parkdale united church

LIFE AND WORK OF PARKDALE UNITED CHURCH

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Known varyingly as the “Our Father”, the “Lord’s Prayer”, the “Jesus Prayer”, the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples is recited in some form by all parts of the world-wide Christian family. But do we really understand the significance of it? What about its biblical, cultural, theological, literary/poetic roots and connections. Come and let us together mine the treasures of the “Abba” prayer, as some call it. Meetings are held Tuesdays at 9:30am in the Ladies’ Parlour, we will be engaged by this famous and powerful prayer, and allow it to “study” us.  For more information please contact Dr. Bailey

BAPTISMAL SEMINAR

The next Baptismal Seminar will be conducted by Dr. Bailey tomorrow, Monday January 30, 2012 @ 7pm in the Ladies’ Parlour. Our congregational policy requires parents/guardians who are offering children for baptism to attend. The next Sunday on which we will be conducting baptisms is February 12, 2012. Please contact Dr. Bailey if you would like more information.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month begins on Wednesday, February 1^st. Check out www.blackhistoryottawa.org for a list of events and activities.

YOUTH

On Saturday evening, February 11, United Church youth from all over Quebec and Ontario will be converging on Dominion Chalmers United for a great evening of food, music, and worship. There will probably be about 500 in attendance. As Ottawa is hosting this event, our youth will be showing hospitality by helping to serve the pizza, starting at 5 pm. At 7 the youth-led worship service begins with the band "Stream", drama, and video, followed by communion. This is always an awesome gathering so don't miss it! Junior and senior youth are invited. Please contact Melodee so that rides can be arranged as parking is an issue downtown. Parents are welcome to stay and may be needed to help with transportation. The next junior youth gathering will be held on Sunday, January 29 at 5 pm. Those youth born in the years 1998-2001 are welcome to attend.

2011 TAX RECEIPTS

In response to the many questions, tax receipts for 2011 will be available in the Sanctuary, in mid February.

PANCAKE SUPPER:

If you would like to help with the organization of the pancake supper to be held on Tuesday evening, February 21, please contact Melodee. Cathy Lees has said that she will arrange for a special gluten free station, separate from other cooking, to be available.

IN FROM THE COLD

Our In From the Cold ministry is offered every Saturday, with shifts from 11am-6pm. The volunteer schedule is posted in the Gladstone Hallway. We are still looking for volunteers to fill roles (yellow spaces on the schedule), so please contact Camille if you can help. She can be reached by email at: infromthecold_parkdale@yahoo.com or by calling the church office 613-728-8656 to leave a message.

SACRED MOVEMENT: An exploration of movement in personal prayer and liturgy.

This free five session series, will now begin on Feb 29.

Experienced liturgical dancer Wendy Morrell, Program Director of the Sacred Dance Guild, will lead the session. For more information feel free to speak with Jennifer Payne .

WORSHIP TEAM

The worship team helps lead the congregation in contemporary music several times a year. We are always happy to welcome new members, singers and instrumentalists. We have a relaxed, collaborative approach to music and we include various levels of musical accomplishment from those who read music to those who don't. We usually practice on Thursday evenings at 7:30 in the Parlour. Contact Melodee if you are interested in participating as we don't always practice every week.

UNBINDING THE GOSPEL

As reported in this month’s Messenger (newsletter), the Parkdale Council has approved the participation in a congregational faith and outreach strengthening initiative called Unbinding the Gospel. This is a North American initiative, which includes some United Church of Canada congregations, focusing on revitalizing the mainline protestant church. It exists to help churches become vibrant faith communities that reach out to new people. The Unbinding leadership group here at Parkdale gives thanks to God for the tremendous response. The five small groups are pretty much filled now and four of the five will commence over the next week.

If you are curious and would like to find out more, contact Anthony (abailey@trytel.com; 613 728-8656 x 222)

MESSENGER NEWSLETTER: Please pick up a copy of the February Messenger at any of the Sanctuary entrances.

THE WALK is a new production dealing with the stark reality of human smuggling and trafficking. Much of the play outlines real-life struggles and stories, which adds a very special authenticity. Our own Rachel Eugster (choir member) is a cast member in the play. Dates: Feb 3-5; 10-12. Time: 8 pm. Location: The Natalie Stern Studio Theatre, 294 Picton ave (Westboro) Ottawa. Tickets: $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Ticket locations: Mother Tongue Books 1067 Bank St; The Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington (Holland).

FOOD CENTRE SUNDAY

The first Sunday of each month is Food Centre Sunday.  Donations can be dropped off in the shopping cart in the Gladstone Hallway.  Financial donations may be made through the offering.  Mark your donation “Parkdale Food Centre”.