The Good News

St. John’s United Church

A Magical Thanksgiving

Last year around this time, my thoughts strayed back to the US where I

spent a couple years studying a decade ago. I thought specifically of

American Thanksgiving in 2006. I had completed my masters earlier that

same year and immediately returned home and work in Canada. But fond

feelings remained for the US and so I eagerly returned a few months later

when invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with a close friend and his new

wife in the lovely commuter community they had recently moved to. A

town much like Elmvale, having a thriving farmer’s market, warm neigh-

bors, post-office, and a similar assortment of churches.

I felt so needed the day before Thanksgiving that year, being that most of

the other Thanksgiving guests were originally from India and I seemed

the only one experienced at proper turkey preparation. I recall much

laughter as I prepared a reasonable concoction for stuffing. Sage, sau-

sage, apple, old bread, onion, mushrooms, celery and cranberries – I im-

agine I added a few other edibles simply for shock-value.

Once the turkey was ready to go, my thoughts returned to a sign that had

caught my attention upon arriving in town. “Ecumenical Thanksgiving

Eve Service” it read. For a Canadian, the thought of such a service was

possibly as novel for me as the turkey stuffing was for my Indian friends.

Suffice to say, my friend ventured out with me to check out the service.

That year’s Thanksgiving Eve service took place in the Lutheran church.

A larger sanctuary than St. John’s, yet on this occasion packed to the raft-

ers. A large choir of all ages and hues led the singing. Midway through

the service, we were treated to a phenomenal sermon by the local Catholic

priest. But surprisingly, he was not the person most gifted at speechifying.

While much detail has faded with time, that moment leading up to the

offering remains most clear. A rather large business-suited individual -

the local Mormon bishop – rose to speak – and eventually cry? I remem-

ber drops of perspiration gathering on his brow, requiring a handkerchief

ever-present in his left hand. The volume of his voice arched widely, ris-

ing and falling between hushed whisper and prophetic rant. He told mul-

tiple tales of clients he personally knew benefitting from a local women’s

center, the charity designated to receive the night’s offering. Suffice to

say, I’m pretty sure almost everyone in attendance reacted similar to my

friend and I, all coming pretty close to emptying our wallets and pockets

into the collection plates.

And so began that most special Thanksgiving for me.

But what ‘special’ meaning could that have for my

new St. John worship-mates almost a decade later?

Well… I purposefully held off

mentioning one key fact… the

name of that magical communi-

ty I visited in 2006 was Fergu-

son Missouri… a place front

and center in the daily news

since June 2014. Seeing such

tragedy recently befall that

lovely community, I am newly

aware how fragile the concept

of healthy community can be.

All to say that I wish you all will approach Thanksgiving and the autumn season as I now do - with a deeper awe for the fragile richness bestowed on all we who live in this area. An area bountiful with creativity, values, and community. May we all be powerfully moved by the copious colors, sounds and

smells God directs our way

day in and day out. May we all come to the close of this

waning year with thank-filled hearts, and strong conviction to move forward into the new year filled with such great love and joy that even the firm strong walls of our St. John’s cannot contain. Inside this issue

Youth Group & Sunday School ... 2

Men’s Roast Beef Dinner ............ 3

Golf Tourney ............................... 4

Alzheimer’s Luncheon ................ 4

Victoria’s Speech ........................ 6

Upcoming Events ........................ 8

October 2015 Volume 3, Issue

ST JOHNS UNITED CHURCH YOUTH GROUP

The Youth Group Study Guide is called : "WALK THE TALK”. In the steps of the soul man. This contains seven lessons looking at how we should walk in the steps of Jesus. We have looked at walking humbly, and with love, and will be studying how to walk in the Light, in darkness and Newness of life. Each week has suggested group activities, bible study, and individual journals that explore the topics more deeply. Though we have only peeled the top layer off, it appears to be a great re-source. October 14, 2015

The St. John’s Youth Group got off to

a great start on September 22 with a

nail-biting game of “Mimi Sticks” in

the Gathering Place, followed by a

quick snack break, and a bible study

looking at Pride and Humility.

We decided too much of either was

not what God would want.

Our first “outing” was on Oct 13,

when we all twenty three of us went

crazy at Rounds Ranch.

Continued on page 3

Sunday school began after the summer break on

Sunday, September 13, 2015. We have four main

teaching teams: Sarah & Lois Parnell, Cheryl McGin-

nis & Debbie Laycock, Melanie. Giffen & Debbie

Langman and Wendy Langman & Ginger Tsang. We

will also be joined by Krista Haidner & Leanna Lewis

on occasion.

