We are glad you have come to worship! - Grace United Church

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We are glad you have come to worship! - Grace United Church
We are glad you have come to worship!                                    Sunday, February 2, 2020
If this is your first time at Grace United, please sign the welcome (visitor’s book) near the entrance
door. If you are from out of town, church-shopping or came with a friend who calls Grace home,
come along for coffee and conversation after worship; a cup and chair are waiting for you!

Please note:
   ● Children's Bulletins and Busy Bags are available at the church entrance way.
   ● We are a scent-free congregation. Please consider this when dressing for church.
   ● Please quiet your cell phone.
   ● Large print ‘More Voices’ available. Please inquire with an usher.
   ● FYI – Please note that our Sunday Service is broadcast live on Grace United Church’s Facebook page.

Our Vision
Grace United is an ​Affirming Congregation​ which seeks through worship,
study, work, actions and fellowship, to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
We include all people into the life and ministry of the Grace family: persons
of any age, colour, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation. We
celebrate the richness that diversity brings to the church even as it
challenges us.

#GodsHandsandHeartEverywhere                         #ACompassionateFaithCommunity
Services: Sunday Mornings @ 10:00 am
Office: 4708- 50 Ave. Lloydminster AB T9V 0W4
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 12 noon & 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Phone:​ 780-875-8959 ​Fax:​ 780-875-5850
W​: www.graceunitedchurch.ca ​E​: ​graceu@telusplanet.net
Facebook and Instagram ​@graceunitedch

THE LAND -​ We remember, as we celebrate God’s presence in Worship that G.U.C. gathers on Treaty 6 land,
the traditional territory of the Plains, Wood Cree, and Assiniboine peoples. As Treaty people, we seek to live
with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with all our relations.
We are glad you have come to worship! - Grace United Church
Coldest Night of the Year - Cake Walk | Sunday February 2 | Hall
February 22 is our annual Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser Walk for the Men’s Shelter. You can join the
“unitedwalkers” team or make a donation!

Cake Walk - Sunday, February 2!​ If you can make a cake to donate, GREAT! $20.00 donation gets you a
tax receipt but any donation over $5.00 might get you a cake! Questions? Contact Joyce Dickson
780-871-8989

Thank You from Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee send sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Grace United Youth Group, the Sewers,
Fabricland, the Seniors Lunch group, and the Congregation of Grace United.
The donation of material and labour by so many people in the congregation and in the community to create the
beautiful reusable bags for our Outreach Program is much appreciated by us and by the people we serve.
There was a card (written by one of our youth group) attached to a bag that we gave to a young lady on our
first day back after the Christmas break. She read the card and said that she was so grateful for the bag and
that she needed to hear the message written on that card.
The many other donations of food, candy & other treats, hygiene products, toys, mitts, socks and scarves were
so much appreciated too. The surprise and delight on the faces of those parents who were able to give their
children toys donated by the congregation was heartwarming.
Thank you to those who made treats to hand out to our people while they waited to see the Outreach worker
on the days before and after Christmas.
Thank you to Reverend Cathy and to the members of the Church in Society group who support and encourage
us in our work.
We feel that the Outreach Program as well as the other programs offered by the United Church is a real way
that we can live our Mission & Vision Statements and be of service to all who come to our door. These
programs could not happen without the generous donations of a lot of people.
After receiving help from us a lot of our people say “God Bless You!” We feel that it is important for us to pass
that on to all those who support the program so generously.
God Bless You All! Heather, Joyce and Linda           Outreach Committee

Save the Date: Affirming Leaders Day | May 2 | Red Deer
On May 2, 2020, a faith-based development and connection day for allied and LGBTQ2S+ folks. The event will
be held at Gaetz Memorial United Church, Red Deer AB. The keynote speaker will be Peter Gajdics, author of
The Inheritance of Shame: A Memoir. Join us for our second annual Affirming Leaders Day! A one-day
gathering full of workshops, food, and conversation! Tickets and more details coming soon. Contact:
pam@affirmingconnections.com
We are glad you have come to worship! - Grace United Church
Fantastic Families Workshop | Wed. February 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Hall
Mark Wednesday, February 5th, on your calendar. Our presentation this month will be on Screen Time.
Special thanks to our presenter Loralee Marin from Alberta Health Services. This session is FREE (donations
to Outreach cupboard graciously accepted) and we welcome ALL ages and stages to come and listen to
Screen Sense (babysitting provided). In this interactive session, we will make sense of what science tells us
about screen time and brain development. Discover how much screen time the experts recommend for young
children. Learn how to create a healthy media plan for your family? Explore fun ways for your family to reduce
screen time and build connection in everyday life. #SimpleConnections #StrongerFamilies

