waves lakeshore...from an angel changes his mind and his life. lakeshore united church is...

LAKESHORE WAVES

VOL. 4 • DECEMBER 2019

Advent Newsletter for Lakeshore United Church

This issue: -The Season of Advent at

Lakeshore United-Wanda Keith

LAKESHORE WAVES PAGE 01

-Knitting Project-Catherine Wiebe

-Remembering Jean Peart-Pat Hook

-Sew n Sews-Diane Sutton

-A New Day: Western OntarioWaterway-

Dawn Cumming-Lakeshore United Church Women

Christmas Bazaar--News From the Pie Shoppe-

Diane Sutton-Thank You Paul Howe-

-News from Pastoral Care-Pat Hook and Dawn Cumming

The Global Giving MallRev Kate and Sally Walker

-Our Butterfly Garden-The CD Committee

-Change Collections--Lakeshore Blessings-

Seeking, Serving, SharingBY WANDA KEITH CHAIR OF COUNCIL

As we journey through Advent, we are surrounded by the busynessof the secular world. There are Christmas carols playing in thestores and malls. Decorations brighten and light up our homes andstreetscapes. There are many different forms of advertisements forpurchasing gifts for friends and loved ones. Sometimes one feelsthe expectations of having the “perfect” Christmas.Here at Lakeshore United Church, we are reminded of the truemeaning of the Advent season by the wonderful decorations; thecalming blue colour that is also uplifting; the work of the numerousvolunteers; the music that stirs our souls; and most importantly theScriptures and spoken words that inspire us.

The Season of Advent at Lakeshore United Advent Greetings pg 1-2

Seeking pg 3-7

Serving pg 8-15

-Waiting in Taxing Times-Rev Kate Ballagh-Steeper

-Reflections on the Deeply Rooted Retreat-Marilyn Elgie and Andy Ross

-Wonderful World-Steven Lindstrom

Sharing pg 16-20

If we reflect on what life must have been like for Mary and Joseph sovery long ago, we can appreciate the waiting through Advent evenmore. Here is Mary who is given a great honour, but a reality thatthe people around her may not believe or understand. With herfaith, she embraces that she has been chosen to carry and give birthto the Messiah. Her delight and joy in this time of waiting is anexample to all of us. Then there is Joseph, who at first can notbelieve what Mary has told him. It doesn’t make sense and isn’tlogical as the Messiah is to come from Bethlehem not from Nazarethwhere they live. His doubt is a feeling to which many of us canrelate. He too takes time to ponder the news. Like Mary, a visitfrom an angel changes his mind and his life. Lakeshore United Church is experiencing a time of transition. Aswe search for a new church musician, we must have the patience towait for the right candidate. Leading into 2020, we will be preparingfor the time of Rev. Kate’s sabbatical. This too will require us tohave patience. The good work that so many in our congregation aredoing is an example to us all. Thank you to everyone for yourfaithful service to our church. As a congregation, we will have todemonstrate our faith that “God is with us” and that we “do not haveto be afraid.” Like Mary and Joseph, let us look to the future withhope, peace, joy and love.Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all.Wanda Keith, Council Chairperson


“If we reflect onwhat life must havebeen like for Maryand Joseph so verylong ago, we canappreciate thewaiting through

Advent even more.”

WANDA KEITH. COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON

The Season of Advent at Lakeshore United(cont.)


Waiting in Taxing TimesBY REV KATE BALLAGH-STEEPER

I am not very good at waiting. I wasn’t as a child and I wouldnot say that is one of my gifts now in midlife. I get irritatedwaiting in traffic (although that doesn’t happen too often here inGoderich!), I get irritated waiting in lines, I get irritated waiting atslow restaurants . . . I find it hard to wait for an anticipated eventthat I may be looking forward to, or waiting to welcome homemy daughters for a visit, or waiting to get through a moment Iam not enjoying. I envy people of patience. It is something Iam working on…

“Advent is a time ofwaiting.

Waiting for justiceand peace to reign.”

REV KATE BALLAGHSTEEPER

Seeking

Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting for justice and peace toreign. The readings throughout Advent point us toward thevision and the hope. A vision and hope that has carried God’speople through many generations. But it is hard to wait. Weknow and daily see the suffering, the affects of too little peace,too little justice. What grants me a modicum of patience duringthis Advent time, is prayer and action. Praying my concerns, bigand small, mercifully grant me some patience and hope. Doingwhat I can, makes the waiting bearable. And I know I am notalone in my waiting and longing for justice and peace. We jointogether each Sunday to sing, pray and speak our hope. Wework together to offer comfort, peace, and hope to a hurtingworld. Knowing I do not wait alone, that I yearn for God’skingdom along with many others, grants me some patience inthe waiting. I often find hope and guidance in music, art andothers’ words. I offer this poem and prayer, written by SallyFoster-Fulton and found in her lovely book; “Hope was HeardSinging”;

