This is how Jan L. Richardson begins her Advent reflection called Night Vision.  And it got me thinking about our Advent, the season that holds expected moments and unexpected prospects, the season that celebrates the familiar and anticipates the surprising.

 

On the one hand, Advent beckons us deep into what we know and love.  Tradition sneaks out of the boxes that we packed away last Christmas.  With the decorations come memories of past times together.  With the wrapping paper and the bows come the known and loved routines of the season.  The photos of past feasts are tender tokens of love and connectedness.  No matter who we are, or where we are, Christmas draws us home, home to togetherness and to times that mean the most.

 

Our hearts return to the familiar, and there is something lovely about this return.  Let’s anticipate it.  Let’s enjoy it.  Let’s make the most of this year’s holy days and add to our precious memories of the season.

 

But let’s not stop there.  There is another side to Christmas that requires a different response.  And that other side is presented to us in Richardson’s reality-reshaping comment, “one “yes” to an angel, and Mary became a revolutionary.”  God appeared in Mary’s ordinary, everyday life, and with the voice of an angel.  God asked her to birth the holy.  God beckoned her from the well-travelled path called “Expected,” and showed her the road called “The Amazing Way.” With her “yes” to Gabriel, Mary became God’s ally, the one to bring Jesus to birth, the one to give life to God’s longing that our world might know a brand new way to abundant life.

 

Mary became a revolutionary when she spoke that “yes” to God.  When she held her baby in her arms, she held love that would bring enormous change to the world, change that would make a deep difference to all sorts of people.  Mary sings that change in her song called “Magnificat.”   She points to the transformation of the status quo.  She sings God’s promise that the lowly will be lifted up into the realm of the important, that the hungry will be filled and strong, and that the poor will have the same currency of power as the rich.  In the Advent scheme of things, she tells of a time when the exalted will learn humility and the privileged will be invited to share their privilege.  She tells of a time when the rich will be invited to rely on their gifts, and not on their wealth.  Magnificat is a song about a turn-around world, and Mary, with her “yes,” was the one who started the revolution of love.

 

If a woman such as she, an ordinary citizen of an ordinary place, in an ordinary time, can birth the holy, then the skies the limit for each and every one of us.  If a woman such as she, whose “yes” started a change so profound that is has lasted for 2000 years, then our “yes” to God brings amazing possibility to life in our world.

 

I know that ours is an uncertain time.  I know that we are vulnerable to a volatile stock market.  I know that we are concerned about our beautiful world’s resources.  I know that we are anxious about our dear ones, about our parents’ ability to finance retirement, about our children’s ability to afford an education.  I know that “recession” is being whispered in many circles, and that economists and politicians are calling our time “difficult.”

 

In spite of all that we face, God still longs for a revolution of the heart.  God is still dreams of the lion and the lamb lying together.  God still dreams of our wholeness and strength.  God desires the transformation of all whom God loves. 

 

We are waiting for God to whisper comfort to us.  We are waiting for God to whisper joy.  We are waiting to come home to Christmas and all the remembered gifts that it brings.  May we also be open to this surprising side of Christmas, “the Christmas Revolution.”  It can begin with folk such as we, so may we say our advent “yes” to the holy surprise of justice and peace and abundant love for all.

 

                            

 

 

 

 

It is hard to believe that over two months have gone by since I was so warmly welcomed into my internship by the caring community at Munn’s United Church. It has been a delight to be a part of this friendly congregation, and I am glad to be in this journey of ministry and learning with you.

 

The other day, I had a lot of thoughts and ideas bubbling in my mind, and a lot of things to do. I decided to step out into the fresh air, and wander wherever my feet took me. I wandered down the street, past the young woman raking leaves off of her lawn, past a group of children walking home from school, past the family loading up their car for a weekend away. I wandered all the way to the local Tim Horton’s, where I found myself standing in line for a coffee. I took my coffee and sat down at a table. There were mothers with their toddlers, people in business suits, a couple who had just returned from a round of golf, teens huddled over their iPods.

