Called Together

Budget Meeting...

2012-01-13T13:38:00.002-06:00

There will be a Congregational Meeting following the service of worship on Sunday, January 22, 2012.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the financial report for 2011 and to adopt a budget for 2012.

A book of reports with the agenda is available from the sidesmen on Sunday morning, by request from the church office, or on-line by clicking the links below.

2012 Budget Meeting Agenda

2011 Budget Meeting Minutes

2011 Balance Sheet

2011 Restricted Funds Summary

2011 Operating Statement and 2012 Draft Budget

2012 Narrative Budget

TGIF 13

2012-01-13T13:35:00.002-06:00

Time and Talent Auction

2011-09-24T11:11:00.001-05:00

The people of the Pinawa Christian Fellowship

are having an auction,

not an auction of old stuff,

an auction of our time, talents, and energy!

come bid on...

- a houseboat ride and dinner for 2

- professional re-stringing of your broken necklace

- base waxing your XC skis

- 2 hours of yard work

- half ton loads to the dump

- 4 home made pizzas delivered to your door

- Christmas baking

- and much more...

Follow this link to see the full list and to submit On-line advance bids.

Live auction takes place 2 pm Sunday October 2nd

in the lounge at The Ironwood.

On-line bidding closes Saturday, October 1st, at 12 pm.

Proceeds will be used to support Manitoba Flood victims

through Mennonite Disaster Services

and the Mission and Ministry of the PCF.

2011-09-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

PCF Foster Child

The PCF sponsors a child through the Christian Childrens Fund. The foster child is Haresha Madushani Wanniarachchi. Haresha lives with her family in Sri Lanka and is in Grade 2. In the past the cost of this sponsorship had been covered by Church School collections and in more recent times mainly by individual donations of money, special appeals or by fund raising such as done by Mats Strandlund at the Pinawa Birthday Party. With the reduction in numbers in the Church School the Mission Committee has taken responsibility for this sponsorship and has decided to continue it until Haresha graduates or leaves the program. If you would like to contribute directly towards the cost of the sponsorship, currently $456/year, you may do so by writing it on your church envelope. The Mission Committee will keep the congregation informed about Hareshas progress.

Hey... that's my mom and dad!

2011-08-18T16:30:00.002-05:00

The folks in the yellow circle are Rob Murray's parents, Bruce and Yvonne.

Bicycles for Africa

The people who make up the St. Bartholomew’s United Church community recently revived their efforts to provide bicycles for people in Namibia. The bicycles sent, and this year’s efforts will provide the fifth container shipped out by the group, are used to help local health care workers reach people in need in rural areas. As we here in Canada are extremely fortunate to have the funds and infrastructure to ensure that our EMS workers can perform their duties with maximum efficiency. Says Terry Owen, chair of the project, “Bicycles can make a huge difference in the lives of the poorest people on the world's poorest continent. In rural Africa, bicycles provide access to food and water, employment and healthcare. A used bicycle can save hundreds of lives.” The collection day on June 25th yielded quite the haul, and those who benefit from the generosity of this community will surely be thankful for the efforts of the St. Bartholomew’s United Church community.

Pinawa Friendship Block Quilters

2011-08-18T16:05:00.004-05:00

Members of the Pinawa Friendship Block Quilters have been using the PCF meeting room on Tuesday evenings to work on 'Charity Quilts'. They have given some quilts to Pinawa Cancer Treatment, Women's Clinic HSC, and the Women's Shelters in the area. Here are some examples of their work...

An Online Donation Option

2011-08-10T18:30:00.002-05:00

We can now process online donations to the Pinawa Christian Fellowship through the service CanadaHelps. Online donations are issued a tax receipt immediately, funds are transferred to our account at the credit union, and we are notified at the church office so we can send a personal note of thanks. Thanks CanadaHelps!

Summertime!

2011-06-29T17:04:00.001-05:00

Don't forget that shared summer Sunday worship with the Pinawa Lutheran Church begins this Sunday, July 3rd. We will worship together in the Lutheran Church on the corner of Massey and Burrows till September 4th. Worship begins at 9:30 am. This Sunday is a service of Holy Communion in the PCF style with the Rev. Rob Murray presiding and Pastor Jack Frederick preaching.

No building, no problem

2011-06-17T16:46:00.003-05:00

We had a very encouraging article written about us in the Lac du Bonnet Leader. Lori Mitton came out and interviewed Rob and Leny. You can read the article here.

"Pimp my Ride" Mennonite Edition

2011-06-17T15:31:00.003-05:00

Ken Reddig wrote...

"My weekend consisted of Steinbach tractor trek for Eden and the Mennonite Heritage Village. We had 47 old tractors which we drove 56 kms., and had a hoot. I drove a 1950’s John Deere 70. Aside from riding a horse or being in a horse drawn cart it is the best way to explore the countryside. Our route began at the Steinbach museum, Mitchell, Blumenort, lunch in Kleefeld, south along roads south of Steinbach and then back into the MHV from the east. We will clear about $ 40,000 for this one event."

www.edenhealth.mb.ca

Baptism

2011-05-18T12:39:00.001-05:00

Funny what jumps out for people in the sermon. last week I made a throwaway comment about how people used to get quite exercised that the grand kids hadn't been baptized. I remember a Grandma in the Maritimes wondering loudly "why that baby hadn't been done yet?". I thought my comment was a fairly uncontroversial example of how times have changed; and how little people really seem to care about the forms these days. Turns out that it hit a nerve for more than one person. So... do children need to be "done" so they can saved? Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't have much to say about baptising babies. Jesus was baptised as an adult (but he may have been a special case.) All the other people baptised in the Bible are adults (but baby baptisers point to Acts chapter 16 where people were baptised "with their household" or "with their family"). Jesus' command to "baptise all nations" in Matthew chapter 28 doesn't say what will happen to those who aren't baptised.

There is no explicit statement in the Bible that un-baptised people of any age will not be saved. (On the other hand, there is no explicit statement that they will be saved.) All Christians believe that baptism is a real sign of grace that Christ commanded us to use. All Christians agree that baptism should not be despised; but they differ on when it's appropriate to baptise and whether it is entirely essential for salvation. Baptists and Mennonites and Pentecostals firmly believe that one should not baptise children and that baptism is only effective when it is consciously and willingly embraced by a consenting adult. The attitude that all children must be baptised came out of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions but it has had a strong influence on the Protestant Churches that baptise infants. (Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, the United Church et al) Baptism is the sign and seal of membership In Christ's church. Because the Catholic and Orthodox traditions have such a high view of the Church they insist that there is no salvation outside the church: baptism is required. I was baptised as an adult (mainly because of my parents laziness not because they cared one way or the other) and I was glad to be able to make that decision for myself. My personal view is that the hard-line views for or against infant baptism are both a little disrespectful of God's Freedom and Grace. I don't think God is waiting for us to do something with water and words before God can choose to love and cherish a child forever. On the other hand, I don't think we should despise the God given opportunity to raise children in a faith community, baptising them as a sign that they are already part of the family.

This is important stuff. At 10 am next Wednesday, May 25th, I'll have the coffee on at the church office and I'll be glad to dig into this in detail with whoever shows up.

Thanks for asking the questions.

Easter Morning

2011-04-27T14:42:00.002-05:00

Easter Morning Manitoba Communion by the Pinawa Channel. 40 people gathered for the early communion this year! We heard the story of the Risen Christ making breakfast for his fishing friends while the bannock and pickerel cooked on the fire. Then we broke bread and shared sweet fruit wine from the Rigby Orchards in Killarney Manitoba. Giuliano played the accordian and Mats played a haunting flute solo that echoed off the woods. Awesome!

Good Friday

2011-04-27T14:08:00.002-05:00

For the first time ever all four churches of Pinawa worshipped together on Good Friday - and what an occasion! We processed with the Cross from church to church and place to place, almost 100 of us!

Behold, how pleasant ...

2011-02-11T08:35:00.003-06:00

Fr. José, Pastor Brad and Rev. Rob at the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in the Pinawa Lutheran Church, January 20, 2011. Paster Jake was there but must have been putting the coffee on.

