Invitation: Church Service October 17th
On Sunday, October 17th, at 10:30 a.m., we will be holding a church service in the Annesley Sanctuary! The service will be led by the Annesley Board Members, with help from Rev. Kathy Underwood. COVID-19 protocols will be in place: (hand sanitizer, sign-in, distanced seating etc.), and we will direct traffic in and out of the Sanctuary through separate doors. We are working on a COVID-19 vaccination policy to align with Provincial and United Church recommendations. We encourage our members to be vaccinated to protect our employees and congregation. If you cannot attend the service in person, it will be live streamed and posted to our YouTube channel and a recording of it will be put on our website.
After the service, there will be no coffee hour, but we would like those attending to stay for a visioning meeting to discuss the options for Annesley United Church in the future. The Search committee has worked for over 3 years and they have decided that it is time for new people to take over the task. We are only one of 240+ United Church congregations in Canada who are looking for a minister, and there are very few ministers available, especially for rural congregations. The time has come to start a discussion about alternatives. There are a few options to choose from, and we want to see what the commitment level of the congregation is, and who is willing to help make the choices that need to be made for our future in the community.
ONLINE AUCTION – Thank you!
On behalf of the Membership and Outreach Committee, we would like to thank individuals, families and businesses who donated auction items, trucks, time and muscle for pickups; the many volunteers for their time in cataloguing and photography; staging and labelling items; as well as assisting with the auction preview and pick-up of items purchased. Thank you also to those who purchased items on the auction. These efforts resulted in total proceeds of over $10,100! The final total should be known soon as we are attempting to sell a few items that were not sold. Thank you. Dale and Diane
FundScrip – Order date is Friday October 22nd
October promotions include Ultramar (2.5%), Boston Pizza (8%), Pizza Pizza (12%), Home Hardware (4%).
In the Library
‘Thriving churches in the twenty-first century – 10 life giving systems for vibrant ministry’ Gary McIntosh & Daniel Reeves As churches position themselves for healthy, growing ministry, pastors and church leaders must understand the changes that affect the church. “But more importantly “, Gary McIntosh and Daniel Reeves write, “churches need to focus on being intentional in how they respond.” Using the analogy of the human body, Thriving churches in the twenty-first century explores the ten interacting systems that make up a healthy body. If working together, these life-giving systems, which include spiritual energy, mentoring and intentional evangelism, will help your church experience lasting spiritual growth and robust ministry.
Our library is a valuable resource. Keep it viable by using it.
Upcoming Seminar
Markdale Baptist Church is hosting an event in November that they have invited all local churches to attend. It is called “Knowing Our Legal Times.” Session one looks at our forgotten freedoms and Session two, topics more specifically of interest to Christians.
Summer Newsletter
Annesley’s Summer Newsletter is here:
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 contact Jean at 519-986-2702
Centering Prayer
You are invited to join with the individuals of the Centering Prayer Group on Monday afternoons at 2 p.m. There are no rules. There is no need for preparation. And no signup is required. Only a willingness to rest in a time of quiet, that is shared with others. While we miss meeting in person during these dark times, we welcome everyone in a warm invitation to join us “in the spirit”.
Reusable Cloth Masks
Nancy Edwards has sewn and provided several reusable (washable) masks, to be given to anyone who needs a mask. There are two sizes: Adult (14+), and Children’s (4-12). If you need masks, you are welcome to come to the church office to get them. She also has a pattern and some elastic available, if anyone is interested in sewing some. Thank you, Nancy!
*NOTE : If you got your mask at Annesley and you want to convert it into a 3-layer mask, there is an opening in the seam on the inside of the mask. You can insert an extra piece of cloth or coffee filter. Remove the coffee filter before washing and replace with a new one.