McClure Newsletter February 2020mcclureunitedchurch.org/files/documents/6c3acf59-4fb4-44...February...

Inside This Issue:

Baptisms & Sympathies 2

Monthly Connections 2

All Ages Supper Church 2

Ash Wednesday Worship

2

McClure Christmas Eve Offering

3

Alverta Polson—Thank You

3

Spring Into Action Family Dance

3

Chop ‘n’ Chat 4

Art Project 2020 4

Mental Health Discussions

4

Outreach Activities 5

Valentine Cookies 5

Rainbow Village 6

McClure Place Happenings

7

Saturday Morning Wom-en’s Gathering

7

Quest Mexico 8

Men’s Gathering 8

Visitation Ministry 8

Saturday Night Amateur Hour

9

Muffins 9

20th Anniversary Covenant Celebration

9

Confirmation Weekend 10

Refugee Report 10

Affirmation & Re-Affirmation of Faith

10

Handbells 11

The Big Shred 11

McClure Newsletter February 2020

My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation. I hear the sweet, though far off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing:

it finds an echo in my soul – how can I keep from singing? (Voices United #716)

The New Year is here! It’s 2020. Can you believe it? It seems as though it was only last year when we entered a new millennium. I love the turn of a year. It feels like… hope – possibility – open-ness. It has been a long time since I have made “New Year’s Resolutions” but I do make it a prac-tice each new year to reflect on the year behind me… my fav memories, hopes that came to be, challenges I faced, regrets I may be holding on to. Often, in Youth Group, I invite the youth to participate in a ritual of celebrating the good things and naming the not-so-good things. I usually have them write down any regrets that they may carry and together we destroy them – either with fire, water or a paper shredder. As we do this, I acknowledge that “letting go” is often not as easy as setting a piece of paper on fire but that it takes reflection, intention and some uncomfortably hard work. We then move into hopeful anticipation of the year ahead and together we dream about possibili-ties, identifying anything that may get in the way of our dreams. I remind them that they are not in their dream alone but that we are in it together and, of course, God is with us along the journey – guiding, challenging, encouraging and sometimes giving us a good swift kick in the butt. I was surprised this year, when participating in this ritual, that the “dream” that kept coming up for me was to sing. I have a hard history with singing. As a child I aspired to be a great singer. I took lessons. I sang loud and proud and with great enthusiasm until a few unfortunate comments from adults in my life silenced my song and left me with the lifelong mantra of “sorry, but I don’t sing” or apologizing profusely whenever it was necessary for me to sing in front of others. Anyway, I found myself thinking intensely about singing for a couple of days and then made a teacher inquiry. Before I could think too hard about it, I booked my first voice lesson. That was almost a week ago. I have not stopped singing since. My goal is not to become a star performer, my goal is to find my song… which is a metaphor for all of those broken places of my heart that tell me I’m not good enough or that my dream is too unrealistic to pursue. I invite all of you to engage in this ritual… this process of letting go and moving forward. As we move through the time after Epiphany – a time when the symbol of a light shining in the darkness is held up – I would like to share with you (again, I’m sure) my very very favourite quote by Mari-anne Williamson from her book “A Return to Love”.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gor-geous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel inse-cure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our pres-ence automatically liberates others.”

I’m sure you’ve heard me say that we have a responsibility to shine the light (love) of God into the world. And I know that this is very difficult to do when we are full of doubt, fear, anger, shame etc etc etc. That doesn’t mean we can’t do it and it certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Even the flicker of a broken match is light enough to start but if we never strike the match or pull the trigger on the lighter, we will never discover just how bright we really are and we will never give others the opportunity to see the reflection of God’s light shining through us. Please… give your light (which is really God’s light) the chance to inspire others to shine their light (which is really God’s light) too. Blessings, Laura Fouhse

February 2020 McClure Newsletter

Baptisms

Next Baptism Date:

April 12, 2020

Please contact the church office if you are

interested in having a child baptized

Sincere Sympathies

Family of Dorothy Cram

Don Sather on the passing of his sister-in-law

Elaine and Eddie Kennedy on the passing of Elaine’s brother Ross

Ash Wednesday Worship

February 26th at 7:00pm – We begin our journey through Lent together


Do you like FUN, FELLOWSHIP, and FOOD??

