Announcements
SSUC NSSUC NEWSLETTER
October 2025
Reflection by Rev. Karen
Vibrantly coloured leaves grace our trees and bushes, newly turned soil indicates harvested crops, and overflowing announcement pages show us community programs are in full swing. It is a paradoxical time, for beauty and abundance surround us at the same time as drought and hunger and increasingly dark days confront us in nature and in the world around us.
Jesus often made paradoxical statements – that we must lose our life to find it, that the last shall be first, or he invited people to lay Photo: Jack Sorensen
down their burdens and find rest in him as they took up his yoke. While paradoxes seem contradictory, they also teach us deep truths. Sometimes both parts of those statements and both aspects of our experiences can be true.
When we stop trying to control things, we find peace. When we let go of striving for power for ourselves, we discover the power of community. When we release worry, we can take up joy. We can be aware of the challenges and live with pain and darkness yet still see beauty and hold on to hope.
Theologian Kate Bowler has written this blessing for us in her book, Have a Beautiful Terrible Day, (Convergent Books, New York. 2024. Pxxvii).
“Blessed are we, the anxious, with eyes wide open to the lovely and the awful.
Blessed are we, the aware, knowing that the only sane thing to do in such a world
Is to admit the fear that sits in our peripheral vision.
Blessed are we, the hopeful, eyes searching for the horizon,
Ready to meet the next miracle, the next surprise.
Yes, blessed are we, the grateful, awake to this beautiful, terrible day.”
Speakers
Rev. Karen 902-940-6349
Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 – Rev. Karen Nov 23 – Rev. Beth
Services
Nov. 2 – All Ages
Nov. 16 – Memorial Song Service
Nov. 23 – Decorating after the service
Nov. 30 – Sorensen Concert
Meetings
Oct. 21, 7:00pm – Visioning Committee
Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 9:30am – Remembering Our Loved Ones support group
Oct. 28, Nov. 25, 2:00pm – Book Club/Spiritual Support Group
Nov. 13, 2:00pm - Pastoral Care Committee
Nov. 13, 7:00pm – Finance Committee
Nov. 14, 1:00pm - Christian Friends Meeting (at the home of Marie Paynter)
Nov. 25, 7:00pm Unified Board
Reports
Finance Committee
Many thanks to our church family for your ongoing support of the ministry we provide here at South Shore United. As of the end of August our offerings to the church are just $2,000 less than last year and M&S is just about even with last year. We have surpassed last year in total revenue for this month as we had an Estate Bequest for $25,000 this past May, and we received $6700 more in Memorials than last year. Our investments are also ahead of last year!
It has been brought to the attention of the Finance Committee that CRA is very clear regarding to whom charities – churches can donate money. Charities can only donate money to other charities. Over the past number of years, we have been donating money to South Shore Food Share and Englewood School both of which are not registered charities, and those making the donations have been receiving tax receipts from SSPC for those donations. To comply with CRA, we will no longer accept monetary donations from the congregation intended to be forwarded to the Food Share and/or Schools. Committees should ensure that organizations are registered charities (not-for-profit is not a charity) before committing money to them.
We no longer accept Gift-in-Kind donations. This is a means of paying for an item you purchase on our behalf, including supplies for the church or other items for the church. The person submits the paid invoice to the church who records this invoice as a donation to the church, and further expenses the invoice to the appropriate account. The amount of the purchase is added to the person’s donations for a tax receipt (excluding taxes) from the church at the end of the year. Money is not exchanged. This arrangement cannot be used for services performed, per CRA (snow removal, committee members performing tasks, etc.). Instead of this method we will continue to use Cheque Swap/Exchange. This refers to a person purchasing something on our behalf and submitting the paid invoice to the church for reimbursement. The church issues a cheque or etransfer to the person for the total amount of the invoice. The person then donates the total amount or a portion of the invoice back to the church if they wish. This is the method usually used by our congregation.
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact Cindy Harman, Chair.
Announcements
Remembering Our Loved Ones – A Support Group for those living with the loss of a loved one. This group will meet for 6 weeks and is intended for those who would like to learn new and supportive ways to reclaim moments of contentment and happiness while honouring those who have died. Pre-registration is required. Call Rev. Karen 902-940-6349 Tues., Thur., or Fridays between 9am and 5pm.