God of our waiting, in these days,a decree goes out to all the world,for these are taxing times . . . and we are called again to go to Bethlehem,no matter the state of our health or our world,for we have heard the message,we have dreamed the dreamthat you will come among us . . . so thank you –for your hinting and expecting and encouraging Spiritthat has always been with you and with us. God of our waiting, these are taxing times . . . some folk journey looking for a sign,others huddle on hillsides,while others,resplendent in cold palaces,nervously wait for news that the jig is upand they’re out.Because the heavens have been whisperingthat you are to be bornamong us/one of us/one with us . . . and if we allow your birth,then things will change . . . God of our waiting,help us make straight our paths;help us find the ones that lead to justice and peace and love and equality . . . the ones that lead to you. As we listen for the Word made flesh coming among us,as we strain our earsfor the voices heralding a kingand singing to a baby,help us not to block out those voices crying in the wildernessthey find themselves in . . . We pray for your hurting ones,your frightened ones,your sick and dying ones . . . Help us to comfort them.Help us to remember that the Word is made flesh in us . . . Amen. May you find patience in your waiting and hope in yourcelebrating. With my prayers,Kate


“and we are calledagain to go toBethlehem,

no matter the state ofour health or our

world,for we have heard

the message,we have dreamed

the dream that you will come

among us . . .”

SALLY FOSTER-FULTON

SeekingWaiting in Taxing Times


Reflections on the Deeply Rooted RetreatBY MARILYN ELGIE

You may be aware that Camp Menesetung holds a special placein my heart as we have been associated for many years withcamp. ( from Becky a camper, CIT, and Christian Educationleader,our grand children attending camp, my involvement as amember of the Board of Directors, and Paul’s involvement as achild. ) The setting for the retreat therefore was a quietcontemplative natural setting, had areas planned for silentreflection, with “activities” to guide the contemplation if onedesired.

“I personallyappreciated theopen, heartfelt

sharing of ideas inthe small group.”

MARILYN ELGIE

I personally spent time at vesper point, and hung prayerrequests on the maple tree which was later planted at the camp.The “theme“ for our retreat [Deeply] Rooted, included scripture,discussion and prayer highlighting the importance of personal,group growth and outreach potential for our church. (Linda’svisual drawing of the tree helped to focus our thoughts on thethree aspects of growth for our church family.)

Seeking


Although, I was not able to spend the entire weekendat camp, and only participated in a few of the activities,I was able to complete the Spirit Given Giftsquestionnaire and small group discussions followingwhich gave me more insight into my personal gifts, andcloser connection with others in my small group. Ipersonally appreciated the open, heartfelt sharing ofideas in the small group. There was a wide variety ofactivities applicable to all ages and interests. Themeaningful church service in the small chapel onSunday, and the meal that Paul and I shared with othersadded to the warmth, and bonding of the weekend. Ingeneral, it was so heart warming to see the involvementof families and children, both as organizers andparticipants, as well as folks of all ages. The little onesdo add a freshness, and an extra bounce to all theactivities. I was able to meet and enjoy conversationwith several folks that I had not previously met. Iwould like to especially thank Rev. Kate, and all theorganizers of the weekend. In my opinion, this comingtogether as a church family adds to the health andgrowth of our church. WAY TO GO ALL!!!! LOOKINGFORWARD TO THE NEXT RETREAT!!!Blessings ;Marilyn and Paul Elgie I didn’t want to go to the retreat because my list ofthings to do at home is so long. However, I recognizedthat I needed to do this for my own sake and tostrengthen the church. It worked. The combination ofspiritual dialogue, quiet reflection and longer-term timewith other Lakeshore folk did deepen my roots with thechurch and strengthened the bond among thoseattending. I wish more people could have shared this.Andy Ross

...spiritual dialogue,quiet reflection andlonger-term time

with other Lakeshorefolk did deepen my

roots with thechurch...

Andy Ross

Deeply Rooted Retreat (cont.)

Andy's Reflection

Seeking


Wonderful WorldBY STEVEN LINDSTROM

One of the unexpected joys of my life is running thesound board once a month at Lakeshore United Church.My favorite part of the service is the passing of the peace(this is the point in the service where everyone stands up,walks around, and greets their neighbors).I put on theheadphones and crank the volume and gain to eleven onthe congregational mikes so that I can make out whatpeople are actually saying to one another. Every singletime I'm reminded of Louis Armstrong's "What aWonderful World"--particularly the lines, "I see friendsshaking hands/sayin' how do ya do?/they're really saying'I love you'". There's unmistakable kindness and sincerityin this babbling brook of voices. I want the peoplelistening at home to feel that; to share in it. Last week,sunlight was streaming through the stained glass windowwhile I was watching them shake hands, illuminating theold motto of the Epworth league: "Look Up, Lift Up". Whata wonderful world, indeed.