We are using the program “One Room Sunday

School – Large Group/Small Group”. This includes a

music video for each unit, a session story and scrip-

ture passage, which will be shown in the parlour by

Crystal Tsang.

The children will then go to the Sunday school room

for teaching session.

We are looking forward to an exciting year.

Highlights for 2015-16

Sunday School Christmas pageant – Sunday,

December 13, 2015

No Sunday school is scheduled from Sunday,

December 13, 2015 to Sunday, January 10,

2016.

No Sunday school is scheduled from Sunday,

March, 13 to Sunday, March 20, 2016.

Sunday School Bake Sale is scheduled for

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Tentative Date for the Sunday School Picnic is

Sunday, June 12, 2016.

2

Sunday School Report

October 2015 by Debbie Laycock

Matthew 19:14 |

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Men’s Club Roast Beef Dinner September 2015

We were on the Go carts, Zip line, Corn

Maze, Pumpkin pickin’, and Camp fire.

Most people made it out of the maze, the

rest we’ll find when the corn is

harvested!

What a pleasure to work with such a

great group of young people. St. John’s

is truly blessed by them.

Interim leaders:

Krista Haidner,

Susan Elliott and

Sam Langman.

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St. John’s Youth Group continued

St. John’s Men’s Fellowship

Group held their annual roast

beef dinner on

Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Many of our members wore

white shirts and bow ties to

serve at the tables. Others per-

formed various tasks in both

the kitchen and cake room.

We could not do this without

the assistance of Marlene

Tinney (kitchen supervisor) and

Jan Drinkle (dining room or-

ganizer). Both worked tirelessly

to assist us.

Sold out ticket sales again led

by Don Bertram with 64 tickets

sold. Special thanks to Janice

Minnings at the Corner Cut

helping us to sell the remainder

of the tickets.

Our baked good auction run by

Ross Langman and Rick Muller,

was not as successful as other

years, due to the lack of items

that were donated. However,

we do thank all those people

who graciously did donate their

items and also to those who

made cash donations as well.

We have to recognize our lead-

er Allan Wright for his efforts

throughout the year to organ-

ize this event.

Thanks once again Allan !!

Just under $2700.00 was our

net profit. Proceeds will be

used for necessary church

repairs and/or items needed.

Ron Frankcom

More pictures on “Picture Page”

September 20 was a beautiful sunny day and a perfect day for a round of golf. We were very blessed to have the great weather and wonder-ful supporters of this years Golfing Fore Out-reach. This is an annual fundraising event that helps with the ongoing expenses related to help-ing the outreach programs that take place at St. John's United Church. Approximately 60 golfers enjoyed the greens and the delicious meal

provided afterwards by Orr Lake Golf Course. Many thanks goes to everyone who sponsored a hole, donated gifts or their time to make this such a wonderful event.

Beth Truax

4

Alzheimer’s Society Luncheon Fundraiser — October 15, 2015

St. John’s Annual Golf Fore Outreach Tournament - September 20, 2015

On Thursday, October 15th, the Outreach

reach committee sponsored an “Alzheimer

Society Fundraiser in the Gathering Place.

We decided to have a soup and chili

luncheon, charging $10 a person.

We invited Dana Bressette, a representative

from our local Alzheimer society chapter in

Barrie. Her presentation was quite informa-

tive and answered many of our questions to

the best of her abilities. She also gave out

many pieces of literature as well.

Despite having fewer people than we had

hoped for, it was a successful luncheon and

we have $650 to donate to the Alzheimer

Society.

The golf package that was donated, was won

by Ruth Allen, and the book Still Alice

(donated to the cause as a door prize by

Dana) was won by Lois Bertram. 2 golf jack-

et and hat combinations were won by Lori

Marshall and Linda.

The committee would graciously thank all of

our committee mem-

bers and volunteers

who worked so hard

to make this event a

great success.

Continued on next page

4

More pictures on “Picture Page”

Some names we would like to mention are: Jan

Drinkle, Allan Wright, Moira King, Heather (a

friend of Karen Turners), Cheryl McGinnis and

many others who donated items and their time

to help us out as well.

Sheila Jackson took lots of pictures and Snap'd

magazine was there as well, thanks to Karen.

Again thank you one and all.

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Alzheimer Luncheon story continued...

