Announcements
SSUC
SSUC NEWSLETTER
February 2026
Reflection by Rev. Karen
“We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you…
open wide your hearts also.” 2 Corinthians 6
In this letter to the church in Corinth, from Paul and Timothy, hardships, afflictions, hunger, calamity, kindness, patience, knowledge, genuine love, are listed as part of what they endured as servants of God. In honour and dishonour, ill-repute and good repute, through it all they kept their hearts wide open. They didn’t turn from the difficult things of life, and they encouraged that early congregation to follow their example, to open their hearts as well.
The chorus of a hymn by Ruth Duck calls us today to embrace this kind of living. We live in a culture that pushes us to chase after happiness and to turn from the shadow side of life. But this is not what leads to inner peace, nor to joy. Nighttime and daytime are part of the rhythm of life. There are different seasons we go through each year. In worship we have been exploring different spiritual practices: greeting the sun/moon, playing music, sharing smiles, practicing kindness, as ways to build light within our hearts so we have the resilience to face the joy and pain of living. Like a muscle we gradually train to get stronger, it is important to regularly soften and open our hearts to the full scope of what life presents us.
“Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving.
Spirit, open my heart.” Words by Ruth Duck MV #79
Services
Feb. 8, 10:30am – Season After Epiphany, Rev. Karen
Feb. 15, 10:30am – Coffee & fellowship time following the service, Rev. Karen
Feb. 17, 2:00pm – Villa Service
Feb. 22, 10:30am – First of Lent, All Ages Service, Rev. Karen
Mar. 1, 10:30am – Annual Meeting following the service, Rev. Karen
Mar. 8, 10:30am – Third of Lent, Rev. Beth Brehaut
Meetings
Feb. 10 & 24, 2:00pm – Book Club meeting
Feb. 12, 2:00pm – Spiritual Nurture
Feb. 20, 11:00am – Christian Friends meeting at Sandra MacDonald’s
Mar. 12, 9:30am – Pastoral Care
Fellowship Opportunities
Coffee & Conversation After Church: Feb. 15th
Lenten Lunches
Similar to the past, we will share together in an ecumenical Lunch & Worship – Thursday Feb. 26 and Mar. 19, 12-1:00pm. The lunches will be hosted at Bedeque United Church and they will provide food in February and SSUC will for March. Come and join us for a warm bowl of soup and time to build community together.
Community Coffee/Tea & Conversation
This outreach time will resume on Tuesday April 14th from 10-11:30.
Including Young Families
Our next story and activity-based, shortened worship times will be offered Feb. 22nd, Mar. 22nd, and April 19th.
Church Updates
Annual Reports
Annual reports will be emailed mid-February to those on our list and printed for active members. Tax receipts will be included with your report if you are an identifiable contributor to our church. Please pick up your report promptly either on Sunday morning at the back of the church or drop in to the office, Tues. – Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm.
Our annual meeting will be held March 1. It will be a shortened service followed by lunch and then our meeting.
Financial Update
Thank you for your generous support last year. Your contributions supported local ministries such as Camp Abby, South Shore Food Share, the Island Pregnancy Center, UPEI & Englewood students, and national and international efforts through Mission and Service. Your gifts were used to provide programming in our own church and hospitality through our Community Coffee & Conversation.
Last year several people made donations or designated memorial donations for our building fund which has been helpful to create a balance for when emergency repairs arise – which they did! The Finance committee invites you to consider continuing this focus into 2026. You helped replace part of the roof, and a furnace, as well as regular upkeep of our building. Your care was expressed through our Pastoral Care Team and Funeral Teams who provided food for receptions. In so many ways, together we have shared God’s light this past year and
with gratitude we report we finished the year with a small balance.
PAR
30 People contribute through Pre-authorized Remittances. This is a huge help in maintaining consistent monthly cash flow during periods when Sundays are cancelled or when people are away. If you would like to join this program, forms are at the back of the church or please speak to our envelop secretary, Bev Noonan 902-439-2352, and she can explain how it works and sign you up. If you would like to increase your monthly contribution, simply email Bev 
bevanoonan@gmail.com.
Study and Support Group
Tuesdays, Feb. 10, 24 & Mar. 10, 24, 2pm in the Fellowship Room
This group is open to anyone interested in exploring reflections from Kate Bowler’s book Good Enough through conversation and meditation. Rev. Karen and Fran Albrecht are sharing leadership this month and invite you to join in this wonderful time of supporting each other through the daily challenges of life.
Karen on Vacation
March 2-16th Rev. Karen and Paul will be away on vacation seeking some sunshine and restorative time. If any emergencies arise you are welcome to contact a clergy of your choosing or to await Karen’s return. Our pastoral care team will continue their regular visits during that time.
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 – Joan MacDougall (675-2386) and Vicki Francis (628-7228) will be visiting in February. Helen Nicholson and Donna MacKinnon will be visiting in March. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would, please call.
Building Attendant on Call – John can be reached at 902-888-7382.
Donations will go to the South Shore Food Share.
Community Announcements
Free Seniors Event – Mondays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, 4 – 6:00pm, Crapaud Community Hall. Pizza and games night.
Park Royal United Church has a Special Occasion Coming Up - Looking for the best Roast Beef Supper! Made with Love on Valentine’s Day! Feb. 14, Take-Out at 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm, $25/adults and $15/kids 12 & under. Cash, cheque, e-transfer or may be purchased through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../take-out-roast-beef-dinner...The e-transfer address is: office@parkroyalunited.ca Please call 902-894-9656 for more information!
Fundraiser for Camp Abby – Park Royal United Church, Mar. 7, 3:00pm. Come as we share our history, music, testimonies and joy. There shall be a gift shop and registration information at the door as well as programs. Several Community Leaders shall be invited. Please help us “Send Kids to Camp”.
Camp Abby - We are busy preparing for our summer 2026. This will be our 80th
anniversary and we are busy planning for some fun activities. However, we have still not received a name for a new treasurer. Our current treasurer needs to step away and we really need someone to step up. A job description will be coming soon, but if you have any interest please contact Sharon Howatt at vshowatt@pei.sympatico.ca or at 902-432-9193
Rural Routes Through the Holy will hold its 2026 gathering from June 11 – 13th. This year our rotation takes us to PEI, and we’ll come together at Central Queen’s United Church in Hunter River, PEI. More information will be rolling out in February.
Humour
Why should you never laugh at your significant other's choices?
Because you’re one of them!
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