www.calvaryunitedchurch.on.ca

CATALYSTC A L V A R Y

A D V E N T • C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 2

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. – Dr. Seuss

This is your invitation to Communion on December 2nd, 2012. Delivered by:

A Special Christmas Moment

We all have special memories associated with Christmas. For

some, it is the gathering of family and friends. For others it may be about a special gift given or received. For yet others, it may be about carol singing, the sparkling decorations or the undefined feeling of anticipation in the air.

I think the special moment for me is Christmas Eve Communion. Gathered together in church in the glow of candlelight, favourite carols, the familiar words of The Story, bring the truth of Christmas home for me. “The Word of God became a human being and lived here with us” (John 1) gives us fresh hope, a deep joy, an overwhelming peace, all wrapped up in a gracious gift of love. Celebrating that truth of Jesus’ birth, life, and death in the sharing of bread and wine is a profound moment.

For those not able to participate in church for Christmas Communion, I would like to offer the opportunity to celebrate with you, where you are – at home, in a retirement or nursing care residence. If you wish to share in a Home Communion please call or have a family member call the church office (519-434-5526) to make arrangements.

Christ’s peace and love be with you in this holy season.– Gord Duncan Minister of Visitation

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” – Hebrews 13:8

Like clockwork, our traditions mark the passage of time. We celebrate the autumn season at

Calvary with special suppers, services of anniversary and remembrance, rehearsals and preparation for Advent/Christmas events. Maybe you were expecting this issue of The Catalyst because you know that is what usually happens around this time of year. One of my favourite preachers, the Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel shares this story:

“I remember a family that was new to our church and whose child had only a year of Sunday school under his belt. At a rehearsal for his second Christmas pageant, the boy cried out in indignation: ‘Do you mean to tell me that we are doing exactly the same story we did last year?’

“Today that youngster is grown up and has been blessed by the yearly repetition of church life that gives his chaotic days meaning. In a world that demands that everything be a one-time-only original production, the church remains a place to remember that there is someone much better than we are at original creations.”

She goes on to say that we don’t need to invent an individualized expression of faith (as the spiritual-but-not-religious say that they do);

it’s already been done and has been lively and life-giving for thousands of years through the community of saints, through the church! It is by God’s creative force that the world has its form and function, God gave the child who would bring us salvation from the misplaced priorities and pressures of earthly empires.

Our world is transfixed with the latest-and-greatest, exclusive engagement, don’t-you-dare-miss-it, next-big-thing: Apple computers has trotted out its latest wave of innovation; Microsoft has duly launched its Windows 8 system; all in time for Christmas shopping. These expectations of rapid and frequent innovation makes organized religion seem out of date and desperately antiquated.

In spite of the challenge of finding something new and relevant in an ancient story, there is comfort and assurance in the tradition and truth we hold so dear. It is grounding and stabilizing to revisit the same story time after time, to wonder anew at the coming of the Christ Child into a bustling and busy world, humbly born in a manger. We find the truth of God’s incarnation among and with us provides the timeless and unceasing hope for our faith.

May the blessings of the coming season, and the new year, fill your hearts with hope, peace, joy and love,

– Kenji Marui

Doing exACtly the SAMe Story

A pretty flower for a pretty lady.

The Calvary Catalyst is published four times a year. Its purpose is to inform and report on news and events at Calvary United Church.

Submission deadline for the next issue is February 12th, for distribution by March 24th, 2013.Submissions should be sent to Bruce Jones at: scouterbruce@rogers.com

The Catalyst, including previous issues, is also available online at: www.calvaryunitedchurch.on.ca

Calvary United Church 290 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario N6C 3Z1 Phone 519-434-5526 • E-mail: calvunitedchurch@execulink.com

From the office filesCalvary United Church has been saddened by the passing of:

Dale Brosh Marion Campbell

Brian Devet and Rachel Campisi were married at Calvary United Church.

Message from the Nominating CommitteeThe Nominating Committee is requesting the assistance of the congregation in recommending members of Calvary to fill the position of Official Board Chair. Murray Barnett will be leading the Nominating Committee. Please confirm that the candidates will let their name stand for nomination. We will also gratefully accept your offer to fill the position if you wish to do so.

Thank you for your assistance.

UCW Anniversary ProjectThank you to everyone who donated to the United Church Women’s 50th Anniversary Project. Calvary donated $1,006.00 to the project. The goal of the National United Church Women was to donate $50,000. At the end of August 2012, there had been $187,180.85 donated!

