You are welcome to join us for the December 10th Advent 3 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 Christmas Basket Committee
The Christmas Basket Committee will be collecting donations of food items each week in November and December for the Christmas baskets. The following is a list of requested items.
Dec 10 Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate
Dec 17 Any Canned Goods
We would also accept toothbrushes, gift certificates, and cash to help supplement the baskets. Your help will be greatly appreciated. The baskets will be delivered on Wednesday, December 20th.
Advent and Christmas Services at Annesley
Sunday, December 10th Advent 3 (Joy) Worship Service with Rev. Christine Smaller (there will be an All ages Instant Christmas Pageant)
Sunday, December 17th Advent 4 (Love) Communion and Worship Service with Rev. Christine Smaller (including Christmas angels)
Sunday, December 24th Evening Candlelight 7:00 p.m. Worship Service with Phyllis Fleming
Sunday, December 31st Worship Service written by Rev. Cathy Hird
Community Christmas Choir Concerts- Dec. 10th and 11th
The Community Christmas Choir has been busy rehearsing each Monday night at Annesley. Their concerts are being held THIS SUNDAY (December 10th ) at 2:00p.m., and Monday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Annesley United Church (Snow date Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.) Everyone is welcome. Freewill donation.
Annesley’s email address has changed
Eastlink discontinued our email address on October 31st, so we are now sending and receiving emails from : annesleyuc@gmail.com E-transfers can be sent to annesleyunited@gmail.com
Annesley Woodworkers’ Guild – Meeting December 13th
The Woodworkers are meeting on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Annesley. The meeting will be a Show and Tell of our special Christmas projects or gifts. We need a few people to bring their favourite Christmas cookies and apple cider. New to Annesley folks are welcome to attend! We will have a Carol Sing at the end.
Cookies and Carols at Highland United
Highland United Church, Eugenia has a whole lot of enjoyment and music planned this season. Wednesday December 13th, they are hosting “Cookies and Carols”– homemade cookies and Christmassy songs featuring local artists. From 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. See the attached poster for more information! To listen to a CBC radio interview about this event, use this link: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-112/clip/16028062 https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-112/clip/16028062
The Knit Wits – Knitting Tree
The Annesley Knit Wit group has put up our annual Christmas tree in the church Narthex to display this years’ knitting projects. We are a small but prolific group. Collectively, the group knit: 25 pairs of slippers, 46 pairs of mittens, 33 toques (hats), 22 pairs of socks, 31 scarves plus 1 hat and scarf set, 1 afghan and several prayer shawls, 43 sweaters, 16 baby hats, 1 baby sweater set, 1 Cinderella doll and 2 other dolls and more… We will distribute these items to those in need locally as much as possible. We have given 15 prayer shawls this year to date. Let us know if you know someone who would benefit from the comfort of receiving a shawl. Most of our knitting is done from yarn donated to the church and we thank you for that. The Knit Wits meet the 2nd and 4th Monday afternoons each month from 1:30 to 3:30 in the church parlour. Join us for a lovely afternoon of knitting and socialization Suzanne Hill and Lorrie Ann Breedon ~with remembrance and appreciation of Vivien Tolton.
Coffee Time
This is a shout out to all the bakers of Annesley who enjoy making delicious treats all the time and especially at this season. If you have the urge to bake cookies and cake, your church family definitely has the urge to eat samples of your specialties at Sunday coffee hour! You don’t have to plan or schedule when or what you bring to share, there will always be room on the plate, and “Mr. Christie” really doesn’t mind sharing; (actually, he likes to rest in the cupboard!) Karen (for sure not me!) and Heather treated us oh so fine lately, that perhaps we are just a tad spoiled and wanting more. In any case, it is good to have a project, and what could be better than showing our church world how clever you are at baking treats? The hustle and bustle of this special time is upon us, and we need these moments to slow down and rewind. What could be better than a coffee or tea with perhaps a touch of the “Emerald Isle” to give us pause to reflect and focus on what really matters: friends , family, gratitude for food and warmth and the opportunity to give back to others. It is a moment to prepare us to hear the “message” and embrace it.
Children’s time/ Annesley Kids for Christ
We have been working for and discussing the future of Sunday School at Annesley. We have a corps of dedicated folks willing to go out with the kids; arguably enough for now. We are also o looking at curriculum alternatives. Still a considerable way to go in terms of leadership and oversight. What is unfortunate is that on some Sundays, in spite of there being a lesson prepared, there are no kids in attendance to participate. Having said that, there are a few new faces in the pews some Sundays. And we are thrilled to welcome Calvin (break dancer extraordinaire) and little Bryan Glory to our little group of kiddos. Thank you all for your support. ATTENTION PARENTS: There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 31st. Happy New Year.
