New Vision Notes

Thursday August 1, 2024

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. If you wish to be removed from the New Vision Notes mailing list at any time, please click the link at the bottom of this email or reply to this email with a request to unsubscribe.

1. Congratulations Monica and the cast/crew of ‘Ushindi: When We Are Welcome’! Through captivating song, dance, and storytelling, the Ushindi Collective shared their experiences of being new to Canada with the audience.  A bunch of folks from our New Vision Community had the great privilege to attend this wonderful show throughout its run as part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival. Ushindi is the Swahili word for “victory”, and a word to hold when facing a daunting challenge. It also proved to be an apt name for a show that would end its run by receiving the much deserved distinction of “Best Show In Venue”. Congrats to all!
2. New Painting in our Worship Space! We are excited to announce that a stunning new painting will adorn our worship space for the season of Pentecost; painted by Collins! We’ve included a sneak peek of the painting here and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it in person during worship! Thank you Collins, for sharing your amazing artistic gift!
3. Affirm United / S’affirmer Ensemble is pleased to announce that their new Executive Director will be Ruth Noble (she/they)! Rev Ruth has served in many roles within the UCCan, and as a volunteer with numerous LGBTQIA+ organizations in Toronto. New Vision welcomes Ruth’s appointment and looks forward to working with them. The full announcement may be viewed by clicking here.
4. Feedback Requested: As you may be aware, The United Church of Canada is currently in the process of drafting an apology to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The Apology Task Group has made a draft, and are now seeking feedback for continued learning, reconciliation and action. This is a part of the United Church’s commitments to equity and self-determination, as well as eliminating barriers and working toward the full participation of all peoples. The task group will host townhall meetings this Fall, as well as share the draft with Regional Councils to continue engaging throughout the process. The zero draft apology, and an open survey is available for review here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qsPRYIJc-e8Ya_RMc699l0k7sK0-jQZ5QtPEI7uI84g/edit Please consider reviewing this draft and providing feedback.
5. Pottery Sale! Over the next two Sundays, Helen will be selling new and previously loved pottery, with all proceeds to benefit the Nature Network.
6. Jam Sale! There are 7 jars of delicious fresh currant-raspberry jam remaining for sale (and 4 jars of currant jelly) to raise money for the Nature Network, after the service. The price is the same as last year: $7/jar. If you bring back last year’s jar(s) you get $1 off per jar! Thanks, Karen, for sharing your culinary gift to help our friends abroad, and to those who have already lent their support!
7. Remembering Hiroshima-Nagasaki: Yukiko and Tetsutaro Shibahara are actively involved in the antinuclear movement and work closely with Dr. Setsuko Thurlow. A vigil will be held on Friday August 9, from 12-2pm at Dundas Town Hall (60 Main Street), where Yukiko Shibahara will share her personal story of growing up in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb attack, bringing witness to us about her life, her family and her friends from Nagasaki. All are invited to attend the vigil and reception with refreshments to follow.
8. Save the date!! Hamilton Pride will be Saturday, August 10 at Pier 4 Park! The event opens at 11 am. This year, New Vision will be part of the Affirming United Churches booth, and the Newcomer Fellowship will have its own booth!
9. QR Codes, Online Forms and Info, Oh My!!! We are introducing a bit more technology to our Sundays together. When you arrive at church on Sundays, you may now scan a QR code with your smart-phone that will allow you to view the Order of Service, info about attending worship, and there will be links that allow you to view/download a New Vision floor plan, sign up for New Vision Notes, or even make a donation to the church right from your phone! For those who don’t know how to use QR codes, have no fear! It’s not as difficult as you may think, so please don’t hesitate to ask for help! An electronic version of the Participating Member Commitment Form is also available (by QR) in an effort to reduce our impact on the environment.
10. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to lead a worship service? New Vision’s worship team is looking for some folks to consider leading worship. If you are interested in learning more about putting together a service of worship, please reach out to Julie or Dan.
11. Would you like to grow your knowledge of scripture but feel overwhelmed? Reading the bible is not a small task! Why not try daily scripture readings from The Revised Common Lectionary? The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of scripture readings used to by the vast majority of mainline Protestant churches in Canada and the United States. Daily readings expand the range of biblical reading in worship and personal devotion. This valuable resource can be accessed here: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/daily.php?year=B#id79
12. 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.
13. Did you know that we’re also on Facebook? If you’re on Facebook, you’re invited to join our New Vision United Community Group , where we post updates and share with one another online.

Together, let’s celebrate the gifts and graces of all!