The Spirit, Nov 2011

November is Stewardship Month at St. John’s 

This month, you will receive a mailing from the Board of St. John’s that will include information regarding our ministries and outreach initiatives.  Included will be some additional information that will help illustrate our different sources of income and how that income enables our ability as a congregation to serve God’s mission in our world.  A pledge card will also be included in the package. We ask that you take the time to read the information, then prayerfully consider your financial commitment to the life and work of St. John’s for the coming year.

Following the delivery, a Board member will be in contact with you by phone. Please take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the information package. We will be asking that you return the completed pledge form to the church so that we can begin the planning process for 2012. Your commitment of support for the coming year is the critical factor in how we plan for the future.

Below is a breakdown of our income and expenses to the end of September 2011:

INCOME                                                  EXPENSES

Envelope givings $148,506                 Personnel and Programs $223,201

Rentals 18,104                                         Property expenses 35,692

Fundraising 6,951                                    Administration 25,352

TOTAL $173,561                                      TOTAL 284,245

A quick calculation of the above numbers indicates that we are currently in a shortfall of $110,684.

For the last few years, we have relied on income from our Trust Funds to help us meet our financial commitments to bridge the gap between our income and expenses. Last year, the earnings on our investments at year end were about 6%. This year, our investments are currently averaging a loss of about 6%.

We are hopeful that our financial situation will improve before year end. We can pray that the investment market improves, that our Christmas Bazaar will be successful and that God’s people will be prepared to make a commitment to the future of our church.

Followers of Jesus
Growing in Faith
Reaching out in Love in downtown Oakville
with a heart for a much wider community.
Help keep our church strong.

Music Notes from Deborah Bradley 

November will be an exciting month musically at St. John’s United. In our morning worship services, we continue our Unbinding the Heart study. Our music for each week supports the study materials and our continuing faith journey through the 6-week study.  On November 6, we welcome violinist Entela Galanxhi to St. John’s to join us in our Remembrance Day observances.  As part of that service, the Chancel Choir will offer a new musical anthem, “How Long,” by composer Pepper Choplin.  The text for How Long reminds us through its haunting melodies and harmonies the need for a different way for humans to resolve their differences.  Paul Schillaci will also provide a solo that day.  

On November 13, the Junior Choir will share two pieces with us.  November 20 is Reign of Christ Sunday, and we will mark the service with communion.  It is the final week of Unbinding the Heart, and the Chancel Choir’s anthem for that day provides an uplifting finale to the study.  Stephanie Barone will also sing a solo on November 20.

November 27 is the first Sunday of Advent, and as we begin the new church year and prepare for Jesus’ birth, City of God will share a beautiful new song entitled “Blessings,” (made popular by Laura Story).  The text of blessings asks us to think differently about the many trials of this life. City of God interprets this text in the context of questions Mary may have asked as she begins to realize what God has chosen for her life.  The youth have been working hard on this one and can’t wait to share it with you!

            In addition to our music during Sunday morning worship, the Oakville Wind Symphony (director, Christ Arthurs) is performing at St. John’s United on Saturday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.  “Light Up the Night” promises an evening of enjoyable entertainment.  As the guest artist on this program, I will play two organ solos, and the St. John’s Chancel Choir will sing two anthems (one with the band, one on their own). Proceeds from this event will be shared between St. John’s and OWS, and St. John’s share will be designated to kick-start the fund for needed organ console repairs and upgrades. Tickets for this event are available each Sunday after church, from Chancel Choir members, and from players in the OWS.  Cost: $10 adults, $5 children under 12.  Please buy your tickets early, and please tell your friends and neighbors about this event. It promises to be a very special evening.  Wouldn’t it be great to fill every seat in our sanctuary?

- Deborah Bradley

Honouring Our Veterans
It is with pride and joy and thanksgiving that we present here the Veterans of St. John’s in this Remembrance month of November.

Missing in picture is Jack Brown

Each day that we enjoy the many privileges and freedoms we have in this beautiful country, we can be thankful that our Veterans and thousands like them, acquired these privileges for us at a very high cost. On Sunday, November 6, we hope that our Veterans will once again stay for a photo shoot after the service.

WHAT IS A+?

Every second month, St. John’s Congregational Life Team hosts a time for the adults of our community (no matter what your age) to connect and share fellowship.  We have room for 60 plus people to enjoy a delicious home-cooked sit-down meal, complete with tea, coffee and dessert. Afterwards, exciting and talented entertainment is provided.

Our next A+ Dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:00 pm, a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Entertainment will be provided by the vibrant voice of Frank King with Brian Turnbull at the piano. Be sure to mark your calendar now and make this one of your Christmas highlights! A free-will donation will be gratefully accepted on the night of the dinner. It would be helpful to know how many wish to attend, so please call Kelly Wells at 905-844-9636 indicating your attendance. 

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another . . .Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12-13)