AnnouncemeNTs

 Easter Flower display in the Sanctuary 

We are continuing our tradition of having an Easter Flower display in our Sanctuary, honouring the memories of our loved ones. If you would like to donate for the Easter Flowers at our Easter services, please mail/drop off a cheque with Easter Flowers on the memo line, send an e-transfer to the church office, office@gcuc.ca , with Easter Flowers in the message, or put your donation in the offering plate on Sundays. Please indicate the name of the people that you are honouring. To ensure that your flowers are on display, please provide your donation and the names of those that you are honouring by Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 

Kanata Food Cupboard Collection Results 

Blessings for the Kanata Food Cupboard was collected to the tune of $3340! This provides health food and essentials for hundreds of families and children in our immediate community. Proverbs 22:9 - “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. “ Congratulations for helping so many needy in Kanata. Volunteers are always welcome to join our church outreach team. 

Spring Newsletter – Family Article Submission 

A few issues ago, we started a new GCUC Reach Out newsletter feature - a detailed story about GCUC families. Not phone numbers and contact information, just stories about our families that people might find interesting. The first was a story about the Allingham family in the fall of 2022. Time for another one! Does anyone have a family story to tell? Write something up, and we'll put it in the newsletter! Send to Keith Allingham no later than March 27th. 

March Outreach – Youth Services Bureau 

YSB is committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental and accessible environment where individuals 12 years and older can pursue their life goals and be encouraged in making informed decisions. It provides services in employment, health and housing, mental health, and youth justice. Every month, more than 2,500 youth and families rely on the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa to help them deal with the difficult issues they face — issues like poverty, abuse, family violence, depression, addiction and homelessness. With 350 caring professionals operating from 20 locations across Ottawa, YSB is equipped to deal with the breadth and complexity of these issues. On their list of much needed items are new bath towels. Donations can be dropped off in the Outreach Bin in the foyer. The last day for donations is Sunday March 26th. Thank you for your support. 

Save the Date and Spark Joy! 

WHAT::Rummage Sale and Silent Auction – Recycle your Books, Toys, Crafts, Jewellery, Travel Items/Accessories, Crystal/China, Kitchen Items and Sports Equipment. A Spring BBQ and Bake Sale plus a Bicycle Tune up will accompany the event. 

WHEN:: Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 8 am to 1 pm at Glen Cairn United Church 

HOW: Clean and sorted items may be dropped off beginning Sunday April 23, to Room C. (please wait until after the church service) and Baked items will be received beginning Friday April 28th 

WHO: Volunteers are still needed for set up and take down as well as to take away unsold items. For more information please contact Anne, Susan or Martha. Clothing Drive 

We thank the many of you who have participated in this new initiative. For those who have yet to purge your closets you have a few weeks left. The black Tiguan will have its hatch open after Sunday service to welcome your contributions.

Clothing Drive 

We thank the many of you who have participated in this new initiative. For those who have yet to purge your closets you have a few weeks left. The black Tiguan will have its hatch open after Sunday service to welcome your contributions. 

Pastoral Care Team

Reach out and connect in Christ’s name 

Members of the Pastoral Care Team continue to offer their care and spiritual compassion to those who request them on a confidential basis. We can now have visits within the protocols for COVID 19 and can also connect by phone, email, cards, and through prayers. 

Our contact person for March is Cindy Hannah. Or, you can call our confidential number (613-435-4500) and leave a message which will be returned promptly. 