Then you will love the SPRING INTO ACTION FAMILY DANCE.

This annual fundraiser for Refugee projects at McClure, is coming on Friday,

March 6. Did you know that we have been supporting refugees at McClure for

40 years??? Dance tickets will soon be available after church and at the office.

This is a multi-generational, Outreach event so plan to bring your kids or

grand kids. You don't have to dance to have a great time. Come and visit, have

a snack, listen to the music and tap a toe or two.

Once again we will have a silent auction of wonderful baskets made by

McClure folks. Are you creative? Can you put together a few items on a

theme?? Maybe music, coffee, golf, chocolate, tea, pets, the list is only limited

by your imagination. Get your friends together and put some things in a bas-

ket. Let us know what great ideas you have. Watch for more details in the

weekly bulletin, posters and church announcements. Its going to be a great

event. Plan on being there!

For more information contact Heather Muirhead at [email protected]

We are Amazing, McClure Family!

Three church services were held at McClure this

Christmas Eve. The offering was taken with pro-

ceeds being split between the Saskatoon Food Bank

and the Friendship Inn.

An amazing $1830.33 has been paid to each of the

organizations. Wow that is more than $3860.00

raised for our community through the generosity of

the McClure church family, and friends.

Truly terrific!!

Did you know??

Alverta Polson has been recording the Outreach

minutes for about 20 years (or more, she can’t

remember!!!). Her husband , John , has used his

computer skills to get the minutes printed and

sent each month. Well the pair is retiring from

this volunteer job !!

We want to thank them both for their outstand-

ing commitment to the Outreach committee.

They will still be active members of Outreach

without the monthly minutes on their mind.

Well done Alverta and John!!

What’s New From Outreach

Chop’n’Chat Christmas Feast

Many Saskatoon churches worked together to provide food, volunteers, and items for goodie bags at

ICM’s Christmas lunch. We welcomed 112 neighbors from the Ave V area. People were delighted to

receive a warm welcome and a fabulous meal. As they left, everyone received a goodie bag. There were

children’s books for anyone who wanted them. It is incredible to see the impact of this free nutritious

lunch. It is about so much more than the food. Together we have grown a community!

Guests are really pleased to be greeted by name, and to catch up with each other. It was humbling as

people expressed their gratitude for the meal and this time together. Thank you to McClure for your

continued support of this important United Church outreach to the Pleasant Hill neighborhood.

The 10X10 Art Project 2020 - Creativity in the Core

Proudly supported by River Bend Integrated Community Ministries (ICM) the 10x10 Art Project aims to

build community and celebrate the valuable, but

often marginalized voices of those who live in, work in, and support

Saskatoon’s Core Neighbourhoods.

These 80 artists represent a diverse array of cultures, faiths, genders, ages and skill levels. Each 10x10

canvas is a powerful and inspirational example of self-expression and creativity.

McClure will be hosting part of the 10x10 collection on Sunday Feb 16th & 23rd. Stop by to visit with the

art and read their stories. Bids are welcomed!

The final art show will take place March 21, 7- 9 pm at Station 20 West.

Last year Ahmad Touqani, a Syrian refugee, visited McClure to see his painting. He discovered that we

sponsor refugees. Some of his relations are now on our list. This is an amazing connection that grew

from a small painting!

Back by Popular Demand

Ruth Mireau will lead us again in another series on mental

health issues. These presentations were well attended last year,

and we invite you to come and learn more. We will meet in the

sanctuary on Tuesday February 11 and Wednesday February 26

from 7 -9 pm . The topic will be Managing Depression and Anxie-

ty- a discussion about self help strategies, part 1 and part 2.

All are welcome, bring your friends or family. Refreshments will

be served. Hope to see you there!

What’s New From Outreach


Outreach Activities

The Lighthouse:

McClure served supper at the Cameco Kitchen every month in 2019. Thank you to all the people who

have volunteered.

Dates are booked for the next 4 months. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the hall.

Monday, February 17th

Friday, March 20th

Monday, April 20th

Friday, May 22nd

November Sales:

The sale of special angels resulted in $450 going to Grandmothers for Grandmothers

- The honey campaign wrapped up with $480 given to the Crisis Nursery. Thanks to Jo and Janet Olson

for the honey.

Egadz: Many items donated (though less than usual as NO school supplies were requested), and

$1,310.00 (!!!) in cash. Thanks to all .