"I see friendsshaking handssayin' 'how do yado?'They're reallysaying 'I loveyou'"

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Photos from coffee hour on Sunday, December 8 2019t

Seeking

Knitting ProjectBY CATHERINE WIEBE

If you listen better when you are doing something with yourhands, we invite you to take a scarf from the basket in theNarthex or Sunday School area and knit a few rows duringworship You can follow the pattern or create your own. As you knit, weencourage you to pray for the person who will receive the scarf.After worship, return the scarf to the basket and pick one upanother time. Completed scarves will be given to people inneed.


As you knit, weencourage you to

pray for the personwho will receive the

scarf. CATHERINE WIEBE

Patterns for childrens’ vests and toques are available on theUCW bulletin board in the gymnasium. Yarn is available too,either in the quilting room or call Cathy Wiebe 524 2704. Happy knitting!!

Serving

Knitting for Nunavut

A knitting prayer station during a multigenerational service


Remembering Jean PeartBY PAT HOOK

Dedication of a bench, commemorating the life of JeanPeart (1915-2016) occurred on November 17th, 2019. Jeanwas a faithful member of North St./Lakeshore UnitedChurch from 1975 to 2016. She was a lifetime member ofthe UCW and served as president of the Afternoon Unit.She would help in the catering of banquets by makingthe gravy (using corn starch, not flour, if you please) andcutting desserts. She also helped deliver the newslettercalled “the Link” and visiting. She started quilting after her retirement from cleaninghouses for others. During one of the quilters' shoppingtrips for fabric in Stratford, someone suggested that weneeded a name rather than just being called “TheQuilters”. Mom thought for a few moments and thensuggested “The Sew'n Sews" and the name stuck! Shemade many quilts for others, either hand quilted ortied. She was an active member of the Goderich QuiltGuild and would also be seen quilting on a small quiltframe that was set up at the Quilt Shop operated by BettyThomasson and Cinda Jerry. Mom enjoyed visiting withcustomers as much as she did quilting.

Serving


Jean's Faith (con't)BY PAT HOOK

Mom's faith was strong throughout her life. She read her bibledaily along with a daily devotion booklet. When my siblings andI were growing up, with her bible she would go into ourbrothers' bedroom and close the door. It wasn't necessary forher to hang a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door knob, for weknew that this was her time to be in quiet meditation, prayerand reading her bible. The cover of her bible is quite worn asindicated by the area where her hands held the bible both frontand back. She was also noted for her thoughtful impromptuprayers. Jean was also a member of the Goderich Horticultural Society,learning about flowers, plants and nature. With the creation of aButterfly Garden by the Christian Development committee, Ithought it to be a perfect spot to situate a bench tocommemorate Mom. She lived across the street at 43 North St.for almost 23 years, so the bench is facing that way. Please usethe bench to rest, ponder and smell the flowers and admireGod's World. Pat Hook, siblings and families.

The cover of herbible was quite

worn as indicatedby the area where

her hands heldthe bible bothfront and back

PAT HOOK

Jean's bible on a bag made for her by herfriend Lois WilsonJean's daughters, Pat Hook and Bev Zoethout

Serving


The Sew 'n' SewsBY DIANE SUTTON

Greetings from the Sew ‘n’ Sews: We are busy hand quilting a lovely quilt for Paul Howe, a giftfrom Lakeshore upon his retirement as organist. Paul lovesbright colours and this one fits the bill, for sure. The pattern iscalled Jewel Box and features some musical fabrics throughoutand quilted Treble Clefs and notes. As most of you know, we work on commission and moneyraised is used to buy materials to complete care quilts. Rightnow we have a selection of quilts to choose from so if youknow anyone in the community going through illness, injury,loss, etc. please come in on a Tuesday or contact a member (PatHook, Shirley Lamb, Marg Fouts, Diane Sutton, Marian Lane) topick one out. Baby quilts are also available. If you are not aquilter, but are interested in piecing tops together for the carequilts, we can supply the fabric and pattern. We are also eagerto give free sewing, knitting, and quilting advice to all skilllevels. So if you have a UFO (unfinished object) or wanting tostart something new, please drop in. We meet every Tuesday,from 10 to 4 – all are welcome. Bring a lunch, tea and coffeesupplied.

We meet everyTuesday, from10am to 4pm

All are welcome.Bring a lunch, tea

and coffee issupplied

DIANE SUTTON

Above - Quilt for Paul Howe -Right - Care Quilts by the Sew n Sews

Serving


A New Day: Western Ontario WaterwaysBY DAWN CUMMING

As the sun rose on the new day of Saturday, November 16, I wastravelling toward Fergus for the first meeting of the newly(January 2019) formed Western Ontario Waterways (WOW)Regional Council. This was not only a new day in God’s worldbut it was also a new day for the United Church of Canada’sWOW Region.