 

“Hi.” I looked up towards the voice and saw Julie, the young woman who had taken my order at the counter, holding my gloves. “You left these at the counter,” she said with a smile. She was on her break, and we started talking. She told me her story of moving here from Singapore, of leaving her family and friends behind, of having to make ends meet, of the cultural differences and challenges that she was facing. At the end, she laughed and said, “I am so grateful and happy for everything.”

 

What a difference a six minute conversation can make. That day, when I pulled on my gloves, I felt the warmth of my encounter with Julie. When I stepped out into the cold air with my “to do” list in hand, I saw the world differently. She had given me a gift – the reminder that taking a moment to breathe, looking at things with new eyes can make all the difference. In the busy-ness of our lives, God offers us the gifts of hope, peace, love and joy. These gifts often come in unexpected moments, and we are invited to open our hearts to these precious moments.

 

Blessings and joy in this special season!

 

 

 

About Advent

 

Advent is the time before Christmas.  It is four weeks long and for us at Munn’s, it begins on Sunday, November 16.  The goal of Advent is to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus whom we call Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”

 

In Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive the gift of Christmas.  It is a time for reflection, for deepening connection with God, for strengthening our commitment to God’s purposes.  We think about all that God gives to us, hope, peace, joy, and love and embrace those gifts for ourselves, for those whom we love, and for the world.

 

We mark this sacred season with the lighting of the Advent Candles.  As time moves toward birth and the dawn of a new day, the Advent light grows and shines on us and for us.  This light lifts the night of sorrow and shame, and brings us the promise of wholeness and peace.

 

The colour of Advent is deep blue, a night colour that is a great contrast to the candle glow. 

 

 

About Christmas

 

Our Christmas celebration follows the season of Advent.  Munn’s celebrates the birth of Jesus on December 14 and 21, and of course, on Christmas Eve.  The season extends through the week between Christmas and New Year’s. 

 

Christmas is a celebration time, a time to rejoice over God’s choice to be near us and to share our humanity.  It is time to rejoice over the renewed promise of love’s power, and to remember that it all began with a baby.  In choosing Jesus, God also chooses us as the ones who bring hope to the world. 

 

The colour of Christmas is white, the colour of new beginnings.

 

 

 

Our Theme for Advent

and Christmas

 

The theme for our Advent and Christmas time is “Through Mary’s Eyes.”  It was suggested by Rita Lamplugh and affirmed by the Worship and Music Committee.

 

What do we learn about Christmas by looking at it through Mary’s eyes?   It certainly is a various time for her, at once a time of great celebration, and a poignant, haunting time.  Mary sees God at work in her child’s birth, and yet, we know that his birth is the beginning of his end, of Good Friday and Easter. 

 

 

 

Scripture provides two opportunities to share Mary’s experience.  One is the Annunciation (Luke 1: 26-38) and the other is the Magnifiat (Luke 1: 36-55.)  These stories help us see incarnation through Mary’s eyes, and will figure in our worship times, as will the Messiah promises found in Isaiah.

 

“Through Mary’s Eyes” will be experienced in music, art, word, and action throughout the holy seasons ahead.  May it be a time of renewal and hope for us all.

 

 

 

Advent and Christmas Worship Services

 

 

Advent Worship

 

10:30 am Service

 

The 10:30 services will be built around the theme “Through Mary’s Eyes.”  As is Munn’s tradition, the choir has prepared special Advent music that is linked to the theme.  Rita has found several musical versions of Mary’s song, “Magnificat,” and we will share in the well-loved carols of Advent.   We will light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.   The Junior Choir will introduce our candle lighting with “Stay Awake, Be Ready.”  Sermons will reflect on the gifts suggested by the candle-lighters.

 

Gale Rutledge, who decorates our sanctuary for celebration times, will do so again this year.  She begins with beautiful pots of greenery, symbols of hope and renewal, and adds the Christmas touches as the holy time draws near.