Come join us at the

ST JOHNS UNITED CHURCH, Elmvale, Ontario For an Afternoon of Christmas Music

Provided by

The Pensionnaires, Bell Ringers and Bob Bruer Sunday Nov 29th 1:30-3:30 pm

Refreshments to follow Free will offering with all proceeds going to the Mission and Service Fund

Of the United Church

5

“Commitment to God” by Victoria Turner

As many of you know, I am not a public speaker. Some of you may recall my days as a star. Not a well-known star but the star that guided Mary and Joseph to the stable, a pretty important role if you ask me. I was dragged in when they needed the star on stage. The tears running from my eyes, and I just stood there. That was my job. My mom carried me off stage and I told myself I was never going to go out on that stage again. Yet I have been in 14+ pageants since that day. And here I am standing in front of this church I call my home, standing here, not with tears but happy as ever. A few weeks ago we started these confirmation classes. I will admit, I wasn't going to continue past the first class. I came home and I felt like I didn't know a thing about who God is to me. I told Jessica how I felt and she said some-thing that would change my life forever. She said it was okay to be questioning everything. She was too. Right as usual. She knows that I don't like to step out of my com-fort zone. but if I've learned anything through the confir-mation, its that, stepping out of your comfort zone is what it means to be a Christian. My whole childhood, I spent hiding behind my mom and dad. clinging to their leg. I was the shyest kid you would ever meet. But their was something about this church, the adults and the children that made me open up. I loved be-ing in this building, having Sunday School and VBS. It holds some of the best memories. The Christmas Soccer Team Pageant, watching veggie tales in the Parlor, chil-dren's time being Dr. Paws (at VBS last year), I could go on and on. And as I got older, the awesome memories just kept coming. When the church started the youth group, that was the start of a new chapter between God and I. Through the youth Group I experienced so many things that otherwise I would've never done. We helped at the food bank, achieved the 30 hour famine. Had a sleep over at the church, had Christmas parties, played some intense games of mini sticks, and most importantly had lots of laughs and learned so much about God and Jesus. To me, being a Christian brings so much joy and excitement God loves to see us happy and enjoying life, and youth group incorpo-rated all of that and created a relationship between God and I. After I had been in youth group for 2 years, it was time for me to start high school. I'm sure everyone in this room can remember their first day of high school or their first day of anything. It can be very scary and stressful. There was so much changed in a short period of time. I had new peers, teachers, and unfamiliar surroundings. It seems that through these type of stages of my life I built a true rela-tionship with God. But when I chose grade 10 tech,

I never would've known that it would create and awesome and close relationship with God. A class may seem like an unusual way to become close with God. but it was the person I met in that class that played a huge part in why I am up here being confirmed today. Brenden and I have been dating for a year and a half, and he has brought me closer to God than anyone I have ever met. God's love just radiates off of him. You can't help but be happy and to be yourself whenever you are around him. He helped me to put my trust in God, and to see the work that God does all around us. I truly believe that we didn't meet just by "Coincidence". It was God's spirit that brought us together. Before meeting Brenden I was struggling with my faith. I felt distant from God. I truly believe that is one of the reasons why God brought us together. And now, here I am, confirming the promises that were made on my behalf at my baptism. When I was Dr. Paws at the vacation bible school here at St Johns, I knew that I would soon want to be confirmed. To be a part of such and awesome event, is an experience I will never forget. It was priceless to see how happy the kids were, and to see them share God's love in and out of the church. That was when I knew that I wanted to be part of the United Church. To now be a member of this church brings me great joy. The 4 classes we have done have pushed me to question and ana-lyze my faith, and I believe that though being a Christian is sometimes not easy, that I will always have God with me, and Jesus as my most true friend. I would also like to thank Reverend Steve. He was already so busy, but was still willing to confirm us. I learned so much about God, Jesus, and myself and I know that every-thing we talked about will stick with me. I realized that no one has all of the answers and that's what

faith is all about. I was able to open up because of your

honesty with us during the classes. You helped me to

grow in my relationship with GOD and Jesus. As I go into

grade 12 and have to make

many big decisions, I know

that I can always count on

God to be there. I am excited

for what the future holds, and

to grow in my knowledge

and relationship with Jesus.

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More Pictures Page Men's Roast Beef Dinner

Golf Fore Outreach Tournament

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

St. John’s United Church

27 Yonge Street South

Elmvale, Ontario

L0L 1P0

Phone: (705) 322-1472

E-mail: faithplace@bellnet.ca

Website: unitedchurchelmvale.org

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Upcoming Events at a Glance

October 31 - Hallowe’en November 1 - Time Change November 2 - Food Bank Collection November 14 -Turkey Supper November 29 -Christmas Music Event December 6 - Santa Claus Parade December 7 - Food Bank Collection December 13 - Sunday School Pageant December 24 - Christmas Eve Service December 24 - Christmas Day

The Good News Editor: Merrilee Erskine Graphic & Design: Don Kennedy