Connections - Okotoks United Church
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Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
St. Andrew’s De Winton 9:00 a.m.
Okotoks United 10:45 a.m.
(please enter via the East Foyer doors)
Protocols for Sunday Worship Service:
• Physical distancing will now be mandatory.
• You will be asked to sanitize your hands when you come in and leave.
• Masks must be worn at all times when in the building including during
singing.
• Please use the hand sanitizer provided when entered and leaving the build-
ing.
• The offering plate will not be passed. Place your offering in the plate at the
back of the Sanctuary.
• Any food and drink will be prohibited in the building at this time. We will
however continue to socialize together after the service - in the foyer.
Masks must remain on.
• Visiting only while seated in the Sanctuary. No touching of any
kind at this time (hugging or shaking hands).
• Please follow the protocols posted on the washroom door.
De Winton will be continuing with in-person services. As previous-
ly mandated by the Board, we will keep requiring sanitizing, mask-
ing, no refreshments, and no physical contact. Seating will also
now be blocked off to ensure social distancing between house-
holds. Attendees are asked to either visit from their designated
seat or outside after the service. Those uncomfortable attending in
-person are still invited to join Okotoks United Church's 10:45AM
worship service through Zoom.
Zoom services will also continue to be an option for those who would prefer
to wait a little longer.
We encourage everyone to get their vaccinations if possible.
Please do not attend if you any Covid like symptoms.
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Urgent appeal for help with the
Turkey Supper
The Turkey to Go Supper is only two weeks
away! We need your help. We need:
2 people to donate (purchase) peel and
cook 10 pounds of potatoes and mash
them and deliver them to the church by 3
p.m. Oct 3.
At least 6 people to help out on the day of
Mid-Week Worship: the Turkey Supper, cutting pies, packaging
Come and find the quiet centre. up buns, filling take out orders and deliv-
ering them to people at the door. We will
Come catch your breath and pause.
all be masked and gloved.
Come be reminded of God's presence.
At least 6 people needed to help clean up
Come and join us for Mid-Week Worship:
after the Turkey Supper from 5:00 - 7:00
a short contemplative service on Oct 3.
of song, Scripture, silence, and prayer
every Wednesday morning,
from 10:15-10:45AM
in the Okotoks United Church Sanctuary.
We hope to see you there!
AV Support People Needed We live in a polarized world, with the gaps
between different groups growing ever
We are looking for a few individu- wider. It’s so easy to take a “side,”
als to help operate the sound to stand on either part of a social divide,
booth for funerals, weddings, and to participate in “us vs. them” kinds of
other special services. Just a little thinking.
training needed—no technical ex- But what might it mean to stand in the gap?
pertise required! Individuals
Join Julia and Matthew as they explore why
would receive a $25/hr honorari- “standing in the gap” is a crucial part of the
um per service. If you would be Christian journey—and what it might require to
willing to help us out in this way, do exactly that.
please leave your name with How do we stand in the gap?
Diane at the office. Let’s find out together from
Sept 19th through Oct 10th!
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Prayers
Airdrie United Church
Ev Stange - for health and healing
Bible Study – Wisdom Literature
Ev Paterson and Herb Corbett
When & How: Tuesday or Thurs-
day mornings via Zoom Brian Draper - who is grieving the loss
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. of Susan
What: Biblical Wisdom Literature Albertans struggling with restrictions
Facilitator: Julia People who have had their surgery
postponed
Considering the new restrictions put in Medical professionals who are working
place by the province, we will all be so hard
meeting via Zoom for the foreseeable fu-
People struggling to make the decision
ture. So I thought I’d send everyone, in
both the Tuesday and Thursday morning to get vaccinated
groups, the links for both studies so you
can join either one if you aren’t able to
make your regular day. Please keep these
links handy so you know where to access Sunday Morning Volunteers
them. I look forward to a very interesting
study. As we get back into the routine of in-
person services, we are looking for
The link for Tuesday morning (United our usual roster of volunteers! If you
Church in the Valley – Turner Valley): would be willing to help on Sunday
https://us06web.zoom.us/ mornings as a Greeter, Usher,
j/85897044215? Scripture Reader, OR Quiet
pwd=L0pkN3hXdVFXYVVZS21YOGdm Room Companion please contact
TDRPQT09 Diane at the office or sign up on the
bulletin board.
