194 Avondale Ave. Stratford, On. N5A 6N4

519-271-3683 or 519-271-7946 Website: www.avondaleunitedstratford.com

SUNDAY Jan. 27, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Worship led by Rev. Keith Reynolds,

Rev. Kathi Urbasik-Hindley, Director of Music Lori Millian,

Sr. Choir, Reader Leslie Wright

WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE

For thousands of years, Indigenous people have walked on this land. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek and Haudenosaunee Confederacy and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. We also acknowledge with respect the history, spirituality, and culture of the peoples with whom Treaty 29 was signed and this territory wherein our church resides.

Announcements & Welcome Lighting of the Christ Candle

Prelude: I Am His and He Is Mine James Mountain, arr. Rachel Sawyer

Opening Hymn: God, We Praise You For the Morning VU 415

Opening Prayer: (in unison) Creator God, we give You thanks and offer our praise, With grateful lives and with lives of struggle we are here, When there is much and when there is little, we come in faith, In the hope of starting fresh once again, we worship. Your mercy extends beyond borders, dismantling lines we

make, Your grace pours through walls we create in defence, Your love awakens possibility when despair takes hold, Your tender way brings life from our wounds, Thank You for Your healing; its wide and wonderful ways… (Silence)

Words of Hope and Healing: (adapt John 14)

One: Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do

not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be

troubled and do not let them be afraid.”

All: We lean in and trust God’s goodness. Peace is near, Amen.

Theme Time

Hymn: Jesus Came Bringing Us Hope MV 33

Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD

Anthem: Gloria Deo Canon

Giovanni Paisiello, arr. Patrick Liebergen

Scriptures: Psalm 19

Luke 4:14-21

Message: A Life’s Message

WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE

Hymn: He Came Singing Love VU 359

Offertory: Fairest Lord Jesus Crusaders' Hymn, arr. Eric Daub

Offertory Response: Now Thank We All Our God VU 236

vs.1

Offertory Prayer (in unison)

You who come unbidden, arrive unexpectedly and show up with love. You who knock persistently with grace and receive our endless humanity. You who wash the world with hope, bringing abundance for all to see. It is for You that we give this morning. It is for the sake of this world in Christ’s name. Bless this offering today God, and make it real for someone else, Amen.

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn: Go To the World VU 420

Sending Forth and Blessing

Choral Benediction: May God’s Sheltering Wings MV 214

Postlude: Toccata in C Major Johann Pachelbel

Please join us today in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy fellowship and

refreshments.

Thank you to Andrea Milliken with the 4 year olds - grade 3 and Bill and Marion Douglas with the grade 4 - 8 in the Sunday School this morning.

Today in the Nursery, Heidi Dey and helpers welcome babies, toddlers, and children up to age 4. If needed, parents will also find our diaper changing facilities in the Nursery or in the washroom in the Narthex. Thank you to Joan Oue for co-ordinating our Baby and Toddler care

each week.

Condolences to the family of Helene Purdy on her recent passing. A celebration of her life will be at Francis Funeral Home in Tavistock on Saturday February 16th.

All are invited to hear Marilyn Finnigan’s story about the Medical Mission to the Dominican Republic last November. This will be held TODAY Sun. Jan. 27th, immediately after church in the Parlour. Clinics were set up to treat Haitians who live nearby. This was sponsored

by the The Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford. Avondale Outreach made a donation to this mission. The FOOD SHELF is open every Friday 9:30-11:00.

Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of many in Stratford. The clients are very appreciative of the donations that our church congregation supports in food donations and cash donations (allowing our

shoppers to buy fresh produce). While we appreciate all donations, we are unable to accept donations of used/new clothing and household items with the exception of hats, mitts, scarves and socks. We continue to gratefully accept all donations of healthy choice food items. This February we are offering Soup Tastings on Friday mornings to encourage clients of the Foodshelf to prepare a pot of nutritious delicious soup. We offer “Soup Kits” -basic ingredients, seasonings and a recipe. If you would like to participate (maximum of a 2 hour commitment on a Friday morning – and you don’t have to prepare the soup), please contact Anna or Sheila

From the Library:

Our Avondale collection has grown! Thanks to generous donations and purchases in 2018, there are over 80 new titles on our shelves. BROWSE the display in the library and

SIGN OUT one of these new books today!

Coldest Night of the Year Walk for Shelterlink Feb 23, 2019. If you wish to donate, please see Cheryl Schmidt after the service outside fellowship hall.

The Fundscrip pre-paid gift card orders are due next Sunday

(Feb 3rd) .. Forms available outside the office. Cheques payable to Avondale United Church.

United Church Women invite you to come to the meeting on February 4th at 7 pm in the choir room to hear Nancy Telfer talk about "Days for Girls". It is a group of ladies that sew and assemble hygiene kits for girls in Developing countries.

