Welcome to….
a Christmas in Song 2019!
 
*Joy to the World p.14 (Maureen)
 
Lighting of Advent Candles
Placement of Prayer Cards on Tree
 
When you see this * sign, all sing!
 
 Holy Angels, & May the Long Time Sun ( Accidental Harmony choir)
 
*O Come All Ye Faithful p.14 (Maureen)
 
A Selection of Older Christmas Music (Joya Muma and Irene Kyle)
 
* Deck the Halls p.4 (Maureen)
 
Follow the Sun, & I believe in music  (The Kitchen Singers)
 
*Rudolf, the Red-nosed Reindeer p.17 (Maureen)
 
*Away in a Manger p.4 (Maureen)
 
Once in Royal David’s City  (Freida)
 
*Jingle Bells p.5 (Maureen)
 
A Medley of Christmas Carols (Arbutus Trio – Roxanna, Shirley, Irene)
 
*The First Noel p.16 (Maureen)
 
Mary’s Boy Child (Maureen & Dave Northrop)
 
*O Little Town of Bethlehem p.15  (Maureen)
 
What Child is this   (Jolene)
 
*Silent Night p.7 (Maureen)
 
*We Wish You A Merry Christmas p.9   All Sing!
 
Thank you for your generous donations to First United,  or the Texada Food Bank. And thanks to Mr. Pete Stiles for taking your donations
(Pete and Monica have done this for several years, and we miss her too….)
Afterwards…..
Please join us in the meeting room for light lunch and fellowship.
 
 
We wish you all a warm and wonderful Christmas holiday!  Please drive carefully, and take good care of each other.

​Christmas Eve Notes – 2019
Beloved children of God: Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Hear these words of the Prophet Isaiah (I am reading from the King James Version) 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”.
 
Good evening and welcome to this Christmas Eve Service at Texada Island United Church. I am Karen May, and our pianist tonight is Maureen Northrop.
Tonight we not only acknowledge the story of Jesus’ birth 2000 years ago, but, more importantly, the truth that is at the heart of its meaning, the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
May you find an opportunity during our service tonight to reflect and wonder about the mystery of Christmas, the mystery of God-with-us. For tonight, I invite us all to put aside the cares and busyness of holiday preparations and other distractions, and enter into the story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a story that has inspired the spreading of the great light of peace, generosity, joy, and love throughout the land, every year for over 2000 years.
We begin this evening with song for the children among us – a song to teach the kids that Christmas is about way more than Santa Claus!
 
Freida Gilmore with “Long time before Santa Claus”
Lighting of Advent Candles p.37  Barb Wells
 
Reflection:  “Living in the Light”
          Some of you may be aware that last night was the “longest night” of the winter, and now we celebrate the return of the light as our days get gradually longer.
          We human beings understand the symbolism of the seasons – we say things like “in the autumn of our years”, “the winter of our discontent”, “fresh as the springtime” or “midsummer madness”.
          Just so, all over the world people of differing religious traditions or cultures celebrate the coming back of the light after the winter solstice.  Jews have just been celebrating their “Celebration of Light” which they call Hanukkah.  Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrate a festival of lights called Diwali.  There are Festivals of Light in Japan, China, America, France, Germany, Hawaii, Australia, and Mexico. Many places hold secular festivals as well, such as the Festival of Light in Vancouver and the Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound, Ontario.  The darkness of mid-winter is equated with pain and evil and suffering.  The return of the light to many means a welcome relief from the cold, long, dark nights of winter, and a return of joy, happiness, hope and goodness to the earth, along with the promise of spring and new life.
          Christmas is our “Celebration of Light” in the Christian world.  We associate the birth of Jesus with the coming of Light into a world too long suffering in the darkness of ignorance and spiritual immaturity and hopelessness.
For as the gospel writer John says, “What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the  darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”  And then, “The true light which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”  As Christians we know Jesus as “the Light of the world”.  His teachings brought his people hope, new understanding, new direction, a new way to live a new kind of life – a life of kindness and integrity, a life where justice matters and where loving one another became the prime commandment.
          We are the fortunate inheritors of this new Way – the Way of Love, lived as God’s faithful people, charged to take care of the poor, seek justice for the oppressed, heal one another, forgive one another, so that a new life could be born on earth – something we call “the kingdom of God”.
          This tiny Christ Child, born to us tonight, has become part of us, and in some mysterious way, we have become part of him.  He lives in us as we live in him, and so his work continues to change the way we live, and the world we live in.
          We are, each and every one of us beloved children of a God who is love.  When we respect and honour the Divine presence within us, and when we reach out in love to each other, then we are blessed to be Christ’s embodiment in this world.
          The Light of the Christ Child enters us once again this hallowed Christmas.  We are so blessed.
Let us pray a prayer of blessing by Janice McLean of “The Prayer Bench”.
 

Welcome to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!
 
“Long time before Santa Claus” – Freida Gilmore (children’s time)
 
Lighting of Advent Candles  (Barb Wells)
 
Hymn #87 VU “I am the Light of the World”
 
1st Reading:  Luke 1:26-35 (Dale Rinehart)
 
Hymn # 69 VU “Away in a Manger”
 
A Christmas Prayer:
As once you came in the hush of darkness, O God,
So still our hearts now by the wonder of this night.
Make us wise with the wisdom of a little one,
That truth might be born afresh in us.
Let not our hearts be busy inns with no room, but doors opened wide to welcome a Holy Guest,
Who is Jesus Christ, alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
 
“Mary’s Boy Child” – Maureen & Dave Northrop
 
2nd Reading: Luke 2:1-7  (Maureen Northrop)
 
“What Child is this?” - Jolene Leben
 
3rd Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (Dave Northrop)
 
“Star of the East” -  the New Spirits (Dave, Maureen & Roxanna Rasmussen)
 
4th Reading: John 1:1-14 (Rev.Gale Chouinard)
 
Hymn #82 VU “A Light is Gleaming”
 
Reflection: “Living in the Light”
 
Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer
(please bring your prayer cards forward to hang on the tree)
 
Hymn #59 VU “Joy to the World”
 
(Lighting of all candles from Christ Candle:  Rikki and Jack Kooy)
 
Commissioning & Benediction
 
Hymn # 67 VU “Silent Night”
(please extinguish your candle before leaving the pews)
 
We wish you all a warm and wonderful Christmas season, and many blessings for the New Year!
Drive safely and take good care of each other.