The link for Thursday morning
(Okotoks/De Winton): A meaningful Sunday service takes
many hands--
https://us02web.zoom.us/
j/82028766505? thank you in advance!
pwd=N1Bvdm96aWlnWUdXK0lRYnNWQ
TJIZz09
Blessings,
Julia
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Turkey on the Go! Children’s Corner
Okotoks United Church’s Volunteer
Second Take-Out Turkey Part of our new format for Children’s
Supper. Sunday October 3, 2021
4:30 to 6:15 p.m. $20 per person. Ministry is the creation of a “Quiet
Room” in the Nursery space: a place
Available in 1-person, 2-person and 4- for kids to go and work through their
person boxes. This is a church-made,
Children’s Bulletin and other quiet ac-
home-style Turkey Dinner which includes
Abe’s famous barbecue turkey, savoury tivities. Starting this Sunday, Septem-
stuffing, gravy, house-made cranberry ber 5th, we are hoping to have at least
sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, peas and one Supervisor for the “Quiet
carrots, fresh buns AND your choice of
Room” on Sunday mornings @
homemade pie slice baked by Karen Jones,
Pat Reader-Downey and other bakers from 10:30 (must be here on site by 10:30
Okotoks United Church – Apple, and stay till end of the service): some-
Blueberry, Cherry or Pumpkin. one to attentively and supportively
To Order and Pay watch the kids, and create a safe, in-
Call Diane at the church office 403-938- viting space. Would you be able to
4357. help us out? If so, please contact Mat-
Pick Up: thew or sign up on the bulletin board
Drive through the East parking lot be- in the foyer.
tween 4:30 and 6:15 Sunday, October 3, to
pick up your hot and ready dinner.
More volunteers are needed:
Potato cookers (2 more people needed)
Servers and runners to fill orders on
October 3
Clean-up crew from 5:00 - 7:00 on Octo-
ber 3
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Jacket Racket
Okotoks United Church
43 Riverside Drive
Tuesday evenings:
Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday mornings:
Oct. 23, Oct 30, Nov 6,
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Winter Clothing Give-Away
Everyone welcome!
Drop off gently-used winter
COVID-19
clothing at: PROTOCOLS IN EFFECT
Sobeys We want you to come
Okotoks Public Library and we want you to be safe.
Foothills Cleaners Masks are mandatory.
Hand sanitizer will be provided.
Better Than Home Laundry
Maintain physical distancing from other
Pason Centennial Gold Arena shoppers
Okotoks United Church Plan ahead. Knowing who you are buying
Main Street Market & More for and what sizes you need minimizes
the time spent in the building.
Okotoks Fire Hall on Milligan
THANK YOU!
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021 Connections Social Justice Group What is social justice and how do we practice it? Social justice, however defined, usually seeks to promote fairness and equity for all people across many aspects of society: economic, political, access to services, workplace, educa- tion, physical access, racial, gender, etc. Anyone practicing social justice seeks to open the doors of access and opportunity to all people, especially for those in greatest need. The United Church of Canada is known for its extensive work in the area of social justice and many in our congregations have shown an interest in this area of late. Please join Julia on Tuesday, October 5th from 6:30 – 8:00 in the Conference Room (upstairs at Okotoks Church) for a discussion of social justice and the possibility of enhanc- ing and advancing the work of social justice in our Communities of Faith. Collectively we can do more. The purpose of the group will be education, promotion and activism as we see opportuni- ty. Subjects may include but are not limited to: Indigenous/Residential School issues; Sexu- ality/Gender (LGBTQ2s+); Affordable Housing; Poverty; Environment/Climate Change. At this time we will assess interest in social justice and how we would like to address some of the questions and actions around these areas. Everyone of all ages with an interest is welcome. No sign-up necessary. Just show up.
