We worship, we sing, we learn, we care for each other,
and we reach out to our local community in Kanata and to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save The Date

Friday, May 15 – Spring Show – Imagine the Sound of Peace

Sunday, May 24 – Holy Communion & Membership Service

Property Management Update

The PM team has hired the scissor lift for May 12 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. We will be cleaning the fans and lights in the sanctuary and replacing any burnt out light bulbs. We will be installing the air conditioners in the classrooms with AC, fixing the kitchen sink and sealing it, and repairing the ride-on lawn mower. We will continue painting in the hallway and entrance ways. I am also looking for donations of bolts of cloth to refresh the dividers used in the main hall. You are welcome to drop in to help or, if you'd like to join the team, please let me know. Sherry - se.sharpe34@gmail.com

Spring Choir Show

Tired of watching the news? Hearing about another war started? Trying to find some peace in this world?  Join the choirs of GCUC for the Spring Show - Imagine the Sound of Peace on May 15 at 7:30 pm. It is a free will offering with all proceeds going to the Kanata Food Cupboard. If you have any questions, speak to any member of the choir.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

GCUC launched a prayer shawl ministry this spring. Thank you for all of you who have already made prayer shawls, lap rugs, or afghans. We appreciate your support. We need knitters and crocheters to continue to knit and crochet for this important ministry. There is no specific pattern that is required but if you need some inspiration there are patterns available in the Prayer Shawl box or you can speak to Lisa Petch and she can assist you. Can't knit or crochet? You can help too - drop off wool for others to use, let the pastoral care team know of anyone who could benefit from a prayer shawl or lap rug. Any questions, speak to Lisa Petch.

Membership Service

People have expressed interest in becoming formal or full members of the congregation.  Therefore, we will be holding a membership service on May 24th. If you are interested in becoming a formal member or would like more information about this, please contact Rev. Elaine at elaine.beattie@gcuc.ca.

UCW Meeting – May 14

UCW is hosting a presentation from a member of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre of the OPP on Thursday, May 14 at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome to attend. Have you ever been taken in by those friendly phone calls, text messages, emails asking you for personal information to secure your bank account, asking you for money to get your grandchild out of jail, buying gift cards because your minister asked you to (never). Maybe you have not been affected so far but you are concerned about being scammed. Please let Martha, mtcolford@yahoo.ca, or Anne, racmac999@yahoo.com, know you would like to come.

Emergency Pastoral Care

Rev Elaine will be away from April 24 to May 11, while she is away Rev Anne Montgomery is available for emergency pastoral care. She can be contacted at (613) 293-8435.

GCUC Mini-Forest Project

The GCUC Mini-Forest Project fund-raising and volunteer recruitment campaigns are

well underway. We seek your help in planting a small, fast-growing forest on the east

side of our church property. You may make a donation by cash (please include your

name and if you would like a tax receipt please write your mailing address plus your

email address), by cheque payable to Glen Cairn United Church with “Mini-Forest” on

the memo line, or by e-transfer to office@gcuc.ca and please indicate “Mini-Forest” in

the message line. You may help to plant trees on May 30, 2026 by contacting Celia

Bodnar or Barbara Reynolds. More details about this project are available on the green

sheets in the foyer.

BROADVIEW Subscription Renewal

BROADVIEW is the United Church magazine that focuses on national and international issues of spirituality, social justice, and ethical living, as well as United Church of Canada news and perspectives. Those with subscriptions will receive an email reminder about renewal. New subscribers are most welcome. The price is $30. People can pay by cash with name and information on the envelope, by cheque with Broadview on the memo line, or by e-transfer to office@gcuc.ca with Broadview in the message line. For new subscriptions please include your mailing address and email address. Please pay by May 31, 2026.

