No

v.—

Dec.

2015

Volume XXXIV, Issue 5

BLOORBEAT The Newsletter of

Minister’s Message

When I was growing up, as a boy in Leaside and in Sunday School at Manor Road United Church, Christmas angels did not come in black. They didn’t come in brown or red or yellow either, only white. Everything was white: the robe, the crown, the skin. Then I grew up and realized that white angels are the offspring of white culture. I wonder if Africans ever sang: “I’m dreaming of a black Christmas.”

We’re all familiar with the inherited associations: white and light represent the good and the pure, black and dark represent the sinister and the evil. Of course most didn’t intend to extend the metaphors to people and the colour of their skin. When we sing of a white Christmas, we’re talking about snow, not skin. We all know that. But we also know that using exclusive language such as mankind instead of humankind has been the root of centuries of patriarchy, and that as language goes, power goes. A generation ago we began the painful yet hopeful passage toward a verbal landscape that welcomed the footprint of women. While we have a long way to go toward that landscape, the hoped-for terrain now includes more of the black and dark-skinned ones, who rejoice in metaphors such as those of hymn writer Brian Wren, who has written these words, found at #284 in Voices United, nearly thirty years ago:

“Joyful is the dark, holy, hidden God,

rolling cloud of night beyond all naming:

Majesty in darkness, Energy of love,

Word-in-Flesh the mystery proclaiming.

Joyful is the dark.”

Friends, I’ve seen a lot of Christmas pageants and plays through the years of my ministry, all of them organized by adults and enacted by children and youth. I remember one in particular. The sanctuary had undergone pageant transformation, a coat hanger wrapped in silver garland hung high on the wall behind the pulpit as the star, battery-powered candles creating atmosphere. Small people in bathrobes darted around corners after the rehearsal downstairs, and the congregation upstairs buzzed with the expectancy that is always the prelude to such pageants.

The choir opened with a scene-setting introit, and the drama was proceeding quite well, with shepherds appearing on cue, wise men – and wise girls! – arriving with as much air of authority as eight-year-olds can muster, and the innkeeper, a strong and capable twelve-year-old, vowing to protect Mary from danger.

Continued on page 4

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Bloordale United Church 4258 Bloor Street West

Etobicoke, ON M9C 1Z7

(416) 621-1710 www.bloordale.ca

Minister Rev. Brian W. McIntosh

Pastoral Care Minister Rev. Nelsona Dundas

Christian Development Co-ordinator Lisa Mazzariol

Youth Leader Jo Dullard

Administrative Assistant Halyna Parypa

Organist & Choir Director Mervin Fick

Custodian Victor Nguyen

Church Council

Chair Roy Harvey

Church Council Secretary Dana Bach

Congregational Meeting Secretary Pat Nelson

Board of Trustees Jack Lovatt

Ministry and Personnel Susan Prentice

Nominations Pat Nelson

Treasurer Norman Dundas

Presbytery Representatives Norman Dundas

Paul Rose

Minister Rev. Brian W. McIntosh

Committee Chairs

Congregational Life (co-chairs) Helen Hitchcock

Gladys Lewis

Communications Julia Stavreff

Christian Development Diane Mulholland

Finance & Stewardship Jack Lovatt

Outreach Roy Harvey

Pastoral Care Sylvia Williams

Planned Gift & Memorial Funds Bob Hitchcock

Property Bruce Jackson

Social and Fund Raising Vanessa Mitchell

United Church Women Joan Hollowell

Worship Sharron Le Blanc

Members-at-Large Jim Bell

Frank Sword

IN THIS ISSUE

Title Page

Minister’s Message 1 Worship in the Weeks Ahead 2 Stewardship Spot 3 Out of the Cold 4 Mark Your Calendars Mar/Apr 4 Forum on the Future 5 Youth Group News 5 The Lunch Bunch Beat 5 Semi-Annual Meeting 6 Welcoming BBQ 6 Gifts with Vision 6 Dementia Seminar 7 Consider a Planned Gift 7 The Group 7 Congregational Pot Luck 7 In Memorium: Jim Nelson 7 Yvonne in Mozambique 8 Jazz Concert Report 9 Book Study—The Comeback 9 Movie Night at Bloordale 9 Upcoming Events Summary 9 Finance Committee Message 10 Upcoming Christmas Concerts 10 Baptism: Nathan Sulan 10 UCW News 10 Kids Christmas Craft Night 11 Craft Night 2016 11 Annual Christmas Pageant 11 Church Gallery Update 11 Police Appreciation Sunday 12 Bulletin and Music Dedication 12 Who’s Ready for Christmas 12 Save the Dates in Jan/Feb 12 Caring for Loved Ones 13 Hats Off for Cleanup Crew 13 Need a Ride in a Wheelchair 13 Outreach and Advocacy 14 Holly Tea & Cookie Sale 14 Sharing our Gifts 14 Choir Cantata 14 Christmas Eve Worship 14 Blbt Submission Guidelines 15 BUC Ministry and Mission 15

WORSHIP SERVICES IN THE WEEKS AHEAD

Nov. 15 25th after Pentecost / Stewardship 22 Reign of Christ / COMMUNION 29 Advent 1 Dec. 6 Advent 2 / Pageant 13 Advent 3 / Choir Cantata 20 Advent 4 24 Christmas Eve / COMMUNION 5 pm 27 Christmas 1 Jan. 3 Epiphany Sunday / BAPTISM 10 Baptism of Jesus 17 2nd after Epiphany 24 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins / COMMUNION / Pulpit Exchange 31 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ends

All of our Sunday worship services begin at 10:30 am unless otherwise indicated

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Stewardship Spot “Stewardship is everything I do after I say ‘I believe’.”

