  
We embrace people of all ages, gender, race, sexual orientations, gender identity, abilities, ethnicity, social and economic circumstances, in the membership, ministry, leadership and life of this congregation.
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Worship
What's happening this week
What's coming up
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Have a submission for the next email blast? Submit it HERE by 12:00pm Wednesday.
To protect privacy, phone numbers and zoom links will not be included in the email blast.
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Worship Service Sunday March 19, 2023
Our Lenten Wilderness Series brings us to a challenging passage in Matthew's Gospel. A text about final judgement, the nations are judged based on whether they have provided life-sustaining needs for the poor and vulnerable. Jesus identifies with the poor and tells us that how we treat our neighbour is how we treat him. Was Jesus a poor man? And why does it matter?
(Read Matthew 25:31-46)
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Due to MARCH BREAK there will be
NO J.a.M Kids or Just Jammin' classes this Sunday,
however, our Baby Jammer's Nursery will be open and running a program
for our littlest ones (ages 3 and under)
All J.a.M classes will return on Sunday, March 26!
See you then!
For more information about J.a.M or to Register your child(ren),
please contact Cathy Shaw at westminster.cathy@gmail.com or 905-723-6442
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Traditionally, Easter is a time to remember our friends and loved ones who are no longer with us. At Westminster, we do that by making a memorial donation in their honour, which is used to purchase beautiful spring flowers that decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Their names will be acknowledged in the Easter Sunday e-mail blast and the Westminster World newsletter.
Following the service, the flowers are then distributed to members and friends who are ill, in hospital or long-term care or who have been experiencing difficult times or recently lost a loved one. The list of recipients is compiled by the Ministry and Office Staff, the Wellness Committee and the Friendly Visitors.
Any remaining flowers will be delivered to someone who is newly identified and needs remembering. If you know of someone who would appreciate a gift of flowers, please notify the church office at wuc@westminster-uc.ca or if necessary, by phone.
Donations will be gratefully received now until the end of March. Three ways to donate:
- E-transfer to wuc@westminster-uc.ca: Please use the security question “Easter?” and the answer being “Flowers”. The message should state “Easter flowers in memory of…”
- Canada Helps: Select “Easter Flowers” under the Fund option. In the “Dedication Information” field, click on either “in memory of” or “in honour of”
- Cheque or cash: Drop off at Westminster during office hours or on Sundays in the offering plate. Please indicate “Easter Flowers” on the cheque and/or envelope. Be sure to include who it is from and who it is in memory of.
Any memorial funds remaining from the purchase of flowers will go to the General Fund of Westminster. The full amount of your donation will appear on your donation receipt (issued in February 2024).
Flowers will be delivered after the church service on Sunday April 9. If you can assist with the deliveries, or would like more information, please either contact Crystal Smith at crystal.a.smith55@gmail.com or the Westminster office at wuc@westminster-uc.ca
Receiving the potted plants at Easter brings heartfelt joy and blessings to the recipients reminding them that they are part of our family. They are not alone. Please consider donating today.
With thanks from The Wellness Committee.
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Each Sunday after worship, our Westminster Facebook Page will have a new prompt. This years Lenten theme is "Through the Wilderness". Prompts are open to interpretation, and all skill levels are welcome! Be creative, have fun, reflect, and share!
Check Facebook after worship this Sunday for the next prompt, and add your photo to the comments!
Challenges come in many forms. Here's what you saw in the word "Challenge":
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Special Lenten Labyrinth
TONIGHT March 17 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
"A time to reflect on what we are carrying into the wild...
and what we can leave behind."
Come on out for our monthly Labyrinth drop-in, which will have a Lenten emphasis.
In keeping with our theme of 'Through the Wilderness,' this week's Labyrinth evening will also have the option of an individual devotional activity.
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Spiritual Practices Workshop - Spiritual Practices 101
March 22 - 7:00pm
Ever wondered what Sara is even talking about when talking about Spiritual Practices? What are we practicing for? How can we 'practice' spiritually? Come on out as we get down to the reason we 'practice' practicing and how it fits into Spiritual Formation. Also, we will practice one (or two!) together.