Sandcastle Sunrise Service:  August 4, 2019
Welcome – Opening remarks – Traditional territory of Tla ‘amin People
Good morning everyone – so good to see you all this morning in this beautiful part of God’s Creation!
Before we begin, we gratefully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin people, the first people to inhabit and be supported by this rich and fruitful land. We are so grateful that this precious land has been set aside for the recreation and rejuvenation of all people now and for generations to come.
Introductions:  myself, TUC, others? From away?
I am Karen May, Minister of the Texada Island United Church in Van Anda, and our congregation is pleased to offer this annual outdoor service to all who wish to be with us this morning.
Anyone here from off island?  Other parts of Canada?
 
Let us take a few moments now to prepare ourselves for worship…
Centering prayer:  Breathe, let go, LISTEN  (silence)
Sing:  Listen, listen, listen 2x  Listen to the beat of your heart, listen to the heartbeat of the earth.  Listen, listen, listen.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
(silence)
Hymn:  Come and find the quiet centre
Scripture:  Genesis 1:1-5  and John 1:1-5 (Dale)
Hymn: This is God’s wondrous world
Reflection:  “the importance of cosmology”
          Since the beginning of time people have been in awe of the power and the beauty of the natural world.  Fire and flood, lightening and thunder, the miracle of birth, the unfolding of a butterfly….so many things we do not, have not understood.
          We ask ourselves the perennial questions:  why am I here?  Where did I come from?  And our leaders, guided by some great Wisdom, have given us stories, ways to understand mysteries that are in fact too great for many of us to wrap our heads around.
          Our scriptures this morning reflect that human need for ways to understand the unfathomable:  the first from the very first book of the Bible, Genesis (which actually means “an origin, or a beginning”), and the second from the Gospel of John, offering a different creation story, and a much more mystical one.
          As we look around us this morning – this beautiful morning in this beautiful place – we are touched, if we open ourselves to it, by the incredible energy, the vitality of this land.  We listen to the sounds of birds, the lapping of the ocean waves, the hum of insects.  We absorb the colours of the trees, the grass, the rocks of the seashore, the water, the sky.  We become aware of ourselves and our neighbours as part of this landscape.  We feel the presence of something, something bigger than we are, something that was here before we were.
          And what is that “something”?  Many of us have named it GOD.  But that’s not very scientific, and so our best scientific minds are working on unpacking this idea of GOD.   The best they have come up with so far is “the Big Bang theory” – the idea that at some point in time or out of it, there was a beginning – a moment when Creation as we know it came into being.  Not all at once, mind you, but in stages over millions, even billions of years of our time.  I have huge respect for the brilliant minds, the astrophysicists, astronomers and others who wrestle with  this mystery in very complex mathematical ways.  But it remains clear to me that this important work is not even close to explaining to us the awesome reality that surrounds us here and in every place we live and move and have our being.
          The profound intricacy of ecosystems that support and nurture life itself, the blessings of fresh water and clean air, the mystery of the turn of seasons: spring planting to the harvest that sees us thru the winter months.  We have been gifted with a place in all this, and a responsibility to care for it – for we have been gifted with consciousness and intellect, and the beginnings of vision to SEE that all this has value beyond provision of our daily needs.  We have been gifted with great teachers and spiritual leaders, people who, guided by great Wisdom or Holy Spirit, or God – depending on your belief system – have taught us how to live together in harmony and peace, and with great respect for that greatest of all mysteries, for all of Creation.
          Let us give thanks in our hearts for all we have been given as we sing together this very old hymn.
Hymn: Count your blessings
Closing remarks and commissioning
Let’s leave this place in a spirit of Celebration and appreciation for all the blessings of being human in this time and place, and renewed commitment to be good stewards of this precious Earth.
 
Hymn:  You shall go out with joy!
​

Gale Glover
I have been involved in healing energy work since 1993 when I took my first Healing Touch workshop and knew this was to be an integral part of my ministry.  It has been the perfect way to combine my education and training in nursing and theology/ ministry to all aspects of my life.   I was  part of the beginning of the Healing Pathway as it now exists, and have grown with it and through it.  I maintain a regular connection with my local church Pathway group, practising and receiving together, as well as offering God's Unconditional Love/ healing energy to others in the church and community.
As an instructor I bring a good sense of humour, fun and enjoyment as well as a commitment to enhance the learning and healing of all of us in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our selves.  Shalom.  ​

Catherine’s formal training with energy work began in 1995 when quite unexpectedly she found herself in a Healing Touch class.  There began a journey of study, of deepening into herself and of becoming passionate about empowering and supporting others through the teaching and offering of the skills she has developed.  Catherine has worked full time in the field of energy healing for 15 years.  For seven years she directed the Healing Pathway, a spiritually based healing program.  Catherine teaches Healing Touch Levels 1 to 5 and for the Intuitive Mind Program. She lives in Duncan, BC and offers sessions both in person and at a distance.
 