January 2011 Mission Report

2011-01-14T17:52:00.002-06:00

The Mill in St. George NB .... during the flood ... and the usual water level.

Total undirected Missions givings and disbursements in 2010 were $5860 and $6827.29 respectively. $767.76 was carried forward to 2011. These numbers differ from those in the year end financial report because $745 was included in the Mission Fund but directed for NB Flood Relief in 2010. An additional $125 was donated for NB Flood relief in early 2011. The Mission Committee has requested that $1120 ($870 directed and $250 from the undirected givings) be sent be to the Presbyterian Kirk of St. George New Brunswick for flood relief.

Another Shared Ministry

2010-11-10T12:07:00.003-06:00

Brenda MacKenzie was telling me about the shared ministry in Cambourne, UK which is sponsored by the Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists & United Reformed Church and shares facilities with the RC parish. They just celebrated 10 years as a parish! Check out their website . Nice to know that there are other successful shared ministries in the world.

47th Anniversary Feast

2010-11-09T16:04:00.003-06:00

We celebrated 47 years of worship in the school gym where it all started so many years ago!

Lots of food, lots of friends!

Don't forget the time change!

2010-11-05T13:35:00.001-05:00

"Fall Back" one hour to standard time this Sunday, November 7

A hastily arranged tea party at the church office

2010-10-21T17:59:00.005-05:00

Leny Ohta heard that the United Church Moderator, Mardi Tindal, was coming to town for a conference at the Wilderness Edge. There's a lot of protocol to getting on the Moderator's schedule but Leny couldn't let this opportunity to tell the world about our unique shared ministry go by. Long story short, she phoned the Conference office and an invitation was made ... and accepted! A group of our United Church folk got a quick tea together and ... instant party!

Mardi is certainly a warm and engaging person and a great ambassador for the United Church of Canada. It was great to have a chance to share our story and to connect to the wider vision of the United Church. Follow Mardi's travels and join the discussion at the Spirit Express.

Update: We've been blogged about by the Moderator!

After School Children’s Program

2010-09-24T10:14:00.005-05:00

Proposed Schedule for Interdenominational After School Children’s Program: Volunteer Sign Up

The PCF and Lutheran congregations are piloting an after school children’s program to replace the traditional Sunday School. We are using Bible Adventures: Sharing the Good News (a vacation bible school curriculum from the United Church) as a resource and applying it to an after school schedule. The tentative schedule is Friday after school from October 29 till November 26:

3:30 -3:50: Welcome and Snack

3:50 -4:20: Introductory game, Shared bible story, game or song

4:20 – 4:50: Break into group of choice (craft or gym game)

4:50 -5:00: Whole group wrap up

We have interest from about 12 students at this time.

We will need volunteers for the following positions:

- Providing a nutritious snack (receipts will be reimbursed)

This will involve preparing the snack and serving it from 3:30 to 3:50.

- Telling the bible story and leading a game or song.

- Two craft supervisors

- Two gym supervisors

- Supervisor for Welcome time and to oversee the program

We are hoping that if we have a schedule for volunteers there will be flexibility allowing more people to sign up to help. You don’t have to commit to a long period of time. If you can help Please follow this link to the online sign-up sheet and enter your name in the time slot you prefer. If that sounds complicated just call Rob at 753-8439 and he can do it for you.

We will have a meeting for volunteers Oct. 15 at 3:45 in the multipurpose room at FW Gilbert School (the double classroom closest to the parking lot). Feel free to direct any questions to Lori Evenden, Rob Murray, or Sharon Howe.

Thank you!

Dogs and ghosts for this Sunday

2010-09-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

2010-09-22T09:11:00.005-05:00

There will be a General Meeting of the congregation following worship this Sunday, September 26. All members and friends of the congregation are invited and encouraged to participate. Lunch will be catered - wraps by Linda Krampetz.

The agenda and annual reports of our groups and committees are linked below. Printed copies will be available on Sunday morning or by appointment at the church office (753-8439).

There are also some interim financial reports for your information. This isn't a budget meeting, but you can see where we stand financially at this point in the year.

See you there!

Click here to view the Agenda

Click here to view the Committee and Group reports

Click here to view last year's minutes

Click here to view the balance sheet (as of September 16, 2010)

Click here to view income/expenses - budget/actual

Click here to view special / restricted fund balances

We're back to School!

2010-09-08T12:04:00.002-05:00

Summer with the Pinawa Lutheran Church is always a blessing, but the PCF has a unique identity formed by our flexibility and our nomadic life of worship and service. On September 12th we're returning to our regular time and place of Sunday worship - 10 am in the F.W. Gilbert School. The school has been turned upside down this summer with extensive landscape work outside and the replacement of all the ceiling tiles and light fixtures inside. Yes... that includes those hideous orange sodium vapour lamps in the gymnasium! They might not be installed for our first day back but the lights are ordered and the work is under contract. Soon we will see everyone's true colours!

Sign of the times!

2010-08-27T14:42:00.003-05:00

Herm Saxler came by this afternoon and installed our sign outside the WB Lewis Business Centre.
Not having a church builidng means we need to pay attention to our public presence in different ways. Herm will also be updating the church sign at the Pinawa Mall and we still have a rather large sign from our old office at the Whiteshell Centre. Perhaps that should go out on the highway somewhere?

New Meeting Room and Office

2010-07-13T10:23:00.005-05:00

We've moved to the W.B. Lewis Business Centre on 24 Aberdeen Avenue in Pinawa!
The new meeting room is large enough for gatherings of 20 or more.

We have plenty of storage now!

And an inviting and light filled office space ...

Come and check out room S.14 at the Lewis Centre.

Mission and Service Letters from Mozambique

2010-07-13T10:16:00.001-05:00

Mission and Service Letters from Mozambique Letter 240 21 May 2010

God delivers the needy when they call.... -Psalm 72.12

That’s good news, but in order to call, the needy require a voice. And preferably a listening human ear as well as God’s. Otherwise, they’re without any say or social power. God calls us to do what we can to strengthen the voice of the weakest and most marginalized, because those most needy are often least able to articulate their needs in a way and forum that can influence those with power to help them. One recent project of the Christian Council of Mozambique is called Listening to Poverty. In four provinces including Zambezia CCM calls public meetings, invites the articulate poor to testify, invites government officials to listen and respond, videotapes the proceedings, and delivers the edited tape direct to the President and Prime Minister of Mozambique, to let them hear their neediest citizens call out, testifying for themselves.

A hearing took place recently in Quelimane. First, a team of 5 CCM youth spent a day interviewing 30 people in the poorer bairros of Quelimane, gathering their views and experience of daily life in their neighbourhood. You see a photo of one of the interviewers, Sonia, with one of her subjects in the yard of his family’s house ( www.stpaulsunitedchurch.com ). On the second day; three of the most eager and articulate came to speak at the public meeting, on the plaza of a public school in another of Quelimane’s many poor bairros. You see one speaker, amid the project’s video cameraman, the camera of MTV Mozambique’s national television network, and the microphone of national Radio Mozambique. About 150 people turned up, teachers, journalists, civil servants, religious and community leaders, and many urban poor themselves to support their speaker neighbours. A neighbourhood dance troupe with drummers danced two original numbers about lives of poverty in Quelimane. The provincial governor showed up to listen and then to speak in response. So did the official representative of Quelimane’s mayor.

The speakers talked of the lack of street-lights and police, that lets gangs of unemployed youth armed with machetes roam the city’s night’s shadows robbing citizens at will.

They spoke of the lack of drainage, the standing water that blocks roads and breeds malarial mosquitoes.

They spoke of the lack of employment–one speaker told how he rides his bicycle as a taxi like hundreds of other men in Quelimane, earning 5 meticais (15 cents) per ride in the city, for 10 minutes or more pedalling hard with a passenger, then waiting who knows how long till the next fare, earning not enough in a day to feed a family and keep a bicycle maintained after the beating it takes on Quelimane’s bad roads. Another sells charcoal, buying a 50-kilo sack and selling it in small piles on the street for as little as 1 metical (3 cents), to people too poor to buy any more at once, just enough to cook their day’s one meal. Her way to try to feed her family.

