TSA Trumpet With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. Psalm 98, v6
The Clothing Depot Make a Difference in People's Lives this Christmas UCW Christmas Tea
December 2016
December 2016
TSA Trumpet Contents 4... From the Pulpit Letter from our Minister 5... PointofView Letter from the Publisher 6... Council Briefs 7... Fundraising 7... Financial update 8... The Clothing Depot 10... White Gift Sunday 10... Hospitality 11... Christmas Hampers 12.. You're Never Too Old for Braces 12... UCW Christmas Tea and Bake Sale 13... Have You Considered PAR 14... Calendar of Events
Cover Photo courtesy of Chris Sowder Unsplash.com TSA Trumpet December 2016 3
FROM THE PULPIT On December 22, 1982, Sheena and I held our first Christmas Open House. It was at the manse in Scotsburn, Nova Scotia and close to 100 people attended. We have only missed two years since then. We have managed to get 35 people to visit even in the middle of a snow storm. It has been a lot of fun and a wonderful tradition for our family. We just had our 9th open house in Brighton on the 27th of November and we were pleased that so many of you could take the time to visit. It is such a busy time of year. Thank you for your support. I wish you a Merry Christmas wherever you will be on that day and whomever you may be with. This Christmas will be different and may be difficult for some of you. TSA has seen the passing of a number of loved ones this year and I will be thinking of them and you. I hope you will still sense the joy and feel the comfort that the Bethlehem Story offers every year. I hope you will be able to attend the many seasonal events in and around our church and community. They are always special and enjoyable. On December 8th the Brighton Ministerial offered our annual Community Memorial Service at the Brighton Funeral Home. I was pleased to be able to participate in this very important community service.
Blessings of the season,
Rev. Ken
4 TSA Trumpet December 2016
Welcome to TrinitySt. Andrew's United Church in Brighton, Ontario. Our active congregation offers meaningful worship with a varied music program, Sunday School, opportunities for faith exploration and discussion, as well as fellowship, more traditional Bible study and educational opportunities for all ages, in a liberal Christian context. With the excellent leadership of Rev. Ken Lewis we are very blessed. Our mission includes elder care, such as friendly visiting, and outreach activities like Friends of Migrant Workers and the Clothing Depot. Come join us in our bright, centrally located and historic space. TrinitySt. Andrew's is an Affirming Congregation and has a policy of full accessibility for those with disabilities.
TSA Trumpet
POINT-OF-VIEW
December 2016 TSA Trumpet is the newsletter of TrinitySt Andrew's United Church. Our goal is to inform members and adherents of the activities and upcoming events in our fatih community MANAGING EDITOR Brian Ostrander COPY EDITOR Tammy Ostrander PUBLISHER TSA Public Relations & Publicity Committee TrinitySt Andrew's United Church 58 Prince Edward Street Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 6134751311 www.trinitystandrews.ca ADVERTISING Internal advertising for TSA functions is free of charge External advertising inquire tsatrumpet@gmail.com
I started reaching out to community businesses for advertising in part to pay for the cost of putting this newsletter together and in part to engage our local businesses in what TSA is doing. This past week I received an email from Aleesha Camp's (local lawyer) office advising that they would be sending in a donation to help out with costs but would not be asking for an advertisement. Recently a member of the congregation asked how much it cost to print the Trumpet and offered to pay for their "subscription". I would never expect a business to offer to help with a donation and not receive some sort of recognition (so here it is).. and I certainly do not expect members of the congregation to pay for the cost of their subscription. I hope that you find reading about Fundraising's work, the Clothing Depot's community support and all of the work and news of TSA valuable and informative. Perhaps it is the season of giving that has brought this on. And, so, as we all make room for guests in our homes, as we all arrange our proverbial stables and mangers for surprise guests, may we make room in our hearts and minds so that we may welcome the spirit that seeks to enter all of our homes. Merry Christmas & a joyful, peace filled New Year,
Brian Ostrander
Advertising in this newsletter does not consitite endorsement by Trinity St Andrew's United Church, nor guarantee quality, value or effectiveness of any products, services or methods advertised.