 

 

9:00 am Service   

 

The 9:00 am service will offer time to see Christmas “Through Mary’s Eyes.”  The Advent candles will be lit, as at 10:30. 

The tone of these services will be reflective and quiet.  The goal is to provide busy people a chance to be still and to grow closer to God by exploring spirituality in different ways.   This service might provide comfort and healing for those for whom Christmas brings sad memories or stress.

 

 

 

Christmas Worship

 

Munn’s will celebrate Christmas on December 14 and on December 21, on Christmas Eve, and on December 28. 

 

 

10:30 am Services

 

On December 14, we will celebrate a Nicaraguan Christmas.  For 4 years, Cathyann Hoyle and her husband Pete, were United Church overseas personnel in Nicaragua.  They have just returned and Cathyann will be with us and will help us welcome Christmas with some of the rituals of the Moravian Church in Nicaragua.  She and Pete were happy to learn that our Christmas tree is decorated with Moravian stars.  The raising of this star is one of the meaningful parts of Christmas worship in Nicaragua.  December 14 is a cross-generational worship for Munn’s, and one that the children will enjoy.  The Intermediate Choir will be singing at this service.

 

On December 21, Rita and the Junior Choir, and some adults will be presenting their annual Christmas musical, “Follow that Star.”

 

9:00 am services

 

The 9:00 am services will continue with the theme, “Through Mary’s Eyes” and to provide a weekly opportunity to reflect, to deepen relationship with God, and to sink into the meaning of the season. 

 

December 18, 7:00 pm

   A Quiet Christmas

 

This is a service for those who need to connect with the peace and comfort that get so easily lost in the Christmas hustle and bustle.  It also provides a welcome space for those for whom Christmas brings sadness, and for those whose lives are not in a celebrative “party” place.  The Intermediate Choir provides special music, and we share the Christmas feast of communion.

 

December 28, 10:30

One Service Only

 

There will be one service only on December 28.  This service will provide lots of opportunity to sing and to celebrate the good news of Jesus’ coming among us.  It will be traditional in format.

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

 

3:00 pm Service for Young Children

 

Worship and Music is adding another service for young children, as we ran out of room last year.  The Christmas candle will be lit and there will songs suitable for excited wee ones.  As well, the jingle socks will be back.  We will feature a new Christmas story called “A Song in Bethlehem.”   As is our tradition , we will close with “Silent Night,” our glow sticks bringing the light of Christmas to us.

 

 

 

4:30 pm Service for Young Children

 

The format of the 4:30 service will be the same as at 3:00 pm. 

 

 

8:00 pm Service

 

This service is intended for families with older children (8 and up.)  It will feature the senior choir, lots of carols, the lighting of the Christmas candle, and a Christmas reflection.  We will close the service by singing “Silent Night” by candlelight, a way of celebrating that the light has come into the shadows of our lives, and brings us hope.

 

 

10:00 pm Service

 

We will welcome Christmas with carols and communion.  This is a service of readings from Scripture and reflections on our Christmas theme, “Through Mary’s Eyes.” The Senior Choir provides lovely anthems that draw us into the beauty of the night.  As usual, a focus of worship will be the lighting of the candles of memory, gratitude and hope that continues during the carol singing.  We conclude with a candle-lit version of “Silent Night.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Formation News

 

Jubilee Jump Up

 

Teachers and Parents:  please note.

The following are cross-generational services:

 

• November 16, Advent 1
• December 14, Christmas 1
• December 21, Christmas 2
• December 28, Christmas 3

 

Nursery will be provided each week, regardless of the type of service.  There will be a class for 3 and 4 year olds each week, too.  Parents of 3 and 4 year olds can choose the Jump Up class or the cross-generational worship.

 

Advance Notice

 

Trish Warnock is directing Munn’s 3^rd Annual Jump Up Musical.  Practices start on January 4, 2009, and will happen each week in January as part of the Jump Up.  Lesley Anderson is leading the 3 and 4 year old class and will involve the children in the musical as needed.  Teachers for each age group will assist with the making of props, and with the actual rehearsal.  No teacher preparation is required as Trish will have planned the event.