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Spin a yarn with us this Sunday after worship!
- After worship 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:00pm
Come knit and crochet prayer shawls or personal projects in the Founder's Room after worship. Bring your own supplies as you're able. New to the craft or skilled pro, all are welcome!
Contact for more info: Linda Moroziuk
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The next gathering of the Book Club is Wednesday March 22, 2023 at 1:00pm in person at Westminster to discuss the book: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. Read synopsis here.
All are welcome! This is a Library Book-in-a-Bag set of books. To borrow the book or for more information, please contact Susan.
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FRIDAY FLICKS MOVIE NIGHT
Adult Night Out!
MOVIE TBD (We'll let you know soon)
Friday, March 31
7:00pm in the Sanctuary
Free event, popcorn included!
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Parents N' Tots Upcoming Dates - March 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12, 16, June 9 - 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Founder's Room)
Spiritual Practices Workshop Dates - April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24 and June 7 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Zoom)
Labyrinth Dates: March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Sanctuary)
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Wednesday, March 22 is World Water Day! This year the U.N. Is asking us to “Be the Change” - as we consider how we consume and manage water.
Canada is by and large well endowed with clean potable water and Durham Region has voted to preserve and protect it for us but we know there are 29 boil water advisories on First Nation lands so we can’t be complacent. A large part of the world needs help as well. So, be vigilant on March 22 about your use of this basic resource. A look at the World Water Day website has fascinating facts about water like 97% of our brains are water and 97% of a living tree is water! Have a look!
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Giant Indoor Yard Sale - Westminster UCW Fundraiser
April 15 - 8:00am - 12:00pm
We are looking for good clothing items, gently used and usable items that can be resold including books, games, puzzles, good kitchen items, tools in good repair – things that others will find useful and may want to purchase.
Note: Please do not donate items such as knives, child car seats, out of date sports safety equipment (i.e. hockey helmets), or plush toys.
Drop off times:
Friday April 14 from
- 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the front door
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the gym door
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Friday April 14 (afternoon and evening)
- accept, sort and set up the items for the sale
- Saturday April 15
- work at the sale
- pack and sort items not sold
- drivers needed for after the sale
We appreciate all volunteers! Chairs and refreshments will be provided. Come and work with Westminster. Please contact Ava Tomlinson if you are interested.
Thank you for all your support of this UCW fundraiser! We are looking forward to the Giant Indoor Yard Sale being a success
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Back by popular demand - Westminster's Got Talent!
Saturday May 27, 2023 7:00pm
We need your talents!
- Singing
- Dancing
- Instrumental performers
- Comedians
An addition to this we will be including a limited craft show.
- Woodworking
- Quilts
- Knitting
- Painting
Show off your talents! This is a fun family evening, but also a very important fundraising effort for the church. To register, please email Linda, or find her following service. |
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- Westminster’s Got Talent – Saturday May 27, 2023
- Take away BBQ dinner – Friday June 23, 2023
- Trunk Sale – Saturday September 30, 2023
- Elvis (That's "Covid" Elvis)– Saturday October 14, 2023
- Bazaar – Saturday November 18, 2023
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The Pantry is up and running again for 2023!
Donations can be dropped off Wednesdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm
We thank you with grateful hearts for your continued support in answering the needs of our friends who face food inadequacy each and every day. Please find a list of items for The Pantry Below:
- Coffee
- 1L Juice
- Crackers
- Canned meat/fish
- Rice
- Instant oatmeal
- Tuna
- Canned fruit
- Pudding cups
- Granola bars
- Toiletries
- Paper products - toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
- Dish soap
-Your Outreach Team
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Ways to Give
Other Ways to Contribute
- Join a small group
- Join a committee
- Help with outreach initiatives
- Assist with church programs for kids, youth and adults
- Help take care of the church facility
- Pray for one another, our community, and the world
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