Community, Coffee, and Chat on Fridays at 10am  

Join us for Community, Coffee and Chat at 10am on Friday’s here in the Lounge. Please feel free to invite friends as all are welcome. Also, in the event that you bring some goodies to share, you are invited to share your recipes too!!  When there is inclement weather, please check your email to make sure that the Community, Coffee and Chat will take place as scheduled.  

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.  The May contact is Bev Armbruster - she may be reached aat 6134022149 or bev@armbruster.ca

Healing Pathway In-person Sessions 

Sessions take place each Monday here at the church. For more information, or if you or someone else needs some TLC with prayer, please email healingpathwaygcuc@gmail.com , or call or text Nancy Kerr at: 613-402-2149.

Book Club – Upcoming meetings

The Book Club will meet at 7pm on the following dates and the books to be discussed are:

June 2nd - Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan by M H Foster, hybrid in person (Rm E) and zoom

September 1 - How the Stars get in your Bones, by Jan Richardson. via zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent out from the office prior to the meeting.

May Outreach - Christie Lake Kids

Christie Lake Kids is a local charity that supports children and youth from low-income households. They strive to level the playing field by removing barriers to participation and providing fun, skill-building opportunities. By removing barriers like cost, transportation and supplies, they provide after-school and weekend programs in the city and a unique outdoor experience at their summer camp near Perth, Ontario. It’s an opportunity for campers to swim in a lake, feel the warmth of a campfire and sleep in a cabin among the trees. The skills learned help build confidence, resilience, and optimism. We will be collecting the following items to support their camp this summer: sunscreen SPF 30+, bug spray and beach towels. Please put your items in the Outreach Bin in the lobby by Sunday, May 31.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible study continues to meet by zoom from 7.00 to 8.00 pm as we read the book of Hosea. This has some of the most beautiful language in the bible and yet has a very modern 2026 message.  Contact me at kevinmccomas206@gmail.com and I will send you the link.

THURSDAY DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY

Join us at the Nadelle residence from 10am-12pm. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Johan at johanjong@nl.rogers.com .  All are welcome

COMMUNITY EVENTS Please See the Bulletin Boards for Details

Connecting Seniors Event – Riverside United Church

Dr. Joseph De Koninck will be speaking about Sleep and Sleep Disorders. Tuesday, May 12th 10:00 am to 11:30 at Riverside United Churc, 3191 Riverside Dr.

Community Yard Sale and BBQ

May 23, 9 am - 2 pm, Stittsville United Church, 6255 Fernbank Rd. Rent a table for $20, or just come to shop. Email lauraamisson@hotmail.com for more info.

Metcalfe St. Andrews United Church Boot and Bake Sale

Metcalfe St. Andrews United church is having a Bake and Boot Sale on Saturday, May 23rd. You can rent a space to sell your trunk full of precious items, in the parking lot for $20.00. Rain date is June 6. See poster for more details.

St. Thomas Anglican Church Spring Yard Sale

Home décor, toys, electronics, books, linens, art, and baked goods available athe yard sale on May 23rd from 9am – 1pm.

Annual Veterans Luncheon

The Royal Canadian Legion Kanata Branch 638 is hosting their Annual Veterans Luncheon on Saturday, June 6th to honour those who served and are serving. Doors open at 11am and lunch is served at 12pm. See poster for more details.

Discovering Samuel Coleridge-Taylor with Ewashko Singers

Ewashko Singers is thrilled to present the Ottawa premiere of two choral works – Te Deum in F and Endymion’s Dream – by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. A descendant of enslaved people, this prolific British composer and conductor blazed a trail by integrating traditional African music and themes into classical repertoire. Joining us in this unique and timely celebration of diversity in music are the children and youth of OrKidstra as well as Matthew Larkin (organ & piano), soprano Carmen Harris and tenor Adam Sperry. Musicologist and educator Saeideh Rajabzadeh will offer opening remarks. Concert will take place at Southminister United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave on Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm. Get your tickets by following this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/samuel-coleridge-taylor

NEWSLETTERS