St. Matthew’s United Church eBulletin Nov. 17, 2019
News
What's coming up at St. Matthew's (* see below for more information)
Tue. Nov. 19 Book Club, 2 pm
Sun. Nov. 24 Anniversary Sunday, guest speaker Dr. Greg Hirsch *
– Carbon footprint Lunch and Learn, 12 noon *
– Pastoral care meeting, 11:45 am
Sun. Dec. 1 First Sunday of Advent
Anniversary Sunday Nov. 24
St. Matthew's is celebrating 270 years of ministry on Nov. 24. The guest speaker is Dr. Greg Hirsch, professor of surgery and director of research in the department of surgery at Dalhousie University. Dr. Hirsch's involvement in Halifax's Jewish community has led him to establish a Tikkun Olam (Healing the World) committee, through which he has engaged with Halifax's Muslin and Christian communities in response to terrorist attacks. He brings to us his keen interest in peoples of all faiths working together for a better world.
Lunch and Learn on carbon footprints after church Nov. 24
On Nov. 24 at 12 noon, the Earth Spirit Action Team of St. Matthew's has invited Virginia Crawford from St. Andrew's United Church to come and share how her family assessed their carbon footprint and what they did about it. She has prepared a tool for folks to use, and will demonstrate how it works. Bring a bag lunch and something to drink (hopefully this will be a no-garbage event), and -- if possible – a laptop or tablet that has Excel. Paper forms will also be provided. This is an opportunity to address the climate crisis we all face.
Shop for Peace
Support the farmers of Palestine in the struggle for their livelihood and land: buy these Zatoun fair trade products after church on Dec. 1. Cash sales only, exact change welcome.
Things you can donate to St. Matt's
Do you have extra MUGS? -- More mugs are needed for Sunday Breakfast. If you have any to donate, please mention to Carol Smillie in the choir OR just bring them on a Sunday morning.
Tim Horton's Gift Cards – These are used by both the Breakfast Program and the church office when people in need stop by. Cards valued at $10 are preferred.
Board games, jigsaw puzzles, art supplies, DVDs/VHS and machines to show movies on – St. Matt's will be an Extreme Weather Warming Centre for Halifax this winter, and it would be wonderful to have more fun things available to keep people occupied during inclement, cold, or unpleasant weather.
Gifts with Vision
The United Church of Canada offers a Gifts With Vision online and print catalogue for those who are looking for an alternative way of honoring friends, family, or any life occasion or season. The 2019 edition has been published and is available online at www.giftswithvision.ca. Choose from supporting initiatives that address povery and hunger, education, wellness, leadership, safe spaces, and more. A few copies of the print catalogue are available in the sanctuary.
In the Community
Musical Kaleidoscope Fundraiser for Nigerian flautist Ogo-Oluwa Sobukola – Sun. Dec. 1 at 7 pm, Victorian Lounge, Sherriff Hall, Dalhousie University. Sponsored by the Dalhousie Women's Division, with admission by freewill donation. This exceptional musician has been studying at Dalhousie University for three years and is in dire need of financial support. He has been helping to pay his tuition through concerts and special fundraising activities. He will be joined in performance by Patricia Creighton, Symphony NS principal flautist; Gabe Azzie, SNS principal bassoonist; Mark Lee, SNS assistant concertmaster; and Danbe Ko, collaborative pianist.
Royal Canadian College of Organists CarolFest – Mon. Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm, Cathedral Church of All Saints (musical preludes begin at 7 pm). Join the RCCO Halifax Centre for its annual CarolFest -- a service of lessons and carols that features sacred poetry and readings, choral anthems, and joyous congregational carols telling the story of the Nativity.
Featured guests are Blue Engine Strong Quartet, Rev. Betsy Hogan (reader), soloists, a massed choir, and local organists. A freewill offering will be received. String quartet and organ preludes begin at 7 pm.
If you would like to sing, come to the Cathedral on Sat. Nov. 30 from 1-3 pm for a massed choir rehearsal (no RSVP, sign-up or audition required – just show up.) Music will be provided. For more information, contact Matthew Fraser, mfraser@halifaxgrammar.com
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Administrative Stuff
Church office: (902) 423-9209, stmatts@ns.sympatico.ca
Pastoral care: Rev. Betsy Hogan, (902) 423-9209, stmatts.betsy@ns.sympatico.ca
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
Minister of Music: Wayne Rogers, (902) 429-1680, humber@ns.sympatico.ca
Student Organist: Matthew Fraser
On the web: www.stmatts.ns.ca
Ushering – Click this link to open the sign-up page
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17186169
EarthSpiritAction Resources for Thinking About God's Green Earth: www.stmatts.ns.ca/about/earth-spirit-action-eco-team
Meeting Schedule 2019-20
Congregational Meeting May 3, 2020 (budget)
Session, Stewards, Board Jan. 12, Mar. 8, Apr. 26
Worship and Music TBA
Regular Activities
Sunday Free Breakfast – Sundays 8:30 am
Thursday Noon Bible Study – TBA
Choir Practices – Thursdays – Handbells 6:15 pm, Sanctuary choir 7:30 pm
Lunch Bunch community choir – Fridays at 12:15 pm
St. Matthew’s Book Club – Third Tuesday
Melville Heights Service – Third Sunday at 2 pm at Melville Heights retirement lodge
Potluck Church -- TBA
Enjoy St. Matthew’s United Church weekly bulletin. Contact the office to add your email or to unsubscribe: stmatts@ns.sympatico.ca or (902) 423-9209