Annual Fall Meeting – Celebration of Ministries

Registration for this event is now closed to allow time to prepare for the meeting. Please direct any questions to Karen Wilson at kwilson@united-church.ca

Dear friends in Christ,

I am missing my extended church family! I greet you in the name of Christ, the One who calls us to gather, to celebrate and to support each other as we carry out sacred work.

Would you like an opportunity to celebrate our shared ministry in East Central Ontario? Me too!

Please join us on Saturday, October 28th at Emmanuel United Church in Odessa. Gather around the table, at the foot of the cross, as we recognize those among us who have made a lifelong commitment to serving and leading Christ’s church in this area. The doors will open at 9am with our meeting commencing at 10am.

A highlight of the day will be the ordination of Morgan Bell, ordinand from Omemee, and recognizing the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders in our area.

Registration for this event closes on Monday October 23rd at 4pm to allow time for the caterer to prepare for the meeting. Details of the meeting and agenda will follow closer to the meeting. But I can tell you we will celebrate ministry of all types, we will consider stewardship matters through budgeting and we will learn about the work of discerning currents, our strategic planning leaders.

But none of this makes any sense if you are not present with us. I know some will require the help of Zoom to participate, but there is room for all who wish to come in person. Masks are encouraged but not obligatory.

Events on Friday, October 27th: Maybe you could set aside the afternoon, Friday October 27? At 2:00pm there will be an opportunity to learn about the “Walking the Path of Peace Together” project, a joint initiative between Faith United Church and the Kingston Indigenous community, at 1467 Hwy 15, Kingston. Please dress for the weather and BYO lawn chair and water. Please RSVP to Rev. Rodney Smith-Merkley by call or text at 705-313-2775.

There is also a Valdy concert in the evening at The Spire (Sydenham Street United Church): Canadian music legend Valdy is coming to town! It is Live Wire Music Series honour to present this beloved musician once again. Numerous Juno Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards and even an appointment to the Order of Canada, Valdy has accomplished it all in his storied career. Opening the concert will be Gatineau’s Mia Kelly, a very exciting new singer from Gatineau. Live Wire returns to The Spire for this concert, a wonderful venue to present a Canadian music icon and a Canadian star in the making. Friday, Oct. 27th at 7:30 pm at The Spire, 82 Sydenham St. Kingston. Tickets: $25 in advance and $30 at the door (if available) at Brian’s Record Option and online at www.livewiremusicseries.ca

I can’t wait to see you all! For now, may the risen Christ bless you with good health, abundant life and community.

Rev Wanda Stride
Speaker, 2023-2024 assembly of elders