And so the governor and everyone present heard compelling personal stories that lie behind poverty statistics, from the people who best can tell them, because they live them. Graca Machel, widow of Mozambique’s founding president, wife of Nelson Mandela, Mozambique’s most influential lady, already has an appointment to present the final product to the President and Prime Minister, from the needy who are calling. May God deliver them.

In mission and service, Karen and Bill Butt

Provoking Discussion

2010-05-14T16:09:00.005-05:00

Following up on our very popular book study PCF Adult Ed is holding a provoking discussion every Wednesday throughout the month of May. We meet at 10 am in the Whiteshell Centre. On May 19th we will look at a challenging new translation of the psalms by Pamela Greenberg and talk about the translation process. The Introduction, Acknowledgments, Greenberg's story and translator methodology notes, and her translation of the first four Psalms are available for download here or you can get a printed copy at worship this Sunday, May 16. There's a lot to chew on and you should read this advance. If you don't have time to read it all, just look at the four newly translated psalms alongside a translation you are familiar with.

Anglican church calls for corporate sponsors

2010-04-27T15:00:00.004-05:00

Michael Valpy

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, Apr. 20

"The Anglican Church of Canada is inviting corporate sponsorship of its national convention this year, selling space for brand logos on delegate documents, advertising signs in its meeting spaces and a private lunch for executives with the church’s senior archbishop."

MCC Lenten Study

2010-02-18T10:44:00.000-06:00

Lent provides an opportunity for us to reflect upon our lives, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. MCC Manitoba has prepared a Lenten guide for reflection, action and prayer that focuses on Mining Justice; it is part of a larger MCC campaign on mining and its impact on people, communities and God's creation. You are invited to use these Lenten materials for reflection and prayer and to learn about Mining Justice. Visit http://manitoba.mcc.org/programs/peace/ or http://ottawa.mcc.org/miningjustice .

so that is that

2010-01-07T17:23:00.002-06:00

Well, so that is that. Now we must dismantle the tree,
Putting the decorations back into their cardboard boxes –Some have got broken – and carrying them up to the attic. The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt, And the children got ready for school. There are enough
Left-overs to do, warmed-up, for the rest of the week – Not that we have much appetite, having drunk such a lot, Stayed up so late, attempted – quite unsuccessfully – To love all of our relatives, and in general Grossly overestimated our powers.
(from the concluding section of W. H. Auden’s, For the Time Being: a Christmas Oratorio).

Thanks Jamie

Satin Dolls

2009-11-10T14:24:00.003-06:00

November 7th was a great night out. We had song after song from Pinawa's own Satin Dolls, an all women dance band, and a musical intermission with singer Amber Bieganski and guitarist Brad Holmlund. As you can see from the picture below, all ages enjoyed the music and refreshments. (Click on the picture for a bigger version) Proceeds from the night support the mission and ministry of the PCF and Pinawa Interfaith Hampers.

Fall Back

2009-10-27T16:23:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to set your clock back this Sunday!

Church Calendars

2009-10-27T16:07:00.003-05:00

We haven't ordered the Canadian Church Calendar this year. After 40 years of producing a joint calendar the Anglicans and United Church have decided to produce separate calendars. It's a disappointing development and we didn't want to choose one or the other. If you would like to order a church calendar from one or the other denomination the links are below.

United Church Calendar order form

Anglican Church Calendar order form

or you could order a calendar from Mennonite Central Committee
it's free!

The Book of Job

2009-10-27T15:31:00.002-05:00

Over two weeks I have been preaching the Book of Job. I'm generally wary about publishing a sermon. I always have a text but I view it as a script, an aid to performance. The written form is not really meant for any eyes but mine. I've had some requests, though, from folks who missed one or the other of these sermons so I'll post them here with this preamble.

Job Part One

Job Part Two

Imagining our reality

2009-09-28T09:28:00.003-05:00

Over on United Methodeviations Dan Dick is imagining what the PCF has been living for Forty Seven years. He asks us to imagine what would happen...

"if when we woke up tomorrow morning, all our buildings and property were gone? How many of our congregations would carry on with hardly a disruption? How many “members” would we lose to churches with buildings? How long would it take us to get reorganized? Would one of our top priorities be to build new buildings or would we step back and, uhm, “rethink” church? What would our worship look like? Where would we gather? What form would our fellowship take? What about Christian education? What would we do?"

No need to imagine. Perhaps we should write up our experience as a controlled experiment and publish?

VBS

2009-09-08T10:46:00.003-05:00

What a great week! I'll upload some pictures and give you a peek soon. This was the fourth year in a row we have cooperated with Pinawa Lutheran Congregation to offer Vacation Bible School. This year's them was "Discovery Canyon". With the help of various critters we explored the themes, Rejoice, Pray, Ask, Tell, and Seek. An average of thirty children attended for five mornings! (Pretty good for a town with about 95 children in the elementary school!) The enthusiasm was overwhelming and the support from adults, and youths, from both congregations was wonderful. Thanks, in particular to Rhea Galeschuk and Leslie Strandlund who got us organized. Barb Zetaruk remarked that on the second day she heard two little girls in the neighbourhood bouncing on their backyard trampoline with friends (who hadn't been at VBS) singing the songs at the top of their voices!

Typhoon and Tropical Storm Morakot

2009-08-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) – 11 August 2009
Typhoon and Tropical Storm Morakot

Following news reports in the international media the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) received several messages from overseas concerning the typhoon and tropical storm Morakot that struck Taiwan the weekend 7-10 August 2009.

Please know the PCT is very grateful for your expressions of concern and in turn wish to give you a brief update. Basically the typhoon itself proved to be quite minimal compared to what Taiwan normally experiences, and it was soon downgraded to a tropical storm but torrential rains came in its wake Saturday and Sunday.

The initial reports and investigations indicate the South of the country incurred most damage, in particular Taitung and Pingtung counties. As we know some areas had their equivalent of one year rainfall in two days and the worst flooding recorded in 50 years in Taiwan.

At the present time, under such critical conditions and until the water level decreases, it is very difficult to fully assess the true and total picture as to extent of loss of life, or damage to the land and property. Broken roads and collapsed bridges not to mention electricity cuts and telephone lines damaged are hampering communication and the assessment process. From what PCT staff have witnessed and based on the media reports there are bound to be villages swept away. It is really devastating - the clean up will be horrendous and it will be necessary to monitor and control any infections that could arise from dirty water, debris, dead animals and so on.

The PCT General Assembly is already active and involved in the national disaster response relief and rescue work doing their part as best as they can. We are coordinating with our numerous Presbyteries setting up relief centers, phone help lines, dropping stations for donations in kind and money. Some of you have expressed concern for PCT churches, again, it is premature to evaluate the loss of lives or the extent of damage to our church members’ homes and church property but as PCT local congregations are in many communities all over Taiwan this is inevitable. Information will be released in time.

On behalf of the PCT and the people of Taiwan we express our deep appreciation for your concern and ask that you hold the victims of this major disaster in your prayers as well as those involved in the daunting task of rescue and relief in the weeks to come.

Rev. Lin Tsung-Jeng (Leonard)
PCT Moderator, 54th General Assembly

Rev. Chang Te-Chien (Andrew)
PCT General Secretary

Harvie Barker's Good Word

2009-08-07T09:25:00.004-05:00

Harvie and Liz Barker were in town last week and dropped by the third installment of A Good Word In Season. Harvie was minister here at the PCF from 1974 to 1980. This is a collection of 40 inspirational messages published in the Penticton Herald between January 23, 2007 and July 16, 2008. Proceeds from the sale of A Good Word In Season support the Pathways Addiction Resource centre and the "Be an Angel Fund" of the Penticton Herald. The previous two editions have raised just over $6,000. If you would like a copy call Rob at the church office (753-8439) - only $10.