The interface between mind and body is energy.  It is energy that enlivens both mind and body, allowing them to connect
Anodea  Judith
 
 Location:
Texada United Church
5210 Para St
Van Anda, Texada
 
Time of workshop:
Registration 1:30 Fri
Workshop 2:00-9:00 Fri
9-2:30 Sat
 
INTUITIVE EXPLORATIONS

Texada Island
 
Learn energetic techniques to know and heal yourself and others


Catherine Awai Bed, DipEd, CHTP/I
 

INTUITIVE EXPLORATIONS

• Learn tools to bring your energetic system into balance at its highest frequency for self growth and healing.

• Proven, practical techniques to assist with healing yourself and others.

• Works in harmony with other energetic modalities.

• Supports personal growth and development as an individual and energy work practitioner.

 
You will be learning:

• A form of conscious, creative meditation that can be done anywhere

• To deepen your understanding and experience of grounding, earth and cosmic energy.

•  To cleanse and repair your energy field.

• Exploration of your personal intuitive style.

• Increase your ownership of your energetic field and your life.

• Transform old memories and belief systems.

• All techniques can be used individually or with another.

WHAT TO BRING
 
We will be meditating in chairs during the workshop. As energy shifts your body temperature may rise or fall. 

• You may wish to bring a cushion and blanket or wrap

• A journal or notebook and pen.

• Light snacks

• Water and indoor footwear

• Bring lunch- kitchen facilities

• Comfortable layered clothing

 
 
Please call if you have further questions:
 
Coordinator :
Karen May
604-413-0994
karenemay3@gmail.com
 
Instructor:
Catherine Awai
250-597-4312
catherineawai@gmail.com

     Movie Night
& Pot Luck Dinner
Monday, May 29 6pm @
Texada United Church
All Welcome!
Showing....
“28 Days”
-with Sandra Bullock

Visit the Reconciliation Website

Sandcastle Sunrise Service

July 7, 2013 – Shelter Point Park

TUC has been doing this service on the Sandcastle weekend for many years.  It is our pleasure and privilege to worship God here with you on this beautiful morning in this incredibly beautiful place!

Is there anyone visiting from off-island today? (introduce and welcome)

 

Call to Worship:  (responsive)

Greetings to our brothers and sisters in the faith.

            We come to celebrate God’s presence,

And God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ.

            We come remembering Christ’s life and ministry,

And the life we are called to live.

            We come as pilgrim people searching for ways to            live out our faith.

We come seeking the strength to carry on our journey.

            Let us rejoice in God’s gift to us!

 

Let us pray:  (unison)

Gracious God,

Who creates, sustains, and redeems all life,

We come seeking your disturbing presence and comforting peace.  We praise you for the joy of being your people.

May your Spirit be with us and move within us, in this time of worship.

Give us hearts that hear your Word, and minds that are open to the transforming power of your love.  Amen.

Hymn:  “Morning has broken”

 

Jesus was asked by a man who was an expert in the law, “What is the greatest commandment?  What must I do to have eternal life?”  and Jesus answered, “You must love the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”  And in another place (John 15: 12-13), “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Hymn:  “When I needed a neighbour”

 

1st Scripture reading:  Psalm 82 – a Plea for Justice (Dale)

 

Here we sit this morning, in the midst of the incredible beauty of God’s creation.  But the Psalmist reminds us of our call – our mission as children of God – to do justice in the world.  He reminds us that we “are Gods, children of the Most High, all of you.”  He calls on God to come and judge the world, for it is not us but the Creator who owns all the Creation.  All the nations, all the rulers, all of us, must answer for our deeds – for the Earth is the Lord’s.

Some of us are the princes, the rulers – the rich and powerful.  Others of us are addicted to a variety of substances or practices.  Some of us are poor and hungry.  Some are ill or grieving.  Any of us may at times find ourselves lost and alone, weary and broken in heart, mind and spirit, and feeling far, far from God.

But what did Jesus say?  “Love one another as I have loved you.”  Such an important message – for this is how we can heal one another – by simply loving one another!

Let’s sing together an old hym that I love very much, because it says it all:

Hymn:  “Come in, come in and sit down”

 

2nd Scripture Reading:  Luke 10: 25-37 “Who is my neighbour?”  (Donna)

 

We are gathered here this morning on this beautiful land called Shelter Point Park.  Generations of Texadans have used and enjoyed this land: first for logging, and then set aside for recreational use and camping.

We love this park.  But we are not the first to use and enjoy this area.  If you walk down the nature trail you will see at mid-low tide the fish weirs of the Sliammon people.  Those circular stone fish traps are very old.  They pre-date the arrival of the rest of us.  There are middens too – large piles of shells and bones indicative of human settlement a very long time ago.

You have probably noticed that there are people putting up little flags and digging holes all over the park – but especially this area where we hope to rebuild our food concession, and a new home for the park manager.  You see, we had a bad fire here in the park last year, and we lost those two buildings completely. 

So now we must build new – and in a new spirit of partnership and cooperation, the Regional District is consulting with First Nations peoples who may deem this area of significance to them.  The people you see digging are from the Archaelogical Branch of the Provincial Government.  They are mapping the area, looking for sites that may be of historic interest.

Nine 1st Nations groups have been asked to sign off on whether or not this area is of cultural or historical significance to them. 

Until both these processes are complete, there will be no new building on this site.

So that’s a bit of information as to what is going on right now.   And some of us aren’t very happy about it.  This has been our park for a long time.  We forget that it hasn’t always been ours. 

The Sliammon people , about 860 of them now, live on reserve land 12km north of Powell River.  The Sliammon nation is one of about 20 nations comprising the Coast Salish people who inhabit the coastal regions of BC and the Pacific Northwest.