As a result of the generous gifts, the Morogoro Women’s Training Centre in Tanzania will be able to train nine groups of twenty-five women to be birthing attendants. Over one thousand maternal deaths happen each day in Tanzania. With the training and necessary medical supplies, it is the goal to provide a healthier, safer environment for birthing mothers. Each course costs $20,000, which covers the cost of the instructors and materials, travel, accommodation and food, medical kit, and a solar LED lighting system.

– Mary Margaret Farrow

White gift Sunday and Christmas Share 2012

Dec. 9th is White Gift Sunday. All donations made will be given to support the Daily Bread Program at St. Paul’s Cathedral,

which works together with the Salvation Army, providing Christmas hampers to over 200 families.

The following donation suggestions have been provided by the Daily Bread Program to help meet the needs of the families:Cash donations – to purchase grocery vouchers, teen gifts, bulk foods and extras. Make cheques payable to “St Paul’s Anglican Church” and place in an envelope clearly marked as “White Gift” in the donation plate. Tax receipts will be issued by St. Paul’s.

Food items – (new unwrapped, unopened packages only) Canned hams, meat and fish, fruits, juices and veggies, jams, peanut butter, cookies, crackers, candies, cake and pudding mixes, tea and coffee and other non-perishable items.

Gifts for children and adults (new only and unwrapped)

All gifts are appreciated but the following are most requested:

infants to Age 4: Disposable diapers, formulas, books and musical toys, educational toys, fleece PJs, clothes, mitts, hats.

Boys and girls Ages 5-12: Nylon waterproof gloves and mitts, cuddly PJs, non-violent toys and games, board games, books, colouring and scrap books, crayons, pencils, markers, model and construction kits, sporting goods. These items are preferred over clothing.

teens: Gloves and hats, socks, wallets, hair clips, jewelry, nail polish and remover, eye shadow and mascara, playing cards and other appropriate small gifts to include with monetary gift.

Adults: Quality consumables (including diabetic chocolate and candies), quality toiletries (no perfume please) gloves and scarves, socks, pocket and puzzle books, playing cards, tools for men, cross stitch kits, kitchen stuff, gift cards eg. Tim Horton’s, clothing or department stores, drug stores, movie passes.

Gift bags and tissue, gift tags, ribbons, bows, tape and new Christmas cards.

All gifts will be delivered to St Paul’s Cathedral on Dec 10th.

Thank you for your support.– Kathie Leigh, Outreach Committee

Advent/Christmas Sunday by Sunday

plus one Monday eveningDec. 2 Communion, Baptism, Welcome New Members – Jeremiah 33: 14-16 – “Family Trees”Dec. 9 White Gift Sunday with Children’s MusicalDec. 16 Music SundayDec. 23 Luke 1: 39-55 – “Family Ties”Dec. 24 7 p.m. – Christmas Eve Family Service 10 p.m. – Christmas Eve Communion Dec. 30 Guest PreacherJan. 6 Epiphany – Matthew 2: 1-12 – “Unwrapped Magic”Jan. 13 Baptism of the Lord – Luke 13: 15-22 - Jan. 20 John 2: 1-11 – “Instant Fermentation”Jan. 27 Guest Preacher Feb. 3 Guest PreacherFeb. 10 Transfiguration and Annual Meeting Sunday – Luke 9: 28-43 – “The Business of Change”

Shopping/gift Cards The company we deal with for this fundraising program, Fundscrip has developed a great little video clip www.youtube.com/watch?v= OnRSZXHsO4k which helps explain the concept. It’s so easy, takes little effort, and you

can raise funds for Calvary doing nothing more than your everyday shopping for groceries, gas, clothing, entertainment, etc. Please consider becoming involved in this program. Contact Nancy Hind at 519-434-4048 or nancyhind@rogers.com

for more information. Or just grab an order form from the Lower Hall, the back of the Sanctuary or the church office.

Upcoming order dates are Nov. 25, Dec. 9 & Dec. 16, which is the last chance to order this year. Don’t forget that shopping/gift cards are great for Christmas stocking stuffers, gifts for teachers, hair dressers, letter carriers, etc., and are usually a big hit with teens or others who are hard to buy for.