Items that they could use are as follows: 1. Large ziploc freezer bags 2. Girls brief size 12/14 or ladies small 3. 100 % dark or med flannel and cotton (no animals, eyes or camouflage) 4. Face cloths 5. 100% polyester thread any colour 6. Cash donations are greatly appreciated ( registered charitable organization)

A box will be placed at the back entrance to the church near the library if you are unable to come and would like to make a donation. If you require any further information. Call Susan Elliott @ 519-272-0063

“Days for Girls” Tues. Jan. 29th, 1-4pm. and the evening of Thurs., Jan. 31st, 6-9 pm. Cutters and sewers are needed ~ please bring scissors. Join the fun in the Narthex, as we sew hygiene kits for girls in developing countries. Avondale’s Dodging Disciples

Friday Feb 1, 2019 6:30 to 8:30 – 194 Avondale Ave – Fellowship Hall Invite your friends, family and neighbors.

Contact Staci (519) 949-2098 Kids, Teens, Adults of all ages, Refreshments, Snack,

Free of Cost 6 WEEK BOOK STUDY - 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do By Amy Morin

To register email Terri at terris@hpcentre.on.ca Starting Sunday February 17 following

worship

Camp Bimini is now accepting online staff applications for our 2019 summer program for the following positions: Counselor-in-training (age 15), Counselor (age 16+), Program Staff (age 16+). Applications will be accepted until Monday, February 11th, 2019. Visit www.campbimini.ca for more details and to apply.

Upcoming Events

Lunch and Learn – Tuesday, January 29th @ 12:00 noon in the

Parlour. Psalm 71:1-6 and Jeremiah 1:4-10 are the readings for the Feb 3rd service. Bring your lunch. Everyone Welcome.

NEXT “Sunday Supper Club” will be on: February 10th @ 5:00 pm in Choir Room. This month’s hosts are: Janice Ward, Ruth & Steve Sealey Bring something simple to share - a Salad, Entree, OR Dessert. Also, bring your own dishes & cutlery. Coffee & tea provided. Signing up will help us plan, but last minute is fine too. Everyone welcome; bring some friends; and after supper, stay to enjoy a game of >> Mexican Train, Rummy-O, or Trionimos.

Community Events

Thurs, Jan 31: An Evening of Comedy, 7-8:15pm, Avon Mennonite

Church . New Details:

Invite your friends and family to laugh with you as Tuong and Jesse

perform improv games inspired by suggestions from you! With quick wit

and big characters they’ll make you wonder why you’ve never seen

improvisational comedy in a church on a Thursday evening before!

We’ll enjoy some great live music with Michael Bannerman and then

embark on a story telling adventure with Sara Weber as she performs

her hilariously witty one-woman plan, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Laugh along as she shares her heroic attempts to get healthy through

hilarious stories about trying to lose a few pounds while gaining joy.

Freewill offering. https://www.saraweber.ca/

Innerchamber presents its next concert entitled "Sonatas" on Sun. Feb. 10, at Factory 163, 163 King St., Stratford. Andrew Chung, (violin) and Emily Hamper (piano) will tell the story of Viennese brilliance as they perform Brahms' Sonata No.1 and Mozart's Sonata No. 32 for violin and piano. Tickets $45 or $10 for students can be purchased at http://www.innerchamber.ca or Fanfare Books. To include a light dinner, please purchase by Feb. 8. After that, concert-only tickets are available at the same price online or at the door from 6:45 pm. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm. with music to follow at 7:00.

From the Office: (Office Hours Mon – Thurs 9:00 – 4:00 Fri. 9:00 -noon 519-271-3683 or 519-271-7946 Yvonne.avondaleuc@wightman.ca

Annual report submissions due Monday February 4. Tax Receipts ready and can be picked up outside fellowship hall or at the office during the week.

Weekly Calendar

SUNDAY Jan 27 - SUNDAY Feb 3 Today

8:00 MD Practice Sanctuary

10:00 Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Fellowship & Refreshments Fellowship Hall

Jr. Choir Practice Choir Room

Mission Trip-M.Finnigan Parlour

5:15 Community Meal Fellowship Hall

Monday

4:10 Mindfulness Meditation Library

6:30 Beavers 3rd Gathering Room

6:45 Cubs 3rd Fellowship Hall

7:00 AA (Women's Closed) Parlour

7:00 RI Discovery Library

Tuesday

12:00 Lunch & Learn Parlour

6:15 Beavers 12th Fellowship Hall

7:00 Solid Ground Bible Study Gathering Room

8:00 AA Choir Room

Wednesday

12:00 ABI Choir Room

5:30 Yoga Parlour

6:00 Meditation Library

6:30 Cubs 12th Fellowship Hall

7:00 Scouts 12th Gathering Room

7:00 Shout Sisters Sanctuary

Thursday

9:30 CAS Parlour

11:00 Recruiting Team Meeting Room

2:00 Pastry Making Kitchen

3:00 Aktion Club Narthex

6:00 Days for Girls Narthex

6:30 Guides Fellowship Hall

7:00 Choir Practice Choir Room

Friday

11:30 Staff Meeting Parlour

6:30 Dodge Ball Fellowship Hall

8:00 AA Choir Room

Saturday

9:00 MD Practice Sanctuary

Next Sunday

8:00 MD Practice Sanctuary

10:00 Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Fellowship & Refreshments Fellowship Hall

Jr. Choir Practice Choir Room