 

Musical Presentation is February 1, 2009 at the 10:30 am worship.

 

 

 

 

Journey to Bethlehem

 

The Family Ministry Team has planned Munn’s Second Annual Advent Event.

 

·         When: Sunday, November 30, 2008

 

·         Time:   5:00 pm-7:30 pm

 

·         What:  Journey to Bethlehem,

                       presented by Milton churches

·         Where: Country Heritage Park,

                   8560 Tremaine Road, Milton

 

·         Cost:   $5.00 for those 12 and over.  Children under 12 are free.  Munn’s will pay for the bus.

 

The journey to Bethlehem is an outdoor walk to the Christmas manger.  It begins in the reception area with a massed choir singing carols.  A guide from the ancient story will lead us on the way to Bethlehem.  We will see Herod’s court, meet Roman soldiers, shepherds, magi, and other journeyers who are on the way to Jesus’ birth place.  We will arrive at the manger and become the people who see the birth of wholeness and peace.

 

The journey ends at the Gambrel barn for cider and cookies, followed by a tractor ride back to the gate.

 

The FMT choose this activity as Munn’s Advent Event because it provides an opportunity for action and involvement.  We know that many Munn’s kids prefer to learn this way.

 

The FMT decided to add some Munn’s touches to the Journey to Bethlehem. 

We are meeting at Munn’s at 5:00 pm for cup cakes and punch.  We will be traveling to Milton by school bus, so that our journey will be part of the adventure.   The bus will bring us all back to the Munn’s parking lot.

 

 

 

 

PASTORAL CARE NEWS

 

The Pastoral Care committee hosted another successful, well attended Senior's dinner in September.  We are grateful to Betty Robertson for arranging for the facility for us.

 

November 1st was the Therapeutic Touch all day workshop.  Many thanks to Heather Allsop for arranging for the wonderful opportunity to learn the technique and understand how this is such an effective
healing modality.

On December 15th, we will look forward to providing a Christmas Tea for our wonderful seniors.

 

Teleconnect is in full swing again and we will be contacting our congregational members to say hello.

 

From time to time, the Pastoral Care committee provides a meal for a family at a time of need (death in family, birth of child, illness). We would like to have a list of people who could help.  If there is anyone who would be willing to provide a casserole and/or salad, please email Lauri Mills  lauri_mills@hotmail.com. 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

The Community Development Committee will once again be hosting a number of events this Advent and Christmas to support fellowship and Community here at Munn’s.

 

Progressive Euchre Nights

Friday November 14^th & 28^th at 7:30pm

Cost: $4 per person – pay as you come in

Coffee and muffins provided.

For more information contact Stan Jackson 905 845-0328 or email Stanley.Jackson@sympatico.ca . If you are available to make muffins for either of these evenings, speak to Lottie Grootjans or email lottie@cogeco.ca .

 

Adult Dance

This adult “Fun” Event will be held on Saturday November 15^th from 7:00pm – 11:00pm.  Tickets are $12.00 each and will be available at the door.  There will be a Cash Wine and Beer bar and Finger Foods will be served throughout the evening.

 

Scrapbook Saturday

The committee will be hosting a Scrapbook Saturday on Saturday November 22^nd from 10:00am – 4:00pm here in the Pioneer Room.  Bring your current projects and supplies for a fun day or creativity.

 

Book Club

The Book Club continues to meet each month.  This months book is “Atonement” and the group will meet on Wednesday November 26^th.  For more information on the book club email Lottie Grootjans at lottie@cogeco.ca.

 

No Muss No Fuss Christmas Dinner

Community Development will be hosting this successful Annual Event on Sunday December 7^th at 5:00pm.  Come join us for a wonderful Christmas dinner and great friendship. There will be a Carol Sing Service prior to the Dinner (at 4:00pm) in the Sanctuary.  Sign up sheets are in the upper hall or contact Lisa in the office at 905-257-8434.