Healing Pathway in-person Sessions

The Healing Pathway Team will be offering regular in-person sessions at church on Mondays. As well, appointments can be made for distance healing and in-home visits at other times. Masks are required for all in-person sessions. These sessions are offered for anyone in the community free of charge.To book a session, email healingpathwaygcuc@gmail.com, contact our Coordinator, Nancy Kerr, or leave a confidential message at 613-435-4500

Earthub 

Thank you so much for your continued support of Earthub. Our bins have seen a lot of use, we have diverted a lot of items from going to the landfill. Just a quick reminder that for safety, please ensure your labels are removed from the prescription bottles before you put them in the bins. One suggestion is to fill the bottles with hot water and the labels should peel off without much effort. Thanks again for all your donations, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Anne McEwan or visit the Earthub Ottawa Chapter Facebook page. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Club – Next meeting: Wednesday April 12th, at 7:00pm (by Zoom) 

The book for the April 12th Book Club meeting is: Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do about It, by Brian D. McLaren. “Using his own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers, Brian D. McLaren, a former pastor and now an author, speaker, and activist shows how old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of human life, not just theology and spirituality. He proposes a four-stage model of faith development in which questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith. The four stages--Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony--offer a path forward that can help sincere and thoughtful people leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify their commitment to what matters most.” 

Bible Study (Thursday morning) 

Thursday morning Bible Study (Genesis) continues in-person at one of our member’s home. To join, please contact Patricia Taylor.

Bible Study – Wednesday, March 29 7:00 pm 

We continue reading some of the Psalms. The themes range from heights of praise and wonder to the depths of despair and grief and the whole gamut of human emotions in between. Some are short and others long; some question what is going on in the world of the writer and others marvel at the world around and the majesty and faithfullness of God. None question God's existence (refer Gen 1:1) and many raise hard yet and honest questions. Just like the world we live in today. Psalms do provide hope and the idea that God is indeed in control. Jesus quoted from them often (see the Gospels) as did Paul and other NT writers, which gives them an authenticity and relevance. If they were good enough for Jesus to quote, then there is something worthwhile to look at. Join fellow travellers on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 - 8.00 by zoom and see what we can learn. 

 Contact me Kevin McComas and I will send you the link. 

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Britannia United Church is seeking a part-time Office administrator - 20 hours/week 

Please see the bulletin board for more information, or contact minandpers@brituc.ca 

Kanata United Church Book Drop – April 1st – April 24th 

Kanata United Church will be opening their Book Drop on Saturday, April 1 - Friday, April 24. Drop-off hours 

are 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM. Please see www.kuc.ca for more information! 

Book Fair dates are Wednesday, May 3 – Saturday to Saturday, May 6, 2023. Hours will be 3 PM - 8 PM Wed - Friday, and 9 AM - 4 PM Saturday. 

The walk of the cross 

- will start at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 7th at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Kanata, 1817 Richardson Side Road. Join us to commemorate Christ's walk to His crucifixion. The Walk will look different this year, it will be held in the Church parking lot. The route will be shorter and can accommodate those with mobility issues. We will walk rain/snow or shine. Stops will be made for scripture readings and reflection. Everyone is welcome, please invite a friend!! For more information call, 613-327-6565. 

St. Thomas Anglican Church - Open Table. April 15th, May 20th, June 17th 

 This is a time to get to know your neighbours, to share with family, friends, and for anyone looking to enjoy a warm meal. These dinners will be served on the third Saturday of each month, beginning with a beverage of coffee/tea/water/juice at 4:00pm and dinner at 5:00pm. We look forward to welcoming one and all to the tables at St. Thomas Stittsville. There is no cost to enjoy this meal, however, a goodwill offering can be made and will be accepted. 

Sing-a-long Sound of Music – Saturday, April 22nd 

Glebe-St James United Church invites you to welcome spring at the Sing-a-Long Sound of Music on Saturday April 22, 2023. The classic film, with all the song lyrics as subtitles, will be shown at the Mayfair theatre. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to sing, cheer, dance (and boo and hiss as well.) Costumes are encouraged. Doors open 12:15 pm, screening starts at 1:00 pm, For tickets ($20 adults/youth, $10 12 and under) and more information go to livefromtheglebe@yapsody.com 

YOUTH PIZZA & GAMES NIGHT 

Friday, April 14, 2023 — 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Stittsville United Church. Come and meet youth from Kanata, Barrhaven, and Stittsville. Welcoming youth aged from 12 to 16. Pizza, drinks, and games provided, free of charge. For rides from Kanata United, email janet@kuc.ca 

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