March 2023 SSUC Newsletter
Reflection by Rev. Karen
“One more step along the world I go, from the old things to the new, keep me travelling along with you.” Sydney Carter 1971
This hymn is one of my favourites for Lent. Through this season many people have been journeying to various places in the world on vacation; I myself am venturing forth on such a trip. Others are journeying through health and life issues that can be challenging. And this hymn invites us to remember that whatever steps we take within our lives, God is present, journeying alongside us.
We are also invited round each corner we go, to learn more of what God asks us to see. Perhaps it is to grow in awareness of current issues such as racism. Perhaps it is to learn new ways to embrace the spirituality of aging. Consider where this Lenten journey is leading you to grow?
When the world around us seems tough, that is our chance to meet in community to rebuild our resilience and joy – worshipping or visiting or dropping in for coffee time. May you embrace the opportunities God places before you for as we travel from the old to the new, God keeps travelling along with you.
March/April Speakers
19, 26 – Rev. Beth 2, 9, 16 – Rev. Karen
Vacation – Rev. Karen will be driving to Orlando with her daughter Julia March 10-27. Please keep them in prayer as they travel. For emergencies, please contact Rev. Beth at 902-326-6523 or bethbrehaut1953@gmail.com
Services
April 2nd - Palm Sunday will be a family focused service. A relaxed, story-based service. 30-minute worship time. All welcome.
April 6th - 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service. An Upper Room experience where we will explore the final evening Jesus shared with his close friends.
April 7th – 7:30pm Ecumenical Good Friday Service hosted at Tryon Presbyterian Church
April 9th – 7:30am Ecumenical Sunrise Service & Breakfast hosted at St. John’s Anglican Church in Crapaud
April 9th – 10:30am Easter Celebration with Communion
April 16th – Blessing of Seeds and Fishers
March Meetings April Meetings
Tues., 21, 2:00pm Anne Unit Tues., 11 & 25, 2:00pm Book Club
Tues., 28, 2:00pm Book Club Tues., 18, 2:00pm Anne Unit
Announcements
Fellowship Opportunities
· Lenten Lunch hosted by SSUC at Bedeque United Church
You are invited to attend this ecumenical Lunch & Worship – Thursday Mar. 30, 12-1:00pm. Come and join us for a warm bowl of soup and time to build community together.
· Coffee/Tea, Cookies & Conversation at Crapaud Hall
Tuesdays April 4, 11, 18 between 10-11:30am we are hosting for the community, a drop by or stay for a chat time, where anyone can come and enjoy coffee/tea, a cookie and conversation. All are welcome. Pay as you can.
Volunteers are needed to help with this outreach. If you would be willing to make cookies or help serve – sign up sheets are at the back of the sanctuary.
· Including Young Families
A second concern that was raised in the survey was offering opportunities for children and youth participation. Thus, we will offer story-based, shortened worship times starting in April. Please share with neighbours or family members about our Palm Sunday Service April 2nd.
· Book Club – This group is open to anyone interested and you can join at any time. The topic is exploring the Spirituality of Aging. It is led by Helen Green and offered in the Fellowship Room. We will talk about aging with courage, vulnerability, and grace. This is not to ignore or deny the challenges of aging or the diminishments of our body and health. Through conversation, group spiritual practices and reflection we learn to grow through our age and see how our lives become blessings in the world. Next Sessions: March 28th, April 11th & 25th, 2pm
Donations – March - Englewood School. Crackers, granola bars, fruit cups. (Individually wrapped snacks). April – South Shore Food Share
Pastoral Coverage
Donna MacKinnon (902-658-2610) and Helen Nicholson (902-658-2324) will be visiting for the month of March. If you or someone you know would like a visit, please call. Joan Dawson (902-855-3183)and Heather Dixon (902-439-0735) will be visiting in April.
