Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and New Year.
We wish you the strength to meet any challenge;
the joy of knowing you are loved;
the satisfaction of rendering service and
the peace of a quiet heart!
Join us Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 for Celebrate the Dark: A Multigenerational Solstice Service with our director of religious education, Caroline Balderston Parry, Nicoline Guerrier and the children. Music by pianist Sandra Hunt and the Parts in Peace Choir.
Because our theme is "Celebrate the Dark," we are asking the children to wear dark clothing if possible.
Please bring your donations for the Mitten Tree. Stay after the service for our annual Christmas/Winter Solstice/Multigenerational Potluck with tourtière, quiche, salads, sweets and holiday treats! Suggested donation: $5 per person/$10 per family. Donations appreciated. All proceeds go to future hospitality committee events.
And all are welcome to join in our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 24 at 5:30.
Telephone messages will be checked daily and mail will be checked on Thursday, December 28.
Financial Commitment 2011
As another year comes to an end, please keep in mind your 2011 financial commitment or donation to the Church. (Tax receipts are issued for all contributions of $50 or more.) In order to qualify for an income tax receipt for 2011, all financial contributions must be received by Thursday, December 29, 2011. Any payments received after this date will be deposited and posted in 2012 and will not be reflected in 2011 tax receipts.
You may also make a contribution via Canada Helps which only allows donations using a credit card and issues tax receipts directly. There is also a 3.9% service charge incurred by the Church for each transaction, so we urge you to consider the electronic banking option.
If you have any questions, please contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555.
BidNite 2011
Please don't forget to submit your BidNitee payment before the end of the year. You can deliver it to Petrina Lee Poy or Maychai Brown on a Sunday morning or send it in to the Church office clearly indicating that it is for BidNite. Thank you for making this event such a success.
During the month of December, all unidentified cash in the collection baskets will be given to the Montreal Diet Dispensary which annually provides nutrition and moral support to two thousand women in need during their pregnancy and during the first months after the birth of the baby.
Monday, December 19, 7:30 to 9 pm in Phoenix Hall
Drumming Circle
Open to all. If you have no drum, we can lend you one.
Contacts: Ann Beer (514-426-1204) or Aldyth Harrison (514-739-3830)
Tuesday, December 20, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
We welcome children under five on a drop-in basis accompanied by a (grand)parent or caregiver. Pack a snack for your child(ren). Coffee is provided. Open to all, whether church members or not. No charge but a donation of $3/session per family is suggested.
Tuesday, December 20, 7:30 to 9 pm
Carmina Choir
New members in all voices are always welcome. The ability to read music is not necessary and there is no audition. Bring a sense of humour and good will, and a black binder if possible.
Contacts: Keith Robinson (514-931-9028) or Brian Brice (514-843-6497)
Wednesday, December 21
Midday Meal
Bridge or Scrabble at 10:15 am; lunch at 12:30 pm, followed by Music at 1:30 pm. This month, we have a special treat: McGill professor Sara Laimon and her two children will perform. The children will each have a solo and then the three of them will play together.
If you attended the November lunch, you do not need to register for the December lunch. Only people who cannot attend need to phone Ruth deGiovanni at 514-934-4956. Visitors are always welcome. Cost is $5.
If you have comments or suggestions, please contact Elizabeth Anglin or call her at 514-937-4095.
Thursday, December 22, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
This is the last play group until Thursday, January 5.
Thursday, December 22, 7:30 to 9 pm
Potluck supper at 6 pm
Parts in Peace Choir Rehearsal
N.B.: This is the last rehearsal until Thursday, January 19.
For information: Sandra Hunt or call 514-484-5559.
Saturday, December 24, 5:30 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Rev. Diane Rollert
Music: Sandra Hunt and the Parts in Peace Choir directed by Kerry-Anne Kutz
Sunday, December 25, 10:30 am
A Few of My Favourite Things
Rev. Diane Rollert
Sunday, January 1, 3 pm
Life is Always Unfinished Business: A Fire Communion Service
Note the unusual time
Rev. Diane Rollert
Music: Louise Halperin
(This will be Diane's last Sunday with us until April 8, as she leaves for her sabbatical in the Philippines. )
Help Wanted
Greeters required!
Guidelines are available if you are not sure what your function will be. To be a greeter, contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555. Or sign up on the sheet in Phoenix Hall near the back door.
Return of the Java Jivers!
Make a 45-minute commitment and join a team to either make the coffee and set up the serving tables; serve the coffee, tea, and treats; or clear up afterwards.
Experienced volunteers and printed guidelines are available for each team. Check your calendars and sign up any Sunday morning for some volunteering fun -- become a Java Jiver.
For more information, contact Frank Greene (514-933-4532).
The Caring Network
We are always seeking new volunteers. If you are willing to make a reassuring call, drive someone to an appointment, cook a meal, deliver a meal or write a friendly note, we would like to hear from you. If you're interested in being a volunteer or coordinator, please contact Janine Cobb at 514-938-9617.
St. Michael's Mission needs supplies for the coming winter. This day shelter is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, serving breakfast and lunch for almost 200 men and women daily, as well as providing showers and, twice weekly, handing out clean clothing and food bags. Warm winter clothing (coats, jackets, long underwear, mittens, hats, socks, shoes and boots) as well as non-perishable food, toiletry items, cards and other games are needed. Please put your donations on the big table in Phoenix Hall and we will deliver them for you. St Michael's Mission is a registered charity and will provide tax receipts for financial contributions. For more information please contact Christina or call 514-630-7523.
