St. Matthew’s United Church eBulletin Sunday, Nov. 18 2018
News
Calendar
Tue. Nov. 20 - Book Club, 2 pm, at 1470 Summer Street
Sun. Nov. 25 - Anniversary Sunday (our 269th), guest preacher Rev. Dr. Rhonda Britton
Sun. Dec. 2 - Advent 1, Come to the Stable nativity display – plan to participate!
- Deadline to register for the Best Christmas Cookie challenge
Sun. Dec. 9 Advent 2, The Best Christmas Cookie challenge
Book Club meets this week
The Book Club will meet in the community room at 1470 Summer Street to discuss The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith, "a compulsively readable crime novel with twists at every turn." For information contact Elaine Murray, edamur50@gmail.com or Janet Copeland, j.copeland@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-445-5906.
Thinking about ...
... Several folks in the congregation who are healing from recent bumps and bruises incurred in falls, or other minor medical concerns. We're thinking of you and hope everyone heals quickly.
... All in the congregation whose thoughts and wings are turning to warmer climes. Godspeed to those travelling south – stay safe, and we will see you when the spring approaches.
Nov. 25 Anniversary Sunday
St. Matthew's will observe the 269th anniversary of the founding of this congregation on Nov. 25 at 10:30 am. Guest preacher will be Dr. Rhonda Britton of New Horizons Baptist Church (formerly Cornwallis Street Baptist Church). A native of Florida, Dr. Britton has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baruch College, a Master of Communication and Information Studies degree from Rutgers University, a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Acadia University. She was ordained in 2002 at St. Philip’s Baptist Church, Staten Island, NY, and came to Halifax in 2007.
Dec. 2, Advent 1: Come to the Stable nativity display
St. Matthew's sanctuary will host a display of nativity scenes on Sun. Dec. 2 so that the congregation can view the many beautiful crèches that will bring the real Christmas spirit to our homes this holiday season. If you would like to participate, contact Wayne Rogers by phone, 902-429-1680 or email, humber@ns.sympatico.ca this week -- he needs to know in order to plan the display space. Nativity sets should be brought to church during the week Nov. 27-30.
Dec. 9, Advent 2: The Best Christmas Cookie challenge
The second Sunday of Advent will bring a fun-filled baking challenge with "proceeds" – i.e., a lot of Christmas cookies – being donated to the Out of the Cold Shelter. Last year's chocolate chip contest was won by Jean Hattie, baker extraordinaire, who along with Craig Reiner has been named one of the judges for this year's competition. The categories are appearance and taste. Entry forms and instructions are available in the bulletins and at the back of the sanctuary. The more participants, the merrier – but the deadline to register is Dec. 2. Coordinators are Gordon and Elaine Murray, edamur50@gmail.com
Gifts with Vision
Each fall the United Church of Canada produces a giving catalogue with ideas of gifts you can give a loved one that benefits others. You can send a kid to camp, build a well, provide hot meals at homeless shelters, or adopt bees – whatever suits your interest -- and your gift can help change the world without buying stuff your friends and family neither need nor want. Gifts support the Mission and Service partners in Canada, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. Copies of the catalogue are available in the sanctuary, but it is also online at www.giftswithvision.ca
Sandwich sign-up for Out of the Cold Shelter
The Out of the Cold Shelter will be opening at St. Matthew’s soon for another winter season. Since 2011 members of our congregation have made sandwiches every Thursday for the Shelter. Jean Hattie, who coordinates the schedule, is available after church on Sundays to provide more information. Please consider whether you can assist with this initiative. Information about casseroles and other ways to support the Shelter will be forthcoming.
In the Community
Seton Conservatory Choir – Sun. Nov. 25 at 7 pm, Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, 6199 Chebucto Road. Featured works are Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Fauré. Conductor Garth MacPhee, accompanist Dean Bradshaw. Tickets $20 adult, $15 student at the door.
Nova Voce: An Evening of Seasonal Music – Fri. Dec. 7 at 7 pm, St. Andrew's United Church, Coburg/Robie. With the Halifax Boys Honour Choir and Bedford Brass Quintet. Tickets $10-$20, available at www.novavoce.com
Jubilate Singers 30th annual Festival of Carols – Sun. Dec. 9 at 7 pm, St. Marks' Anglican Church, 5522 Russell Street. The 80-voice choir is conducted by Terry Hurrell, and accompanied by Louise Grinstead, piano; Matthew Fraser, organ; and the Jubilate Rhythm combo. Special guests are Rhapsody Quintet and Ardyth and Jennifer. Tickets available from choir members or the church office. For more information see "Jubilate Singers and Friends" on Facebook.
Christmas on the Grand Parade – Mon. Dec. 10 at 7 pm at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 1749 Argyle St. A free evening of choral music, singing and readings with one of Halifax’s most historic buildings as a backdrop. Featuring the St. Paul’s Senior Choir and Junior Choir, as well as the Bedford Brass Quintet. Storm date Dec. 11.
Save the date: Tue. Dec. 11 at 7 pm – St. Matthew's will be hosting a fundraising recital for a young flute student from Nigeria. Ogo-Oluwa Emmanuel Sobukola, 23, attends Dalhousie University where he studies with Symphony Nova Scotia flutist Patricia Creighton. His financial position is precarious, so St. Matthew's is offering him a recital opportunity with a freewill offering for him to help cover basic expenses like tuition, housing, and food. More details will be available soon, but mark your calendar and plan to come support this dedicated, talented, and deserving young musician.
Bereavement Support – Contact the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax at 902-446-0929.
St. Matthew’s Activities
REGULAR EVENTS
Sunday Free Breakfast – Sundays 8:30 am (If you are interested in joining a Breakfast Team, please email Carol Smillie at carolsmillie@hfx.eastlink.ca)
Thursday Noon Bible Study in the Parlour (enter by glass doors). This fall we are studying the gospel of Matthew.
Choir Practices – Acabella Handbells Thursday 6:15 pm; Sanctuary choir Thursday 7:30 pm
Lunch Bunch community choir – Fridays at noon
St. Matthew’s Book Club – Tue. Nov. 20
Potluck Church Jan. 23, Mar. 5, Apr. 16 (Seder)
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Caritas Service – Second Sunday at 2:30 pm for Victoria Hall Residence for Senior Women, now at the Caritas Building, Mount St. Vincent
Melville Heights Service – Second Sunday at 2 pm at Melville Heights retirement lodge
MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2018/19
Congregational Meeting May 26
Session, Stewards, Board Jan. 20, May 12
Executive Nov. 25, Dec. 16, Feb. 24, Mar. 24, Apr. 28
Worship and Music Jan. 13
Administrative Stuff
Church office: stmatts@ns.sympatico.ca or (902) 423-9209
Pastoral care: Rev. Betsy Hogan, (902) 423-9209, stmatts.betsy@ns.sympatico.ca
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
Minister of Music: Wayne Rogers, (902) 429-1680, humber@ns.sympatico.ca
Student Organist: Matthew Fraser
On the web: www.stmatts.ns.ca
Enjoy St. Matthew’s United Church weekly bulletin. Contact the office to add
your email or to unsubscribe: stmatts@ns.sympatico.ca or (902) 423-9209