Before contact with Europeans, there are estimated to have been about 20,000 members of the Sliammon nation alone, spread out in villages from Sarah Point to Saltery Bay.

Land ownership the way we define it was foreign to them when first contact was made.  Sharing of abundant and God-given resources was an important cultural value to them, and so they were easily dominated by the more aggressive and distinctly territorial settlers.

They had little resistance to the diseases of the settlers, and so their population was decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis and syphilis.  With no built up tolerance to social use of alcohol, they were easily manipulated by settlers who well knew it’s effects.

The Indian Residential Schools, which separated very young children from their families and systematically destroyed language and culture are a legacy of shame which we are still trying to heal from, and from which the 1st Nations people are still trying to rebuild their pride and their culture.

So when we look at the process going on in this place today, literally right under our feet, we might take a moment to ask ourselves:  where does justice lie in all this, and who is my neighbour?

Prayer of Confession:  (unison)

Jesus, who sat at the table with outcasts and sinners,

We confess that too often our words and actions are not consistent with our beliefs.

Often we ignore the needy, show indifference to the lonely, and reject those who seem different from us.

Forgive us, we pray.

Empower us to reach out in love and acceptance, and to make amends to those we may have harmed.

Words of Assurance: 

God hears us.  God forgives us.  Let us be willing to be cleansed and healed in the light of God’s great Love.

Prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

Where there is hatred, let me sow love:

Where there is injury, pardon:

Where there is doubt, faith:

Where there is darkness, light:

Where there is despair, hope,

And where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and in dying that we are born to eternal life.

The Lord’s Prayer:  (unison & in the language of your choice)

Our Father,

Who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and  the glory,

Forever, and ever.  Amen.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus said, “Follow me.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  For us, he is the Way – and the journey of our lives is to follow him. In so doing, may we be a light to the nations, bringing forth great gifts of justice and of truth in his name.

Let us go forth from this place now, knowing that

The love of God is ours to share,

The peace of Christ is ours to extend,

And the power of the Holy Spirit is ours to offer.

Let’s go out with joy this morning, as we join together to sing:

Hymn:  “You Shall Go Out With Joy”  (Isaiah 55)  2x

 

Minister:  Karen E. May, DLM

Pianist:  Maureen Northrop
​

Photos of the Church after the re-fit project; thanks to Cecilia Campbell. more photos here

Thank You!  to all those volunteers and organizations that made the 4th Annual Kids for Saving Earth Eco-camp a great experience for our kids this year.  We are humbled  and inspired by the willingness of the whole community to pitch in, whatever way they can, to help our children connect to the natural world.

Thank You!   to all those who came out to Make a Joyful Noise! our annual all-music service.  We enjoyed Shirley McCune & the Jessicas,  songs by Glen Downing, and a duet by Peggy Atkinson & Maureen Northrop.   Musical contributions of Shawn Ansell,  Joyce  Perrett,  & Clarence Wood were also appreciated.  We give thanks to those who contributed  great food to make a lovely lunch which was enjoyed by all.

Church Re-fit:  BIG THANK YOU to all those wonderful volunteers who have washed and painted and pulled blackberries to freshen up your church in Van Anda.  Special thanks to Clive and Roy Butt, Barb Wells, Leigh Hartwell, Jolienne and Stanley Leben, Bruce Magee, and some who prefer not to be named – we know who you are!  Thank you one and all.  The work that has been done under the gentle guidance of Terry and Dianne Marshall is truly miraculous!  This has become an amazing community project.  We are so grateful.

The long-needed upgrade to the parking lot is done

This represents phase 1 of our church "spruce up" for this year.

Special thanks to all the wonderful people who helped with the church parking lot upgrade:  Lafarge  (TQL) Quarry for the four loads of gravel, Rick Jones for the loan of his truck, Daryl McCormick for the skilled loader work & loan of his loader, and Terry Marshall for driving the truck and overseeing the whole operation.   Watch for more photos from Diane as we look back!

See  photos here

THANKS ALSO ! – to the painting crew who have worked so hard to freshen up the church’s exterior!  What a great job! We are very blessed by the caring of so many people.

Time Out for the Caregiver Group - suspended operations for the summer
In the past, it met at our church 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 7 & 21. The mission is to provide a quiet "time out" for caregivers, for mutual support and sharing of resources.   We meet to share ideas, concerns, hopes and prayers. Please mark your calendars, and join us! All are welcome; not specifically a church group.

Milestones:  Died:   Tony Neumayer, May 13.  Our condolences to Tony’s friends and family.

 My prayer for all of us is that this Easter has been a time of cleansing, a time of healing, and a time of transformation.  May the blessings of this season of the Christian year fall like gentle rain on all of Texada.

THANK YOU!  from the UCW for your generous support of our Spring Tea and Bake Sale.   We hope you had a good time – we certainly enjoyed this time together.

Milestones:  Died:  Joan Maitland, March 1, 2011, and Jean Savage, March 2, 2011.   Our condolences to family and friends.

Milestones:  Died:  Karl Yensen,  January 8, 2011.  A Celebration of Life was held at the Legion on Tuesday, January 18.  Our condolences go out to family and friends.

Christmas Tea & Bake Sale & Christmas Concert and Carol Sing!  Thanks to all for your support and your caring, and especially to those who donated their time and talent to make these events so successful!

