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

New Picnic Tables – Volunteers Needed

We have purchased 3 new picnic tables for the Church. In advance of our Affirm Celebration Service on June 28, we need to paint and assemble the tables. We will be painting them in rainbow colours and having children add their handprints on the tables at our June 28 luncheon. We need volunteers to loan sawhorses to do the painting. And we need painters on Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 am, and assemblers on Saturday, June 20

at 10:00 am. If you are able provide sawhorses, or help with painting and assembly, please contact David Rothwell at 613-608-4331, david@rothwell.ca. All materials provided.

Property Management update

Spring cleaning has taken place! If you look waaay up in the sanctuary, the ceiling fans have been cleaned.  We took time to change a few light bulbs and lightly dust the lamps, as well. Air conditioning units are now installed in the classrooms and the Minister's office. And the sink in the kitchen has been reseated - no more leaks! The urinal in the men's room is next on the list :) A huge thanks to Ian, Emmett and Celia for helping

out. If you'd like to join the Property Management team, drop me a line at se.sharpe34@gmail.com.

Rental Committee

Looking for volunteers to be emergency contacts for renters. The function entails being on call should something happen during a rental such as a plumbing issue, or inability to gain access to the building. This function is typically for our one-time renters, often a recital. If you're able to help, please contact Sherry at se.sharpe34@gmail.com for further details.

Buttons needed for Sunday School craft

If you have a shoebox full of odd buttons you've been saving, or even just a handful, the Sunday School needs an assortment of colourful clothing buttons for a rainbow craft we have planned. Please speak to Celia Bodnar or drop them off in the Sunday School Room C or mail cubby outside the office

Prayer Shawl MinistryGCUC 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.

BROADVIEW Subscription Renewal - Last chance

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 and the June contact is Sue Swiggum – she may be reached at 613-850-6847 or by email at susanswiggum@gmail.com

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.

Earthhub ITKOOTL Program Ending May 31st

Unfortunately, we have received notice that the Earthub program “Items to Keep Out of the Landfill” will be closing. The last day for drop offs will be May 31st.  Over the years, this program grew far beyond what was ever expected. What started as a grassroots effort driven by hope and determination became something truly meaningful because

of all of you. Together, we diverted countless items from the landfill, built an amazing community, and showed people that collective action matters. But behind the scenes, the reality of sustaining this work has become overwhelming. The uphill battle of trying to create environmental change at this scale -emotionally, financially, mentally, and physically has become too great. As a result, the bins outside our church will be taken away on May 31st. We are hoping to investigate other avenues but at this point nothing

is available in the near future.  This news is disappointing, but we hope you also know that what we accomplished together mattered. The impact was real. Every item diverted, every conversation started, every person inspired...all of it mattered.

May Outreach - Christie Lake Kids UPDATED ITEMS – Last week to collect

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, beach towels, closed-toe shoes/sandals & water shoes (ages 8-12). Please put your items in the Outreach Bin in the lobby by Sunday, May 31.

April Outreach – Thank You from Belong Ottawa

We have received a lovely thank you from Belong Ottawa. It is posted on the Outreach bulletin board in the hallway for you to read. There is also a picture of all the generous donations that you made. Thank you again for giving back to your community.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study group, meets by Zoom from 7.00 to 8.00, continues to read Hosea. Hosea was an active prophet in the Northern kingdom of Israel just before they were overrun by the Assyrians in 722/721BC. Hosea warned the Israelites but alas they didn’t listen. Contact me at kevinmccomas@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

Community Paint Night – June 1

Call 613-836-4962 or email office@stittsvilleunitedchurch.com to register for the Paint night to be held on Monday, June 1 at 6pm in the Lower Hall, 6255 Fernbank Road.

NEWSLETTERS