DORCHESTER UNITED CHURCH NEWSLETTER

June 2017

Rev. Larry's Message:

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 11: 24-25.

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Rajeh family and giving them a few more articles which they require, generously provided by the congregation. They are working very hard to learn English and to fit into their new home and country! The above quote from Proverbs came to my mind, as we have provided a wonderful opportunity for them, 'watering' them with our love, generosity and warm welcome. We will have a chance to meet and break bread with them later in the summer or early fall. This is a superb example of how we are living Jesus' commandment to love our neighbours as ourselves. Below and elsewhere in this newsletter are listed other such opportunities, as we live out our new Vision to reach out in positive ways into our community and beyond, in Christian love.

We will soon be closing our doors for the month of July for our annual vacation time, but there will be still several things of importance happening at the church:

• The Holy Diner, which you can read about elsewhere in this newsletter, which will allow for ongoing fellowship, and support of our local Food Bank.
• Please consider giving generously to the United Church's Extreme Hunger Appeal, for the terrible famine in sub-Saharan Africa, the worst famine since 1945. Details can be found at http://www.united-church.ca/hunger-appeal All donations made by June 30 will be matched by a grant from the Federal Government, so your $20 donation automatically becomes $40, and so on.
• Please also bring to the church next Wednesday morning, this coming Sunday, or to the Holy Diner, items which are needed by families supported by the local Food Bank. Summer is actually a time of great need as students no longer have access to schools' breakfast and snack programs over the summer.
• lease continue to pray for all members of our congregation as they travel, have or recuperated from surgery, or deal with losses which they have suffered.
• Please collect you pop cans over the summer and drop these off at the church on any Sunday, during the Holy Diner or at 4356 Hamilton Road in green bin- we can turn these into cash to support our programs.

Gwen and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support, love, prayers and positive, welcoming words. We feel truly blessed to be ministering to and with you. Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy summer, and please do join our friends at Reynolds Creek for Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. during July, while we are closed.

May God bless you and keep you, my friends. Blessings, Rev. Larry

CHAIRPERSON'S MESSAGE

IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT

• Holy Diner BBQ:

The Holy Diner is returning this summer. Enjoy a BBQ in the church parking lot every Thursday in July and August from 5 to 7 pm (inside in case of inclement weather). Please join us for a hamburger, hot dog or sausage on a bun along with a cold drink and a cookie. Here's a chance to catch up on summer happenings and a time to make new friends. Everyone is welcome and all proceeds go to the local Food Bank in Dorchester.

• Food Bank Donations

Donations are welcome on any Sunday or Wednesday morning until the end of June and beginning again in August. Summer is actually a time of great need as students no longer have access to schools' breakfast and snack programs. Snacks such as granola bars, puddings and fruit cups are needed and please consider donating family-sized canned fruit throughout the summer. When in our local Foodland, items can be purchased and placed in the Food Bank Box. All donations are very much appreciated.

• Canadian Food Grains Bank - Good Neighbour Project:

Please join us on Sunday, July 30^th for a delicious Pork BBQ and Potluck supper at Brown's United Church in support of the Good Neighbour Project. Entertainment at 5:30 pm. and supper at 6 pm. Barbequed pork, beverages and corn on the cob are provided. Please bring a salad or dessert, your own plates, cutlery and cup. No tickets are needed and tax receipts available for your donation. Call Cathy at 519-461-1679 if you need a ride.

CALENDAR

• July 1 - August 5- Church closed. Join us at Reynolds Creek UC Putnam 9:30 AM
• July 6, 13, 20, 27 Holy Diner BBQ 5-7 PM
• July 30^th Canadian Good Grains Bank BBQ 5:30 pm
• August 6 Regular Services resume - 10:00 AM
• August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Holy Diner BBQ 5-7 PM
• September 8 Welcome Back BBQ (see below)
• October 22 Church Anniversary 11:00 AM
• December 11 "The Scott Woods Band- Old Time Christmas" Fund Raiser - keep the date