– Nancy Hind

Shopping/Gift Card

Fundraising Project

Pulpit Exchange: Rev. Carolyn Tencamp of Ravenswood United Church spoke of “Staying on God’s Agenda.” She also inspired us with a country song about her faith journey.

Rev. Kenji brought his friend Jesus to Children’s Time.

Rev. Heather McLean, Financial Development Officer for the United Church in London spoke to us about “Legacy Giving” during the Sept. 30th service. She then set up this information booth in the lower hall during coffee hour.

Calvary Happenings

From our Catalyst Youth Correspondent, Kayla Lindsay

Christmas to me Christmas season, Christmas dayChristmas list of Christmas wish, ey! Christmas gifts under Christmas treeChristmas feasts to be shared, it’s free!

Christmas is here, Christmas is thereChristmas is celebrated everywhereYuletide it brings yonder allYuletide it sings in every heart of all.

Christmas I love for all it’s aboutChristmas I yearn that all my love is nearChristmas I hope for all my thoughts to be trueChristmas, may I... that if only I may.

Christmas to me is simply beChristmas comes, what brings it’ll beJoy and peace among us, as ever beWith love and forgiveness that made us be.

– Mary Louise Mann Gabumpa

news from the Southdale Chaplaincy

On Sunday, October 14, a group, sponsored by individual churches, walked

through the Westminster Trails located at Pond Mills, in support of the Chaplaincy. We enjoyed the scenic views, and the weather certainly co-operated! I am happy to report that with your very generous pledges, Calvary raised $1,460! Thank you so much!

The Chaplaincy is busy now that school has returned, and a number of programs are underway. The children participate in after-school and music programs, receive assistance with homework, and enjoy tasty suppers prepared by volunteers. We are now looking forward to Southdale’s Annual Christmas Party scheduled for Saturday, December 8.

Again, thank you for your continuing support of the Southdale Chaplaincy!

– Linda Baker, Outreach Committee

Calvary libraryYour Library houses abundant resources for Advent and Christmas. Included are books about the Nativity and others with

heartwarming and humorous stories, ideas for programs, crafts, entertaining, decorating, menu ideas with recipes, poems, dramas and a Christmas survival

guide! You’ll also find DVDs and CDs.

Toddlers will love board books such as The Tiny Star, The Mitten and The Brightest Star.

The children’s collection has plenty of good books. And, they will certainly enjoy, among other DVDs, VeggieTales’s Saint Nicholas, a Story

of Joyful Giving and The Christmas Star which is set in the 1880s in London, England.

Visit Calvary Library for the perfect resource to enhance your Advent season.

Season’s greetings to all from the Library Committee. – Darlene Sanderson

Stewardship & Finance CommitteeDear Calvary Folks,

You will recall that early in the year we asked everyone to consider increasing their level of contributions for 2012 to a “step” above your 2011 average weekly givings.

If all of us can, that will go a long way toward paying the month-to-month expenses that the church incurs. It’s not too late. If everyone were to respond with whatever increase they can manage, we can come closer to meeting our target of balancing the books for this year.

At the end of September, our net revenues were $181,844 and our expenses were $211,791 leaving us a year-to-date operating deficit of $29,946

Can we all work together to eliminate that deficit by year end? Will we be able to start 2013 without any outstanding debt?

– Your Stewardship & Finance Committee

Sarah and Kaitlyn once again shared their gift of music, singing “Praise the King.”

Some Youth Group members enjoying dinner on the Japanese evening at Calvary

Danielle Mcnichol is a grade 12 student at Laurier Secondary School, where she is very involved in the music program. She is in the Senior Choir and Chamber Choirs and plays the flute in the Senior Band. At Calvary she sings in the Senior and Contemporary Choirs, takes part in band, teaches Sunday School, serves on a community breakfast team and is an active member of the Youth Group. Danielle is considering a career in Interior Design, Environmental Science or as a Veterinarian Technician. Last summer she worked as a camp counselor at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee. In her spare time Danielle enjoys reading, movies, music, camping and traveling. She also loves “hanging out with friends” and playing with her cat Mowgli.

Calvary’s University and College Students 2012

rachel lee is in her second year of Pre-Pharmacy program at the University of Waterloo. She had such a blast this September as an Orientation Leader and is once again enjoying being a Student Ambassador for the Science Faculty. This summer she worked part-time as a pharmacy assistant at Shoppers Drug Mart. Her future ambitions include graduating as a pharmacist in 2017.