TSA Trumpet December 2016 5
Council briefs by Colin Wright Members of the Council of TrinitySt. Andrew's United Church met at 7.00 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Rev. Lewis opened our meeting with a prayer. The following highlights some of the topics discussed:. Clothing Depot The Council endorsed the disbursement recommendations for 2016 from the Clothing Depot which include funds directed toward 2 ENSS bursaries, Cornerstone Family Violence, Breakfast Programs at four local schools, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, Brighton Auxiliary Rescue Unit, Big Brother and Big Sisters, Lion's Dog Guides and Proctor House (SOHO). United Church General Council Remits Council received and briefly discussed the Executive’s recommendations concerning the four proposed remits. Council members will individually review the remits in detail in preparation for a fuller discussion at the January 2017 meeting. Interested Congregation members are encouraged to contact the Church Office to obtain copies of “Fishing on the Other Side” which talks about restructuring the United Church. Publicity & Public Relations Committee– Brian Ostrander has designed door hangers and pamphlets to promote TSAUC. Discussions regarding these items are ongoing. Choir Director Search – The position advertisement has been published November 24 and December 1 in area newspapers and committee representatives are looking forward to interviewing applicants. Fundraising Committee – Congratulations to Sharon McMullen and her team of helpers on the successful November Lasagna Dinner which raised over $1,500 while providing a delicious meal.
6 TSA Trumpet December 2016
Finance Committee – Our Treasurer Karen Martin presented the 2017 Budget which with a few adjustments was approved by Council and is to be presented to the congregational AGM. Property Committee Jack Reed advised that the organ has been tuned and had some minor repair work completed, however, to make everything work again the organ will require extensive and expensive work. The repair company advised that we could look at a couple of options: Convert the organ to a Digitally Activated Pipe System, OR Repair all bellows etc and continue to have yearly maintenance etc. Both options are expensive however converting to digital would make everything less expensive to maintain in the long term. The meeting closed at 10:35 pm.
Fundraising
Financial Update
by Barry Ott
by Karen Martin
The Fundraising Committee would like to thank all those who purchased cheese from the TSA/Empire Cheese fund raiser. Last October we raised $57.40 for the Church. I realize that doesn't seem like a lot of money, but if each person in our congregation were to buy 1 item from the cheese order the amount would be a lot greater. The next Cheese Order is on November 27th. so please pick up a Cheese Order form in the hallway beside the Bulletin board along with the Fundscrip forms and hand them in to Sharon McMullen or Barry Ott by Nov. 27th.and place your order. There are also package cheese deals for those who might be thinking of a Christmas present for a distant relative, a co worker, someone special that you may know that likes to pair their cheese with their meat and possibly wine on a fancy occasion. The Fundraising Committee would also like to thank all those who contributed to the Loonie/Toonie bin collection as we raised $1040.00 for TrinitySt.Andrew's Church. God Bless Now for those of you out there who might be interested or might have some ideas in how to raise money to help Trinity St.Andrew's. Please consider joining the Fundraising Committee as we could really use your knowledgeable ideas and assistance. If you have never been on a committee before, I can tell you first hand, that at first it may seem a little challenging, but anything you start new does feel that way. The rewards are incredible, from all the nice people you get to meet, the challenge of working together as a team and accomplishing something that is so rewarding for you and the church. The end result is worth it ten fold.
Below are current financial figures to October 31, 2016 GENERAL FUND Income: $173,622.11 Expenses: $168,157.52 M & S ($35,000 Goal for 2016) By October 31st $22,055.46 has been remitted. At Oct 31st the building fund has approximately $11,143.61. Trinity St. Andrews will be applying all monies in this fund on Dec 15th to pay down our mortgage. Any members considering a donation to the building fund are encouraged to make that donation prior to Dec 15th. As we enter the final part of 2016 the finance committee would ask that members not currently using PAR (PRE AUTHORIZED REMITTANCE) to prayerfully consider setting it up for 2017. PAR forms are available from the office administrator.