Socks for the Homeless: We were very pleased with the number of socks, and the supplies donated.

Thank you for participating. (and the Saskatoon Police appreciate the positive experience they have

with the people who need them!)

Do You Remember When…?

…McClure’s Junior Choir baked and sold heart-shaped cookie-grams to churchgoers every February?

Well, we’re bringing cookies back! Sacred Sounds (which may or may not include some Junior Choir

alumni) will be selling Valentine’s cookies on Sunday, February 9 between church services. Funds

raised will help the worship band prepare for and host our second spring coffeehouse concert (date TBA)

as well as provide continued support for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

McClure Newsletter February 2020


McClure Place Residents enjoyed many special

Christmas events and welcomed the New Year

of 2020. We embrace the coming year with all

its possibilities and look forward to new and

familiar activities.

January began with the Globe Walk; many of

us count our steps to help us keep active. In

Motion exercises, Yoga and the exercise equip-

ment are available. The Saskatoon Health Au-

thority is offering an exercise and education

program called “Staying on Your Feet”.

We will learn ways to improve our balance and

reduce the risk of falls. Residents are also

signing up for the Floor Curling Tournament.

Congratulations to Harold Chapman on receiv-

ing “Citizen of the Year”. We enjoyed Harold

Chapman in the short movie on the beginning

of Saskatchewan Credit Unions presented by

MGM Communications and Affinity Credit

Union.

Social events will include Robbie Burns Day; a

time to reflect on Scottish Heritage and sing

familiar songs with the Choristers. Residents

enjoy games of pool, cards and Bingo. Jack Mil-

lar recently showed his slides on Indonesia. On

cold winter days, a moment in the warm and

sunny “Link’ is comforting.

Our Health Nurse, Nicole Conan has orga-

nized a time to Assess the Knowledge of the

Elderly about Drug Information, Polypharma-

cy and Drug Interaction Research. Allen from

the College of Pharmacy will be available to

those who wish to participate.

We have amazing groups of volunteers who are

instrumental in setting up and carrying out

many events that happen here. Hopefully eve-

ryone finds an opportunity to share his or her

gifts and talents. Welcome to new residents,

we trust you will enjoy this caring and support-

ive community.

Elaine Tall

McClure Place Happenings “To enrich the lives of McClure Place Residents by providing support and service”

Saturday Morning Women’s Gathering

Women of McClure and friends are invited:

Saturday, February 8 —8am

Other dates to mark on the Calendar:

March 14, April 25, May 23

Come enjoy a light breakfast and great conversation. This informal time together includes visiting over

food (brought by one or two of the participants - we take turns) and then Debra brings a topic for conver-

sation. In the past we have had approximately 20 fabulous women attend. Please bring a toonie or two

for the collection bowl to help cover the cost of the breakfast.


McClure United Church Visitation Ministry

Special visitors of McClure United Church have kept alive our connection with members of our congre-

gation who can no longer attend worship. Volunteers check in once a month with

those who have indicated they would like a visitor. These visits are spiritual “life

lines” for those in care facilities or for those confined to their homes.

Volunteers also visit McClure members in hospital. If you would like to become a

visitor or if you know of someone who would benefit from a visit please contact

Debra.

Men’s Gathering

The McClure Men’s Gathering is Saturday, February 8, 8:00-9:30 am in the Craft Room.

This is a group of men who get together, once a month, for an hour and a half.

We enjoy a light breakfast, get to know some other guys in our church family a

bit better, and discover God’s Spirit through mutual support, reinforcing our

beliefs, and discussing issues facing men as we make our way through life.

Why not drop by and check us out? There’ll be plenty to eat and good friends to

meet and greet. For more info call Norm (373-9781).

A Note from the Quest Mexico Participants From April 2-13, 13 youth and 3 leaders from Saskatoon United Churches will be travelling to Cuerna-

vaca, Mexico for an integrated learning experience. 3 of the youth and 2 leaders are from McClure

United Church. The youth are Josie Dosch, Deanna Elliott and Jocelyn Gorniak. The leaders are

Laura Fouhse and Mark Anderson.