Valerie Mcnichol is currently completing her fourth year of Nursing(Fanshawe/Western Program) and hopes to work in pediatrics in the future. Last summer she worked at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee as the Health Care Provider (camp nurse). She continues to be active at Calvary in music, Sunday School, Community Breakfast, Jesus Chicks, etc.

ian Barnett is attending his first year at King’s University College at Western University, Open first year in social science and is hoping to take a double major in Politics and History with a minor in law. Ian spent the summer working at Food Basics.

This summer travis goettl worked at Red Lobster and Lawson Health Research Institute at Parkwood Hospital in Spinal Cord Injury research. He is currently working at Parkwood while attending his third year at Western

University in Health Sciences – Honours Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences. He hopes to go into physiotherapy afterwords for the Masters program.

hannah goettl spent the summer babysitting for three families in her neighbourhood while getting ready for her brother Tyler’s wedding in August. She is currently attending Brescia University College at Western University in the health-sciences program. After her graduation she hopes to go into occupational therapy with the result of becoming an occupational therapist... following in her Mom and Dad’s health care footsteps.

Michele hurlbut is in her third year at McMaster University. She is studying Honours Sociology

with a minor in Health, Aging & Society. She is an executive member for McMaster's Sociology Society, as the VP Admin. This summer, Michele returned for the third summer to her job at Longworth Long Term Care. When she graduates, Michele hopes to pursue a career in geriatrics.

Mathew hurlbut is enjoying his first year at Lambton College in Sarnia in the Industrial Millwright Program. He graduated Grade 12 at South Secondary in June and completed the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program affiliated with Lambton College – earning his Level One apprenticeship in Welding. Mathew hopes to earn a co-op at Lambton and continue his welding and millwright apprenticeships. His dream is to go west and apply his trade where there is lots of work.

Alison nelligan is in first year at King’s University College at Western University, Faculty of Social Sciences. She works part time at the Taylor Library on Western’s main campus.

Spotlight on our youth

Clockwise from top left: Danielle, Mathew, Michelle and Ian.

Japanese FriendshipThe youth group attended the Japanese evening when we welcomed people from small congregations around Japan. The evening started with dinner and concluded with a talk and a visual presentation by our guests. Youth DanceWe’ve also held our first dance of the new season and had 88 youth in attendance. As it was close to Halloween we made this dance “costume optional.” We gave a prize for

the best costume, two theatre tickets, so the winner could take themselves and a friend to the movies.

The dance was a good one. Thanks once again to our chaperones Monthly MeetingsMany of the youth group members are in grade twelve and are finding attending weekly meetings difficult, with homework, jobs and social commitments taking

up more time than previous years. We determined to have one major meeting per month. During that meeting we decided, among other things, when we will meet the following month.

We’re going to try to make this once a month meeting

The winner of best costume. (middle.)

Members of the Youth Group attended the Japanese evening.

special. In November we’ll meet at 6:00 pm and have a pasta dinner together. We’ll cook, eat and clean up prior to our meeting.

For the younger youth group members we will continue to meet Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Two Special Weddings

Two of the original Youth Group members, Tyler Goettl and Rachel Campisi, were both married recently. Julie and I were very pleased and honoured to have been invited to the two weddings.

Tyler married Simran Chahal and they had a Sikh wedding in Hamilton. The day began with a breakfast in the lower hall of the Sikh temple. The wedding followed upstairs. Head coverings were given out prior to entering the temple. The temple consists of a large carpeted room with no furniture, except for a platform upon which the Guru sits. The bride and groom sit facing him.

The congregation was split with men on one side of the room and women on the other. The couple walked around the Guru, three times during the ceremony, showing respect each time. Both the bride and groom were dressed in traditional Sikh clothing. Near the end of the ceremony everyone went forward and gave a small token of money to the bride, bowing to the Guru.

After the ceremony the guests were invited to have lunch in their lower hall.

Later we went to the banquet hall for the reception. This was similar to other weddings we have attended with eight people to a table and the head table at the side. The food was traditional and wonderful. So many flavours that we hadn’t had before caressed our taste buds. A honey-laden pastry was one of my favourites.

During dinner, guests of the wedding performed either by singing or dancing. Tyler came down to the dance floor and with dollar bills in hand, would wave the money around the entertainer and then drop it at their feet. After the groom, other guests were free to do the same with more money. At the end of the performance the money was picked up by the entertainers. Dancing and celebrating continued into the wee small hours.