The Keewatin

2009-07-02T12:19:00.002-05:00

Are you interested in getting the news of both the diocese and the national Anglican church then consider getting a subscription to "The Keewatin" for just $10.00 a year. Your diocesan paper is published 10 times a year and comes with the "Anglican Journal" the national church paper. If you are interested in getting a subscription then please send a cheque or money order for $10.00 made out to the "Diocese of Keewatin" and clearly marked with 'subscription' to the following address:
Diocese of Keewatin
Box 567
Keewatin, ON
P0X 1C0

Manitoba Government Grants to United Church Overseas Projects

2009-06-30T14:25:00.002-05:00

Did you know that through Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, the Province makes $1 million dollars available for matching grants for overseas development work? Manitoba is one of two provinces that does this. The UCC currently has two projects being funded: Rural Drought Relief in Zimbabwe and a Community Development project in El Salvador. If you speak with your local MLA, be sure to express appreciation for this support.

Conference Weekly News - June 29-July 3, 2009

Archbishop David

2009-06-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Eugene Peterson

2009-06-17T15:24:00.006-05:00

"The Biblical fact is that there are no successful churches."

That just jumped out at me when I was re-reading Peterson's 1987 book Working the Angles: The Shape of pastoral Integrity.

"There are, instead, communities of sinners, gathered before God week after week in towns and villages all over the world. The Holy Spirit gathers them and does his work in them. In these communities of sinners, one of the sinners is called pastor and given a designated responsibility in the community. The Pastor's responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God."

The book is a call to return to that responsibility through Prayer, Scripture, and Spiritual Direction. To return to that responsibility not because the church will be successful but because the church needs to be faithful. It's still a pretty radical notion three decades after he wrote these words.

"The Biblical fact is that there are no successful churches."

Bishop David is now "Most Reverend"

2009-06-12T10:54:00.002-05:00

Our very own, Bishop David Ashdown, has been elected the new Metropolitan for the Province of Ruperts Land. That makes him an Archbishop and rather than simply the "Right Reverend" David Ashdown he will be addressed as the "Most Reverend."
Congratulations David!

For those of us from other traditions the Anglican Church website explains ...

"Parish, diocese, ecclesiastical province and General Synod are the four main levels of organizational structure within the Anglican Church of Canada.

The local parish is the primary centre of worship and mission in the church. Each parish is within one of 30 dioceses, and functions under the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop.

Each diocese is within one of four regional groupings known as an ecclesiastical province. One bishop, elected by each Provincial Synod holds the office of Metropolitan and the title of Archbishop.

Collectively, the dioceses created a national body, the General Synod, to act on their behalf in specified areas. Representatives of the dioceses come together every three years in a meeting of the General Synod. Between these meetings, an executive committee, called the Council of General Synod, implements the General Synod’s strategic plan. The Primate, who is also an archbishop, is the chief pastor of the Anglican Church of Canada and President of the General Synod"

Mennofolk at the MCC Relief Sale and Festival

2009-06-11T14:21:00.003-05:00

Come on out to enjoy two days worth of music at this year's MCC Relief Sale and Festival. On Friday June 19th in the evening from 8pm - 10pm, there will be performances from The Other Brothers (featuring Chris Neufeld and Donovan Giesbrecht) and Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers. Then on Saturday June 20th, come and enjoy an all day free stage featuring musicians like Demetra Penner and Paul Bergman, childrens performers Alphabet Soup and Graham Wiebe, as well as sets from participants from MCC's Open Circle program. Mennofolk at the MCC Relief Sale and Festival; come for the mennoburgers, stay for the music.

software development and models of church

2009-03-16T14:34:00.003-05:00

Twice in as many months I have encountered a great illustration of a theological / ecumnenical issue illuminated by a comparison to software. At a conference I attended at CMU Doug Gay from the UK was trying to explain how he liked "high church" liturgical practice but couldn't buy the hierarchical forms of church government. He said he wanted to "unbundle" the software from the Operating System like the EU forced Microsoft to do. He wanted to use a "high church browser on his low church operating system".
Today I read a cool commment by Jane Stranz on her blog Of life, laughter and liturgy . . .
"Do we want cathedral ecumenism (top down, institution driven) or bazaar ecumenism (networked, organic)? The idea for these two terms actually comes from software development. So do you want a microsoft or a linux trinity, word or open office ecumenism? Let's open the theological software bazaar."
I hadn't heard the Cathedral and Bazaar image before but it reflects perfectly my emerging convictions about how ecumenism really works. Our present reality is that people don't care about our denominational affiliations, its the job at hand that gets them excited.

2009-03-05T10:56:00.001-06:00

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to shovel the driveway and a time to just sit back and admire the snow,

a time to wake up and a time to sleep in

a time to spring forward and a time to fall back

THIS SUNDAY WE SPRING FORWARD. DON’T BE LATE FOR CHURCH!

Jack & Val's Mission in Guyana Blog

2009-02-02T15:11:00.003-06:00

Our neighbours from the Pinawa Lutheran Church are on a mission assignment in Guyana. Follow Jack and Val Frederick's latest news HERE

Ways to Pray

2009-01-28T16:02:00.003-06:00

Rob will be leading a series of afternoon and evening study sessions in February at our meeting room in the Whiteshell Centre; the theme will be "ways to pray". If you have ever wondered where to begin with prayer, or if you have a curiosity about the many ways to pray, come out on a Tuesday afternoon or evening at 1 pm or at 7 pm. Each session is independent, come to them all or pick and choose one or two.

February 3rd: Biblical Prayer: the Psalms, the Lord's Prayer
February 10th: Praying the Hours and Keeping Seasons: Prayer books and Lenten promises
February 17th: Pilgrimage and Retreat: Desert Fathers, Camping and Labyrinths
February 24th: Meditation: Lectio Divina, Ignatian Spirituality, Christian Meditation and the Rosary

Communication Request from Conference

2009-01-28T13:12:00.000-06:00

You are invited to check out the United Church website for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario www.mnwo.united-church.ca Read interesting stories from other churches, tell us about your church, take advantage of your church profile that is already on our website. You will find many helpful resources to borrow – books, DVDs, videos, program resources and other things to spark your imagination. If you want to receive an email every Monday morning informing you of the latest articles posted on our website; click on “my profile” on our home page and it will walk you through adding your name and a password.

Learn about upcoming events and the latest resources by registering to receive the weekly email. Simply email lrye@confmnwo.mb.ca to add your name (and city/town/region) and every Wednesday you will receive the latest news from the Conference.

So that's what was keeping people away!

2009-01-08T16:37:00.001-06:00

Church removes 'scary crucifix'

A large sculpture of Christ on the cross has been removed from outside a church in West Sussex after its vicar said it was "scaring young children".

The Reverend Ewen Souter said the 10ft crucifix was "a horrifying depiction of pain and suffering" which was also "putting people off".

The sculpture, located at the side of St John's Church in Broadbridge Heath, has now been given to Horsham Museum.

It will be replaced with a new stainless steel cross.

In a survey carried out by the church, every comment about the sculpture was negative.

'Sense of hope'

Mr Souter said: "Children have commented on how scary they find it and how off-putting they find it as a symbol outside the church.

"As a key exterior symbol for us it was putting people off rather than having a sense of hope and life and the power of the resurrection."

He said rather than undermining the work of the cross, the church wanted to portray "an accurate biblical picture of the crucifixion as a moment of hopefulness for the world, and not one of despair".

The sculpture was designed in the 1960s by former Royal Society of British Sculptors president, Edward Bainbridge Copnall, and made out of coal dust and resin.

It was removed from the church just before Christmas and will be mounted on a large wall in the grounds of Horsham Museum.

Jeremy Knight, curator, said the powerful image portrayed by the figure was that of Christ in pain.

"That today isn't an image which a lot of churches want to follow. They'd much rather see an empty cross where Christ has risen," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/7816941.stm

Christmas Service Times

2008-12-18T15:21:00.001-06:00

Just a note to update our Christmas Service Times...

