It doesn’t happen often, but this week I couldn’t decide between two scriptures to include in the service, so we’ll have both! The first, in Acts, is about Paul’s journey to Macedonia and how he encountered a lovely woman named Lydia who became the first Christian disciple in Europe! I was drawn to the line, “the Lord opened her heart . . .” because it so closely resembled what I was speaking about last week, about how we may not be able to change the world as it is, but by opening to the world as it is, that good might come.

The second text, from Revelation, continues the writer’s vision of a new heaven and a new earth – especially with the tree of life on either side of the river of the water of life “and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations . . .” Well, don’t we need that…

How will I put these two texts into the service? It’s a work in progress, and you’ll have to wait to find out. In the meantime, read  Acts 16:9-15 and Revelation 21:10, 22:1-5 and ponder the following:

1.    What would it have been like for Lydia to have such an experience? What questions might she have had for Paul? 

2.     The Revelation passage offers a detailed vision. What adjectives would you use to describe it? 

During the sermon on May 15, I asked those who were in attendance to think about where they had experienced God in the past week. Where have you experienced God? In nature? In an encounter with someone? In a dream? Juliann is preparing the newsletter next week. Send in your contribution to united@wightman.ca.  Pictures welcome! 

I am on holiday next week, May 23 to 30 inclusive, however, Rev. Bonnie Holliday is on standby for emergency pastoral care. If you need to be in touch with Bonnie, you may e-mail her at rev.bonnie@arthurunitedchurch.ca, or access her phone number by calling 519-323-1910, ext. 2

We have a lot of special things coming up for our services. Everyone is very excited about the “Ukrainian Support Sunday” that Lene MacLean has been working so hard to prepare. Rev. Sheryl is away but we have lots of great things planned for the service so you won’t want to miss it. Laurie Aitken will be doing the message and Rhoda Seibert will be leading the conversation time. There will be special music and of course, afterward, there will be the luncheon and silent auction. We are hoping that our friends from Woodland will join us that day as well, as we try to reach out in compassion and fellowship to our friends in the war-torn Ukraine.

Looking further ahead, please put June the 19^th on your calendars as well. We will be hosting our service at Murphy Park and it is Father’s Day. There will be an open mike portion to this service, so we ask you to think of your stories about your father or being a father yourself, that you would be willing to share that day. If you can think of ways you or your father tried to lead a household of faith it would be great to hear about it. Of course, funny stories are always welcome too! Just let Donna McFarlane know if you would like an opportunity to speak that day. We are hoping for good weather and are asking that everyone bring a bagged lunch for yourself to keep it simple and Covid friendly.

-         Donna McFarlane, chair, worship committee

Sunday, May 29, 2002

Mount Forest United Church - Fellowship Hall

12:30 to 2:30 pm

Menu: borscht soup, perogies, cabbage roll casserole, ice cream with scuffles, coffee/tea

$20.00 (first come first serve)

Art: paint, knit, crochet, sew, quilt, rug hook, encaustic, photography, writing, dinner, floral arrangement, fused glass, wood, plants, cat treats, etc….

Something for everyone!

All proceeds go to Ukraine via Lions International

Volunteers are still needed for Sunday - setting, serving, and cleaning up.

Please contact Lene MacLean at 519-323-2376, if you are able and willing to help!

Image by Daniel Skovran, Pixaby.com

Silver Lake is preparing for opening!  A work bee will be held at the camp on Saturday, May 28th (94 Southline Ave, Kinloss, ON N2Z 2X5) from 9 am to 3 pm with a complimentary roast beef lunch served midday. 

All are welcome to join as there are projects for a range of interests and skills: General labour (cleaning, painting, yard work), Handyperson (fixing windows and doors, installing a shelf), Tradesperson (electrician, plumbers, contractors, tree removal). 

Check out the webpage for The United Church Silver Lake camp at www.silverlakecamp.ca. You will find information about all of the camp opportunities for ages 6 to 18 and may also register online! If assistance with camp fees is required, there are bursaries available. Please contact the church office (519-323-1910) for information.

Our Broadview group subscription is up for renewal. The cost per subscription remains at $25.00 this year. If you currently subscribe and wish to continue, you are welcome to put your payment in your regular weekly envelope and simply note on your envelope that the money is for Broadview. You are also welcome to drop off your payment at the Church Office. If you are not currently a subscriber and would like to receive this award-winning and informative magazine, call the church office (323-1910) and we will add your name to the list. Your subscription payments must be received in the office by

Monday, June 6^th.

This week's Community of Faith to remember in prayer is:

Grenfel Pastoral Charge, Angus ON

As a church, we are called to pray for each other and for our mission in the world.