Thursday December 7, 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. This coming Sunday marks the Second Sunday of Advent (Peace). We look forward to a service led by Julie and others from our worship committee.
2. Thank you to all those who helped prepare our worship space for Advent last Sunday; those who brought in food and treats, those who decorated our tree so beautifully, and for Erick playing festive music for us on the piano. For those who missed Rev. Miriam’s sermon and would like to give it a read, it can be downloaded by clicking here.
3. Please Note: Worship at New Vision on Sunday December 24th will be at 4:00pm in the afternoon. There will be no 10:30am service or Evening Service this year.
4. During the season of Advent (from this Sunday until Sunday December 17th), everyone is invited to contribute to our Annual Christmas Gift Collection for Wesley Urban Ministries. Unwrapped gifts may be placed under the tree in our worship space. After the service on Dec. 17th, we will be asking for volunteers to help deliver the gifts to the Wesley Christmas Store at 467 Main St. E.
5. This Sunday (December 10th), Kokoro, a choir that our very own Luke sings in will present “Wintersong” at West Plains United Church at 3pm. He would love to see you there if you’re able to make it! A promo video for the concert is available to view here.
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. We are seeking volunteers to help with the concert in many different capacities. Please see Martine following the service if you’re able to support this wonderful evening of music in our space.
7. You are invited to join us in-person or by Zoom on Tuesday December 19th at 7pm for an evening of reflection, and contemplative worship that creates space for the losses that can feel more present during the Advent and Christmas season. Your loss could be the death of a loved one, the loss of a country you’re unable to return to, a difficult diagnosis, or strained relationships that make it hard to feel like you belong. Exactly who you are and how you are are welcome in this circle of remembrance and hope. The service will include Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, a candle-lighting ritual, and seek to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and compassion.
8. The 15th Annual JR Digs Acoustic Christmas event will once again be held at New Vision on Dec. 23rd. The JR Digs group is looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly. We at New Vision would especially  appreciate volunteers to help clean up after the event. It will be a late night, but the bonus is that you get to contribute to fundraising for a great cause and hear the concert for free! Snacks will be provided, and we can make sure the church is ready for our Christmas Eve celebration. To volunteer, please contact: volunteer@jrdigs.com
9. Over the next few weeks, Helen Bradley will be selling handmade New Vision pottery (mugs and other pieces). All proceeds will be donated to our friends in Kenya with Nature Network, a group of refugees  helping LGTBQ refugees by offering shelter and training to help employment prospects.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. There are still some 2024 United Church of Canada calendars available to purchase for only $10. Please see Arlene to pick up yours!
14. 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.
15. Advent Adventures in Tidying! During the season of Advent we will be tidying up the Yellow Room and we expect there to be many crafting and knitting supplies in need of a new home. Please see Linda or Arlene following the service on December 3 if you are interested.
16. 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!
17. 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!