------
December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
10 am Worship
in the F.W. Gilbert School
------
December 24 - Christmas Eve
7 pm Family Worship
11 pm Holy Communion
in the F.W. Gilbert School
-------
December 28 - First Sunday after Christmas
9:15am. Shared Worship and pot-luck brunch
in the Pinawa Lutheran Church
------

The United Church of Canada launches its own YouTube Channel

2008-11-05T16:13:00.001-06:00

Last week the church launched its own YouTube channel, featuring a playlist of more than 20 videos with more to be added in the weeks ahead. The list includes videos of some of the United Church’s hundreds of community projects, both in Canada and overseas, as well as video messages from Moderator David Giuliano. The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel can be found at http://www.youtube.ca/unitedchurchofcanada

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

2008-10-01T14:46:00.001-05:00

Despite the cool and rainy weather 20 people came out for the first annual TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup on Sunday the 28th. Folks spread out from the Pinawa Sailing and Rowing club and covered the shore from the diversion dam to the campground. The Cann's and Westdal's canoed to the little islands just offshore and Captain Keith Reid in A2 led an expedition to Porcupine Island where a treasure trove of assorted junk was found. The good news is that our shoreline is quite clean. We only managed to fill 3 large trash bags and two recycling bags - not counting the 9 tires that wouldn't fit in the bags. We need to thank the people who don't wait for a special day to pick up litter as they walk their dog or exercise along the trails. The bad news is that we did find a bewildering variety of trash, a lot of it related to "recreation". We can do better than this Pinawa. The "Antiques Roadshow" award goes to John Trueman who scored a very cool old patent medicine bottle in pristine condition. Statistics from the event were sent to the Vancouver Aquarium who collate our data and add it it to International Coastal Cleanup information. TD Bank supplied t-shirts, gloves and bags and the Pinawa Christian Fellowship was very pleased to host the event and to provide a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows for the workers.
So, what did we find?
2 paper Bags
36 plastic bags
7 Cups, plates, forks, knives, spoons
25 Food wrappers/containers
2 Beverage bottles (plastic)
15 Beverage bottles (glass)
55 Beverage cans
1 Shotgun shell
10 Caps, lids
13 Straws, stirrers
5 Clothing, shoes (a pink flip-flop!)
3 Toys (Golf balls!)
2 Bait containers/packaging
1 Oil/lube bottle
1 Plastic tarps
5 Fishing line
2 Rope
7 Fishing lures/light sticks
1 Strapping band
118 Cigarette/cigarette filters
2 Cigar tips
3 Tobacco packaging/wrappers
3 Cars/car parts
1 55-gal. drum
9 Building materials (pieces of lumber / docks)
9 Tires
1 tampon applicator
17 chunks of Styrofoam insulation / dock flotation
1 lid from a town garbage container (in the river)

Pinawa Hospital Pastoral Care Team

2008-09-16T17:45:00.003-05:00

These are the folks from the churches in Pinawa and Lac du Bonnet and Seven Sisters who visit at the Pinawa Hospital (Along with Leah Bueckert our new Spiritual Care Coordinator for all of NEHA). Our next gathering on October 30th from 1 till 4 pm in the Pinawa Lutheran Church will be a training session, a perfect opportunity to find out what we're about. You're invited!

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

2008-09-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

The TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup started 15 years ago as a small beach cleanup by four Vancouver Aquarium employees and has now grown into the second largest cleanup in the world (The U.S. is in first place - for now!) Powered by Canadians, this program allows people from all regions and all walks of life to make a positive difference to their environment. Last year alone, over 52,000 Canadians registered to clean up 1,240 shorelines removing 87,489 kg of harmful shoreline litter. The Pinawa Christian Fellowship would like to invite Pinawanians to join us at 1 pm on Sunday September 28th at the Pinawa Sailing and Rowing Club to walk, cycle, row, paddle or sail the Pinawa shoreline and collect garbage. The main goal is to clean up, but the program also collects statistics about the state of our shorelines. Please take a moment to register at the Shoreline Cleanup website and help out by bring litter back to the starting point to be catalogued and properly disposed of.

Back to (the) School

2008-09-06T07:55:00.002-05:00

Summer worship with the Lutherans is over.
This Sunday, September 7th, we meet at 10 am in the FW Gilbert School.
Children's programs begin next week.
Annual General Meeting the week after. Welcome home!

The season after the Labour Day weekend is always a little ...sad. Yes, we'll have some good weather before the snow flies but it really does mark the end of summer. With the late spring this year it feels like we barely got started. Don't give up yet. We're working on a shoreline walk and picnic and clean-up for September 28. Look for details at the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

Haggadah

2008-08-21T13:38:00.002-05:00

A year or so ago I picked up a book at a used book store, The Book of Legends Sefer Ha-Aggadah: Legends from the Mishnah and Talmud It's an early 20th C compilation and translation of a huge variety of commentary on the Hebrew Scriptures. Commentary is probably a little too weak, they are creative responses and sometimes expansions of the Scriptures, collecting the wisdom of ages of storytelling. Now there's an on-line group starting a two-year journey through the stories. I can't promise I will check in every day, but I will look from time to time and I've joined the Facebook group to keep up to date. Check them out Sefer Ha-Bloggadah.

Joye's Sermon

2008-08-06T14:21:00.004-05:00

Here's a link to Joye Platford's Sermon for the Pinawa Birthday Weekend Community Service. It was a special treat and pleasure to have Joye preach as we celebrated the many good people who have emerged from Pinawa to engage the wide world. Also, many many thanks to the folks who pitched in to transform a rather dishevelled beer tent into a place of worship in about thirty minutes that Sunday morning! We should have had a "before and after" photo.

Anyone interested in going?

2008-07-25T11:35:00.003-05:00

This conference looks interesting, very provocative list of speakers. Perhaps we could make a car-pool. Check out the website for more info.

October 3 - 5, 2008
To discuss and explore how growing, processing, and eating food are practical expressions of Christian discipleship and therefore can bring glory to God by supporting the care of creation and the care of people.

Food. Does anything engage our humanity more deeply or thoroughly? Necessary for physical sustenance, food is also vital for livelihoods, hospitality, and culture. However, food is often the source of conflict. For some, contemporary Western food systems are triumphs of technology that offer freedoms and opportunities previously unknown. For others, these same practices are symptoms of pervasive ecological, economic, social, and relational brokenness.

As followers of Jesus called to love God, love people, and care for creation, what should we do? Enmeshed as we are in global structures, cultural practices, and economic limitations, how can we promote health within human and ecological communities at home and abroad with every bite we take? What do Christians have to offer when the Creator’s generous abundance results in divisive scarcity rather than sustainable prosperity?

This conference will explore how growing, processing, and eating food are practical expressions of Christian discipleship that can bring glory to God by supporting the care of creation and the care of people. We seek understanding and transformation and to this end we will listen and learn from faithful believers directly involved in various dimensions of food.
Featured Speakers

* Will Braun, Editor, Geez Magazine
* Cathy Campbell, Rector, St Matthews Anglican Church
* Stuart Clark, Senior Policy Advisor, Canadian Foodgrains Bank
* Don Kroeker, Vice Chair and Director of Investments and Strategic Planning, Kroeker Farms
* Len Penner, President, Cargill Limited
* Mary Beth Sanate, Rural Women's Upliftment Society, Manipur, North East India
* Stacey Toews, Community Engagement and Human Resources, Level Ground Trading
* Nettie Wiebe, Past President, National Farmer's Union
* Loren and Mary Ruth Wilkinson, professors, Regent College

Confused

2008-07-07T15:36:00.002-05:00

In this shared ministry business I'm never quite sure what to wear when the Anglicans invite me to a special event...

Daffodils and Trim

2008-06-23T16:10:00.001-05:00

A beautiful display from a bed of daffodils appeared on the church lot this spring thanks to the generosity and efforts of Helen Olchowy and Grant Delaney who planted it last fall. This and the work of Mac Pellow with his riding mower are keeping our church lot in excellent shape.