A Non-Anxious Advent?!

“Do not be anxious. Which one of you, by being anxious, can add a day to the span of your life?” (Matthew 6: 25a, 27)

Over the years I’ve found the teachings of Jesus to be both challenging and comforting, but I’ve also found them amusing at times. Challenging, of course, because he set such high standards of righteousness, justice-seeking, non-violence, self-sacrifice, and other ethical actions. Comforting, on the other hand, to hear from the One in whom the fullness of the Divine rests that we can let go and let God, not always presuming that we need to fix everything. But amusing, too, to think that we could ever let go of our tightly wound lives enough to actually stop being anxious! Just thinking about December and the mad rush to Christmas makes us anxious, doesn’t it? In fact, it just doesn’t seem, well, proper to feel any other way, since we have obligations, we think, to family and friends to make this the best Christmas ever!

Walking toward the church from home one day a week or so ago I saw anxiety played out in front of me: a gardener with one of those infernal combustion engines strapped to his back, blowing the leaves from one place to another (surely a good reason for sending billows of toxins into the air, as children reach for their Ventolin – but I digress). Not satisfied with the leaves already on the ground, however, he was trying to blow down the leaves still on the trees. They clung to what few days they had left, aware that they had colour still to offer, and were not done their rustling. I imagined them calling out, articulate and well-read flora, quoting the poet Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gently into that good night! Rage, rage against the dying of the light!” The message given by the gardener seemed clear – if we can hurry up and get the fall, literally, accomplished, we can get on with moving snow from one place to another efficiently! I suspect it is, as the Hebrew preacher said, “all vanity, a chasing after the wind!” (Ecclesiastes 1: 2b, 17b)

We get a lot done at the pace we live, don’t we? We do good things, lots of good things, including good things for God as well as ourselves, driven as we are to get so much done. We consider ourselves faithful disciples if we work as hard at church life as we do at our own life. But the relationship we have with time in all parts of our life is frayed, because it’s so linear – the faster we go, the more good things we’ll get done, and God will like us. It’s the Protestant work ethic writ large, as we try and prove our worth by works as well as by faith.

But I’m worried that we’re getting anxious about it all, to the point of seeing no point to it. After all, what have we got to show for doing the same things over and over and over again, working harder each time we do them? Doesn’t it feel often like the future is only going to be good if we make it so, yet in our trying so hard to make it so we just tread water and barely stay afloat? Whither progress in an age of decline? It’s the economic principle of Diminishing Marginal Return translated to all of life – that point on the curve at which the increase in production no longer produces an increase in net revenue (cut me some slack, any economists out there, if I don’t have this quite right!).

More simply, the faster I go, the more behind I get. This principle, friends, carries theological weight as well: anxious, frenetic pacing does not mean we’re living more or better, but simply living less well faster. The dream of God is more abundant life, and speed is never mentioned. It’s not a quantity, an accumulated good, nor is it a listing of all we’ve accomplished as our qualification quota for the kingdom. God’s abundance is rather a quality, a character of living. If, in our race to do more – especially in December! – we live with a frantic, anxious quality, then we have not actually lived more, but less, and have handed back the great Advent gift of patient waiting for abundant life which God bestows on us every year.

Yes, yes, I know, few of us think of patience or waiting as a gift. Yet think back to the best Advent moments of your life, in this crazy pre-Christmas period when time seems to rush at breakneck speed and deadlines for accomplishing all we want to come so fast, and consider that the best moments likely weren’t while rushing around in the mall, but rather doing something more mundane, with far less anxiety attached, when time apart from the rush was found or given, and we could simply be.

The days of December are among the most hurried and anxious of the year for us, as we risk death by tinsel and trial by eggnog. So listen to Jesus and breathe. Find a leaf still on a tree, or listen for a bird yet to migrate, and thank them for being teachers. And when time, both before and during the star, angel, and shepherd show, causes us to pause this year for just a moment, love that moment. It’s the eternal now, the still point in a turning world when God comes among us, begging us to be better stewards of our time and times and let anxiety go for good.

Brian

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Continued From Page 1 Mary, a little younger, told Joseph she loved him, and managed not to giggle while doing so, since she was strong and capable too. By the fifth scene it was time for the angel to announce to the shepherds that there would be a holy birth. A seven-year-old angel popped up from behind her hiding place in the pulpit – white gown, sparkly halo, wide grin – looked out at the sea of adult faces, a look of terror swept across her own, and she disappeared as fast as she had appeared! There was a long pause, as tender and holy negotiations took place behind the pulpit. After a wait that seemed very, very long but was likely no more than a minute, a black woman – a mother who had helped with costume preparations and was there to coach and prompt on the big day – stood up and said, “We have a case of stage fright, so I guess I’m the angel – the black angel.” Then she spoke the words the angel had to say to keep the drama going. “Do not be afraid. See, I bring you good news of great joy.” This had to be said, so the shepherds could receive their instructions to go to Bethlehem. After all, children were waiting for their lines, not to mention the dads with their camcorders (yes, this happened a number of years ago, long before i-phone cameras!). Yet when the black angel spoke, I heard the words as I had never heard them before, though I’d heard them many times by then and knew them by heart. It was just so odd to hear the black angel saying those time-honoured words. She was, after all, an adult, and knew more about the world of drudgery and broken dreams of the world in which she found herself an unlikely herald far more than any child. Surely she knew of the exhaustion and hopelessness, the sexism and racism that threatens to overwhelm us, and does so still. Out of the mouths of babes the words have a certain sentimental appeal, but this was one of the adult black angels, and she knew. This Advent and Christmas, maybe even during our own pageant on Dec. 6th, ponder this: you will know the meaning of God’s coming among us in Christ when life sets you suddenly on the stage of your particular social circumstances and bids you to say what you never in your wildest dreams thought you’d ever hear yourself say. You will know the meaning of the Christmas incarnation of Spirit-in-flesh when, in spite of all you’ve seen, you become the one calling people to fearlessness and become, in so doing, the bearer of good news of great joy. It’s very clear to me, after all these years in adulthood and ministry, why we always give this profound drama to the children: because they still have the capacity for wonder, and have yet to