Messy Church | February 6, March 5 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Basement
Did you know you light up the world? This will be our next session theme on February 6th, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00.
Calling all young families to join us for Messy Church- A night full of food, fun activities, faith and fellowship
with other families! Families are encouraged to register online or contact Lana @ lanalanegraceu@gmail.com
or phone 403.901.8385.
This week’s main casserole is Mac n Cheese. Families are encouraged to bring the outer edges.
Program:
5:30 - 5:45: Gathering and Mingling Time (free play)
5:45 - 6:15: Giving Thanks for the Meal we've all Prepared and Eating Together
6:15 - 7:00: Fam Jam time (Stories, Crafts, Games, Songs, and Activities)
Upcoming Themes:
March 5​th​ : The Beauty of Creation
Thank you Colleen Groenen for supplying Messy Church with the casserole for this week! God’s Hands And
Heart Everywhere!

Youth Nites | February 13, March 12 | 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Hall
Youth nite this month is Thursday, February 13th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30. We will be making, baking, and decorating
cookies. Do you have an amazing sugar cookie recipe you’d love to share? Please share to the email
lanalanegraceu@gmail.com​. Also, we are looking for donations of colored icing, sparkles, and toppings for our
cookies. If you can help, donations are graciously accepted. Please see Lana.
Upcoming YOUTH NITES
Thursday, March 12​th​ – Painting Nite with Michelle Lake
Thursday, April 9th- Another sewing night for cloth bags
If you would like to support the YOUTH NITES in a different way, consider this… How about donating the
money you collect from dropping off your bottles at the BOTTLE DEPOT? WE are doing a collection run for
the next 3 months to help support the program. All donations can be handed into Caroline at the office.

Homework Program | Thursdays @ 3:30 p.m. | Hall
Well, the first term is over and we made it! This week only saw 10 kids in the homework program because the
highschool students were on semester break. We anticipate larger numbers starting again this week. We’d
love to have more yummy treats for the freezer. If you can supply the program with cookies, muffins, or
squares we’d gladly accept more. Please send in a covered container we can put in the freezer.
We are glad you have come to worship! - Grace United Church
MEALS n MORE
This is crazy! We are making wonton soup this Monday. YUM...A huge welcome to Tanya Robertson and
Tami Kappel, our guest chefs in the kitchen. Also, Shelly Atkinson is back to the Church as a helper. YAY
GOD!
 Monday, February 3rd meals:           Wonton soup
                                       Beef and Rice Casserole
                                       Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade dressing
                                       The easiest best Chocolate Chip cookies ever!
 A donation of $50.00 will help to place a family member in the kitchen to prepare 4 meals for his/her family.
What a wonderful way to give back to those families in need in our community. Right now, on average 3/10
cooks in the kitchen are being supported by donations from the congregation and the Lloydminster community.
THANK YOU!!! Contact Lana@​lanalanegraceu@gmail.com​ for any questions.

What is Shrove Tuesday on Sunday –(Fat Tuesday)(Mardigras)? February 23
Shrove Tuesday used to be the day all households were to use up all milk, eggs and fat to prepare for the strict
fasting of Lent. These ingredients were made into pancakes, a meal which came to symbolize preparation for
the discipline of Lent, from the English tradition. Shrove comes from the verb “to shrive,” to confess and
receive forgiveness, prior to the beginning of Lent. The United Church of Canada may not be about strict
disciplines, but we do like food, fun and friendship. This is what Shrove Tuesday is all about!
The United Church does see Lent as a time of preparation for personal and collective change and
transformation, which God can be at the heart of through Sunday worship and daily prayer or meditation.
Shrove Tuesday is a celebration like Carnival (farewell to meat), and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), in New
Orleans, which leads us into the quieter, more reflective time of Ash Wednesday (February 26th) and the
weeks of Lent through March.
Please come along and join in the pancakes and sausages, pancake flipping relays, cake walks, music, mask
making and face painting. This is truly a celebration for all ages!