Coffee & Conversation – This will be starting up again Oct. 21, 10:00am at the Crapaud Hall. If you would like to support this outreach as a volunteer sign-up sheets are on the table at back of the church.
Calendars – United church calendars are available, $7.00 plus shipping. Jack’s photo is on the front cover. Please let Ruth know by Oct. 26 if you would like one.
Memorial Song Service – Sunday November 16. Please call the office with your requests for hymns or special music offered in memory of your loved ones by November 4. Below are a few ideas but if you have a favourite not listed just let us know what you'd like. The suggested amount for a memorial is $20 per request.
Hymns: Go Make a Diff'rence MV #209
In the Bulb VU #703
Precious Lord, Take My Hand VU #670
We Shall Go Out VU #586
What a Friend We Have in Jesus VU #664
I See A New Heaven VU #713
Choir: I Have a Song to Sing
Eagle's Wings VU #808
River MV #3
God Lead's Us Along
In My Heart There Rings a Melody
Greeters – needed each week, please see sign-up sheet at the back of the church.
Prayer Requests – There is a box on the bookshelf at the back of the church for prayer requests, or email 
jm.macdougall10@gmail.com.
Pastoral Coverage – Barb Clement (902-393-3816) and Michelle Holmes 9902-314-4048) will be visiting in October. Joan MacDougall and Vicki Francis will be visiting in November. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would like a visit, please call.
Building Attendant on Call – John can be reached at 902-658-2305.
Community Events
MPI Halloween Parade – The parade will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, 9:30am. MPI will supply the treats for any members who want to help hand them out. If you are interested email Rebecca at becca@merrypopins-pe.ca to sign up.
The WoHeLo/QEH Auxiliary Fall Clothing Sale – Oct. 23, 12 – 8 pm; Oct. 24, 10am – 6pm; and Oct. 25, 10am – 2pm. 144 Dorchester St., Charlottetown. All proceeds go to fund equipment for high-risk newborn babies in the province.
Bonshaw’s Welcome Fall Variety Show – Oct. 26, 2:00pm. Fundraiser featuring local talent: Aaron Stevenson & friends, Morgan Palmer and Keith Baglole & friends, and the musical trio of Cam MacDuffee, Greg Gale and Ben Kunder. A happy collision of comedy, story-telling, and down-home folk music guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a tap to your toes. Fall bulbs for spring blooms will be gifted to all. Admission by donation. Kids under 12 free.
Spook Organa! – A night of spooky organ music and more - fun for all ages - family friendly. Sunday, Oct. 26, 7-8:00pm (Doors open at 6:30). Trinity United Church, 90 Spring St., Summerside. The members of the PEI Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists will be decked in their scariest attire as they continue their Halloween tradition of performing at Spook Organa! The concert of macabre organ classics is punctuated with haunting readings and audience participation! Come in costume and receive a loot bag! Admission is by free-will offering. Kids of all ages are invited to come in their Halloween attire and if possible, bring a donation to the food bank. All monetary donations go to our work in promoting the sounds of the pipe organ!!
PEI Cluster – Oct. 28, 4-8 p.m. Spring Park Church, Charlottetown. Special guests are Rev. Shepherd Munikwa, Regional Minister for Justice, Mission & Outreach, and Jordan MacDonald from O’Leary pastoral charge. There will be a light meal provided, with vegan and gluten free soup, rolls, fruit and cookies as well as tea and coffee. A suggested donation of $5 to cover food costs. To ensure we get our food order right, please register by October 20. Use this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13UH7zTw6rJfbBy9SiSOYi0mKNzLneZW90hxmZMZdpgM/edit
Humour
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
South Shore United Church, P.O. Box 4, Crapaud, PE C0A 1J0
Clergy: Rev. Dr. Karen MacLeod-Wilkie 902-940-6349;
Office Administrator: Ruth Boulter 902-658-2863
Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 830am – 1230pm
Email: southshoreunited1@gmail.com
E-Transfer: ssuc.et21@gmail.com