drink deeply of broken dreams. We give it to them because we’ve lost something of the good news of great joy ourselves in the muck and mire of life. Here is an advent wonder to remake your heart: joy is not a good mood you stumble upon when times are good; joy is a good truth you live inside that is a deep part of the heart of things. Joy is the strange knowledge that in spite of all we have become and failed to become, we are born anew in Christ who is born to raise the daughters and sons of earth. We don’t make joy happen, friends, for joy has been given, even into the worst of life. When you are true to yourself, you become the black angel. This is what you are called to make of Christmas. You are no longer a child. This is what Christmas makes of you. May your Advent and Christmas be filled with joy, and may you both experience and become a black angel this December. Oh, and by the way, our Pageant this year is December 6th! Brian

Out of the Cold Bloordale will be hosting the annual Out of the Cold dinner on January 8, 2016. This is a somewhat earlier date than usual but what a wonderful opportunity for us to carry the spirit of Christmas giving into 2016. I would ask for the congregations support by volunteering to help out on the evening of January 8th.

If you are unavailable but would still like to help, we will need people to lend their culinary skills or donate for this very worthy cause. Please speak to me if you are interested in helping out in any way. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Outreach Committee and all the cold and hungry guests we will be feeding that evening.

Lisa Mazzariol

Mark Your Calendars The Social and Fundraising Committee presents:

Sunday March 6, 2016 58th Anniversary Dinner and Silent Auction at Bloordale

Saturday April 23rd, 2016

3rd Annual Afternoon Tea and Art at Bloordale

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The Lunch Bunch Beat

Our first lunch after the summer was on October 4th. 18 of us went to the Canadiana Restaurant, at Six Points Plaza. We sat at two tables adjacent to one another, and ate and drank and chatted.

Gord Moore arranges the restaurant venue, and reserves seating for 15 to 20 people. Then we go. It is nice to tell us ahead of time if you are going, but last minute notifications are always fine.

Our next lunch bunch is for November 29th, after the church service and after coffee time. We will be going to the popular Cora’s, this time visiting the Dixie Road location (4120 Dixie Road, Mississauga, just north of Burnhamthorpe Road).

To sign up or for information, please talk to Gord Moore (905-629-9736) or to me, Julia (416-622-6309). Carpooling is always provided, and all are welcome..

Julia Stavreff

Youth Group News

The Bloordale Youth Group had our first youth night on October 16th and we played laser tag.

Up next is rock climbing at Boulderz on November 28 with the St. James and Richview youth groups.

Jo Dullard

Forum on the Future of the Church/Christian Community

On October 18th, in the evening, the 427 Ministerial sponsored a forum on the Future of the Church/Christian Community in Etobicoke, held at the Rehoboth Fellowship Christian Reform Church at 800 Burnhamthorpe Road.

Besides Bloordale and Rehoboth, the ministers from Renforth Baptist, Graceview Presbyterian, St. Philips Lutheran, and Christ the King Anglican churches were there. By some strange coincidence, the ministers from the above 4 churches had all been at their congregations for about 3 years.

Bloordale was well represented with about 15 of the total +50 people present.

The six ministers all spoke, briefly, of the past, the present and what they were doing to have more community exposure, and to increase the congregation, e.g. outreach programmes, signange, invite the wider community to church events, etc.

A startling revelation came from Pastor Chris, of Renforth Baptist, who moved from Thorold ‘where the average house cost $220,000 to Etobicoke, where the average house cost is $800,000’. More startling: when Chris arrived, Renforth Baptist had an active congregation of about 12! Today, the congregation is over 60.

Pastor Chris, and some of the other ministers felt that what was needed was a return to a Christ centered Church, or put another way, more focus on worship. But not all of us were sure if this, by itself, was the answer.

Some of the people present expressed reasons why families are not going to church anymore on Sundays. Prominent among them: “two couple working families needing a break on Sunday”, and the “new religion of children’s sports”. These same comments were mentioned in the Tri-Church discussions which we have been having over the last year and a half with St. James and Richview. Everyone seems to have the same problems but no one seems to have the answers.

York University Pastor Shiao Chong, who attended in a non-official capacity, stated that today’s youth are ‘spiritual, but not religious’. They are passionate about causes, and want to get involved in those things, instead of going to Church on a regular basis. Much food for thought.

After the presentation/discussion, we all went to the main hall for refreshments, snacks and conversation. Diane M. thought the six churches could do some activities together, e.g. for youth.

My feeling on leaving the meeting was that maybe all of the churches should get together and be one large community church.

Julia Stavreff

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Our 2015 Semi-Annual Meeting

Our meeting was held after service on Sunday October 25th, 2015. Jim Donaghy, as chair of our Tri Church discussions, brought forward a very important agenda concerning deliberations with St. James United Church regarding a possible shared future. Note that Richview has chosen at this time to withdraw.