Fiddle Frenzy in Pinawa

2008-06-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods brought his “Road Trip” show to Pinawa on June 14 to the delight of an audience of over 300 people. From the opening “Boil’em Cabbage Down” to the “Orange Blossom Special” encore, Scott and his band gave an evening of entertaining, toe-tapping old time music ranging from up-tempo jigs and reels to slow and haunting laments.

Scott’s show was arranged by the PCF as a fund raiser and an event for the enjoyment of people in the East Man region. The organizing committee consisted of chair Gary Simmons and members Betty McCamis, Bernice Hawton, Judy Platford, Allan Campbell and Dennis Cann. However, the success of the concert depended upon the efforts of many others from the PCF including Rob Murray, Helen Olchowy, Phyllis Briercliff, Heather Westdal, June Fenton, Joan Ticknor, Irene Sedge, Arlene Boivin, Sheila Martino, Marion Delaney, Marg Stokes, Rob Smith, Scotty Wooster, Doug Platford, Allan Campbell, Nat Fenton, Grant Delaney and the PCF Guild members with intermission refreshments. A number of outside organizations also helped with the concert with special thanks to Barrie Burnett and Lynn Montsion of EMCA for the help with the staging. Through the efforts of these people and the support of the congregation as a whole over $1400 was raised for the PCF.

Ecumenical Shared Ministries

2008-06-06T15:46:00.003-05:00

The Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Churches in Canada have formed (as of November, 2006) a national ecumenical shared ministries task force, which will collect and disseminate resources about ecumenical shared ministries. They have published a new Ecumenical Ministries Handbook, a guide and encouragement not a book of rules. It's nice to see a renewed interest in shared ministries. You can download the full document in pdf format.

May 7th Talent Auction

2008-05-08T13:47:00.001-05:00

The talent auction raised $1850.00, including a few dollars
in donations. There was a lot of hilarity and some neat skills and abilities and tasty talents shared. Thanks to Mel for organizing the event.

MCC Bike the Interlake

2008-05-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

The food crisis is growing at alarming rates in many parts of Africa and other countries. Please consider joining this annual MCC event and help get food to the hungry and water to desperate communities in India. Ride with us on June 7-8 for this 13th annual event. You can register on line at mcc.org/manitoba/bike. Thank-you! For more information call Vic Bartel @ 779-8219.

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Ashdown

2008-04-22T14:53:00.002-05:00

Greetings in the name of the Risen Christ
It is my joy and privilege to announce that I have appointed the Right Reverend Gordon Beardy as Assistant Bishop of
Keewatin effective April 15, 2008. Bishop Beardy will share with me in the pastoral oversight of the Diocese of
Keewatin, specifically this means that he will
• Perform episcopal duties such as confirmation and ordination when approved by the diocesan bishop
• Provide pastoral counsel and direction to the clergy of the diocese in conjunction with the diocesan bishop
• Provide ongoing counsel and advice to the diocesan bishop
• Participate in the wider church through the national and provincial Houses of Bishops and other appropriate
avenues and representing the diocesan bishops when requested to do so by the diocesan bishop
• Undertake other responsibilities from time to time as may be mutually agreed.
I make this appointment, which is non-stipendiary, in accordance with the canons of the Ecclesiastical Province of
Rupert’s Land which state that a diocesan bishop may appoint an assistant bishop for a period of six months after
which time the consent of the diocese and the metropolitan are required. Therefore this appointment is for an initial
period of six months, ending October 15, 2008, at which time it may be extended pending the consent of both
diocese and metropolitan.
I know that this appointment will bring great joy to many throughout our diocese and beyond and I invite you to join
with me in extending to Bishop Beardy the warmest welcome and assurance of our prayers as he undertakes this
new phase of his ministry and the next step on our journey together.
Christ is risen
Alleluia!
+David:Keewatin
April 15, 2008

New Church Sign at the Mall

2008-04-16T15:47:00.003-05:00

We finally agreed on wording among the four congregations in town and our new sign is at the mall by the west entrance. Herm Saxler did a lovely job and now we fit in with all those fancy renovations in downtown Pinawa!

Scott Woods Tickets and Info

2008-04-15T15:45:00.002-05:00

“Upbeat” and “Uplifting”. These two words could well describe The Scott Woods Show coming to the Pinawa Community Centre at 7:00 pm on June 14. This fast-paced two-hour concert skilfully combines old time fiddling with country gospel songs, perennial favourites, and a generous helping of humour. You’ll be treated to one of Canada’s best talents - the man with the flying fingers and the magic bow - fiddling sensation, Scott Woods. Scott has performed to enthusiastic crowds throughout Canada, the U.S. and in Holland
This young man has captured all the major Canadian fiddling titles, including Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Champion, and Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the year. For seven years he was the musical director and played the part of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer’s Jubilee, a tribute show which has toured across the country. In addition, he has several recordings to his credit, which will be available at the concert.
There are lots of things to watch for when Scott Woods takes to the stage. His keen sense of timing and his sharp wit will keep you on your toes. And speaking of toes, just try to keep them still as he plays those old time tunes! Scott is backed up by his own four-piece show band. Together, they stir up a storm of good music to lift your heart and feed your soul.
Tickets($15) and information for The Scott Woods Show, sponsored by the Pinawa Christian Fellowship, are available from Betty McCamis at 753-2967 or the PCF office at 753-8439.

Talent Auction

2008-04-15T09:04:00.002-05:00

Every second year, the PCF holds a “Talent Auction” as a fund raiser. We are planning to hold one again, this time on Wednesday 7th May, starting at 7.00 pm and ending by 9.00 pm. in the Gilbert School gym.

Come and bid on some of the talents/services/items offered. Examples have been:

* pails of fresh strawberries
* pontoon boat ride on the Winnipeg River
* transporting stuff to the dump
* hours and hours of garden labour
* rototill your garden
* trip to the Gimli Resort in a luxury car
* sailing and canoe trips
* horse care and riding
* catered dinner for four

and much, Much, MUCH MORE!!
The Guild have agreed to serve tea and desserts (silver tray donations)
EVERYONE IS WELCOME

We would like to get as many of these “talents” to auction as possible. Rather than phone every PCF member to see if they can donate a talent or an item for the auction could let me know if you:

1) would like to offer the same talent as last time
2) would like to change that offer,
3) offer something new or different this time, or
4) will not participate this year

Please reply to the church office

Pastor Jack and Val - safe in Ngaoudere

2008-04-07T08:47:00.003-05:00

We are finally safe and sound on the mission station in Ngaoundere. We departed Montreal at 8pm and arrive in Casablanca at 6:30am. Our flight to Douala did not depart until 5pm (1 hour late). It was a long stopover, but Royal Air Maroq has a transit area, where one can lay down and catch up on lost sleep. Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport is very nice place. Our arrival in Douala was not as nice, as our prearranged transport did not arrive and we were subject to harassment from many dubious characters: some even claiming to be custom officials. We finally crawled into bed at the Ibis Hotel at 3am and were up at 9am to catch a bus to Yaounde at 11am. We had ordered a taxi to take us to the LeCar Bus to Yaounde, when a more serious incident occurred. Two taxis vied for our business which resulted in a small riot among taxi drivers (others joined in). Our luggage was being used as weapons, which resulted in a handle being torn from one suitcase. The hotel manager finally intervened and the Hotel Bus conveyed us to safety and our bus ride to Yaounde. A wheel was yanked off of the other!!! In the future I will suggest avoiding Douala, if possible, and fly directly to Yaounde. When we had booked our flight initially there had been a possibility of flying to Ngaoundere, which is now not possible. (Airline financial problems). We arrived in Yaounde with just enough time to buy our tickets and be on our way at 6pm for a 17 hour train ride. Jim Noss met us at the train station, brought us to our home for the next two months, and then Karen Noss prepared lunch. The language problem here became an issue when I (Jack) inadvertently bought 10 kilos of pomme de terre. Valerie is not too happy as she says we have enough spuds for a year. Val decided with friends Mary Ann & Karen that we would have a 'potato party' - all different recipes ---- Jack says lots of potato pancakes!! We have said many prayers thankful for a safe arrival. We also brought the first good rain as the dry season was still here. The EELC Hospital internet system is in limbo and we must travel into town to forward messages. We are making arrangements for a cell phone. We are with Etienne in a small cyber cafe in a 'hole in the wall' place within the Petit Marché.
God’s blessings, Val and Jack.

