New Vision Notes

Thursday November 23, 2023

Welcome to this week’s edition of New Vision Notes! If you’re reading for the first time, we’re glad you’ve subscribed. If you’ve been a subscriber for a while, we’re grateful to continue reaching you each week.

1. With a focus on Anti-Racism, this coming Sunday we look forward to a service led by Jen Hompoth and others from our church community.
2. Our very own Jen Hompoth‘s well written article, “40 Days on Anti-Racism: The Knapsack: Carrying Anti-Palestinian Racism” has been published on the United Church of Canada website. You’re invited to read the article by clicking here.
3. Humanitarian Crisis in the Middle East: Mission and Service partners are currently responding to those who are impacted by the conflict in West Bank and East Jerusalem. Partners are prepared to expand their activity into Gaza when a humanitarian corridor is opened, allowing for safe access to provide relief. Currently, there is an urgent need for food, as well as non-food items such as medicines, psychosocial support, and shelter. Please click here to learn more about how you can help.
4. A limited amount of Zatoun (Fair Trade Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Palestine) is available for purchase after church for $25/bottle. As a special gift, the first several bottles sold will come with a special gift of ‘Za’atar’ (a thyme based herb mix). Proceeds from the sale of Zatoun will be donated to projects serving Palestinian youth education, planting olive trees in Palestine and promoting awareness. You can learn more here.
5. There are still some 2024 United Church of Canada calendars available to purchase for only $10. Please see Arlene to pick up yours!
6. Mark your calendars!! À La Mode Choir is returning to The Music Hall on Saturday December 16th, with “Space Oddities” (a melodious journey through the cosmos)! For more information or to purchase tickets, click here or speak to Martine after the service.
7. Wesley Holiday Season Store Needs Your Help! A 30+ year tradition in Hamilton, Wesley’s Holiday Season Store provides gifts to adults, children and families struggling with poverty. Financial donations to the Holiday Season Store can be made here.  New, unwrapped gifts and gift cards can be brought to their new location at: 467 Main St East, Hamilton from November 15th to December 20th (Between the hours of 9-12 or 1-4, Monday to Friday). To view the holiday poster that lists the most needed items please click here.
8. The Mod’s Book Squad! Brew a cup of tea or pour a glass of your favourite drink, and snuggle in with a good book. Oh, and you can discuss the book with at least two friends — The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, and her guest – in one of Canada’s biggest book clubs.  The book club will host a discussion on November 30th about the current book on the reading list:
   

   The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don’t Want to Know About Each Other 
   by Raja G. Khouri & Jeffrey J. Wilkinson

   “A groundbreaking book that offers concrete ways for Jews and Palestinians to speak (and listen) differently to each other.”

   To sign up for the Mod’s Book Squad, click here.  To learn more about the course, click here. If you’re interested but unable to attend the discussion, the conversations are available afterwards on churchx.ca

9. The World Health Organization has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. We no longer ask people to mask to be part of our worship gathering; however, very much know that we remain mask friendly!
10. Join us on Sunday mornings 10:30 am week to week either in person at 24 Main St. W. or on Zoom by clicking here. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/782292511.

See you on Sunday!