An important step at this time is to enlist the ser-vices of a facilitator to guide discussions over the coming months. Based on experience involving church amalgamations, such services are consid-ered necessary in order to guide participants through difficult and challenging issues. Fortu-nately, within the United Church of Canada fami-ly, an experienced person is available and has been interviewed recently by the Tri church Com-mittee.

Jim led the discussion as he presented three mo-tions to the meeting. The motions had been for-warded with the approval of Council from the Council meeting of October 13th, 2015.

The first motion called for the retaining of a facili-tator to guide discussions toward a possible amal-gamation of the two congregations at a cost not to exceed $8,000 for each church. This motion passed.

The second motion called for an amendment to the terms of the Planned Gift Fund to make a one-time contribution to cover the cost set in the first motion. The motion passed on the understanding that its provisions would be referred to the appro-priate committee.

The third motion gave consent to the Tri Church committee to engage a facilitator. This motion passed.

We all know that our future as a church is at stake and we owe it to Jim and his committee to keep ourselves well informed of proceedings. It is very gratifying that 22 people signed up to serve on task groups as the process unfolds. Jim will welcome additional volunteers, just let him know. Note also that, at each Council meeting, members will receive regular updates which they can pass on to their respective committees. It is vital that we all keep abreast and engage in this process.

Apology from the chair: I was remiss at the meet-ing in not having abstentions recorded in votes. My error has been noted and should not be re-peated.

Roy Harvey, Chair of Council

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Welcoming BBQ with Coleslaw

At our welcoming barbeque on Sunday September 20th, after the church service, we had hot dogs and hamburgers, with the trimmings, raw veggies and dip, coffee, tea and juice, lovely sweets, and the most wonderful coleslaw! Thanks to our Congregational Life Committee for arranging this BBQ.

A number of people raved about the coleslaw, so we asked Helen Hitchcock for the recipe. Here it is:

Oriental Coleslaw

1 package coleslaw (dry) 14 oz

1 c. sunflower seeds or more, to your liking

12 green onions, sliced &/or chopped

2 pkg. dry chicken soup noodles, separated (eg. Mr. Noodles) Any flavour would do, likely.

Dressing:

1/2 c. cider vinegar

1/2 c. canola oil

1/2 c. sugar

2 noodle-seasoning packets

A pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Add dressing just before serving. Start with ½ to ¾ dressing . You may not need it all. Alternative: add dressing an hour before and seeds at the last minute.

Serves 8-10

Gifts with Vision: A Gift-Giving Catalogue from the UCC

This catalogue, perfect for alternative Christmas gifts, was developed in response to requests to target gifts for United Church partners, and represent a special opportunity to offer in-kind gifts to loved ones at Christmas or for other special occasions, over and above our congregation’s Mission and Service Fund givings and the stable partner funding that it provides.

We have a number of these catalogues, updated for 2015/2016, so please take one, pass it around to family and friends, and consider what you might give in the name of your gift recipient(s) to support a need in Canada or around the world.

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Pastoral Care Holds Second Successful Dementia Seminar While registration for the Seminar on October 29th was not as high as the 225 who turned out in March, no one was complaining! According to Jack Lovatt and Norman Dundas, who monitored parking, all were able to find a place in our lot with empty spaces to spare! Moreover, not all 150 who registered turned out: some were ill and predicted 90 km/hour winds may have kept others at home to be safe. However, it was no less successful than in March!

Guest speaker, Kari Quinn-Humphry, from the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, continues to impress attendees with her knowledge and ease of discussing a complex topic in a way we can understand. Bill Winfield, author "Stranger in My House", himself a caregiver for ten years, was once again on hand and on behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Peel, recipient of all proceeds from the sale of his books, conveyed his thanks for the invitation. He had the opportunity to meet, and hopefully assist, several new spousal caregivers.

Several attendees approached Brian saying, 'This church is really doing a great service to the community.' Others said they had attended both seminars and plan on being at the next one! A casual mention of the seminar at a flower shop resulted in the attendance of the owner's mother- and father-in-law and deriving so much from it. The friend of a committee member who attended wants to do the same for her church. During registration, complete strangers shared some worrisome situations.

Pastoral Care Committee Members and Friends are to be congratulated, each and every one, for their part in making this another successful event: Fay Cole; Helen & Bob Hitchcock; Joan Hollowell; Shirley Jankus; Sylvia Williams; Connie Wright; with Pat Conway-Willis; Linda Smith; Gordon Moore; Jack Lovatt; Norman Dundas; Victor Nguyen; Halyna Parypa; Brian and Nelsona. A most sincere "Thank you!" to all. May our church continue to do a great service to the community!

Nelsona Dundas

Consider a Planned Gift to Bloordale United Church

Giving a gift to the Planned Gift Fund through your will is one way to continue faithful stewardship beyond your lifetime. When your estate plan is prepared please consider a gift to your church through the Bloordale Planned Gift Fund.

A message from your Memorial and Planned Gift Funds Administrative

Committee

Congregational Christmas Potluck Hosted by UCW Tuesday December 8th at 6:30 pm

Bring your favourite food to share, casseroles, salads, desserts and more. Enjoy food and friendship.

Everyone welcome !

The Group 2015 was a great year for The Group. We enjoyed dinners out and a few outings plus meetings/conversations in our own Room 15. The Group’s mission continues to have women of our congregation come together for great conversation with refreshments in a variety of activities and outings.

The Group meets now every third Wednesday of each month in the evening. We welcome and invite women of all ages to come out to share stories, have a night out, be empowered and be surrounded by positive spirituality.