Sunday Feb 6, 2011, Sermon-Reflection on the Beatitudes part 2

Sunday Jan 30, 2011, Sermon-Reflection on the Beatitudes

Sunday December 19, Sermon - Reflection 4

Sunday December 12, 10:30 am.  Sermon - Reflection - Advent 3

Sunday December 5, 10:30 am.  Blue Christmas The service led by Karen May included the sermon  Streams in the Desert

Sunday Nov 28 - Advent 1 The service led by Karen May included this sermon

Sunday October 17, 2010  The service led by Karen May included the sermon  Persistent Prayer  

Thanks to all who attended and enjoyed our October Bazaar and Bake Sale – and thanks to those who took part, helping to support the work of the church.

Sunday September 26, 2010  The service led by Karen May included the sermon  Lazarus is at the Gate  

Sunday, September 19 – – Stan Smith led the Battle of Britain service.  The congregation remembered or reflected upon the sacrifices made by air forces and civilians at the Battle of Britain in 1940.  Thanks to Cecilia for the photos.

See  photos in the photo gallery here

See the sermons from previous years here.

Hymns included the Naval Air Hymn, which uses a different second verse from the better known "Naval Hymn"
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

Strong Son of Man save those who fly
Swift-winged athwart the uncharted sky
Each dangerous hour and lonely flight
Serenely challenged day or night,
O'er land and ocean safely bear
All those in peril in the air

August of 2010 was a difficult month.  We lost four island residents:  Nora Hughes, Jessie Parsons, Randy Nelson, and young Bill Greenwood.  Our sincere condolences are extended to all the families and friends of the deceased.

August 29   Our 6th Annual  “Make a Joyful Noise” all-music service, held at our regular time of 10:30am, was followed by refreshments and fellowship.   Donations for the Food Bank were gratefully received. Thanks to Maggie Timms and Cecilia Campbell for the photos and to Maggie for the video.
See  photos in the photo gallery here

Kids for Saving Earth Eco Day-camp ran August 16 -20 this summer and served 30 plus kids!  We had a great time.  We drummed with Bob & Maggie Timms , did crafts with Petra Hart and Mary Loepky, and enjoyed field trips with John Dove, Charlie Boulet,  Diana Vaughn, and Peter Sitzler.   We learned about the “web of life”, and wild food, and how to compost, and how wonderful it is to grow your own food!  There are too many people to thank  here, but please know that our gratitude runs deep and you are all so dearly loved and appreciated.  See  photos in our album here. 

Karen's DLM Graduation June 6, 2010 at Canadian Memorial United Church - see photos here

Milestones:  Died:  Michael Joseph Tremblay  on July 10, 2010.   Our condolences to family and friends.

Milestones:  Died:  Belle Macauley, June 9, 2010 and Ben Nicholas, June 11, 2010.   Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Macauley, Waterman, and Nicholas families and their many friends.       

Anniversaries:  Diane and Ray Grayson, 50th Wedding Anniversary in June of 2010 – Congratulations!

Trinity Sunday May 30 -  "A Service of  Appreciation " 

Minister: Karen E. May, DLM   has completed her three years of  education and  training and will continue to serve the Texada Island United Church.

At the service, Karen said a special thanks to:

- The five person  Lay  Supervision Team for their three years support;  Chair Barb Wells
- A special thanks to 
- her  Education Supervisor: Rev. Gwen Davis  and
- her Pastoral  Charge supervisor Jackie Campbell

And - ...  very special thanks to Clarence .  

Many enjoyed  a  luncheon held at the hotel after the  Service.

For photos, click here.

The singing of "In the Bulb there is a Flower"  Hymn  # 703   in  Voices United expressed some of the thoughts of the day.

Saturday, March 20.  St. Patrick’s Day Tea & Bake Sale!   

Thank you to all who participated. See photos in the Gallery by clicking here.

Milestones:  Died:  Penny Childress, March 4, 2010.  Our condolences go out to Kevin Cameron and the Woodhead family.

January 31, 2010   Died:  Millie Jones.  Our condolences go out to the family.

65th Wedding Anniversary (in Dec.) for Bill and Betty Frazer.  Congratulations!

Friday Dec 15 A Country Christmas Carol Sing was held and accepted donations for the Food Bank and for 1st United Church in Vancouver.  Thank you for your very generous support of these important ministries.  We hope everyone had a really good time – we did!

Saturday, November 28  at 2pm at the church.  United Church Women – Tea and Craft Sale –

Monday, November 9, 5:30 pm.   Book Study:  Jesus 24/7: a Short Course in Faith for the Questing Christian by David Bruce,  at 6pm at the manse.  This weekly discussion group includes dinner!    486-7284. 

October 16 – Theo Passchier passed away in Powell River. We extend our condolences to friends and family.

October 11 – Thanksgiving & Communion service led by Karen May. Thanks to Clarence and Cecilia for photos which can be viewed by clicking here.

September 27 – 10:30 service - Karen May.  Book Study:  Jesus 24/7: a Short Course in Faith for the Questing Christian by David Bruce, started at 6pm at the manse.  This weekly discussion group includes dinner!  Please call Karen if you’re interested.  486 7284.

September 25, 2009  Scott Beachkowski (also known as Ryan Caldwell) passed away in Vancouver, .  Our condolences to friends and family.

September 24 Bible Study:  was planned to start Thursday,  at the church, 7pm, but was delayed until Nov 9.  This lectionary –based program looks at scripture readings for the following Sunday, so is intended to enrich our experience of Sunday worship.

Sept 15- 17: Rev.Gwen Davis, DA, MIV; Karen May, BSR, DLM; & Cecilia Campbell attended United Church-Ministry Education event  held on Bowen Island at the CNIB Lodge Sept 15- 17, 2009. This shows Karen May taking part in a  smudge performed by one of the other  DLM's .
See  photos here

Sunday, September 14 – – Stan Smith & Karen May led the Battle of Britain service.  The congregation remembered or reflected upon the sacrifices made by air forces and civilians at the Battle of Britain in 1940. Refreshments were served by the Texada United Church volunteers at the Legion following the Service. Thanks to Clarence for the photos.
 See the photo gallery  and  Karen's sermon on the Battle of Britain and reflections on Terry Fox Day.