TSA Trumpet December 2016 7
The clothing depot by Elda McLaren Modified by Jean Finkle In 1963 Rev. Charles A. McLaren received a call to serve the congregation of TrinitySt. Andrew’s United Church in Brighton. Vera Clark , Public Health Nurse came to the manse and told Rev. Charlie McLaren that she had a problem with seeing children coming to our church well dressed and yet when it came to school so many children came without adequate clothing. How could our church play a part in solving this concern? This was a serious concern and a worth consideration. Of course a few blocks presented themselves with shortage of space, etc. It was not brushed aside or just pushed to the back burner. It was learned that Mrs. Edwards house just south of the church parking lot could be for sale as she could no longer maintain her home. The church purchased the property with the condition that Mrs. Edwards could live upstairs as long as she wished. The church made the house available to the Clothing Depot every Thursday and Friday, but had to be packed up and stored in the woodshed until the next week. Well, now the plan could be put in place. he advised Vera. Vera reported that she had a met a new lady through the UCW Lucy Scott, a retired Kindergarten Teacher from Toronto (in the poorer district) during the depression. She had, at that time, organized a clothing exchange with schools in the more comfortable areas of Toronto. Many cups of tea later with Lucy, Vera and the McLarens, they decided that this would not be a charity of hand outs, but rather all clothing, etc. sold at a minimal cost to be affordable to all while keeping their dignity. Special needs would 8 TSA Trumpet December 2016
be handled privately outside of store hours. Lucy would head up this venture with the assistance of Vera Clark and Elda McLaren in 1965. We staffed the store on Fridays with ladies from the eight U.C.W. units. Lucy also recruited a group of ladies under the leadership of Ida Voigt, who could sew and many little girl’s dresses and boy’s pants were remade and sold. Lucy knew material and was thrifty and they made carriage covers and crib blankets from salvaged material. Raveled yarn was used to mittens, hats and scarves, dresses remodelled. Everything was kept (zippers, buttons and lace) The depot was a tough idea to sell. The Public Health Nurses enthusiastically brought families in their cars or we would pack a box for a family. Lucy was certainly the right person for this job of starting the depot with her humour, wonderful people skills and kindly heart. Slowly helped showed up through our church and our business continued to grow and stock
increased but the house posed some safety hazards and this was a concern. After discussion , The Service Centre was built to house not only the store, but the Rev. office and Sunday School rooms. So with a flurry of planning and demolition of the old house where would we be able to offer our services to the public? Well, finally the Boy Scout Association (the building at corner of Alice Street where the Municipal Building now stands) gave us the use of their basement It was our new “temporary store” where we gained customers. With some obstacles, we were able to open first Friday of July. The new shelving was not ready but we had special cupboard under the stairs where we stored articles suitable for fire victims, gifts for the Christmas Hampers and layettes Clothing that we did not use or have room to store was shipped to outlets in Toronto. We also sent boxes to 34 settlements in Northern Ontario. Transportation was very expensive but they, in turn, sent us boxes of beautiful hand crafted articles which we sold to pay for the transportation. The intention was never to make money, but we did, so Rev. McLaren decided that we should first fund the Benevolent Fund of the church. Whatever was needed after the white gifts were unpacked, the clothing depot purchased and then packed with Christmas Baskets. They were delivered by the men in our congregation. We were able to also support the church’s operating expenses and the Mission and Service fund. We then added quilts to our lineup of goods to sell, thanks to Laura Mastin. All the ripping of material, cutting squares or unravelling sweaters would take place upstairs in the depot along with the unpackers. All washing and drying of clothes and materials was done at the manse.
Volunteers also took laundry home to wash and dry. Finally, It was decided that the store should have its own washer and dryer. The Migrant workers came in every week and the ladies got to know them and they brought pictures of their families and the volunteers would help them find clothes and fill bags to the top for a few pennies. Vera and Lucy had a vision of what the Depot could do for the community. I hope it has held up to their vision and I think it has succeeded, at least in a small way. For the grief stricken family who did not have adequate clothing for a funeral, whether for themselves or the corpse; the struggling mother trying so hard to have warm clothing and bedding for her family; the family struck with some sort of tragedy, ether illness or financial; individuals of families struggling with big problems, we did our best. If the problem was too big for us, we sought and helped them find professional help. In any case, the church was there and it reached out to them. Rev. Charles McLaren retired in 1973.
TSA Trumpet December 2016 9
Hospitality by Wendy Zinck Members of the Hospitality Committee assisted with the lasagna dinner held on November 25th. We hope everyone enjoys the annual White Gift Sunday potluck luncheon. Thanks to everyone who brought sandwiches and treats, to the Choir members for their cheese or veggie trays and to the committee for the pickles and fruit. On Sunday, January 1st, we will not be serving coffee and cookies during fellowship time after the church service. Our committee members will either be away or enjoying time with their families. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for continued support, if anyone would like to assist us in any way either in the kitchen or by donating cookies for fellowship time , please speak to one of us any Sunday while we are in the kitchen. Merry Christmas to all and every good wish for the New Year!
White Gift Sunday by Cindy Clitherow Come one and all to our annual White Gift celebration today (Sunday, December 11th) during worship. Join the Sunday school for our presentation of "The Stars" and support our local food bank by bringing donations. Regular Sunday School classes will resume on Sunday January 8th.