We would all like to thank McClure so much for your support in our fundraising efforts. You have

baked, attended concerts, purchased poinsettias, eaten hot dogs and on January 26th will eat some de-

licious waffles. You have also offered us your recycling. Thanks to your generosity, we have almost

reached our target fundraising goal. Thank you so very much for your care for us. We are truly

blessed.

Some of you have been asking for more information about the trip. Quest Mexico is an educational cen-

ter in Mexico that is well known for its engagement of folks from around the world in learning about

social justice and peace.

From their website: “the art of teaching is not the transfer of ideas from teacher to student, but the

creation of moments in which students make their own discoveries. We assist this discovery by arrang-

ing encounters, presenting our students with people, situations, and stories which challenge previous-

ly held assumptions about work, about poverty, about consumption, about faith, about joy.”

We are super excited about the learning opportunity ahead of us.

Covenant 20th Anniversary Celebration

March 8th, 2020 at 2:00pm

A celebration of the covenant relationship that Holy Spirit

Roman Catholic Parish and McClure United Church have

shared for 20 years is coming soon.

The covenant celebration will begin with worship at

McClure United Church.

Special guest preachers Rev. Ron McConnell and Father

Bernard De Margerie.

A time of conversation and refreshment will follow.

Please save the date and plan to attend.


Hospital Pastoral Care

Recently the Provincial Government removed all Spiritual Care providers

from our hospitals leaving only the denominational Chaplains. These De-

nominational Chaplains are funded by their denominations and they focus on

visiting those of their denomination. PLEASE request to see a chaplain if

you are in need. The United Church Chaplain is Rev. Cathy Coates and she

serves all three of the Saskatoon Hospitals.

Your ministry team here at McClure, does not always know if you are in hospital so PLEASE let

us know. We are not too busy and we would love to have the opportunity to visit and offer support.

Refugee Report

In May McClure’s Refugee Committee introduced the Al-Obaidi family to the congregation.

This family from Iraq was sponsored by McClure, St Philip Neri Catholic Church, Nutana

Park Mennonite Church, and People of Praise, an ecumenical group. St Philip initiated the

sponsorship and did most of the settlement work. It has been a good cooperative sponsor-

ship and was concluded in late November. The father got a job in construction in the sum-

mer, the mother has been taking English lessons and the four children have been in school.

The three youngest are in Alvin Buckwold school and the oldest in Grade 9 at Holy Cross.

The whole family is doing well and is very grateful for the opportunity to embark on a new

life in Saskatoon.

This year, 2020, is a significant year for McClure’s work with refugees. It is 40 years since

our first sponsorship. In that time we have sponsored twenty families consisting of sixty

eight individuals from eleven countries. It is fitting at this time of church renewal to con-

sider the future of our work with refugees. Do we wish to continue providing the resources,

both human and financial, to proceed as we have done in the past?



COME ON RING THOSE BELLS

Does our McClure Family know of someone who would be interested in dusting off the hand bells in

McClure’s closet and leading what we all know would be an enhancement to McClure’s worship experi-

ence?

This person does not have to be in our congregation, rather just has the background and love for the

handbell instrument. Please call the church office 306-373-1753 and you will be directed to Shirley or

Elin.

McClure United Church

4025 Taylor Street, East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N7

Phone (306) 373-1753 Fax: (306) 373-3450

Ministry Personnel:

Rev. Laura Fouhse [email protected]

Rev. Debra Berg [email protected]

Rev. Brian Walton [email protected]

Office Administrators:

Raycine Spence [email protected]

Irene Lacoursiers [email protected]

Music Coordinator:

Shirley Blackburn

This newsletter is monthly by

McClure United Church

Editor: Brenda Zuk Phone: 306-260-1468

e-mail: [email protected]

Letters, articles and comments are most welcome

Next Deadline: February 17 For e-mail submissions:

Please send them as attached Word files if possible.

Thank you

The Big Shred!

Mark your new calendar today for Saturday, May 2 from 9 am- 12 noon for the 7th

annual Big Shred! This is your chance to quickly shred any old personal papers that are

taking up space. The team of local smiling volunteers including our partner, Shred-it (who

donate their service to our project), will quickly shred your documents in the McClure

United Church parking lot. The service is by donation (suggested $10 per box, or $5 per

shopping bag) and the funds raised will assist the McClure Place Foundation in enhancing

seniors’ living at Amy McClure House.

MAY

2

mailto:[email protected]

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