November is our last meeting for 2015, ending the year making Christmas crafts with Connie Drummond!! Refreshments also included.

We are in the midst of planning next year’s activities and would love input and suggestions for The Group!

Carpooling is available for every gathering and we are also trying to find a solution for those who need babysitting.

So please mark every third Wednesday on your calendar and come join The Group for an evening of fun!!

The Group wishes everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Blessings for a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!!

Debbie Cauch-McIntosh

In Memorium

James Edward Nelson

April 16, 1938 - September 11, 2015

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Yvonne at the Mozambique Orphanage Project

This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Mozambique through July and August. I went with my aunt Dores Cruz, an anthropology professor at the University of Denver, who carries out research in African Studies. We stayed with a group of nuns that run the Mozambique Orphanage Project, along with many other outreach programs. I had the chance to see the different programs but we were there specifically to help start up a program to support the neediest of the children who attend school.

The program that we were planning to start was linked to the pre-existing lunch program called “The Table” that the nuns have been running for several years. They run The Table in two different locations each day. One in Manjacazi, the town we were staying in, and one in Macaslane, a poorer rural village, about 20 minutes away by truck. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we would stay in town in Manjacazi, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we would work in the village.

At each of the two locations, about 150 children are selected, based on need, to attend The Table, and these were to be the kids attending the program we were running. Children attend school either in the morning or the afternoon according to grade level. The children who attended school in the afternoon joined us in a morning program and were then served lunch before school. The children who attended school in the morning were served lunch at a second sitting of The Table, and joined us in an afternoon program.

In the schools, children are taught primarily using methods of dictation, or recitation, and it was difficult for me to adapt to this style, obviously so different from how I have been taught in Ontario. When we tried to introduce the idea of “Creative Writing”, it turned out to be a big challenge for the kids. The children were not able to understand the idea of making something up or using their imagination to create a story. They were also reluctant to speak up when working with us, as they were strictly taught not to say something that might not be correct. We tried to adjust by preparing hand-written worksheets and writing exercises instead of the games we had planned.

Another surprise was being asked to provide English instruction to the teachers at the school in Macaslane. As you can imagine a 16-year-old with very little Portuguese, trying to teach English to teachers with very little English, made for an interesting situation!

I think it is important to share some information about the money that was raised for the programs. When I spoke to the congregation in the spring, I reported that the greatest need was in the orphanage, but with the amount of money raised here through Bloordale ($1450.00), and in the US by my aunt, the decision was made to hire

two people, one in Manjacazi, and one in Macaslane, to continue running the before and after-school programs. The funds will be enough to pay two salaries for at least a year and a half, as well as purchase more materials to work with.

There were many new experiences over the summer. A few of these included using the stone wash boards, riding in the back of the old pickup truck that served as a makeshift school bus, taking as many as 25 kids home from school, and learning to pound the cassava. I was really fortunate to have had this experience of becoming immersed in a culture different from my own and get to know so many wonderful people.

Yvonne Mulholland da Cruz

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All That Jazz !!! On October 29, 2015 over 100 jazz aficionados enjoyed a wonderful evening with pianist Richard Whiteman, trumpeter Jake Wilkinson , tenor saxophonist Shawn Nyquist, bassist James Thomson, drummer Kevin Coady and vocalist Terra Hazelton. The musical selections were excellent and Richard kept us apprised of the score of the Blue Jays ball game.

Members of the social and fundraising committee manned the bar in a very professional manner. There was an excellent variety of wines and beer; a beer run had to be made when the sales became unexpectedly high (no pun intended). And then there were the tasty snacks. Profits for the evening were just under $1,200.

Special thanks to Bob Hitchcock who arranged the contract with Richard Whiteman and the artists. Bob then tirelessly sold tickets to all, for many weeks. Heartfelt thanks to the BUC members who are not S & F committee members but graciously helped in so many ways. And thank you to all who came out and supported our superb evening.

See you at the next concert!

Nancy Harris, Social & Fundraising Committee

Upcoming Events Summary

Sunday November 15. Service at Wesburn Manor. Bloordale host the service at Wesburn at 2:30 p.m. The Bloordale Choir will sing.

Wednesday November 18. The Group meets to make a Christmas Craft led by Connie Drummond.

Friday November 20. 7:00 p.m. Movie Night with Brian.

Tuesday November 24. UCW meets in the afternoon.

Friday November 27. Outing to The Christmas Market and lunch in the Distillery District – afternoon.

Christmas Craft night for kids.

Sunday November 29. The Lunch Bunch Lunch at Cora’s on Dixie Road.

Afternoon service at Wesburn Manor.

Saturday December 5. Holly Tea and Cookie Sale.

Sunday December 6. Children and Youth Christmas Pageant.

Opening Day for Artist Wendy Bannerman in Room 15.

Tuesday December 8. UCW hosted Pot Luck.

Sunday December 13. The Choir performs their Christmas Cantata during the worship service.

Artist Wendy Bannerman in Room 15.

Sunday December 20. Artist Wendy Bannerman in Room 15.

Afternoon service at Wesburn Manor.

Friday January 8. Bloordale participates in “Out of the Cold”

Friday January 15. Movie Night with Brian.

Wednesday January 20. The Group meets.

Book Study on The Comeback by John Ralston Saul

Last year Canadian John Ralston Saul wrote an important book about the resurgence of Indigenous Peoples across this land entitled The Comeback. Brian will be holding a study on this book on two Mondays, Nov. 16th and 23rd, both from 7 to 8 pm. Following the second evening Nov. 23rd the Reconciliation Working Group will hold an hour-long meeting, and anyone who is interested is invited to attend. Please speak to Brian if you’re interested, and/or borrow the book from our library or purchase the book and start reading asap!

