You are welcome to join us for the January 15th Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. in person!
If you feel unwell, or cannot attend in person, the services are live streamed at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, and will be posted to the YouTube channel for future viewing. To watch the Annesley Sunday Services on YouTube: Annesley United Church’s YouTube Channel is: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnesleyUnitedChurch
The Annesley Choir – An invitation from Brenda Dimoff
I would like to introduce myself to you as the new Music Director. I am pleased to come on board with Annesley and continue the Music Ministry that has been established.
Now that life at the church is starting to have a new normal after pandemic, I would like to extend a welcome to all and anyone in the congregation who has always wanted to sing and use their talents to enhance our worship services, by participating in the choir. The roles of the members are very simple. First a desire to praise God through the singing of the hymns at our services, leading the congregation in worship and singing anthems. Rehearsals will be Sunday mornings at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall. Services start at 10:30. We hope to start as soon as possible, to prepare for the Advent and Christmas seasons. If so interested, please contact me through email or phone. #519-794-0874 or email dimoff@gbtel.ca Thank you. Looking forward to hearing from you. Brenda Dimoff
Flower Power
The poinsettias are “pooched” , the “Posey Purse” is nearly empty, and we still need happy colour to brighten our church. When the spring (and the gardeners) has sprung, we will be surrounded by super flower joy! Consider donating to the fund or a flower arrangement to celebrate special moments in your life with you church family. Flowers bring beauty & joy to our lives. *See your name in print, too!
The Annual General Meeting
The AGM is planned for Sunday, April 30th after the morning service. If you are part of a committee or club you are welcome to write your report early, and submit them to the office so the Annual Report can be prepared.
Task Teams hard at work
Many exciting things are happening around the building! Feel free to stroll through to see the progress being made to make the basement rooms inviting, clean and bright, and check out the completed Wesley Room. The Refresh Team (and helpers) are working hard every day. Thank them for their efforts when you stop by! If you have more time these days, your help and vision are always welcome.
2023 Envelopes
2023 Envelopes are available in the Narthex. The ones in town are being delivered, but if you have a rural address, they can be picked up any time the building is open.
Still Standing – Viewing Party – February 15th!
Annesley is hosting a viewing party of the Markdale episode of “Still Standing” on February 15th in the Sanctuary! Mark your calendars and plan to come out and watch the episode on a big screen with your community! Refreshments will be available.
Looking for Musicians – Weekly jam session
We are looking for musicians for a new weekly afternoon acoustic jam session to be held at Annesley. Group will meet on Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. We need players of guitar, fiddle, uke, banjo, hand drum, mandolin, harmonica, bass, and singers. For more information, contact Jan at jamcirclemarkdale@gmail.com
New in the Library
How The Light Shines : stories strategies and spiritual practices for caregivers of people with dementia by Trisha Elliott
Caregiving is deeper than what we do. It is more than a series of tasks. It is, first and foremost, a call to love. This book is for caregivers who have a desire not only to hone their caring skills but also to deepen their relationship with God through their care. It explores feelings of loss and challenge, but turns always towards potential and hope. A book to read, to share and to talk about.
Help Wanted – Search Team
As voted on by the congregation on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, a search team was again formed for Annesley United Church. The team will be working to get Annesley’s profile updated and put out on the church hub once more. At this time, a few people have come forward to be a part of this team. More hands are needed. It cannot be done with just a few people. We need help. We understand people’s time is precious, but we would like to have a few others so that the work can be shared. Many of the tasks can be divided so that it will be manageable. Please speak with to Steacy DenHaan, Kathy Fraser or Rev. Kathy Underwood about how you could help. It is exciting times ahead, but we need a little help if we want to move forward. Thank you.
Required Urgently : Archivist
Are you interested in the history of Annesley Church? Are you an organized soul who appreciates the need to preserve what has built this religious community? A multitude of photos and documents have been collected, but need a discerning hand to collate and protect them. Please consider this request seriously. Your skills are urgently needed. Contact Patti at the office,519-986-3019, or Lynn at 519-986-3707
Annesley’s Advent Newsletter
The Advent Newsletter is HERE! You can read it or download a copy below.
NewsletterAdvent2022-1Download
FundScrip – Next order date will be on Sunday, January 29th
Download an updated order form here:
https://www.markdaleunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FUNDSCRIP-ORDER-FORM-2022-2.pdf
Centering Prayer
“Centering Prayer is an idealized method to facilitate the development of Contemplative Prayer, preparing our faculties to receive this sun. It is an attempt to present the teachings of ancient Christian knowledge in an updated way.” Father Keating All are welcome.
Grey County Cares
Support our Ukrainian refugees in Grey County by buying a button for $10 or more – donations go directly to Ukrainian refugees in Grey County. Sponsored by the Rotary Club. Buttons are in the office or in the Narthex on Sundays.
Visioning Team’s Final Report
It is not too late to volunteer to help with one of the tasks identified in the Visioning Team’s Report. Your ideas and help are needed!
A Copy of the Visioning Team’s Final Report can be found here:
2022-09-13-Final-report-of-the-Visioning-Team-to-the-Board-of-Annesley-UC-rev-and-approved-by-VT-membersDownload
Invitation from the Affirming Ministry Team
The Annesley Affirming Team invites you to watch and discuss a 10-minute YouTube video produced by Riverside United Church, London ON, that highlights their church’s journey to becoming an Affirming Church. Our team hopes to explore with our congregation members the possibility of Annesley becoming an Affirming Church. Questions that many folks have are “Why do we need to become an Affirming Church? We are already an open an inclusive church. And why do we need a process? That is so United Church! Is this really necessary? The Riverside video addresses some of these issues and is a good discussion starter. When: Sunday January 29th after the service in the sanctuary. Please join us for the video and following discussion. Bring your questions! Help yourself to coffee or tea from the trolley in the Narthex after the service, and we will provide snacks for you in the Sanctuary. Hope to see you on the 29th
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is an important part of Annesley’s outreach. Warm and cozy shawls are given to those of the congregation and community who are bereaved or seriously ill. The appropriate yarn must be purchased. If you would like to help, put your donation in an envelope marked Prayer Shawl and your name and send it to the church office. If you know anyone in the community who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl, please call the office at 519-986-3019.