Contribution Envelopes
Contribution Envelopes are in, and are available in the Narthex or the office. If you would like contribution envelopes, let us know, or if you would like to be added to PAR (Preauthorized contributions), forms are available at the office or can be emailed.. Contributios can also be made by e-transfer to annesleyunited @gmail.com or the Canada Helps website. There is also a Canada Helps link on our website, markdaleunited.ca
China Cabinet
You may well have wondered about the curio cabinet which has graced our sanctuary (stage right) for some time now. Here follows the story and a request: During the “Refresh”, your Pastoral Care team determined that the Communion elements deserved to come out of hiding and be displayed for all to see in the Sanctuary. Coincidentally, Barbara Hutton kindly donated a cabinet to be used for the silverware, or alternately to be auctioned online. Sadly, the cabinet proved to be too shallow for the elements. Most unfortunate. So the curio was offered in the ONLINE AUCTION. Diana Lewis proved to be the highest bidder. It will be a lovely reminder of Barbara in our home. That is, whenever JL sees fit to move it to its new home! All that being said, Annesley United Church is in need of a CHINA CABINET of more generous traditional dimensions for the above mentioned purpose. Please contact the Church office if you are able to provide one, or know of one which might be available. Thank You
Skating Outreach in Markdale
Here’s the deal: The Markdale Recreation Committee wishes to fund more free family skating time at the arena. Currently, Grey Highlands funds one (1) free skate per month. The cost for rental is $200.00 for 2 hours of skating. (The cost seems to vary). Annesley church wishes, and needs, to have more of a presence in the community to encourage families to join our church family. Supporting the skating endeavour by donating to the outreach process works for us, the committee, and the families in our community. Ideally, supporting the skating once a month for the five (5) winter months would be an honest, true, outreach programme. The donations would be handled through our church office and records and then channelled to the recreation committee. Think about it. This is your opportunity to release the inner ice dance star that lives within you, swirls and leaps that you know you can execute! Forget about your knee and hip replacements …live your dreams! We can do it!
Flower Power
Do you believe that poinsettia time has arrived again? I don’t, but here’s the reality: It has come, and we need help to rock the sanctuary with a riot of red! Please consider donating to the flower cause by choosing options to help: 1) Visit the church office and offer your donation there. 2) Bring a poinsettia of your choice to the church for Sunday services (and take back home if you wish to do so) 3) Buy a ticket(s) for the Christmas ornament guess and possibly win one of the special prizes. That would be a win/win as the money would facilitate poinsettia purchasing and you could win a prize too. Let’s all celebrate this special time of the year!
Paige Warner
Paige Warner will be performing “Peace on Earth” – Music for the Holidays at Annesley on Friday, December 29th at 6:00 p.m. Paige is a talented singer from Owen Sound, and she will be joined by Stephen C. Warner, Marty Sinclair, and Tyler Wagler, performing Christmas classics, current holiday hits and jazzy spins on your favourite carols. Concert at 6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:00 p.m. $25 in advance from the office, Susan’s Deli or Artemesia Cheese and Fine Foods. $30.00 at the door. $15.00 for online streaming. Tickets can also be purchased online at Annesley.events.
Coin Bank Fundraiser is back!
We have decided to bring back the coin bank fundraiser because it was such a success in previous years. We encourage your participation. Please pick up a coin bank in the Narthex , the office, or call Dave Armstrong at 519-986-2992 if you would like one dropped off. Please save Loonies, Toonies, Quarters, or a cheque if you prefer. There is a signup book as well to make sure your name is recorded. It is hoped that they could be returned by mid December. Thank you so much in advance for your participation.
Elder Abuse Awareness in Grey Bruce
Seniors are at risk for Fraud, Scam and Home takeovers. Information is available for seniors to protect themselves. See the poster on the whiteboard in the Narthex for information to schedule a presentation, or contact Amber Jackson at the South East Grey Community Health Centre: 519-986-2222 ext. 6390 or amber.jackson@segchc.ca
South East Grey Community Health Centre Needs
The Southeast Grey Community Health Centre is in need of reusable bags to help the clients of the Community Pantry. The bags are washed by SEGHC, so even used bags are appreciated. They are also looking for winter clothing (in good condition): coats, jackets, mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and boots, to help the less fortunate in our community. The bags and the clothing can be dropped off at the Patient Entrance.
FundScrip – Next order date is January 28th
Order forms can be found below, or at the office. Download an updated order form here:
https://www.markdaleunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FUNDSCRIP-ORDER-FORM-2022-2.pdf
Annesley Choir
To all people who love to sing and share their joy of praising God, I invite you, no matter what age you are or skill level, to join with the choir each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. It is a time of preparation for the upcoming services. The atmosphere is relaxed, educational and fun. Please contact me, Brenda Dimoff, if interested to find out more about choir. You can call me at 519-794-0874 or email at dimoff@gbtel.ca I look forward to new faces and voices.
Home At Last (HAL)
HAL is a FREE settling in service to help people who have been in hospital to discharge home. The goal of the program is to facilitate an earlier discharge or unnecessary re-admission to hospital by providing transitional support services and links to community support services wen needed. FOr more information, contact the VON Grey Bruce Office at 519-376-5895/1-800-265-3138 Extension 402 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The 2022 Annual Report
The Annual Report for 2022 is available HERE:
Brenda & Peter Dimoff: CDs available due to popular demand
We have all been enjoying the music of Brenda and Peter Dimoff during the Sunday services. Many people have asked where they can get a copy of their CD, so Brenda and Peter have graciously responded by producing copies of the CD, as a fund raiser for Annesley! For a donation of $20 or more to Annesley, you receive a copy of this wonderful CD. They will be available each Sunday, or at the office during the week.
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.
Visioning Team’s Final Report
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
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.