"This was not onlya new day in

God's world but itwas also a new

day for the UnitedChurch of

Canada's WOWRegion"

DAWN CUMMING

WOW is the designated area that has replaced several formerlocal Presbytery areas. WOW Regional Council encompassesthese counties: Huron, Bruce, Grey, Perth, Wellington, westernportions of Simcoe County, and the Regional Municipality ofKitchener-Waterloo. WOW also serves alongside IndigenousMinistries of Cape Croker United Church and Wesley UnitedChurch, Saugeen. About 200 United Church delegates met at the CentreWellington Sportsplex in Fergus “to establish the procedures bywhich regional council (WOW) will conduct business”. Our daybegan with a Worship Service and an opportunity for eachperson at our tables of eight to introduce ourselves to ourtablemates. The Rev. Gary Clark, President of WOW, called themeeting to order. Rev. Clark shared that WOW’s priorities are“For Governance and Shared Services and For Mission andMinistry”. The WOW staff were introduced.

Serving

The gathering of WOW delegates


Important Proposals such as WOW governing procedures, themethod of electing General Council Commissioners and Budget2020 were discussed and passed. The online sites andinformation available to support congregations in ourcommunity of faith were highlighted. The day was not ALL business. In the morning, there was ahilarious game of WOW Jeopardy to familiarise us with some ofthe new staff and committee functions and terms of referencefor WOW. AND, we shared a delicious lunch.

I feel that thiswas a

wonderful dayfor the WOWRegion of theUnited Church

of Canada.DAWN CUMMING

WOW Jeopardy

Our day closed with Worship and Communion which weshared in a large circle. I feel that this was a wonderful day forthe WOW Region of the United Church of Canada. Dawn Cumming, Lakeshore United Church Delegate

ServingA New Day: Western Ontario Waterways (cont.)


Lakeshore United Church WomenChristmas Bazaar

Serving


Hello from Pie ShoppeBY DIANE SUTTON

The pie making women of Lakeshore were very busy thisfall. In addition to our regular stock of pies offered daily,for the Christmas Bazaar, we wanted to have a wideselection of meat and fruit pies available for sale. Wehad a very successful day, even running out of somevarieties. Now we will begin replenishing our stock, sothere will be lots of pies, large and small, available duringoffice hours from Shirley. Given enough notice, we mayalso be able to do ‘ made to order’ pies for specialoccasions. Purchases go to support your churchbecause, after expenses, money goes back to the generalfund. So for those who like to take a break from cookingor treat friends and relatives with a lovely fruit or meatpie, please keep us in mind. We make chicken, beef, andpork and cherry, apple, raisin, raspberry, peach, rhubarbetc., sometimes according to season. Anyone is welcometo come out and join in from time to time or on a regularbasis! Sandra, Shirley, Diane, Roxy

Roxy and Sandra, two members of the Pie Shoppe team

Thank you Paul Howe

Thank you Paul for all of your music!!

Serving


News from Pastoral CareBY PAT HOOK AND DAWN CUMMING

We have a variety of gifts that can be given those experiencing difficulties or transitions in life. Thenorth-west corner at the back of the sanctuary has a display of items for you to take to anyone in need. There are care quilts (more available in the quilt room), heart shaped pillows and HealingHippos. “Lucky” is the name of our caring Teddy bears. They are is ready and waiting to be as a gift of celebration for baptism and of empathy and healing for more difficult times. We will be remembering our shut-ins thisChristmas again with a gift. Your help in delivering them will be greatly appreciated. A notice will be in the bulletin when these are ready for distribution. --Pat Hook and Dawn Cumming co-chairs.

Care Quiltsby the Sew n Sews

ServingWe continue to visit shut-ins of our congregation in ourcommunity, either in their own homes or in a Long TermCare Facility. Marg Fouts and Joan Lyndon send cards to those celebrating special occasions or needing wordsof encouragement or sympathy. Worship services areconducted by Rev. Kate at Goderich Place and MaitlandManor as per schedule.

Our ButterflyGardenBY THE CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE



Sharing


Global Giving MallBY SALLY WALKER AND KATE BALLAGH STEEPER


Sharing

Merry Christmas from Manuel GilOUR GOD CHILD AT NPH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC


Sharing

Sleeping Children Around the WorldTHESE CHILDREN HAVE RECEIVED BED KITS THIS YEAR FROM OUR CHANGE COLLECTION


Wishing you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love thisAdvent and Christmas season and

throughout the New Year!! From your Lakeshore Family

waves lakeshore...from an angel changes his mind and his life. lakeshore united church is...

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