Movie Night at Bloordale Come and join Brian and others once a month in Room 15 while enjoying popcorn and other goodies. We usually have a brief conversation following the film, as we relate what we’ve seen to our faith journeys. The next Movie is Friday November 20th at 7 pm, and we’ll show the movie O Brother Where Art Thou?, a 2000 comedy adventure starring George Clooney.

The next movie night is scheduled for Jan 15th, 2016.

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Baptism

October 18, 2015

Nathan Thomas Sulan

Son of Jennifer and Daniel Sulan

Brother of James

A Finance Committee Message

[Mark 12] The Widow’s Offering

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

In this passage Mark vividly contrasts the behaviour of the scribes to that of a widow who gives a gift to the temple. The woman’s gift is minute in monetary terms but it is all that she has and hence its value in God’s eyes is far greater than the value of anything put in by other well-off people. Jesus refers to her act, unlike that of the scribes who gave to gain privilege, as one of generosity because she loved God.

Fast forwarding to the 21st century, Bloordale United Church is one of God’s temples. Unfortunately, we have no scribes (who today would be considered as the 1 percent) to cover the finances of the temple. Like the widow, we offer our free-will gifts to Bloordale because we love our church.

At the end of October congregational free-will offerings are $10,687 below the budget of $123,000. There is no flexibility to negotiate our major expenses. Salaries and benefits are mandated by the National Church for the most part and annual dues to support Toronto Conference and South West Presbytery are set annually. Utilities (hydro, gas, etc) always increase every year and we also have to cover other service contracts such as waste disposal, fire protection monitoring, security monitoring, pest control, snow removal).

By covering the operating deficit it will ensure that Bloordale can continue its Outreach projects; (Out of the Cold, Youth Without Shelter, St. James Food Basket, etc.) and the ministries carried on by our other church Committees.

Remember the widow. If you support Bloordale United Church’s commitment to fulfilling God’s will, please do what you can to increase your offerings before the end of December.

Norm Dundas

Treasurer

Upcoming Christmas Concerts Artistic Director Mervin William Fick

MCS Chorus presents Welcome Christmas

Saturday November 28th at 7:30 pm

St. Andrew’s Memorial Presbyterian Church

24 Stavebank Road

Mississauga, Ontario

Tickets — $20/$10

PCS Singers/Brampton present

Christmas Time is Here

Sunday November 29th, at 7:00 pm

The Rose Theatre

1 Theatre Lane

Brampton, Ontario

Tickets — $25/$20/$10

Toronto Beach Chorale presents GF Handel

Messiah in the Beach

Sunday December 6th at 7:30 pm

Kingston Road United Church

675 Kingston Road

Toronto, Ontario

Tickets — $25/$12

UCW News Tuesday, Nov 24th 1:00 pm UCW meets in Room 15. All the ladies of the congregation are invited to attend for a short business meeting; then an afternoon of Donkey Bridge. It’s always a fun time!

Saturday, Dec 5th Holly Tea. Much help will be needed baking cookies and serving our guests. A sign-up sheet gives you a chance to volunteer.

Tuesday Dec 8th at 6:30 Congregational Pot Luck. Bring your favourinte food to share. Entertainment to follow!

UCW Needs help with organizing and running the Holly Tea , the Rummage Sale, Congregational Pot lucks, Card Parties, and Hosting for Funerals. If you are able to help on occasion with one or more than one please sign the sheet outside Room 15. A UCW member will call for help as required. Let’s help keep these fundraising and fellowship activities going!

Joan Hollowell, UCW

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Annual Christmas Pageant

On December 6th the children and youth will be presenting `` How the Grinch Stole Christmas`` (with a bit of a twist). The pageant will take place during the morning service with lunch to follow. Please join us for this touching reminder of how the true meaning of Christmas simply cannot be stolen.

We would also like the congregation`s support in helping us to create ”Whoville” by wearing red, green and white that day. Feel free to embrace your inner child and dress as silly as you like! We very much appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you in Whoville on December 6th.

Lisa Mazzariol

Children’s Christmas Craft Night

Held at:

Bloordale United Church

4258 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M9C 1Z7

To register please call the church office (416) 621-1710

One night only!

Space is limited so please call to register.

Who: Children Ages 4-10 welcome

When: Friday November 27th, 2015

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $3.00

We also invite applications from youths and adults to serve as volunteer craft leaders. Perfect for high school volunteer credits. Please call if interested.

Craft Night In the New Year

Bloordale’s popular Craft Night for Kids is returning Friday evenings, February 5th to

February 26th, 2016, (4 weeks), 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

If you would like to volunteer for any evening(s), talk to Julia at 416-622-6309.

Come up with your own craft ideas, or we will provide one for you.

Perfect for high school volunteer credits!

Church Gallery Update Our next featured artist, whose work will be on display in Room 15 is Wendy Bannerman. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Dec. 6 - ( 12 - 1p.m. )- Opening Show open days: Sunday, Dec. 13, and Sunday Dec. 20

Wendy is a watercolour artist who expresses her love for nature, in particular animals, through her paintings. She has won numerous awards and has shown her work in many venues including galleries in and around the Midland/ Penetang area.

