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 monthly 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. If you know of someone who would appreciate a gift of flowers, please notify the church office, preferably by e-mail 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?” with the answer being “Flowers”. The message should state “Easter flowers in memory of … from …”
• 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 Sun. April 9th. If you can assist with the deliveries, or would like more information, please either contact Crystal Smith at crystal.a.smith55@gmail.com or 905-809-8484 or the church administrator 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.

• After worship 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:00pm
• Next circle is March 19

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.

and please contact Susan to borrow a copy of the book.

This is a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America. What happens to them--and to the men they love--becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity, and passion. These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they're committed to their job: bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives. Based on a true story rooted in America's past, The Giver of Stars is a richly rewarding novel of women's friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.

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.

Whitby and Clarington Residents:
Your Input Is Needed for Community Strategic Planning

Westminster United Church Women (UCW) are planning the Giant Indoor Yard Sale for April 15 - 8:00am - 12:00pm.

As you go about your Spring Cleaning please try to put aside gently used items for donation to this Sale. 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 (hockey helmets), or plush toys.

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

• contact avatomlinson@rogers.com

We appreciate all volunteers! Chairs and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Ava Tomlinson avatomlinson@rogers.com 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.

1. Westminster’s Got Talent – Saturday May 27, 2023
2. Take away BBQ dinner – Friday June 23, 2023
3. Trunk Sale – Saturday September 30, 2023
4. Elvis (That's "Covid" Elvis)– Saturday October 14, 2023
5. Bazaar – Saturday November 18, 2023

• 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