GREETINGS                                   March 23 2017
                                              GO WITH THE FLOW
 
Further on the theme of "living water" that God offers us through Jesus, that God is, I came across this poem that has its own evocative power:
 
                                                       Currents
 
                  Every now and then take your soul to the river.
                  Notice the things the river things -
                  ducks, seaweed, canoes, broken branches, you.
                  Notice too what it takes away ...
                  live things and dead things too,
                  all afloat in a passing water parade.
                  Wind inseparable from water, feel it
                  penetrate your skin.
                  Heed the pull of every current
                  curling a finger, calling your name, taking you with it
                  wherever it will.
 
-                                                          Wendy Romero, Presence (Vol.20, N0. 4), page 31
 
Putting God's realm first was what Jesus commended.  Another way of phrasing that is: "Pay full attention to what God is doing right now". S o, what is God doing right now in your life?  What is the invitation?  What are the possibilities.   We are asking the same questions about Marshall Memorial as a congregation.   Let the Spirit speak.
               
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

In our thoughts and prayers are Greta Marofke, grand-daughter of good friends of Kim and Mik Kimura. Greta is three years old and has a very rare form of cancer. She is currently receiving treatment from a specialist in the United States ; Allan and Ruth Michelin and family, and their son Darren in China; Judy van Duzer, Connie Kuntz, Geoffrey Parkinson (nephew of Patricia Bradshaw) and Lois Runge.

 

The flowers are placed in the sanctuary today by Juliette Fielding in loving memory of her husband Don.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 
Congratulations Sally!
Sally Anderson has won a gold and silver medal in alpine skiing representing Team Canada while competing in the World Winter Special Olympic Games in Austria.  Way to go!!!

United Churches of Ancaster Book Study
The study of the book, "Grounded - Finding God in the World" will continue on the following dates:
                Wed, March 29    Bethesda UC        Chapter 6
                Wed, April 5         Bethesda UC         Chapter 7
                Wed, April 12       Jerseyville UC       Chapter 8
Contact David Putnam if you would like a ride at 905-648-4786 

Time out with Trees
"Time Out with Trees".  Join Rev. Disher on the benches in Bertram Brockhouse Park (corner of Wilson and Fiddler's Green) at noon on Tuesdays. Bring a lunch, chat a bit and then rest in God for a half-hour of private meditation time. (In inclement weather, we will meet in the Church parlour.)
 
Round Table Talks
"Round Table Talks" that focus on revealing a Motivating Vision for the congregation will continue through the next couple of months.  Each week those who gather will listen for the Spirit in a different passage of Scripture.  Please join in and share your reflections, ponderings, and thoughts.
Tuesdays for Tea in the Parlour 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.;                                  Wednesdays over Wine in the Church Hall  5:00 to 6:30 p.m.; or                 Coffee Time Thursdays in the Parlour 10:00 to 11:30.

Study Leave
Rev. Disher will be on Study Leave from March 20 through March 26. In case of pastoral emergency or need, please contact Maryella Minor (905) 648-5307.  We welcome Phillip Harrison to the pulpit for our 10:30 service.
 
Marshall's Men April Outing
In April, Marshall's Men will be heading to the CANADIAN WARPLANE HERITAGE MUSEUM.
    Date:  Saturday, April 8
    Time:  9:30 a.m.
    Meet at:  Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
                      9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope
    Cost:  $10 per person (special group rate)

Arrangements have been made for a guided tour of the Museum's collection and displays.  Carl Haycock has had a long association with the museum and particularly the Lancaster Bomber.  Carl has agreed to talk to us about the Lancaster and his involvement in this rare airplane.  This should be a very interesting outing.  Come and bring a friend. 

Palm Sunday
Our Transition Team invites everyone to gather for breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by one joint worship service and the opportunity to focus in on the Motivating Vision God's Spirit has in mind for our congregation. See you there!
 
Donations to Micah House
Are you scaling down or buying replacement furnishing?  Micah House (the non-denominational centre which helps non-status refugees get settled into jobs and new homes in Hamilton) is always in need of second hand items for new refugees.  Right now they are looking for mattresses (but not king sized), lamps (especially floor lamps), cutlery, glasses (but not mugs) and area rugs.  If you have any of these items that you would like to donate to a worthy cause that our Outreach program supports, please call Micah House at (905) 296-4387 to either get their address where you can drop off the items (near Gage Park) or to arrange for a pick-up.  Pick-ups happen when Micah House can get a truck and when there are enough items in an area to collect, so it takes more than a few days to arrange. 
 
EVENTS
Maundy Thursday
The Chancel Choir will present "Canticle of the Cross" on Maundy Thursday, April 13th at 7pm. Inspired by Celtic music traditions, this work, with a full screen presentation delivers a message of hope and assurance. Come at 6:30 and enjoy some refreshments with the choir before the presentation.

T: (905) 648-4631      W: www.mmuc.org       E:  marshallmemorial@gmail.com
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