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Save the Dates

Sunday, January 24th -Pulpit Exchange, to begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

- Community Forum 7:00 pm at Graceview Presbyterian Church. A follow-up meeting to the

Community Forum of October 18th

Sunday January 31st at 7:00 pm. -To end the Week of Prayer: Ecumenical Hymn sing at St. Clement’s Catholic Church

Tuesday February 9th

-Pancake Supper at Bloordale United Church

Police Appreciation Sunday In recognition of our gratitude to the law enforcement officers who do so much to make our communities just and safe, Bloordale hosted its second Police Appreciation Sunday on October 18th.

Police officers, primarily from our 22nd Division, joined us, as did our 401st Scouts. Our own Frank Sword had the idea for this service last year, and did initial logistics to enable this service to happen.

The 22 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) promoted and pulled the service together under the co-chair of 22 Divisional CPLC Marlene Cater, and Carolyn Hogg.

Present to make introductory remarks was Superintendent Shawn Narine of 22 Division. Scripture readings were done by Constable James Doyle and Auxiliary Staff Sargeant Andrew Mitchell.

Cst. Rich Diodati again assisted our Lisa Mazzoriol and Jo Dullard with our children and youth, who were most excited to have hands-on involvement with police motor cycles, police cruisers, police motorboats and the ever-popular police horses.

Part way through the Police Service, we had a baptism (see item elsewhere in this Bloorbeat). This flowed through very nicely with the Police Service.

IIn total there were about 200 attendees at Bloordale’s second inter-denominational Police Appreciation Service! It was a wonderful morning!

Many thanks to Rev. Brian McIntosh for organizing the service, and many thanks to Frank Sword for the idea.

Bulletin and Music Dedications

Weekly Sunday bulletins can be dedicated, with a note about why, by any member for $15. This both helps defray our paper and printing costs and provides opportunity for special remembrances to be observed.

Music can also be dedicated in someone’s memory, or in honour of someone’s faithful living. A new anthem can be purchased for $75, so please speak to Sharron or Mervin about your wish to support the music program in this way.

Who’s ready for Christmas??

The Social & Fundraising Committee would like to take you out to the Toronto Christmas Market to kick start your holiday season on Friday November 27th,

2015. We will meet at a restaurant for lunch in the Distillery District at 1:00pm, followed by a stroll through this historical and whimsical market, taking in the magic & romance of the Christmas season.

Please contact Vanessa Mitchell at (416) 358-4504 if you are interested in joining us for this wonderful outing! Carpooling will be available if needed or you can drive or take TTC to get there.

Alternate date for this event if weather is not favourable will be Friday, December 11th, 2015.

http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com

To All:

Merry Christmas!

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Hats Off!

A sincere thank you to our cleanup crew at the Fall Property Cleanup on Nov. 7. There were 12 hardy helpers to rake, clip, change light bulbs, etc.

Jo-Em Bettridge, Grace Everett, Marjorie Jackson, Bruce Jackson, Pat McDermott, Alun Morgan, Diane Mulholland, Shirley Scott, Shirley Jankus, Victor Sakamoto, Sol S., Kashi Ramsahai

Need a ride? In a wheel chair?

The Pastoral Care Committee has been the happy

recipient of a lightweight, collapsible, transport

wheel chair, through the kindness and generosity

of a neighbourhood friend. If you have temporary

need of such an item, eg., to get to an

appointment or take someone else, or to support

a leg or foot injury, this chair can be borrowed

from the church for your use.

You will find it in the outer ring of the sanctuary

level, next to the table between the front doors

and the back door of the office.

There is a convenient sign-out sheet on the table,

so we will know where that chair is and you can

be sure to sign it back in, when you return it.

Church members, helping church members -

that’s Bloordale United Church!

Caring for Loved Ones over the Holidays

Let’s face it. The holidays are no time for extra stress. You want to be able to relax and take in all the joy of the season. But if you’re caring for a loved one, in addition to everything else on your plate, the holidays can be a challenge.

So, if you’re caring for a loved one this holiday season, pre-planning can help. In other words, build your game plan now. Because the goal is to care for your loved ones without having to worry or step on anyone’s personal freedom.

The first step is predicting the level of care they’re going to need. To do this, it may be helpful to do an assessment of their current functioning. Ask yourself, have there been any changes in your loved one’s physical bearing? Are they eating well, and have they lost weight? Are they sleeping more during the day and complaining of tiredness? Are they hunched over, or complaining about back pain?

What about memory changes? Are you hearing the same stories over and over? Are you noticing behavioural changes? Keep a list of your concerns. Also keep an eye on medication schedules. Notice if your loved one is taking the right pills at the right time and if their pillbox is well organized.

Safety is perhaps the most important issue to be aware of. If your loved one is having trouble walking you should prepare your house accordingly. Remove slippery mats and throw rugs that could be tripping hazards. Make sure your holiday decorations are secured well. Consider installing grab bars and no-slip strips. And of course, you can have a cane or other walking supports handy.

Above all, if you determine your loved one needs extra assistance with the tasks of daily living or even some companionship this holiday season, you should also look into in-home care services.

In-home caregiving services provide a full menu of respite care options, including live-in services and 24-hour care. Professional caregivers can help with trips to the physiotherapist, physician, pharmacy and even to church. Let’s not forget about yourself, decorating your home, shopping, cleaning and preparation for that holiday dinner. In-home services can help with housekeeping as well assist you with other tasks to make this holiday season joyful and full of cheer.

Best of all, with home care you can plan ahead of

time. So everyone can enjoy all the best that the season offers.

Gary Hepworth

(Gary Hepworth is Managing Director for Premier Homecare Services and a certified Elder Planning Counsellor. www.premieretobicoke.com 416-623-8229.)