Sept. 8, 2009 Milestones:  Died:  Deirdre Beauprie, .  A funeral service was held Sept. 11 at Assumption Church in Powell River.  Our condolences go out to her husband Dave Beauprie and all the family.

August 26 KSE wrap up party (dessert and beverage) at the Legion in Van Anda at 7pm

Milestones: 
Died: 
Sigrid Olson, in Kamloops, June 18, 2009.  Our condolences go out to the Olson, Copp and Johnson families, relations and friends. (corrected with our apologies)

Bernice Sulyma, in Powell River, July 31, 2009.  Our condolences to the family and friends.

Please notify Karen at 486 7284 re births, deaths, anniversaries, weddings, so I can let everyone know about these important events in the life of the community!

August 23 –

We Made a Joyful Noise  at our 5th annual all-music celebration! 

See more here

Aug 17-21 - KSE –2nd Annual  Kids for Saving Earth was a resounding success this year!  Please go to our KSE 2009 Report here to see terrific pictures for every day of the camp.  Planning begins now for next year…….If you loved it, and want to help, please call me at 486-7284.

We learned that it really does take a whole community to raise a child!

This has been a wonderful experience for all of us, and we are so grateful for your donations of food, money , and mostly your time to make this program work.

There was a KSE wrap up party (dessert and beverage) at the Legion in Van Anda at 7pm on Wednesday, August 26.

We need your feedback. Please come and tell us what you liked, what you didn't like, and what we might do differently next year.

July 12 – Stan Smith   Baptism:  Paige Diane Fay Spence.  Paige is infant daughter of Nikki and Rod Spence of Texada. 

Died:  Delbert Perry, July 7, 2009.  Our condolences to wife June Perry, and step-daughter Dianne Nicholas and the family.

July 5 – Sandcastle Sunrise Service – Shelter Point Park – 7:30am – Karen May

DLM Graduation

Karen recently graduated from the Designated Lay Minister program at the United Theological College in Montreal.

See photos here

KSE 2009 Photo Album here This program ran August 17-21, 2009, based at the Community Hall in Gillis Bay. Right: learning the Promise.

First day: energy (fire with Tom Read and Al Davis)

Second day:  earth (forest and beach with John Dove)

Third day:  air (bees and beekeeping and pollination with Rhonda Johnston)

Fourth day:  water (fish habitat with Rob Diggon). 

Fifth Day: Awards, the cement plaque, and collage-making with Peter Lock - and then PIZZA!

We learned that it really does take a whole community to raise a child!  This has been a wonderful experience for all of us, and we are so grateful for your donations of food, money , and mostly your time to make this program work. 

There will be a KSE wrap up party (dessert and beverage) at the Legion in Van Anda at 7pm on Wednesday, August 26.  We need your feedback.  Please come and tell us what you liked, what you didn't like, and what we might do differently next year.

We had lots of helpers:  Gwen and Lois and Mich and Pam and Petra.

 We also had some youth leaders:  Brett, Tiffany, Jeremy, Richard and Jeffrey. 

See our KSE 2009 Photo Album here.

and...... report on our KSE 2008 season here.

This organization is international, and has a great website you can Google:  www.kidsforsavingearth.org )

The program was modeled on the KSE program described at this link. KSE (Kids for Saving the Earth)

Milton Hill was an 11 year old boy when he founded "Kids for Saving the Earth", and designed this logo. There are thousands of clubs now, with hundreds of thousands of members. Kids can and do make a difference.

 
The KSE Promise

The Earth is my home.
I promise to keep it healthy and beautiful.
I will love the land, the air, the water, and all living creatures.
I will be a defender of my planet.
United with friends,
I will save the Earth.

Kids for Saving the Earth Club:  if any kids are interested in an ongoing club around environmental issues/activities, or any adult interested in facilitating such a group, please call Karen at 604 486 7284 to talk about it.  This organization is international, and has a great website you can Google:  www.kidsforsavingearth.org

Sunday, Aug 23, 10:30 service  Our fifth annual all-music Gospel Hymn Sing celebration "Make a Joyful Noise"  was enjoyed by all. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Thanks for photos, Cecilia. See pics here


  Psalm 100 

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

UCW Annual Spring Tea and Bake Sale held at the Church, 2-4pm, April 4 2009 was a huge success.  Thanks to all who attended, and to all who donated wonderful baked goods for the sale. Click for more photos here.
From a few months ago, but photos always welcome of past events.

June 28 – Stan Smith

June 21 – Stan Smith

Died: Sigrid Olson, in Kamloops, June 2009 .  Our condolences go out to the Copp and Johnson families, relations and friends.

June 14 – Holy Communion – Rev. Gwen Davis

June 7 – Dale Rinehart

Bible Study “Seasons of the Spirit” ran Thursdays, 1:30 – 3pm at the church, until the end of May, and will resume in September.  For info call Karen at 486 7284.

May 31 – Pentecost – Karen May

May 24  -

Milestones:  Our condolences go out to Ed Kowalyk on the death of his sister.  Also to Ken Barton on the passing of his parents in the last few weeks.  We also note the death of Simon Jenson after a short illness in May.