Search Committee update from Darlene MacDonald
At the December 4, 2022, Congregation Meeting, a discussion was held regarding a 30-hour work week for ministry personnel going forward. The congregation approved this change to work hours and the information was sent back to the Unified Board, who made a motion to recommend to the Search Committee to proceed with a 30-hour work week for ministry personnel. Through consultation with Rev. Heather MacDougall and the Regional Office, it was noted that the Search Committee does not need to change the online profile as South Shore United appoints a minister rather than accepting a “call”. The Search Committee was then able to pass this information on to the Ministry and Personnel Committee who are authorized to negotiate terms of salary, vacation, and the 30-hour work week with Rev. Dr. Karen MacLeod-Wilkie who is already appointed with us.
The Search Committee has had no new inquiries regarding the ministry position at South Shore United and a motion was approved to disband the search committee.
Trustee Update by Scott Howatt
Regarding Merry Pop-Ins - Scott informed the meeting that MPI has asked for a one-year extension to their contract with SSUC as they need more time to purchase Dawson Funeral Home. They have offered to pay the rental fee at either Crapaud Hall or Victoria School House to enable the church to have social functions. A motion was made and approved to allow Merry Pop-Ins Inc. to extend their contract by an additional year from end of May 2023 to end of May 2024.
Finance Update by Cindy Harman
Financial information for January and February 2023 is not yet available, however later this month an update will be put in the bulletin and on our Facebook page.
Community & Regional Events
Covenanting Service - Timothy Wisnicki, Montague Pastoral Charge, and Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters on Sunday, March 26th, 7pm Hillcrest United Church in Montague.
This is a great opportunity to share our support for this new pastoral relationship that began in the fall....and a way for us to see one another again! The days will be longer then, so let's do some carpooling and be in covenantal community together!
Camp Abby Annual Meeting – Monday, March 27, 6:00pm at Bedeque United Church. A representative from each congregation is requested.
The Winsloe Players presents “She’s Back” at the Carrefour Theatre April 19, 20, 21 & 22. All proceeds to support the QEH Foundation’s Big day of Giving. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 children under 12 and are available by calling: Proude Shoes (902–894–3504),
Winsloe Irving (902–569–0166), Clow’s Red & White (902-621-0500), QEH foundation (902-894-2425) or any cast member.
Calling all fudge makers! The Winsloe Players are graciously accepting donations of homemade fudge, to be sold at intermission as an additional way to raise funds during their event. If you are able to donate this sweet treat, please contact Barb Jenkins at 902-626-6313. Thank you!
Maritime UCW Annual Meeting – The annual meeting will be held April 28-29, 2023 at Visions United Church in Moncton. Deadline for registration is March 28, 2023; the registration form can be found 
here. If you require more information, please contact Ruth Kennedy at ulvashephersns@hotmail.com.
Regional Council Meeting – May 26-28 at UPEI. For more information go to https://ucceast.ca/fsldw-annual-meeting-2023
reVITALize Conference – June 7-9 at St. Andrews United Church, Halifax. A gathering for ministry leaders and lay people. For more information go to revitalizeconference.ca
Rural Routes Through the Holy - June 15th to 17th at Camp Abby! Find the registration form online at Rural Routes Through the Holy - Registration - Hem of the Light along with a list of possible accommodations. Look under the "Rural Ministries" tab. We will be using the World Cafe (Rural Cafe) process again this year and require a quantity of folding card tables. If you know of any churches or organizations that would be able to loan some to us for the event, this would be greatly appreciated. Our email address is ruralroutesatlantic@gmail.com
Humour
When I went to a Christian school, I walked into the cafeteria and there on the table was a plate of fruit. Next to it was a sign that said "Take one. God is watching."
Next to the fruit was a plate of cookies, which had a sign next to it, written by a fellow student, that said "Take as many as you want. God is watching the fruit."
Readers Digest
Shore United Church P.O. Box 4, Crapaud, PE C0A 1J0 Office: 902-658-2863 ssuc@pei.aibn.com Rev. Karen kmacleodwilkie@hotmail.com