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Outreach and Advocacy

Your committee continues to focus on the Truth

and Reconciliation Commission report and its

implications for us as United Church members.

Since effective responses to the report’s

recommendations constitute a priority of the

United Church of Canada, our responsibilities in

mission are clear.

Members of this committee have been active in

connecting with events involving our aboriginal

people. Lynn Lawrence participated in a Humber

River Walk where aboriginal history was shared

around the river and its significance in the past.

Debbie and Brian attended a Kairos conference in

London where the comprehensive efforts of the

organization were presented and discussed. At our

Communion service October 25th, Anabelle, Roy

and Lynn offered thoughts on the history of our

aboriginal people, the impact of residential

schools and personal stories reflecting the harsh

realities of the aboriginal experience that present

challenges to all. Brian has sustained the delivery

of relevant issues in his sermons and

announcements, and will continue to do so.

We acknowledge with pride the work of Dana in

coordinating the Out of the Cold dinners in recent

years. Dana is taking a rest for now. We are

pleased that Lisa has stepped forward to carry on

as coordinator. We are scheduled to deliver a

dinner at All Saints Kingsway on January 8th,

2016. As in the past, your volunteer efforts in

food preparation and service will be

welcome….and needed. Please consider what you

can contribute when Lisa calls upon you.

At our service October 25th, Lisa outlined the

various organizations that we support. Across the

city there are serious problems affecting those

people less fortunate than ourselves. With the

support of this congregation, we are making a

difference. If you have suggestions concerning

outreach funding, please talk to us.

Roy Harvey, Chair of Outreach and Advocacy

SHARING OUR GIFTS To further supplement the wonderful work of our very dedicated staff, the Nominations Committee is appealing to all members of the congregation to seriously consider any additional area in which they might share their talents and interests.

Volunteering to serve on a committee, help with occasional tasks, assist with our weekly coffee hours, pancake supper, Out of the Cold, usher or distribute in the neighbourhood Bloordale’s seasonal flyers, all provide excellent opportunities for fellowship and go a long way towards assisting with Bloordale’s good works.

For more information about any of these areas, please contact Pat Nelson at 416-622-5274 or patrish.nelson@gmail.com. We would like to finalize our committee lists by mid-January in plenty of time for the Annual Report and Annual Meeting.

Let’s help to spread the load.

Thanks!

Pat Nelson for The Nominations Committee

Holly Tea and Cookie Sale Saturday, December 5th

1 :00 - 3:30 pm

Invite a friend and enjoy tea or coffee and scones

with whipped cream and jam!

YUMMY!!!!

$5.00 per person

At $5.00 per dozen, you can also choose your Christmas Cookies at our delectable Cookie Corner

Choir Cantata

“Light of the World”

At the Worship Service on Sunday December 13th, the Third Sunday of Advent.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE Join us for our candlelight family Christmas Eve Service

At 5:00 p.m. on December 24th.

15

Bloordale Ministry and Mission Profile Goal Action Plan

The United Church of Canada asks all congrega-tions to “Tell Our Story” - who we are, our goals and action plans. Here is an update from last year’s version .

GOAL #1 Continue to develop a strategic plan that aligns with our vision and mission, will provide sustainability for the congregation, and is inclu-sive of our current directions regarding:

1. Our potential for property rede-velopment.

2. Our desire to deepen our com-munity service partnerships, and

3. Our future mission and ministry discussions with partner and other United Churches.

ACTION: 1. Work with the consultant hired in October 2015 to oversee a strategic planning process for Bloordale and other participat-ing churches in the next year, with a view to discerning poten-tial for viable new directions, including possible amalgamation

2. Engage the congregation in dis-cussions that lead to decisions about the above, including any potential property redevelop-ment.

BLOORBEAT PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Following is the publication schedule and the deadlines for submissions for upcoming issues through May 2015

Publication Submission Date Deadline

2015

Jan 17 Jan 10 Mar 13 Mar 06 May 15 May 08

Invitation for Submissions to Bloorbeat

Spiritual perspectives, committee news, community happenings, and ideas for changes and improvements to make Bloordale an even nicer place than it already is are all welcome.

Please submit or discuss your ideas with our Communications Committee chair Julia Stavreff, 416-622-6309, stavreffj@stavreff.com

From the Editor:

Bloorbeat Submission Guidelines

When you email items to Julia and myself for Bloorbeat, please include words about the specific content in your e-mail header and in any file names, e.g. not just “Bloorbeat” but “Bloorbeat Upcoming Events”. This makes it much easier to locate the items in my rather busy e-mail inbox when putting the Bloorbeat together.

In general, for text-based submissions, please avoid use of fancy fonts, headers, spacings or tab settings because these create more work for me and make it more difficult to maintain a consistent style in the newsletter.

Straight text, in 10 point font, with bold (but not underlined) headings in 14 point font, is best.

16

Bloorbeat Advertising

Would you like to advertise your business in Bloorbeat? Prices per issue of Bloorbeat are:

Business card size $ 20 ¼ page size $ 40 ½ page size $ 70

To advertise, please call John Pauksens, 416-622-6309

or email pauksenj@rogers.com

Bloorbeat is published 5 times a year by

the Communications Committee of

Bloordale United Church

4258 Bloor St. W.

Etobicoke ON M9C 1Z7

(416) 621-1710

Email: bloordale@bellnet.ca

Website: www.bloordale.ca

Committee Chair Julia Stavreff Editor John Pauksens

Distribution Coordinators Joan Hollowell

Shirley Scott