 

Community Dinners

The Community Development committee caters Christmas Dinners for two of the Senior’s Residences in the community.  This year they will be hosting the dinners on Tuesday December 2^nd and Thursday December 11^th.  The committee is looking for help to prepare and serve the food.  If you are interested in helping with these dinners, contact Lottie Grootjans at 905-845-0276 or  lottie@cogeco.ca .

 

Happy Holidays from Community Development!

 

 

 

COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

 

The Committee for Social Justice celebrates this joyous season by reaching out to answer God’s call to ‘seek justice’.

 

Giving Tree:  tags will be available November 16^th and all gifts must be returned on or before Sunday, December 7^th.  We support agencies and families who depend upon us at this time of year.  This year the agencies include Grace House, SAVIS, and Syl Apps.

 

Tree of Warmth:  we continue our knitting to fill our Tree of Warmth.  We’ll meet in the Pioneer Room after each service.  Our mitts, scarves and hats go to SAVIS and the Salvation Army.  Please bring your needles and wool or just enthusiasm to learn how to knit.

 

Salvation Army Kettle:  there is a sign-up sheet for those who wish to staff the Christmas Kettle on Saturday, December 6 from 10 – 6 in 2 hour shifts.

 

Salvation Army Lighthouse:  we continue to supply dinner for those at the Lighthouse on the 2^nd Monday of each month.  Please see Joan Graham if you can help with this ministry.

 

Amnesty Write-a-thon:  Amnesty’s international write-a-thon will be on Sunday, December 14.  United Nations Human Rights Day is Wednesday, December 10th

 

Halton Fresh Food Box:  boxes of fresh produce, local when possible, are delivered to drop sites within Halton.  Large boxes are $15 and small are $12. The goal each month was to help 700 Halton families access and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.  That goal has been exceeded and with the interest in the program still growing, we are looking into ways to expand.  Munn's is a drop site from 4-6 pm, the third Tuesday of each month.  If you would like to learn more or sign up, please contact Karen Pearson  at gk.pearson@sympatico.ca

 

Habitat for Humanity Halton:  Habitat needs volunteers: The Salvage Crew is a team of volunteers who salvage items from houses, during renovations and demolitions, to sell in the ReStore. These items-often kitchens and bathrooms- are a major revenue source for the ReStore and fund all of Habitat’s operational costs.  These opportunities do not require a fixed time commitment but do take place during business hours.

The ReStore needs volunteers to test and assemble products, donation pickups, customer service, merchandising and help with working on cash and pricing items.

Please contact Deanna at 905-637-4446 ext. 103 or volunteer@habitathalton.ca .

 

MARK YOUR 2009 CALENDAR:

 

Valentine’s High Tea:  Sunday, February 15^th from 2 –4 in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.  Tickets will be $10.00

 

Night of 1000 Dinners:   this is an opportunity for Munn’s to partner with Church of the Incarnation, and Amnesty Oakville to continue our support of the Canadian Landmine Foundation.  Date and further info to be announced.

 

 

 

Stewardship News

 

Stewardship will continue to run the following programs through Advent:

 

“Gifts From the Heart”

This program is back and this year we will be offering more/different opportunities to present a meaningful gift to a special person and benefit someone you don’t know at the same time.

 

“Put a sock in it” (or, more correctly, put it in a sock)

This will offer families and individuals the chance to think about all the things they take for granted in their lives. Monies raised will go to the United Church Mission and Service Fund, which is the face of our work for justice outside our own congregations.

 

“Toonies for Turkeys”

“Toonies for Turkeys” returns and provides an easy way to provide a Christmas dinner to a family of 3.

 

 

 

 

 

United Church Women

 

Once again the UCW managed the Café for the bazaar was a huge success again this year!

 

The group continues to meet monthly for spiritual learning and support.

 

This year will also be partnering with Community Development to cater the two dinners in the community.

 

December UCW Luncheon

 

For our December meeting, we gather for lunch and make a donation to a cause chosen by the UCW.  This year’s the donation will go to support Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre.  The date of the luncheon is tentatively booked for the 9th of December and the address is 301-1230 Marlborough Court.