Senior Community Luncheon | Wednesday, February 5 | 10:30 a.m.
Our next Luncheon will be on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Please join us!
1st & 3rd Wednesdays most months – Grace United Church 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, Fun, and Fellowship
No charge - food supplied by the Olive Tree. Rides available.
Co-ordinated by Grace Ministry Project group: Colleen Groenen, Graci Haas, Pat Ribey
2020 is the 105​th​ Anniversary of CGIT Canada Wide
Although there are no big plans for activities in Alberta, the Alberta CGIT groups hope to hear from Alumnae
who want to gather in some way and reminisce. Currently there are CGIT groups in Grande Prairie and Leduc
as well as Explorers in Grande Prairie and Trochu. CGIT groups are small but mighty!
If you are interested in connecting with your CGIT alumni friends, please contact the Alberta CGIT Association.
For information about this, and to share the invitation, you may contact ​cgit@telus.net

Northern Spirit Regional Council Meeting
Plans are well underway for the 2​nd​ Annual Meeting of the Northern Spirit Regional Council. The gathering will
take place at the Augustana Campus (UofA), in Camrose, Alberta, June 11-14, 2020. The theme is Called to
Be ... and we are looking forward to discussions and actions and the building of relationships throughout the
Regional Council. This is the time for Communities of Faith to elect their Representatives to the Regional
Council, so that plans can be made for their attendance at the meeting. Once the Representatives are named,
please communicate their contact information to the Regional Council Office. Thank you.

Heart of Treaty 6 (H.O.T. 6) Reconciliation Gala at Lakeland College |
March 27, 2020
If you would like to attend this event, please speak to Rev. Cathy to ensure seats at the Grace United church
tables. Tickets are $60.00/seat, $480/table. Cheques are payable to Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre

Grace United Church Book Club | Thursday, February 13 | 9 a.m.
These are the books that we will be reading in 2020:
February 13 - “The Gown” by Jennifer Robson
March 12 - “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
April 9 - “The Dearly Beloved” by Cara Wall
May 14 - “Salem Falls” by Jodi Picoult

Membership Small Group | Refresher | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26 |
6:45 to 9 p.m. | Lounge
Small Group Membership Gatherings will continue for the next 4 weeks in the Lounge. For those not able to
take part this time, another group will be offered in May. Speak to Rev. Cathy to hold a spot in the May/June
group gathering.
Stewardship Seconds - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
We have an offering - - so what?

Cool Jazz for a Cool Evening | Wednesday, February 12 | 6:30 p.m.
The Fund Raising Committee is hosting, Jazz on the Border ​Cool Jazz for a Cool Evening​ on Wednesday,
February 12​th​ in the GUC Hall. Doors open at 6:30 and the music begins at 7:30. Tickets are $25 for adults
and $15 for students. Appetizer platters for two are available for advance purchase for $20 each. Tickets are
available at the church office or Karen Ollen 306-825-2976.

Appetizers:
1.     Warm Platter – spinach dip cups bbq short ribs, smoked salmon canapés
2.     Cheese Platter – selection of Cheese served with crackers, red onion chutney, grapes and apples
3.     Dessert Platter – Apple & berry Crumble, Carrot cake, Chocolate cake

Sunday Worship in the Coming Weeks
   ●   February 9 - Alison Weaver leading Worship
   ●   February 16 - “Reel Theology” returns! Theology in Oscar Nominated Films.
   ●   February 23 - “Reel Theology” - Shrove Tuesday on Sunday - Mardi Gras Celebration & Pancake
       Lunch, after Worship
   ●   February 26 - Ash Wednesday
   ●   March 1 - Lent - Baptism - if you or someone you know is interested in Baptism on this date, please
       speak to Rev. Cathy
   ●   Future Baptisms - May 3, July 12, September 13

Pastoral Care and Worship beyond the Church Doors | February 9
Hemstock: 2:15 p.m. | Jubilee: 3:30 p.m.
Anyone wanting to help with singing, visiting or to assist residents in finding the next hymn to be sung are more
than welcome to come along.
Volunteer Opportunity Available
There is a group at Lloyd Continuing Care (L.C.C.) organized by Ruby Trudel who are assisting the residents
to the Sunday Services. They are in need of more volunteers to help out. If you might be interested in a
monthly, bi-monthly or weekly opportunity to put your faith into action, this may be just the opportunity for you.
Ruby, the coordinator, can be reached at ​lrtrudel@shaw.ca

Worship Leadership Required
Worship leadership is needed at Hemstock (2:15 p.m.) and Jubilee (3:30 p.m.) on Sunday February 9th
and February 23rd​ Rev. Cathy will be on a week of Study leave preparing for Lent on February 9th.