PS. It is HOT - Etienne returned yesterday from Maroua up north, the temp was 45C. I, Val, am not complaining yet, but I see by our opening CBC that the 'peg' will be 13C tomorrow.
Shalom... with God Blessings --- Val & Jack Frederick

A Time to Break Silence

2008-04-04T17:33:00.002-05:00

Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence

Speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1967, at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City

A Forty year old sermon as fresh as this morning's news.
The more things change ....

PCF Missions Help to a Kenyan Family

2008-04-02T10:15:00.003-05:00

In 2006 the PCF gave support to African AIDS orphans through Amy Attas who traveled to Africa to work and play with the children at the Nakuru orphanage in Kenya. From this arose an e-mail friendship between Josphine Gathama, a worker at the orphanage, and Amy’s mother Jackie Sturton. Until last December Josephine’s parents, her grandmother and her five siblings lived on a farm in the Burnt Forest district in the Rift Valley. On New Year’s Eve, four days after the widely disputed Kenyan election and associated violence Josphine sent Jackie, whom she addresses as “Mum”, the following e-mail.
“Mum,
I want to inform you that I am now not strong enough. Our houses were burnt yesterday, 6PM. Today in the morning, the enemies stormed where my parents and other people were camping, killing many, burnt the houses and so they ran for their lives. My grandmother could however not move because she has not been walking for three months. She was left behind and so I have been told that she was burnt in the house. Vehicles are not going towards that direction. If there is anything you can do to assist me, please assist.”

Subsequently Josphine was able to borrow a Land Rover and go to the Burnt Forest area where she saw the devastation and managed to bring her mother and younger siblings back to Nakuru. Her father and brothers also came there a few days later. It will not be safe for her parents to return to their old farm. Because of this the PCF Missions Committee has decided to send Josephine money from the PCF Mission Fund in the next few weeks to aid her parents to resettle elsewhere. You can get additional information about Josphine and her family can by contacting Jackie directly.

Sharing Resources

2008-03-27T15:31:00.001-05:00

The Pinawa Christian Fellowship and the Pinawa Lutheran Church have a history of co-operation and sharing that has served both congregations well. For a number of years we have shared worship during the summer, as well as Good Friday, Lessons and Carols, and the Sunday after Christmas. Recently our Sunday schools have been meeting jointly. The younger children meet in Gilbert School and the older children in the Lutheran Church.

The Lutheran Church has identified two representatives to meet with representatives from the PCF to identify other material and human resources that we could share that would in no way threaten the identity of either congregation.

Before any meeting between the representatives of the two churches, General Committee wants to give the congregation ample opportunity to offer their input.

Second hour sessions will be held following the church service on two Sundays: April 6 and April 20. It is our hope that folks will be able to attend one of these sessions to share their thoughts and offer suggestions.

Any proposals that may arise from the meeting between the representatives of the two church councils will be brought to a formal congregational meeting for approval.

If you are unable to attend either of the second hour sessions and you want to share input, please contact Betty McCamis, Vice Convenor, at 753-2967 (mccamisr@granite.mb.ca) or Rob Murray at 753-8439 (pcf@granite.mb.ca).

Easter at the Bridge

2008-03-25T16:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks Jackie and Mike for shovelling a space to gather at the suspension bridge on Easter Sunday morning. Bannock and Pickerel were frying as folks gathered to hear the Good News.

When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it. Jesus said, "Bring some of the fish you've just caught." Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn't rip. Jesus said, "Breakfast is ready." Not one of the disciples dared ask, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Master. Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.

John 21 from Euguene Peterson's translation, The Message

Presbyterian Mission Speaker

2008-03-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

On Friday, April 11, 2008; the Rev. Dr. Joe Reed, former missionary in South America, will be speaking at a dinner to be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the WMS Synodical. The roast beef dinner will be at St. James Presbyterian Church - cost $10.00 per person. You are welcome to attend but would appreciate numbers of those coming. Please telephone Joanne Instance at 633-6480 no later than April 4, 2008.

Daylight Savings Time - Spring Forward!

2008-03-07T11:09:00.002-06:00

I've been caught by the clock - don't forget that clocks advance one hour this Sunday morning, March 9th.

Eugene Peterson Interview

2008-03-05T15:18:00.002-06:00

Eugene Peterson's fresh translation of the Bible "The Message" is getting more use in our worship and for devotional reading. Here's an interesting (roughly 30 minute) interview with the man himself.

2008 Mission Fund Disbursements

2008-03-04T17:39:00.001-06:00

The PCF Mission Committee (Dennis Cann, Judy Platford, Anne Domytrak, Diana Evans and Rob Murray) decides on the disbursement of the funds contributed in the collection envelopes under “Missions”. We generally choose to make timely contributions to mission projects of our parent denominations, local mission projects and identified needs as the Mission givings come in through the year. This year we hope to inform the congregation before each contribution is made. Congregation members are welcome to support these projects if they wish by directed envelope givings.

The PCF Mission Committee is proposing to make as its first disbursement in 2008 a $200 donation to the Canadian Food grains Bank in the middle of March. The Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of Canadian church-based agencies, including all 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.

Our donation will be matched on a 4 to 1 basis by the Canadian International Development Agency

Future donations may include disbursements to the area Food Banks, Flora House and Anishinabe Place of Hope of Winnipeg Inner City Missions, St. Matthew's - Maryland Community Ministry, Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, MCC’s Meat Canning Project and identified African projects. The Mission Committee welcomes your input on these and your suggestions for other projects. Funds will also be made available on request for incidental expenses related to helping or supporting local individuals.

News on the Raza Family Sanctuary Case

2008-02-29T15:59:00.000-06:00

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

2008-02-29T12:38:00.004-06:00

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

Canadian Foodgrains Bank

2008-02-28T14:13:00.000-06:00

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

valentine's tea makes "the paper"

2008-02-26T14:47:00.002-06:00

Just for Fun

2008-02-07T10:31:00.000-06:00

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

2008-02-07T10:25:00.001-06:00

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

online calendar how-to

2008-02-01T16:41:00.000-06:00

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

2008-02-01T16:39:00.000-06:00

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.

"Sowing Tears, reaping Joy: The Bible and Brahm's Requiem"

2008-01-30T14:24:00.000-06:00

During Lent there will be seven sessions of Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. The same session will be offered on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for those who prefer that time. The Theme of the study is "Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy: The Bible and Brahm's Requiem" This study follows the famous "German Requiem" on a tour of Biblical prompts about death, grief, the brevity of life, and faith for here and hereafter. Through music and Scripture, we move from graveside to grieving, from the challenges of self-reflection to new perspectives and hope beyond. RSVP to the PCF office if you plan to participate so Rob can arrange enough materials. We will meet first at the church office in the Whiteshell Centre but may move if we need a larger venue. First Session is on Ash Wednesday, February 6 and the final Session is on March 19th.
Check out the Wikipedia post on Brahm's Requiem (with sound files).

More Music at PCF!

2008-01-30T10:46:00.000-06:00

You may have heard of Bruce and Cheryl Harding before, through their worship music and recordings or through their leadership in churches and gatherings across the country, including the last two General Council gatherings for The United Church of Canada plus worship services and evenings with congregations of many denominations. You may have read one of Bruce's articles on music and worship in various publications, or you know of his work as Managing Editor for More Voices, the forthcoming supplement to the United Church hymnbook, Voices United. Well, now you can meet Bruce and Cheryl in person: They are leading an "Evening of Singing" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, in Pinawa Manitoba at the F.W. Gilbert School. We will be accepting donations at the door to support Bruce and Cheryl's ministry and their cds and songbooks will be offered for sale. Here's a great opportunity to lift up our voices, united in praise! For more information on Bruce and Cheryl Harding check out their website www.evensong.ca

June Fiddle Concert

2008-01-29T09:48:00.002-06:00

We have a neat idea for a fund raiser and need some helping hands! Scott Woods has captured all the major Canadian fiddling titles, including Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Champion, and Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the year. For seven years he was the musical director and played the part of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer’s Jubilee, a tribute show which has toured across the country. He's coming to the Pinawa Community Centre on the evening of Saturday June 14th. We need help with publicity and selling tickets, crew for the day, all the usual stuff for an event like this. Call the church office if you can help.

