious smile, the twinkle in his eyes, his Scottish brogue and his genuine concern for others endeared him to all who knew him. He will live on in our hearts and memories. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27 at the First Presbyterian Church, 61 Picardy Place, Winnipeg. The family wishes to thank the Firefighter Paramedics and the staff of the Emergency Services of Health Sciences Centre for their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Literacy for Life Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated. 782 - 3541 www.kilcollinscremationservice.com

28 Feb 2008

Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Mission Disbursement to Canadian Foodgrains Bank

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of Canadian
church-based agencies, including our parent churches. working to end
hunger in developing countries. It collects grain and cash
donations, provides funds and expert advice for projects, manages the
procurement and supply of food commodities and engages in public
policy and education activities related to hunger and food
security. In 2006/07 the Bank distributed 20,000 tonnes of food in
17 countries in response to poverty, natural disaster and conflict.

The food is used in one of three ways:
1. To provide immediate nutrition for people in emergency situations
i.e. severe drought;
2. To feed people as they rebuild until a new crop is harvested i.e.
after flooding;
3. To provide food as wages in food-for-work programs where people
and their communities work on longer-term projects such as irrigation
and improving farmland so that in future, people will be able to feed
themselves.

The PCF Mission Committee is proposing to make a donation of a
minimum of $200 to the Foodgrains Bank in the middle of March. Our
donation will be matched on a 4 to 1 basis by the Canadian
International Development Agency

7 Feb 2008

Just for Fun

PCF SLEIGH RIDE and WEINER ROAST
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24 @ NOON
PINE ROCK STABLES off 520
$10 ADULTS $5 CHILDREN
PLEASE PAY HOLLY PARCEY BY FEB 18
BRING YOUR OWN ROASTING STICK

Links for Brahm's Requiem

Great turnout for the Bible Study yesterday! If you would like to participate just RSVP to pcf (at) granite.mb.ca or leave a message at 753-8439.
For those who would like to follow up, here are two links for the musical score,

this one is complete but best for browsing not printing


this one is best for printing, but not the full orchestral score

lots of good stuff on wikipedia

1 Feb 2008

online calendar how-to

Did you know that many of the items on our calendar at the top of the page are clickable? Run your curser over the items in the calendar and see what happens. If you click on them a little window should open with extra information. Sometimes I add an agenda, a description, or more information about the location. The Sunday lectionary entries should pop up with a list of the Scripture readings. Give it a try!

Budget Meeting

This is a reminder that the PCF has a budget meeting this Sunday, February 3rd at the morning worship. My apologies for not getting the proposed budget in your hands ahead of time – we had some issues gathering information and getting it formatted. You can preview the proposed budget online by following this link.
Unfortunately, the statement of current accounts etc. would not format properly. Everything has been printed and will be available on Sunday for the meeting.