On February 23rd Grace will be hosting our first "Shrove Tuesday on Sunday - Mardi Gras/Pancake lunch,"
following worship. If you would be willing to step up and help out with either/both of these services, it would be
greatly appreciated by the residents of Hemstock and Jubilee.
Please speak to Rev. Cathy if this opportunity to serve God in the community is a "yes" for you.

Youth Retreat Coming in February | February 7 to 9, 2020
Four United Church congregations are jointly planning a youth retreat from February 7-9, 2020. It will be held
at the River Lodge Retreat near Stony Plain, Alberta. The four sponsoring congregations, Salisbury (Sherwood
Park), First (Wetaskiwin), Viking & St. Paul's (Edmonton), are happy to invite interested United Church youth to
join us for a retreat that will be fun, interactive and action-based. There will be team-building and ice-breaking
exercise and activities. It will contain natural and outdoor elements as the mid-winter weather permits. We will
explore spiritual practices, and talk about our spiritual journeys and social justice from a faith lens. This retreat
will also provide an opportunity to look at the history of the United Church of Canada and prepare for spring
confirmation.
For more information, or to get registration information, please call Salisbury United Church at 780-467-7310 or
email ​salisburyunited@telus.net​.
Mon. Feb. 3                 Meals & More - 9 a.m.                       Hall & Kitchen
Mon. Feb. 3                 Handbells - 5:30 p.m.                       Sanctuary
Tues. Feb. 4                Pastoral Care - 10 a.m.                     Board Room
Tues. Feb. 4                Homework Program - 3:30 p.m.                All Church
Wed. Feb. 5                 Field Placement - 10 a.m.                   Board Room
Wed. Feb. 5                 Senior Luncheon - 10:30 a.m.                Hall & Kitchen
Wed. Feb. 5                 Fantastic Families Workshop - 6:30 p.m.     Hall
Wed. Feb. 5                 Membership Gathering - 6:45 p.m.            Lounge
Thurs. Feb. 6               Ukuleles - 5:30 p.m.                        Music Room
Thurs. Feb. 6               Messy Church - 5:30 p.m.                    Basement
Thurs. Feb. 6               Choir - 7:30 p.m.                           Sanctuary & Music Room
Sun. Feb. 9                 Service at Hemstock - 2:15 p.m.             Hemstock
Sun. Feb. 9                 Service at Jubilee - 3:30 p.m.              Jubilee
Mon. Feb. 10                Meals & More - 9 a.m.                       Kitchen & Hall
Mon. Feb. 10                Handbells - 5:30 p.m.                       Sanctuary
Tues. Feb. 11               Church in Society - 9:30 a.m.               Board Room
Tues. Feb. 11               UCW Kay Lake Unit - 1:30 p.m.               Hall
Tues. Feb. 11               Homework Program - 3:30 p.m.                All Church
Tues. Feb. 11               UCW Wilma Sharpe Unit - 7:30 p.m.           Board Room
Wed. Feb. 12                UCW Allan Darby - 9:30 a.m.                 Hall & Kitchen
Wed. Feb 12                 Cool Jazz Event - 6:30 p.m.                 Hall & Kitchen
Wed. Feb. 12                Membership Gathering - 6:45 p.m.            Lounge
Thurs. Feb. 13              Ministry & Personnel - 9 a.m.               Board Room
Thurs. Feb. 13              Worship - 9 a.m.                            Music Room
Thurs. Feb. 13              Book Club - 9:30 a.m.                       Lounge
Thurs. Feb. 13              Ukuleles - 5:30 p.m.                        Music Room
Thurs. Feb. 13              Youth Nite - 6 p.m.                         Hall & Kitchen
Thurs. Feb. 13              Choir - 7:30 p.m.                           Sanctuary & Music Room
Fri. Feb. 14                HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !
Mon. Feb. 17                UCW Gilchrist Struthers Unit - 1:30 p.m.    Board Room
Tues. Feb. 18               Property & Maintenance - 7 p.m.             Board Room

                 Services: Sunday Mornings @ 10:00 am
                 Office: 4708- 50 Ave. Lloydminster AB T9V 0W4
                 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 12 noon & 1 to 4:30 p.m.
                 Phone: 780-875-8959 Fax: 780-875-5850
                 W: ​www.graceunitedchurch.ca
                 E: ​graceu@telusplanet.net​ Facebook
                 and Instagram @graceunitedch
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