10 TSA Trumpet December 2016
WANT TO MAKE A VERY REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE THIS CHRISTMAS? by Ken Laird & Harma Badgley Don't bother watching your favourite " reality show" but step into your own community's reality. Some 132 families received much needed (and much appreciated) Christmas hampers last year and we would love to see the programme continue being successful. Gifts of hats, mitts and scarves (many from the " mitten tree" at TSA) food, toys, personal hygiene products have to be sorted, packed and organized for delivery or pick up. We are looking for your donation of time , effort , good cheer and patient cooperation to get the job done. From our own experience, not only do you give freely of some time,but you will experience the joy of giving and the community spirit which is so evident in this activity. And what can be more satifying during this 'Season of Giving" than really giving of yourself? Looking forward to seeing some of you......and have a peaceful and restful Christmas. Where? Evangel Church, Butler St., Brighton When? Dec 19, 20 and 21. Time to be decided by Dec13 Please contact: Harma Badgley or Ken Laird 613 392 5276
TSA Trumpet December 2016 11
You're never too old As an Orthodontist, I encourage children and teens to seek care as early as possible, before permanent damage begins. All Orthodontic for braces Associations recommend the first Orthodontic by Dr. Julianne Peterson I hear it all the time when I’m around town…. “oh, I wish I had braces when I was younger, but I’m too old now!”. No, you’re not!! As a matter of fact, do you know it may be your teeth causing you to look older than you really are? Do you know that worn down front teeth contribute to the aging process? Add to that any discolouration and crowding, and now you are looking 10 years older than you should be!! Look at your selfies and photos and ask yourself the following questions. If you answer YES to any of them, then your teeth are likely aging you and a consultation with Dr. Peterson is in order! Ask youself…. When I smile naturally, I can barely see my top front teeth I wear a nightguard or its been suggested I wear one My top front teeth have darkened over time and bleaching isn’t having the effect I want My top and bottom front teeth are very short, and I now “show more gums” in my latest pictures. Understanding your busy lifestyle, most adults don’t want “traintracks”, so there are a number of options for the discerning adult. Invisalign is a great tool, but not everyone is a candidate. As an expert in the field of Orthodontics, don’t be mislead by options that sound too good to be true, like “3 month braces” or “6 month braces”, as your teeth will be back to the same place in 36 months time. These are not realistic treatment plans developed by Orthodontic Specialists, and have the capacity to cause permanent damage and disappointment. 12 TSA Trumpet December 2016
checkup at age 7. In this way, harmful habits and problems that will be costly and timely in the future can be prevented. Dr. Peterson works closely with your General Dentist to ensure a healthy, fabulous smile for life! Prevention is key, but once the damage is done, Dr. Peterson has solutions to get you smiling again! Contact an Orthodontist for more information.
UCW christmas tea and bake sale by Ruth Moore Our UCW held our annual fundraiser on November 26th. Lunch was sandwiches followed by home made Christmas pudding and sauce. A bake table sold home baked goodies. Our attendance was down this year and we had less baking for sale. Our UCW numbers are down and help is harder to come by. We will carry on doing what we can to the best of our abilities. We did raise about $600.00 for the work of the church. Those attending enjoyed the afternoon so it was certainly worthwhile and we’ll perhaps try an event closer to Christmas next year. We were fortunate in having the 10,000 Villages sale at the same time as well as the Clothing Depot’s Christmas decoration sale.
Have you considered PAR? by Colin Wright To all those members already using PreAuthorized Remittances for their financial gifts to TrinitySt. Andrew’s, the Stewardship Committee wishes to extend its sincere thanks. PAR enables those involved in the financial planning of the Church to better forecast and budget for the many expenses involved in keeping Trinity a vibrant and engaged faith community. For those considering using PAR for their giving, all that is required is a visit to the church office and a void cheque. Transactions take place once a month which can make budgeting easier for members. TrinitySt Andrew’s is blessed with an active and generous membership, making contributions that are not just financial, but of time and talent as well. All gifts are received in the spirit in which they are given, with an aim to making TrinitySt Andrew’s a place where people can gather to strengthen and grow their faith in Christ.
TSA Trumpet September 2016 13
Calendar of Events Sunday, December 11th
White Gift Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Trumpet December Issue released
Sunday, December 18th
Service at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday December 24th
Family Service 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 1st
Service at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, Januarty 8th
Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School resumes
next issue Next Trumpet, January 15th, 2017 Deadline for submissions: January 6th Church pickup will be Sunday January 15th Articles may be submitted to the church office or via via email to: TSAtrumpet@gmail.com
14 TSA Trumpet December 2016