Tyler & Simran with Phil.The “Groupies” pose for a photo.

A family portrait: Travis, Kyle, Tyler, Simran, Lyse and Hannah.

Rachel married Brian Devet here at Calvary. Valerie McNichol sang a lovely song during the ceremony.

The reception was held in Forest Ontario at the camp where the wedding couple met and worked during highschool. The setting was beautiful with wild-flowers adorning the tables and about twenty lit candles were in the fireplace as we ate around the barbeque buffet. The camp made for a warm and welcoming venue complete with s’mores as wedding favours.

It was a wonderful reception with lots of dancing and laughing. The smile on Rachel’s face could only be described as radiant.

The day after Rachel’s wedding the McNichols and Downes’ hiked around Rock Glen Provincial Park.

Rachel & Brian.

Julie and I really enjoyed both of these weddings. God Bless and best wishes to both couples.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And

all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,

into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all

the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Colour it Christmas

Beth’s Bulletin BoardContact Beth Parsons at 519-434-5526, email elizabethparsons@execulink.com

or on Facebook

Miracle on Bethlehem

StreetCome join the Calvary youth for our annual Christmas

Musical, “Miracle on Bethlehem Street” Sunday,

December 9th during the church service.

Bethlehem has never been busier! Caesar’s Census

has the entire town in a frenzy... and of course,

everyone’s favourite Innkeeper plans to capitalize on

the coming crowds. Benjamin has decided to make his

inn a luxury inn complete with valet camel parking and

a fig on every pillow.

Come celebrate the joy of Christmas as

“Miracle on Bethlehem Street” captures the gentleness

and true meaning of Christmas, while highlighting the

amazing gifts of our youth!

Calling all angels

and shepherds If you would like to be in

the Christmas Eve pageant,

please let me know by Sunday,

December 23rd. We will be

having a dress rehearsal that

Sunday, right after church.

The pageant is presented

during the first service on

Christmas eve at 7:00 p.m.

Calvary’s Annual Advent PartySaturday, Dec. 1st from 11:30 - 2:00Grades 1-6Come for lunch and spend the afternoon making a craft and playing games.And of course decorating the sanctuary tree. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, November 28th.

Stephen points out the winners of Trivia Night!

A timeless tribute to Art Cartier

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” – Hebrews 13 : 8

This Bell Strike grandfather clock, a symbol of our past and future, was created in a design prevalent during the mid-1700s by using hand-held historic tools dating back to our early Canadian pioneers.

As this keeper of time counts the moments of life, may it express our gratitude to the ancestral families for their vision and sacrifice in erecting this sanctuary and may we also remember with gratitude all those who through the years have faithfully maintained this House of Worship which continues to provide the spiritual needs of all those who enter their hallowed walls.

The craftsman proudly presents this time-keeper to the congregation of Calvary United Church, 290 Ridout St. S., London, Ontario in loving memory of Arthur Donald Cartier, December 14, 1914 – January 25, 2012 in recognition of his faithfulness, generosity and stewardship within the community and his church.

To the glory of God,Len ChurcherSeptember 23, 2012

On behalf of the Calvary Congregation, Lindsay Nelligan and Rev. Kenji accept the one-of-a-kind grandfather clock from craftsman Len Churcher.

The face of the unique grandfather clock features a painting of

Calvary United Church.

Fall has been a busy time for the Caradoc Growing Project, an initiative of Calvary, Metropolitan, Mt. Brydges and Cook’s United Churches and

Hope Christian Reform Church in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

In June, 2012 fifteen acres of corn was planted on Parkhouse Dr. near Mt. Brydges. The land, labour, seed and other necessities were mostly donated. On Oct. 17th, the crop was harvested. This field benefited from good rains

at appropriate times, something not seen in many other Ontario fields. As a result, an average 200 bushels of grain per acre was harvested. The crop has been sold, realizing a donation to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank of $21,288 before expenses.

All of our partner churches support the CFGB in different ways.

On Sept. 30th, the Calvary Outreach Committee hosted our second annual Harvest Dinner in support of the CFGB. The totally vegetarian meal was enjoyed by a sell-out crowd of 120 and a profit of $1245.85 from ticket sales was realized. Additional individual donations have also been received and more are welcomed. Bill and Karen Butt, former United Church overseas personnel spoke to those in attendance about their personal experiences with the work of the CFGB in Mozambique.