 Sunday May 17– Karen May

Sunday May 10 – Mother’s Day – Holy Communion – Karen May

Sunday May 3  - Battle of the Atlantic – Stan Smith  (11am)

Sunday April 26  – Karen May

Saturday April 25   Earth Day!  Community Event at Gillies Bay Hall  We had a great day here on Texada, didn’t we?  Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make it a success, and thanks to all who came out to celebrate this little planet we call home!     Check here for more photos

Sunday April 19 – Stan Smith

Sunday April 12 - Easter Sunday – Karen May

Friday April 10  Good Friday Service – 10:30am – Karen May

Thursday April 9 Maundy Thursday –  5:30pm -Agape Meal (Pot Luck) – Karen May

Sunday April 5 Palm Sunday – Communion – Karen May

Milestones:  Our condolences went out to Maggie Timms and her family on the passing of her mother, Angelina Herbert in Comox on April 1, 2009.

Sunday March 29 – Karen May

Sunday March 22 – Karen May

Saturday, March 21  Church Yard Sale at the Community Hall in Gillies Bay.  Thanks to all who donated treasures, and to all who so generously gave of their time and energy to make it all work.  We had a great time, and a lot of stuff found new homes! More photos - click here

Sunday March 15 – Dale Rinehart

Sunday March 8 – Holy Communion – Karen May

Sunday March 1 – Stan Smith

Wednesday Feb 25  Ash Wednesday

Sunday February 22 – Karen May.  Sermon: The Transfiguration

Thursday Feb.19 Stan & Doretta Smith celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary! 

Sunday February 15 – 11:30am  Texada Island United Church AGM,  at the church following regular service with Karen May.  Soup and sandwich lunch to follow.  Please come and support the work of your church.

Sunday February 8 – Rev. Gwen Davis

Sunday February 1 – Holy Communion – Karen May

Church Windows Update:  Tim Atwood was called in to assess the windows for needed repairs and maintenance.  Several of our beautiful windows are in serious need of attention.  Thanks to you all, we have the funds to do this necessary work.  These windows are a community treasure.  Thanks to you, we can look after them!

Tuesday, January 22 New leadership in the USA – exciting times we live in.  New world indeed!  Can we all see this as an opportunity to move forward into new life?

Sunday January 18 – Karen May

Sunday January 11 – Karen May

Sunday January 4 – Holy Communion – Karen May

Thursday Jan 1   New Year’s Greetings to All!  And a huge thank you to every one of you.  Your support of the Food Bank, and of First United Church in Vancouver has been amazing. This church in the downtown eastside of Vancouver answers the call to serve a very difficult and needy community.  We were asked this year to request cash donations, as this church is challenged by the need to provide a wide variety of services.  We were happy to accept and forwarded your donations to First United Church.   Thank you for your unfailing generosity.   Once again this community has shown itself to be so generous and caring.

Dec. 29/08. Milestone: Died: Fritz Mueller. Condolences to wife Barbara, and to family & friends. No service at request of family.

Sunday Dec. 28 – Stan Smith

Wednesday Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 7pm.  Music:  Kerstin Guillemaud & Friends.

Monday Dec 22 Wedding of
Stanley & Jolienne Leban.

click for more photos here

Sunday Dec. 21 – at the regular Sunday Service - Blue Sunday – “Grounded by the Rock; Surrounded by the Light”– Karen May - Christmas is not always a happy time.  Those of us who have suffered losses (of many kinds) may not feel much like celebrating.  Join us for a time of remembering and reflecting  – a time to reconnect to that which is holy.  All are welcome.

Sunday Dec. 14 – Advent 3 – Karen May

Monday December 8
An Advent Evening of Song: 
Cheryl and Bruce Harding came to the United Church in Van Anda!  We were so blessed to have these gifted singers and musicians here!   Bruce and Cheryl’s  music is international in scope, interdenominational, and inspirational.  Admission was a donation of $10 – or whatever you can afford.   Food Bank donations were appreciated.  Festive refreshments were served, compliments of the Texada United Church. 

More photos  - click here

Milestones:     Died:  Bob Blackmore, Dec. 9, 2008.  No service at request of family.  We extend our condolences to Bev and the family at this time of loss.

Sunday December 7 – Advent 2 – Holy Communion – Karen May

Sunday November 30– Advent 1 – Rev. Gwen Davis

Saturday, Nov. 28/29  - Nanaimo - Bruce Sanguin, author, & UC minister, conducted a rich interactive session on the Environment and Christian Spirituality at Brechin United Church in Nanaimo on Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29.  Admission was $25.  For info call 250-754-9212, or 486 -7284.

Sunday November 23 – Karen May, DLM

Saturday, November 22 - Milestones: Celebration of Life was held at the Legion for Jamie Mckay, who died Nov 11/08   

Sunday November 16– Dale Rinehart

Sunday, November 9- Job’s Daughters with George Childress were our guests.  Light lunch was served and all welcome.

Saturday, November 8 - Milestones: Celebration of Life was held at the Bistro for Evelyn Phillips, who died Oct. 30/08   

Sunday, November 2  - Holy Communion – Karen May, DLM

Saturday, November 1 - Milestones: Celebration of Life was held at the Legion for Carol Jansen, who died Oct. 23/08   

Our condolences go out to all the families and friends in this time of loss.

Please call Karen May @ 486 7284 with notices you would like to see in “Milestones”, before the 20th of the month.  Help us to celebrate the good times, and support one another in the bad.

Sunday, October 26 -  Karen May

Friday, October 24  - A follow-up to our KSE program held in the in the summer

Some Earth day / Eco links:

•  Arts-Culture-Tourist site
  
  
•  EarthDay Canada website
  
  
•  EcoKids Canada website
  
  
•  EcoKids.org website
  
  
•  Sierra Club Canada website
  
  
•  Sierra Club BC website

Sunday, October 19 – Karen May

Sunday, October 12 – Stan Smith - Thanksgiving weekend…we are so blessed to live in this peaceful part of the world!