 

A sign up sheet will be posted in the hall and all women in the congregation are welcome.  Contact Lottie Grootjans ( 845-0276) or Joan Graham (845-4508)

 

 

 

Finance Committee Update

 

We continue to struggle as a congregation to meet our targets for giving’s support.  For 2008, the budget was set at $140,000 for local giving’s plus an extra $20,000 to be raised through a combination of extra giving’s and special projects or fundraising.  As of the end of October, normal local giving’s are running 2.5% below target while the special amounts are not as positive.  Assuming that the year-to-date trend continues, we will end up the year with the following shortfalls.

 

Description                 Actual Oct        Budget

Local Regular                   101,780        104,428                 

Givings re extra target       4,233          10,157                 

Projects re extra                   3,570            5,000                 

 

                                                   YTD   Projected

Description                      Shortfall       Shortfall

Local Regular                       2,648            3,500

Givings re extra target       5,924            9,767

Projects re extra                   1,430            2,430

Total                                                           15,697

 

This shortfall would be very serious if we hadn’t built up a bit of a cash cushion to start the year.  Realistically this is an ongoing problem that we must address fully in 2009.  The Youth Group also donated $4,000 to the revenues of the church in September that helped offset the givings shortfall.  This amount came mostly from the monthly youth dances and is a credit to the youth and volunteers that run and chaperone the dances. 

 

We were also fortunate to receive several donations to fund Hannah’s work.  It would be difficult to provide this extra support without these generous gifts.

 

Expenses are generally on target, except that we have had to recently replace the roof over the kitchen and washrooms.  The cost was $3,500 and we would like to raise this amount through donations by the end of the year.  We were fortunate that the damage caused by the leak was relatively minor and has already been repaired by the property committee.  Some other local churches have recently had very expensive repair jobs in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars because problems were no handled on a timely matter.

 

 

 

 

Property Committee News

 

A work party was recently held to re-roof the shed at the north end of the parking lot and to trim all the shrubs and add mulch to the beds.  Because of all the volunteer labour, costs were minimal and we have arranged cost sharing with Munn’s Child Care Centre.

 

If you were around this spring and summer you know that we had a leak in the hall roof that damaged a wall in the hall and also wrecked some ceiling tiles in the basement.  This has been an ongoing problem for most of the hall’s life because of the large vent fan unit installed after the hall was already built.  We were finally able to get an expert company at installing flat roofs, Juan Carlos Roofing, to properly replace the membrane on the roof in October.  It was a long, wet summer and trying to control the leak to prevent serious damage was time consuming.  In the end we had to replace one sheet of drywall, repaint a wall and replace some ceiling tiles.  Not bad considering what some other churches have encountered.  The cost was $3,500 and we hope that members of the congregation will consider making a donation to offset this cost. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information from Munn’s Unified Board

 

Message from the Unified Board Chair: Jamie Blake

 

At the Annual Congregational Meeting that was held in January 2008 a new board structure was presented and approved.  The new board structure is to allow for a stronger leadership structure with the understanding that the workings of the members are visible to the congregation.  The board is to balance the congregation’s need for safety and comfort with the need to make necessary changes for the future of Munn's with the ultimate goal of providing overall direction and leadership.  

 

At this time I would like to introduce you to the new board members who came together in June 2008.  We have been together for three Unified Board Meetings and finding our way together to work as strong leaders for Munn's and the committees associated.   At this time we have a vacant position for Faith in Action, but hope to have this filled shortly.  We would welcome anyone to approach any board member in regards to current & future plans of Munn's.  Please join me in welcoming the board members. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An electronic copy of the Newsletter is available.  If you would prefer to receive our newsletter by email to save on paper and postage, contact Lisa in the office by email with the subject line “Electronic Newsletter Request” to office@munnsunited.com  or by calling 905-257-8434. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Wishing you all a peace filled Advent and Christmas Season!