Every dollar raised through the corn harvest, Calvary’s dinner, partner church activities and personal donations will be matched four to one by our Federal Government through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Thank you for your continuing support of the CFGB and their work in feeding and educating the hungry of the world.

Kathie Leigh, Chairperson, Caradoc Growing Project

Canadian Foodgrains Bank local initiatives update/harvest Dinner

Bill and Karen Butt, former United Church overseas personnel, spoke about their personal experiences with the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in Mozambique.

Members of both the 31stA Scout Troop and the Calvary Youth Group enjoyed the many vegetarian dishes served.

Calvary BeansSauté:1 onion, chopped1 green pepper, chopped

Meanwhile in a 9x13 baking dish, mix together the following:3 – 14 oz cans baked beans1 – 14 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained1 – 14 oz can French-cut green beans (not drained)1-1/2 cups frozen edamame (soy beans) 1 cup chili sauce3/4 cup brown sugar

Stir in the onion and green pepper mixture.

Bake at 325ºF for 1 hour.

Donations may be made using London Conference’s secure online site. Go to www.londonconference.ca, click on “The Hope Book” or “Online Payments” and follow the easy instructions.

Or make your cheque payable to “London Conference” and mail along with an order form to:

London Conference Office 111-747 Hyde Park Road London, Ontario N6H 3S3

Donations must be received by Dec. 3rd to ensure the receipt of gift cards before Christmas.

Commissioner’s Corner

The Scouting year is well underway with lots of activity as our youth play and learn. This was highlighted recently as the 31st Group hosted the 3rd Annual London Area Beaver

Campfire. We had over 50 volunteers from our group staff this event. We managed everything from parking to first aid to the campfire program. This Beaver campfire introduces our youngest members to the traditional Scouting campfire. It was a pleasure to watch the Beavers enjoy the spiritual talks, skits and songs around the campfire. In fact the Beavers were so exited that we continued with an informal sing-song after our program was completed. Over 300 London Area Beavers and their leaders and parents attended this event on what was probably the warmest October evening that we had this year!

A huge thanks to the 31st Group for showing off our skills to the entire London Area. This was a great 31st Team effort!

John Blacklock aka Scouterjack31st London – Group Commissioner519-439-2905 Someone’s singing Lord, kumbaya...

“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink.

When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear.

When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me…

Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

– Matthew 25:35-36 & 40

the hope Book, an alternative gift catalogue of london Conference

The London Conference Hope Book for 2012-2013 is an alternative give catalogue providing us with an opportunity to purchase items or services for people who are struggling to obtain even the barest

necessities of life.The gift of “hope” has been delivered to many across the world – as

well as to some in our own backyard. The gift of “hope” has been given to those living under the combined weight of grinding poverty and inadequate education. The gift of “hope” has been given toward a more self-sustaining tomorrow. In return we have been given gifts: gifts of sharing, gifts of caring, and gifts of the spirit that can never be counted.

As you look through The Hope Book you’ll see that the things we take for granted are well beyond the grasp of the world’s impoverished and downtrodden. Thank you for your generosity.

You can send a gift of “Hope” to Cuba, Tanzania, Japan, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Benoni, South Africa or here in Southwestern Ontario to Fairfield Museum, East London United Church Outreach, or Inn of the Good Shepherd in Sarnia. See The Hope Book for more details. A copy can be found at the back of the church, or on-line at www.londonconference.ca. The order forms are also available on-line.

London Conference thanks you for your generous support – 100% of all donations received go directly to supporting these programs, and would make a special gift to family and friends for the Christmas season.

www.londonconference.ca/content/the-hope-book

triViA night at Calvary

The man with all the questions... and all the answers, your host/master of ceremonies/sharp dresser... Brian Wallace.We have a winner... The Whatevers obtained official trivia bragging rights!

The potluck dinner was amazing!

Another exciting, fun, action-packed and brain-testing night of Trivia was held recently in

the lower hall of Calvary. This was a tightly-fought battle... with the outcome decided in the final round. The winners were The Whatevers.

Just under $600 was raised to help support the Church’s operating budget. We are looking forward to a re-match next October plus a Euchre Tournament in late March.

Thanks to all who participated.

Trivia Night

at Calvary,

where

everyone’s

a winner!

Thanks Beth.

Thanks

Stephen.