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
NEWS FROM ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH
Written by P. Marie Wedderburn
On Sunday, fifteen people gathered with Julia at St. Andrew’s United this time
physically distanced and also of course sanitizing our hands and wearing our
masks. We were greeted by Mel who had marked off the appropriate distanc-
es for us to be seated – some of which were the same pews we are used to
sitting in and for others different pews to remain physically distanced. We
were also greeted with the prelude played by our organ and piano accompanist Heather.
Thank you Heather for your musical ministry among and with us.
A new four week sermon series entitled “Standing in the Gap” began on Sunday. For each of
these four Sundays Julia and Matthew will use the same scripture passage for this series of
sermons which is Colossians 3:9b-14. In her message Julia spoke of how we stand in the gap
between the many divergent issues that we face in the present time. For to stand in the gap is
to be the bridge between the divides that separate us and to stand in the gap with integrity and
courage. For we are called to be like Christ and to see Christ in all people whether we agree
with one another or not on any issue. For we are to “clothe ourselves with love, which binds
everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14 – NRSV).
A few people from our community of faith joined the Zoom worship service from Okotoks Unit-
ed at 10:45. Once again thanks to the technicians who enable those who worship via Zoom to
continue to participate in worship services.
Before this coming Sunday’s worship service, perhaps we could read the scripture passage
from Colossians and ponder how we as individuals and as a community of faith “stand in the
gap.”
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Children and Youth Ministry
Curious about Children and Youth Ministry this fall? Here’s an outline of what’s
in store!
Instead of a traditional Sunday School program, Julia and I will be striving to
make the Sunday morning service as inclusive as possible. We want our chil-
dren to feel part of the family, and to grow familiar with the words and rhythms
of worship. We are a God-family, after all!
To help with this, we have ordered engaging Children’s Bulletins that kids can
take with them into the sanctuary. We’ll also be inviting children or youth to play
a role within the service.
In addition, we’ll be setting up the Nursery as a “Quiet Room”: a supervised
place where kids can go to work through the Children’s Bulletin and some other
quiet activities. The service will be “piped” into the space so that kids will still be
able to take in the songs, stories and prayers.
Outside of Sunday mornings, Youth Group will be resuming on
Friday, October 1st, 6-8PM
with an event the first Friday night of every month. Anyone Grade 6 and up is
welcome! I’ll be hosting those events myself, and am thrilled for the opportunity
to get to know our youth. We’ll build relationships and have fun through pizza
and movies, game nights—maybe even bowling!
We’ll also be planning a Christmas pageant to share during a Sunday in Advent—
stay tuned!
-Matthew
Vol. 2 Issue 38 September 24, 2021
Connections
Ministers on Call
There is a new on call phone number for phoning or texting a minister for urgent pastoral
emergencies. Julia and Matthew will share one phone for this purpose and will alternate carry-
ing the phone. This means that when you call or text this number you may get either Matthew
or Julia. Please use this number for urgent church-related calls. Otherwise, you may call them
during regular office hours for any other church-related concerns.
The new Minister’s On Call number is: 403-807-9432
Please keep this number handy for future reference!
*Please note that neither Julia nor Matthew are available for appointments between 8-10
as this time will be dedicated to focused preparation.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Matthew: 8-3 Matthew: 8-3 Julia: 8-3 Julia: 8-3
OKUC Julia: 8-11 Matthew: 8-11
UCV Julia: 8-3 Matthew: 8-3
Okotoks United Church Office - We’re here for you!
To contact Julia email her at okjulia@telus.net. To contact Matthew email him at
matthew.heesing@gmail.com. Both can be reached with number for the church office
listed below during regular hours.
The office is open at this time Monday to Friday 9:00 - 2:00. Please contact
Diane at okunited@telus.net or 403-938-4357.
Congregational Care Team invites you to reach out for confidential spiritual and
compassionate care by email at: okcongregationalcare@telus.net
Please refer to our website www.okunited.ca for updated information and links to
the newsletter.You can also read
