News list

It is an opportunity for us to hear stories of a branch of the Christian family tree in our music and worship, and in other opportunities. Music from the Black Christian tradition may seem to be about individual salvation - and partly it is. But it is also slyly subversive. The spiritual, "I Got Shoes" was sung by a racialized group kept barefoot, and claims the right to the good things of life. It also points out, "Everybody talkin' 'bout heaven ain't goin' there"! For some Canadian stories, read Lawrence Hill's historical novel, The Book of Negroes, or check out some of the info at www.blackhistorycanada.ca

Thanks to Annabelle, our choir and our Alleluia Singers, we will be experiencing some of the music from the Black Christian tradition during worship in February. There will be a showing of the stunning documentary, Seeking Salvation: A History of the Black Church in Canada, a journey into the music, passion and history of that branch of the Christian family.

Folks who are new (or relatively new) to our church and who would like to be part of a house group, are invited to write your name and contact information and the words "house group" on a piece of paper and place on an offering plate. House groups are responsible for doing the regular Sunday morning chores (making coffee and goodies, ushering, greeting, reading scripture, doing dishes following worship, etc.). Each house group is responsible for these duties one month per year. House groups also provide a way of meeting other people in the congregation.

We've recently been successful in solving two issues with the sound system at CFRUC. One was an intermittent problem that has been affecting the balcony, choir, and nursery speakers for the better part of a year (more information will be provided in the Newsletter). The second was a recent loss of signal to the headsets. We're doing our best to ensure that everyone can hear every part of worship services at CRFUC, and we greatly appreciate your patience... -Neil & Ian

Following Dianne Baker's moving message last Sunday, those interested in joining a study group (3 sessions) to hear and discuss the authentic voice of Palestinian Christians, please let barb janes know of your interest.

You can recycle your postage stamps and help provide funds to the Leprosy Mission of Canada at the same time.
Cut them from the envelope so that there is at least 1/4 inch of paper left around the stamp.
ALL postage stamps are accepted. Please bring them to the church at any time during the year and leave them in the container on the table near Irene's office.

... are due on Sunday, February 19.

Our guest speaker on Sunday, January 8 was Diane Baker. She is re-entering Canadian culture after a three-month assignment through the World Council of Churches in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Israel/Palestine (EAPPI). This program has been operating since 2002 at the request of those in Israel and Palestine working for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Dianne is the spouse of Jum Hatherly (we saw them as our bumbling shepherds in the pageant on Christmas Eve!) and they are the parents of three daughters. Dianne is a gardener, singer, activist and therapist. You can read about her journey and continuing reflections in her blog at shalompaxsalaam.wordpress.com .

Offering envelopes are available for folks who make regular donations to our church and to the Mission and Service Fund. You can also make your donations through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR). Information about both forms of giving is available from Shirley Nicol or the church office at 475-6011. Both allow us to issue charitable giving receipts at the end of the year. Click here for more details.