Mennonite Church Manitoba - 2007 Report to Congregations

2008-01-11T15:36:00.000-06:00

The Mennonite Church Manitoba 2007 Report to Congregations is available online here. Here's an excerpt,

"The theme for Mennonite Church Manitoba in 2007 was “Living on the Edge” and is reflected in Luke 4: 18 & 19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

This year’s theme is the conclusion of the three year theme “Rooted in the Centre – Living on the Edge”. The development of the “Living on the Edge” theme has called us to reflect on four important issues: the various stages of faith development, being the Church in our cultural context, dealing with conflict and change, and the development of leadership in the Church. These four issues will be the focus of our reflection and discernment for the next four year"

The PCF has "associate membership" in the Mennonite Church Manitoba. If any of our Mennonite members would like to explore that aspect of our identity I would love to talk about it.

PCF GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

2008-01-11T10:37:00.000-06:00

PCF General Committee met on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Mel and Sim Gascoyne's. The draft minutes are available here.
The whole General Committee has decided to meet about every two months with the Executive (Convener, Vice and Past Conveners, Secretary, Treasurer and Minister) meeting in between. We're hoping this will streamline our administration and free folks up for the more direct ministry that our sub-committees provide. If you are curious about how the congregation organizes our business you could check out our mission statement and our governing by-laws online or just chat with Rob or a member of the General Committee.

FYI

2008-01-09T13:07:00.001-06:00

Presbyterian is an anagram for Britney Spears.

"The People Next Door"

2008-01-08T09:24:00.000-06:00

An interfaith education event jointly sponsored by Manitoba Interfaith Council and the Faculty of Theology at the U of W. It is titled "The People Next Door". We will be visiting the worship centres of 5 faith traditions. At each centre we will experience worship and receive a presentation on the faith by a member of that tradition. The dates are:

Th. Jan 17 6.30pm Buddhism at 39 Tecumseh (Tecumseh and Winnipeg)
Th. Jan 31 6.30pm Hinduism at 999 St. Anne's Road
Sun Feb 17 6.00pm Judaism at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington
Th. Feb 28 6.30 pm Sikh at 1244 Mulholland Road
Th. Mar 13 6.30 pm Islam at Grand Mosque, 2445 Waverly

The course will be concluded on Th Mar. 27, 6.30 pm. with a panel discussion at the U of W

There is a course fee of $25, paid on the first or subsequent evenings.

For more info contact Tom and Julie Collings - tomjulie@mts.net

2007-12-12T13:56:00.000-06:00

Our United Church Conference has a weekly newsletter that you can subscribe to, or simply click on the link here.
Conference Weekly News - December 10-14, 2007

A Christmas Message from the Bishop of Keewatin

2007-12-12T11:53:00.000-06:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord.

“Joy to the World”.

The words of the beloved carol with its message of joy and love replacing sin and hatred will ring out time and time again this Christmas just as they have year after year since 1719 when the author Isaac Watts was inspired by the angel’s message in Luke 2:10 “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy”

Regrettably they ring out in a world which seems to be becoming increasingly joyless. The disparity among people is increasing. Rich folk spend Christmas cruising the Caribbean while poor people line up at the food bank. Individuals become more and more self-centred while the life of the community dwindles. Some are so busy that they do not have time for the important things of life while others in loneliness pine away the hours. The news is filled with violence and alienation. Even the Church is plagued with schism. In other words, the situation today is very much like it was two thousand years ago when our Lord was born and when the angels delivered their message in song.

“Joy to the world” is not just a seasonal greeting. It is a mandate, a command for every baptized Christian. Instead of complaining about the world, we are called to transform it. We are set as a light in the darkness.
As a joyful people, we are called to set our priorities right by taking time to enjoy the wonders of creation and each other, by thinking of others first by sharing with each other the great gifts God has given us, and by making our homes and our churches places of warmth and welcome to friend and stranger alike. Having experienced joy ourselves we are to carry that joy into the entire world.

My prayer for you this Christmastide is that not only may you experience the joy of Christmas but that you may become a bearer of that joy to your family, your friends your workplace, your community, and your world all the days of the coming year.

My wife Penny and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may God bless you all the days of your journey.

Right Reverend David N. Ashdown

Third Sunday of Advent - worship

2007-12-11T20:25:00.000-06:00

Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2007
Jackie Sturton Playing

Choral Anthem #12 "She walked in the summer"

Isaiah 35:1-10
Luke 1:47-55 page 898 in Voices United
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

10 "Prepare the Way of the Lord"
Advent Liturgy please see the insert
6 "A Candle is Burning" verse 1,2,3 as the candles are lit

# 473 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
#328 Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring
#117 Jesus Christ is Waiting

It's renewal time for subscriptions to the United Church Observer. Only $15 for a year! Talk to Carol Walton if you would like to renew, or begin a subscription to the Observer.

Only 9 more sleeps till Christmas! Remember that we have two services here on Christmas Eve, a 7 p.m family service with comfy mattresses to curl up with your blanket and hear the Christmas story and the 11 p.m service of candlelight and Holy Communion. On the Sunday after Christmas we join the Pinawa Lutheran Church at 9:15 am for a singing service and Pot-luck brunch.

Looking Ahead

2007-12-07T15:08:00.000-06:00

2007 is galloping to a close and, while I'm not wishing my life away, there are some things I'm looking forward to. You may have seen the PCDC renovating the space next to the Post Office at the Mall. That has opened up some possibilities at the Whiteshell Centre. Whiteshell Insurance will be moving into the PCDC space and our landlord will be opening a connection for us between the existing church office and Tyler's office next door. That will give us significantly more space; room to have meetings and host events, and to offer mid-week programs. I can imagine after-school programs, morning groups for retired folks, evening study. How about rotating art exhibits of church member's work? What can you imagine? Along with this we will be placing a sign on the outside of the building and renewing the church sign at the Mall. As the only church congregation in Pinawa without a building to advertise our presence we need to work harder to let people know that we are here. If you have ideas to raise the profile of the congregation - don't keep them to yourself!

Did you know?

2007-11-21T16:24:00.000-06:00

That the word search puzzles we put on the back of the bulletin are prepared by Presbyterian minister Reg McMillan. In appreciation we have been paying for his site hosting at Lectionary Puzzles (We also get a credit on the page.) Reg recently sent us a note of appreciation with some interesting statistics.

Hi Robert,
Please express my appreciation to the folks of Pinawa Christian Fellowship for hosting the Lectionary Puzzles (word search) web site.

Over the year it averages about 500 visits a week with higher usage for special seasons of the church year.

Following is one of weekly summaries I get from the counter.

Thanks again.
Reg McMillan

------- Forwarded message follows -------

From:

To: "Reg.McMillan@sympatico.ca" <Reg.McMillan@sympatico.ca>

Subject: s20wordsearch traffic report for Friday, September 21, 2007

Date sent: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 06:08:55 -0400

Lectionary Puzzles

(s20wordsearch)

-- Site Summary ---

Visits

Total ....................... 63,902

Average per Day ................. 80

Average Visit Length .......... 2:05

This Week ...................... 560

Page Views

Total ...................... 153,753

Average per Day ................ 185

Average per Visit .............. 2.3

This Week .................... 1,292

Mrs. Claus

2007-11-17T20:21:00.001-06:00

Mrs. Claus was on hand to entertain the little people. For more pictures of the event click here.

A good time!

2007-11-17T20:15:00.001-06:00

The bazaar was a big success! We had a steady stream of people all afternoon and what a great crowd of volunteers! Many Thanks to Holly and the many others who helped put everything together. The Ladies Guild had a delicious selection of cakes and tea, coffee and juice. Here are some satisfied customers.