SSUC NEWSLETTER September 2024
“The Abundance of Fall” Reflection by Rev. Karen
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
I love this season of the year as it feels like a time so ripe with potential. It is a time of enjoying delicious meals from fresh garden produce. There are opportunities to try new recipes as well as tried and true ones for pickles and preserves. People return from vacations or cottage time spent with family and friends. Children and youth return to studies and programs where they will learn so many new things. Committees and organizations return to their work.
As we move into this season it is an opportunity to explore how we participate in the abundance of life that Jesus offers. What is that we share that adds to a good harvest for others around us and in the wider world? Do we share our favourite recipes or teach them to another generation? Do our words encourage and affirm another? Do we offer ideas for new learning? Do we help others participate by offering a drive? Do we pray regularly for ourselves and others and trust in the one whose “power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,” Ephesians 3: 20?
We are part of God’s abundant harvest in the world. May we notice those places where we experience abundance and be aware of opportunities to share abundant love in all we say and do.
September/October Speakers
Sept. 15, 22, 29 – Rev. Karen Oct.6 – Rev. Beth
Services
Sept 15th – All Ages Worship
Sept 17th – Villa Service
Sept. 22nd – Shared service with Congregation from NB
Oct. 6th – Celebrating World Communion Sunday
Meetings in Fellowship Room
Tues Sept 24th 2:00pm – Study & Support
Tues Sept 24th 7:00pm – Finance Committee
Tues Oct 1st 7:00pm – Unified Board Meeting
Please email your committee reports to Cindy Harman at ccharman16@gmail
by Wed Sept. 25th
All Ages Story-Based Services – begin again this fall on Sunday September 15th and October 13th. These services will be offered once a month and are simplified so all ages can enjoy being together in worship.
Worship Readers – We are very grateful for those who volunteer to read our scripture and Mission Stories each Sunday. If you are someone who would consider sharing this ministry with us, we invite you to give your name to Fran Albrecht our coordinator.
Sunday Sept. 22nd Celebrating Together – Hillsborough United Church, from Hillsborough NB will be joining us for worship, lunch, and afternoon activities. This is one of several activities they have planned living into the 100th year of the UCC. They are an amalgamated congregation from 8 different churches over the past 100 years, from as far away as Alma to Riverview NB. They are big into music and love to socialize. Spread the word and plan to be present for this wonderful event.
Arrival 10am - come socialize before church, coffee/tea, crackers and cheese will be offered
Worship 10:30-11:30
Lunch - 12-1 at Victoria Schoolhouse, soup, biscuits, dessert catered by Chef Peter Hicks, please sign up in advance so we know numbers, you're invited to pay-as-you-can for the meal (our guests are paying $10 each). Place whatever amount is ok for you in an envelope on the offering plate and indicate it is for Sept 22nd meal.
Afternoon events - 3 experiences will be offered, a visit to the Tryon Museum, a Guided Walk around the Tryon Nature Trail, and Celebrating our History through Story and Song. Sign up sheets are at the back of the church.
SSUC Study and Support Group – will start anew this fall Tuesday September 24th 2pm in the Fellowship Room with Rev. Karen. Anyone is welcome to be part of this experience and that day we will select a book to guide our twice monthly meetings. We often add in online meditations/ted talks/etc. and you may participate as you feel able. The purpose of this group is to offer support to one another as we explore the spiritual issues of our day to day lives. Regular Group Leader: Helen Green. October dates: Tuesdays Oct 8th and 22nd 2pm
Prayer Requests – Would you consider being a part of our confidential prayer team? Our coordinator sends weekly emails to our team prayers, and we do our best to offer prayers Wed at 9pm and Sat at 9am (or whenever we are able) to surround individuals and situations with our love and prayer support. There is a box on the bookshelf at the back of the church for prayer requests, or email 
jm.macdougall10@gmail.com. Please note if you have submitted a prayer for someone and their situation changes, please keep our coordinator updated.
Creation Photos - Do you enjoy taking photos? Have you captured some of the beauty of our island, of your own garden, of anything wonderful you'd be willing to share to add to our resource bank for worship slides? Please send emails to kmacleodwilkie@hotmail.com so we can celebrate the beauty and sacred earth around us.
Building Attendant on Call – For the month of September, Jack is on call and can be reached 902-658-2009.
Pastoral Coverage – Donna MacKinnon (902-658-2610) and Helen Nicholson (902- 658-2324) will be visiting in September. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would like a visit, please call.
Donations – Items collected in September will go to the South Shore Food Share. October will be UPEI.
Spiritual Nurture
Hospitality Coordinator – We are seeking a volunteer willing to coordinate sign-up sheets and oversee our special events like coffee time after church and our community coffee times. If you feel you could share this ministry with us, please speak to Chair Vicki Francis or Rev. Karen.
Community & Regional Events
Coffee & Conversation Times at Crapaud Hall - We will offer this much appreciated outreach once again, beginning Tuesday October 8th through November 26th at the Crapaud Community Hall from10-11:30am. It is an outreach we extend to the south shore area so bring along your friends and enjoy this time in community together. Volunteers are needed to bring cookies, and volunteers to set up/make coffee/ and clean up. The sign-up sheets will be at the back of the church Sept 29th onward.
Camp Abegweit – fundraising dinner, September 28, 6:00pm. Chicken dinner, silent auction and cake auction. Tickets available in advance or at the door. $40/adult - $20/child. To purchase contact Sharon Howatt at vshowatt@pei.sympatico.ca. E-transfer to donations@campabby.ca
Springpark United – We are wondering whether any congregations have any surplus Bunn AirPots that we could buy to use with the commercial Bunn coffee maker and, a steam cleaner with built-in, wet, dry vac Thanks for your help. Mark Nicoll #902-393-7483
2025 Canadian Church Calendars are Coming Soon! If you would like one, please let Ruth know 658-2863 or email southshoreunited1@gmail.com
Humour
God is talking to one of his angels. He says, “Do you know what I have just done? I have just created 24 hours of alternating light and darkness on Earth. Isn’t that good?”
The angel says, “Yes, but what will you do now?”
God says, “I think I’ll call it a day.”