Here’s a spiritual practice around gratitude.  At the end of every day list five things you are thankful for.  Write them down in a notebook or journal.  Let’s all cultivate “an attitude of gratitude”.

Sunday, October 5 – World Wide Communion & Baptism  - Karen May. Check out more photos from Cecilia in the Photo Album here.

Sunday, September 28 – Karen May

Sunday, September 21 – Stan Smith

Sunday, September 14 – Battle of Britain service.  A large contingent of Air Cadets, other cadet corps and Legion members joined the congregation to remember and reflect upon the sacrifices made by air forces and civilians at the Battle of Britain in 1940.  See Karen's sermon and the photo gallery.    You could read more about the Battle of Britain on the  CF website here

We've added some extracts from a DVD of the visit by HMCS Edmonton to Texada for Battle of Atlantic Sunday in May 2008, provided with the kind permission of Jack Paddock . Check out the Photo Album here. If on dial-up, give the video time to load, then you can play it all at once.

Sunday, September 7 – Holy Communion – Karen's sermon - Peace and Reconciliation

Sunday, Aug 24 - Karen's sermon - the KSE program

August 18-22  KSE (Kids for Saving the Earth) was held, based at the Community Hall. 

See more on KSE - click here.
It takes a whole community to raise a child!

Sunday, Aug 10, 10:30 service -  Our annual all-music celebration Make a Joyful Noise –  - our Gospel Hymn Sing, with local talent, was held.  See photos here.

Milestones:

•  Born:  to Collier Quinton and Madeleine Fischer a baby boy! 
  
  
•  August 10 - Marriage - Bruce Magee & Vanvisa  Prakobkit
  
  
•  August 8 - Marriage - Mike Crivea & Jeannie McCormack
  Congratulations to you all.
  
  

Sunday August 3 10:30 service– Holy Communion – Rev. Gwen Davis (copy of sermon)

Special Thank You!  to Rocky Gable and Morio Murakami who donated fixings for a mini-kitchen in our church meeting room/library.  We are very grateful for your contributions.  And to Cecilia Campbell and Jack Maciejko for putting it all together!  Much appreciated.  Another Thank You!  to Dale and Donna Rinehart for constructing a new back porch for the Manse.  What a difference that makes! Wow!

July 20 - Baptism:  Noah Bennell, son of Craig & Cindy Bennell (grandson of Dave & Maureen Northrop) (copy of sermon)

July 19 - Celebration of Life - Jim Bowey Our condolences are extended to the family.

July 13 - Baptism:  Amira Hulst, daughter of John & Tara Hulst (great-granddaughter of Sylvia & Urbain Robillard)

July 12 - Van Anda Days We welcomed visitors to our heritage exhibit in the church. Coffee, tea and cookies were served.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -Santayana


July 6 – Communion Service – Karen May, DLM Wednesday, July 2, 7:30pm, Church meeting room.

Earth Day Coordinating Committee: Meeting re Kids for Saving the Earth program.

This program ran August 18-22, 2008, based at the Community Hall  with an awesome turn-out of up to 18 kids and several parents and grandparents! The whole community stepped up to the plate to make this a memorable experience for the children of Texada.  Thanks to all who helped in too many ways to mention.  This only works when we all pitch in!     It takes a whole community to raise a child!  (if any kids are interested in an ongoing club around environmental issues/activities, or any adult interested in facilitating such a group, please call Karen at 604 486 7284 to talk about it.  This organization is international, and has a great website you can Google:  www.kidsforsavingearth.org )There was music, hiking, learning, sharing, crafts, snacks, and more!    This event was co-sponsored by the Texada United Church in partnership with the Earth Day Coordinating Committee – and it was FREE!

A more detailed description of activities is provided in the sermon of August 24 which can be read by clicking here.

This eco-club for kids involved interested and interesting adults from the community sharing what they know about caring for the earth with our kids.  The club was aimed at kids ages 6 and up, and ran from 9am to 12pm.  If any kids are interested in an ongoing Kids for Saving the Earth Club around environmental issues/activities, or any adult interested in facilitating such a group, please call Karen at 604 486 7284 to talk about it. This organization is international, and has a great website you can Google!  www.kidsforsavingearth.org

Day 1 featured crafts and a beach walk led by Peter Lock.
Day 2 featured crafts and a Forest Walk led by John Dove.
Day 3 featured a visit to the Nyl farm
Day 4 - Defending the Planet: Recycling, Disposing safely
Day 5 - Taking care of the fish and Windup
Photos here.

The program was modeled on the KSE program described at this link. KSE (Kids for Saving the Earth)


Milton Hill was an 11 year old boy when he founded "Kids for Saving the Earth", and designed this logo. There are thousands of clubs now, with hundreds of thousands of members. Kids can and do make a difference.

 

The KSE Promise

The Earth is my home.
I promise to keep it healthy and beautiful.
I will love the land, the air, the water, and all living creatures.
I will be a defender of my planet.
United with friends,
I will save the Earth.

Kids for Saving the Earth Club:  if any kids are interested in an ongoing club around environmental issues/activities, or any adult interested in facilitating such a group, please call Karen at 604 486 7284 to talk about it.  This organization is international, and has a great website you can Google:  www.kidsforsavingearth.org

Friday, October 24  - A follow-up to our KSE program held in the in the summer

Sunday, Aug 10, 10:30 service  Our annual all-music Gospel Hymn Sing celebration "Make a Joyful Noise"  was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all who participated.

Thanks for photos, Cecilia. See more here



Psalm 100 

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 

As in previous years, Cecilia printed a program for this special service: