Category: News

Announcements from Comox Valley Presbyterian Church 

The Memorial Service for Hal Hicks will be held on March 24 at 1pm at CVPC. Registration is not required but proof of vaccine and mask requirements remain in place. The service will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel youtube.com/cvpcvideo

TECH SUPPORT HELP!!!!!

Mike and Jenn will be away May 8 and 15. We need a few people to learn the new sound system so that those attending in person can hear! 

Please note: these services may not be live streamed or they will be streamed according to our pre-pandemic standards (meaning from a laptop on a chair in the church) if someone is also willing to learn how to provide that service.  

HOLY WEEK Services and Events

Holy week is a time in which we mark the final days of Jesus’ life and new life in Christ. It is a time of fear and despair, courage and trust, of loss and new beginnings.  Join the United and Presbyterian Churches in the Comox Valley as we spend time in lament and love. 

April 14: Maundy Thursday Service 7pm @ Comox Valley Presbyterian

  April 15:  Good Friday Service at 10:00am @ At Comox United Church

 April 16:  Holy Saturday Neighbourhood Crosswalk at 1:00pm
A walk around the neighbourhood of Comox Valley Presbyterian Church
This is a new event for us. It is a re-imagined version of the stations of the cross and will involve an approximately 30mins walk around the neighbourhood with stops, reflections and prayers along the way.

Meet at the bench in front of the Church on Aspen Rd. 

 April 17:  Easter Sunday Sunrise Service 6:45 Provided by Weird Church Cumberland Meet at Marine Drive Picnic area, 39 Marine Drive in Royston A Special Easter Service at 10:30am Comox Valley Presbyterian Church 

LENTEN PROJECT 2022

Nicaragua: Sowing Seeds for a Secure Future

Our goal is to raise $1520 which provides a community with vegetable seeds, fruit tree saplings, tools and training for a community in Nicaragua. 

To donate to the Lenten Project mark it on the “other” line of your envelope or donate online through our Canada Helps page and choose “2022 Lenten Project”. 

Lenten Bible Study

Our Lenten Bible study continues on Thursdays at 7pm until April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts. Please email Jenn for the zoom link.  

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk

I was recently asked to write a devotional on the verse “O Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” Psalm 98:1. At first I struggled to think of something to say and then in struck me, the command is to sing a NEW song to God! By coincidence, we have been singing new hymns a lot lately! And I know, new hymns are not everyone’s favourite. Yet, here this command is to sing something new. Is it because familiarity can lead to complacency? Is it because old hymns bring us comfort but we should always feel a little unsettled by God? Or is it that Scripture tells us that God is always up to something new and therefore we should be as well? I don’t have an answer! I do know that this Sunday we will be singing a relatively new song that uses old words. 

The Lorica by Steve Bell was introduced to me by the Canada Youth worship team in 2018. We’ve sung it at CVPC once before. It is a paraphrase of the words that may have been written on St. Patrick’s breastplate or shield (the word Lorica means body armour). 

Hence why I thought it might be an appropriate song for this week.

Regardless of whether you have Irish in you or not- enjoy hearing the Lorica and singing this new song on Sunday!

You can hear this song on YouTube.

The Lorica by Steve Bell:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KucM2F80_uA 

Please note, the version we will be singing is a little lower in octave and Elvera has done a great job transposing it to piano!

NAME TAGS

As we come back to in person worship we encourage everyone to wear their name tags or contact the office if you would like one. Two years is a long time to have to remember names, plus everyone looks a little different with a mask on. A reminder that masks are to be worn at all times while in worship unless consuming food or drink. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Lunch

At the upcoming AGM we encourage you to bring a bagged lunch. A reminder that the AGM will be held after the service this Sunday, March 20th. Parishioners can attend either in person or online via zoom. 

The zoom link is below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87479148718?pwd=di9ROGovaVRFWVZLekV0NFI0a0RCQT09 

Or call:

+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
Meeting ID: 874 7914 8718
Passcode: 840878  

ADDITION TO THE AGM AGENDA

At our AGM we will also have a “vote of acclamation” as the Session recommends that George Finlay be admitted as an active elder. 

George, and his wife Barbara, have been active members of CVPC since October 2002.  Barb has been residing at Glacier View Lodge since 2018 and George assists with her care as much as he can. He currently serves as the chair of the Property and Maintenance Committee. Prior to attending CVPC George served as chair of the Board of Managers and an elder at Haney Presbyterian Church in Maple Ridge. In his free time he enjoys playing clarinet, riding horses and attending concerts of the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Traditionally this vote is done with a secret ballot. However, given the circumstances the Session is hoping that this can proceed with just a vote at the AGM.  

Please contact Rev. Jenn if you have any questions. 

LENTEN PROJECT 2022

Nicaragua: Sowing Seeds for a Secure Future

The Mission Committee wishes to support PWS&D’s Food Security Initiative in Nicaragua for it’s 2022 Lenten Project. 

Our goal is to raise $1520 which provides a community with vegetable seeds, fruit tree saplings, tools and training. 

To donate to the Lenten Project mark it on the “other” line of your envelope or donate online through our Canada Helps page and choose “2022 Lenten Project”. 

Upcoming Lenten Bible Study

Our Lenten Bible study continues on Thursdays at 7pm until April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts. Please email Jenn for the zoom link.  

Senior Services BOOKLET

Pastoral Care Assistant Angela Hope has compiled a list of services for senior’s in the Comox Valley. Katie has printed out copies in the office.

The booklet includes information on the available; meal services, foot care, pet care, house keeping, house maintenance companies here in the Valley etc. Additionally there are lists of government resources available to seniors, from financial assistance, to estate planning, to medical transportation. Please let Katie know if you’d like your own copy.

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk

Ash Wednesday

A Reminder that the Ash Wednesday Service is

TONIGHT at St. George’s at 7pm.

You can attend in person or by watching online at:
https://www.stgeorgesunited.com/worship-online

Communion

We will be celebrating the sacrament of Communion THIS SUNDAY during our regular service. If you are attending the service online please have your own bread and juice prepared.

UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL

The following message comes from the PCC and PWS&D:

The PCC joins in prayer with our partners in Ukraine as they and all around them are faced with war, danger and uncertainty. We pray for safety and peace, comfort for those now in mourning, and humanitarian aid for all in need.

God of the Powers, and Maker of all creation;
God of justice, and Lover and Maker of peace,
we are distressed by the violence and the threats of violence
and destruction in the world,
and especially by acts of war and brutality that people experience in Ukraine.
In solidarity with them, we pray for those
who are suffering and in danger,
who live in fear and anxiety,
who fear what tomorrow will bring,
who are anxious for their lives and
the lives of those they love and care for,
and who mourn the dead.
We pray that those with power over war will lay down weapons,
and that those who have power to accomplish peace will have wisdom and compassion.
God of Grace, the Giver of Life, send your Comforter, the Spirit of Truth,
who is everywhere present and fills all things,
to sustain the hope of all those who seek justice and peace and
to inspire the leaders of nations to do what is right.
Glory to you, O God, Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit, now and forever;
in the strong name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

To help respond to the escalating situation, PWS&D is receiving donations for Ukraine. As a member of ACT Alliance and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, PWS&D is well placed to provide urgently needed food and non-food support.

To donate directly please go to:

Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Please note that our Finance Committee encourages you to donate through the website above rather that than through envelopes to ensure that the funds go to Ukraine in a timely manner.

Upcoming Lenten Bible Study

All are welcome to join us for a Bible study every Thurs evening at 7pm over Zoom from March 10- April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts.

The Book of Acts gives us a fascinating insight into the life, fellowship, and worship of the early church, as it developed post-Pentecost. The six verses (Acts 2:42-47) that form the backbone of this study are often referred to as ‘Holy Habits’. These habits will help us throughout the season of Lent.

LENTEN PROJECT 2022

Nicaragua: Sowing Seeds for a Secure Future

Your Mission Committee has moved to support PWS&D’s Food Security Initiative in Nicaragua for it’s 2022 Lenten Project.

“Many of Nicaragua’s poor are subsistence farmers who struggle to transform small plots of land into sources of nourishment for their families year round. This is no easy task, especially when their nutrition and livelihoods are so intimately connected to the soil and changing weather patterns.

PWS&D is working with some local partners to address the underlying causes of hunger and poverty so vulnerable families have healthier futures.  Agriculture as a way of life can be a risky business. Food production in Nicaragua hinges almost entirely on the rains. But in recent years, the rains have become less predictable, making it difficult for farmers to know when to plant their crops. As a result, families experience lean periods and struggle with hunger between growing seasons. Farmers who depend on a few staple crops are even more susceptible to crop failure and food shortages. Conventional farming practices like burning or the use of chemical pesticides might yield quick results, while leaving the soil less fertile in the long-term. Through innovative agriculture programs, PWS&D is helping smallholder farmers adapt to the changing climate and replace environmentally destructive practices with more sustainable techniques. Workshops teach farmers how to improve soil quality, conserve water and use organic fertilizers to increase crop production. With this help, farmers are able to harvest multiple times a year and plant vegetables that normally wouldn’t grow in the dry conditions. Excess produce is sold at the market to earn income and help families improve their quality of life. Through your generous support of PWS&D, communities in Nicaragua are overcoming hunger and building healthier futures.”

Our goal is to raise $1520 which provides a community with vegetable seeds, fruit tree saplings, tools and training.  Help us to sow seeds for a secure future!

To donate to the Lenten Project mark it on the “other” line of your envelope or donate online through our Canada Helps page and choose “2022 Lenten Project”.

 AGM on March 20th:

Our AGM will take place following the service on March 20^th. This will be a hybrid meeting with either in-person or zoom attendance available. A reminder to committee and group chairs that the deadline for reports is March 1^st.

ANNOUNCEMENTS From CVPC

UPDATE FROM SESSION

At the most recent meeting from Session it was decided that, “that attendance limits be removed from the pre-registration for worship services provided that attendees are fully vaccinated and masked.” This means we do not have restrictions on numbers but we still require you to register by calling the office or going on line to:

IN Person Registration

Masks and proof of vaccination protocols will remain in place.

CONGREGRATIONAL MEETING ON SUNDAY

A Meeting has been called for Sunday Feb 20^th following the service to consider the proposal from United Properties Resource Corporation (UPRC).

UPRC was one of three consulting/development firms that our committee investigated. It was one of two that created proposals for CVPC. It was the most thorough proposal with regard to actual building and management of the property.

UPRC is a corporation created by the United Church of Canada to help churches make faithful decisions about their properties. UPRC was recommended to us by our National

Church as a consulting and development firm that could help us. To learn more about UPRC go to uprc.ca

We received their proposal which included a fleshed out presentation about what they think is feasible on our site. For example, possibly 35 units, 30 units in a 3-storey walk up and 5 townhouses of which 11 units would be affordable at CMHC rental rates.

The following comes from the NBBC Report to Session:

“Included in their submission: the sorting of permission from various sources; explanations as to what has to be done prior to planning; recommendations and alternatives as to numbers and diversity of possible accommodations with plans and diagrams; possible financial returns to the proposed trust to be set up to operate the running of the project; and overseeing construction through to completion, including landscaping and managing the building upon completion.

 We believe, the “Trust” proposed by UPRC for the construction and running of the accommodation upon completion safeguards exposure to the church or congregation to taxes, ongoing management costs and any liability issues as they pertain to the project before, during, and after completion.

Our Committee is of the belief that UPRC offers a complete package.

Additionally, NBBC also took as an important factor in choosing UPRC, the recommendation by our National Church, to be in contact with UPRC, and the likely future move of the PCC national offices to the newly renovated United Church of Canada national offices in Toronto as an ecumenical campus.”

You can attend this meeting in-person or via Zoom. To attend via zoom click the link below or call the numbers provided:

Join Zoom Meeting

Congregational Zoom Meeting

Dial by your location

        +1 778 907 2071 Canada

        +1 204 272 7920 Canada

Meeting ID: 827 4226 9637

Passcode: 867708

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ENVELOPE SECRETARY

By now everyone should have received their 2021 tax receipt for their offerings to the church. If anyone has not received their receipt or is unable to print it please contact Pat Douglas at cvpcdonations@gmail.com or

SHARED ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE:

Everyone is invited to attend the Ash Wednesday Service at St. George’s United. You can attend in person (no registration required) or by watching the live-stream via their website on March 2 at 7pm.

Upcoming Lenten Bible Study

All are welcome to join us for a Bible study every Thurs evening at 7pm over Zoom from March 10- April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts.

The Book of Acts gives us a fascinating insight into the life, fellowship, and worship of the early church, as it developed post-Pentecost. The six verses (Acts 2:42-47) that form the backbone of this study are very familiar, often referred to as ‘Holy Habits’, and are always worth spending a little time with, as they speak to us about our own ‘habits’ and how they might change, or adapt, to the greater benefit of God’s call on us to share our faith and make disciples ‘of every nation’.

AGM on March 20th:

Our AGM will take place following the service on March 20^th. This will be a hybrid meeting with either in-person or zoom attendance available. A reminder to committee and group chairs that the deadline for reports is March 1^st.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS From CVPC

In-Person Worship

To register for in-person worship click the link below or call the office. We will be following all previously adopted pandemic protocols including proof of vaccination, masks and distancing.

Register here:   IN Person Registration

CONGREGRATIONAL MEETING NEXT SUNDAY

A Meeting has been called for Sunday Feb 20^th following the service to consider the proposal from United Properties Resource Corporation (UPRC).

UPRC was one of three consulting/development firms that our committee investigated. It was one of two that created proposals for CVPC. It was the most thorough proposal with regard to actual building and management of the property.

UPRC is a corporation created by the United Church of Canada to help churches make faithful decisions about their properties. UPRC was recommended to us by our National

Church as a consulting and development firm that could help us. To learn more about UPRC go to uprc.ca

We received their proposal which included a fleshed out presentation about what they think is feasible on our site. For example, possibly 35 units, 30 units in a 3-storey walk up and 5 townhouses of which 11 units would be affordable at CMHC rental rates.

The following comes from the NBBC Report to Session:

“Included in their submission: the sorting of permission from various sources; explanations as to what has to be done prior to planning; recommendations and alternatives as to numbers and diversity of possible accommodations with plans and diagrams; possible financial returns to the proposed trust to be set up to operate the running of the project; and overseeing construction through to completion, including landscaping and managing the building upon completion.

 We believe, the “Trust” proposed by UPRC for the construction and running of the accommodation upon completion safeguards exposure to the church or congregation to taxes, ongoing management costs and any liability issues as they pertain to the project before, during, and after completion.

Our Committee is of the belief that UPRC offers a complete package.

Additionally, NBBC also took as an important factor in choosing UPRC, the recommendation by our National Church, to be in contact with UPRC, and the likely future move of the PCC national offices to the newly renovated United Church of Canada national offices in Toronto as an ecumenical campus.”

You can attend this meeting in-person or via Zoom. To attend via zoom click the link below or call the numbers provided:

Join Zoom Meeting

ZOOM meeting link

Dial by your location

        +1 778 907 2071 Canada

        +1 204 272 7920 Canada

Meeting ID: 827 4226 9637

Passcode: 867708

Upcoming Lenten Bible Study

All are welcome to join us for a Bible study every Thurs evening at 7pm over Zoom from March 10- April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts.

The Book of Acts gives us a fascinating insight into the life, fellowship, and worship of the early church, as it developed post-Pentecost. The six verses (Acts 2:42-47) that form the backbone of this study are very familiar, often referred to as ‘Holy Habits’, and are always worth spending a little time with, as they speak to us about our own ‘habits’ and how they might change, or adapt, to the greater benefit of God’s call on us to share our faith and make disciples ‘of every nation’.

Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk

In celebration of our Anniversary I asked you to share with me memories of CVPC. In the coming Newsletters I look forward to sharing those memories with you. Please feel free to continue to write to me with some memories and I will include them!

The following comes from June Heale. The cross that hangs behind the pulpit was made by her late husband Harry. Despite having moved to Parksville June remains in contact with CVPC regularly thanks to newsletters and YouTube.

“Often my late hubby and myself  would see Jeannie on the street and give her a ride home.  One very humid hot day, we spotted her at the bus stop just outside the Driftwood Mall.  We stopped and offered her a ride home.  She gladly accepted, but asked us first to go to Thrifty’s with her and pick up a few things for her.  She returned our kindness by offering us lunch, (obviously the reason for the trip to Thrifty’s I could see she needed some help as she was totally exhausted from the heat, so I suggested that she needed to rest.  She was just so overcome with the heat, I  persuaded her to lie down.

When we had her settled away, we told her we would leave her to rest now..  Oh my she was quite indignant because she wanted to give us lunch for helping her.  I agreed if she  let me prepare the  lunch, so that is what happened, and the 3 of us set down to enjoy food from Thriftys.

This was on the Friday, that same weekend I got a call from D’Arcy, that Jeannie had passed away.  I guess someone in the family had told him about us helping Jeannie, he expressed surprise, he did not know we were doing  that.  So he kindly phoned us to let us know our friend had passed away.

That was shock to us, but both Harry and myself were so thankful that we had taken that opportunity to be a Good Samaritan.  I guess there is a moral story in this recall…..never pass up an chance to help one another out, one never knows God is going to call any of us home.  We loved Jeannie, she was such a pleasant lady to know.  We were richer for knowing her, and we were thankful for the opportunity to serve God by helping Jeannie.”

Thank you June for sharing this memory!

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk 

When I served as Interim Moderator at Victoria’s Chinese Presbyterian Church one of their traditions was holding a New Year’s Eve service also called a Covenant Renewal service. It comes from the Wesleyan (Methodist) tradition and was a simple prayer service, highlighting hope for the new year and a re-commitment to live a Christ lead life. As this year begins I know we are all facing uncertainties and concerns but I have a lot of hope!  Prolific hymn writer Charles Wesley wrote a New Year hymn and the words are quite helpful as I think about the hopes I have for this new year and the desire to continue this faithful journey no matter what lays ahead of us. 

1. Come, let us anew

our journey pursue,

roll round with the year,

and never stand still till the Master appear.

2. His adorable will

let us gladly fulfill,

and our talents improve,

by the patience of hope and labour of love.

3. Our life is a dream,

our time as a stream

glides swiftly away,

and the fugitive moment refuses to stay.

4. O that each in the day

of his coming may say:

“I have fought my way through,

I have finished the work that you gave me to do!”

5. O that each from our Lord

may receive the glad word:

“Well and faithfully done;

enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne!” 

Unfortunately the power went out midway through the service at St. George’s United on Jan 2! Those of us watching the live-stream know that it just simply stopped. Those of us hoping to watch the whole service on YouTube have discovered that it cuts out mid-sermon. I know that the tech team tried really hard to get the live stream back on line but the power went out three times during the sermon thus causing issues for their wifi connection. Unfortunately most of us missed Ross’ sermon! As a result Ross and I are working on another time in the future when he can come in person and preach for us. 

Announcements:

At this stage we are continuing to offer in-person and online services. The session will be re-evaluating our procedures and what we should do moving forward at our upcoming session meeting. 

Reminder to elders we have a session meeting on Tuesday Jan 11 at 7pm over zoom.

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk

At the session meeting on Jan 11 it was decided that we suspend all in person worship for the rest of the month of January. We will be meeting again on Jan 26th to reevaluate this suspension.

Services will continue to be live-streamed, broadcast on the radio and available in written form. 

While this is not a set-back any of us want, it is out of care and concern for our congregation that the session has made this decision. 

Other updates from Session:

The session received a status report from the New Beginnings Building Committee. This committee has been in contact with three church-based consulting/development firms and has received proposals from two of them. The committee hopes to have a recommendation to session for our next meeting. Following session these recommendations will likely come to the congregation for discussion and approval. 

It was moved that we proceed with elder nominations and elections with the goal of electing a maximum of two new elders. Below and attached is the information about who qualifies and how to nominate candidates. Due to the challenges of not meeting in person for worship, electronic or handwritten nominations (so long as it is from two members) will be allowed. 

Call For Nominations to the Eldership

This session moved to term eldership two years ago. Term eldership is a style of service in which elders serve for a 6 year term followed by a minimum 2 year sabbatical. Every 2 years 1/3 of the elders will resign from active service and elections are held. This means that every other year we ask if there are elders who wish to resign or take a leave from active service. Currently three elders have resigned or stepped down from active service.

At our December meeting we approved that elder elections will take place in Jan 2022 or as soon as feasible.

The Session is responsible for all aspects of the life and ministry of the Congregation (except a few areas reserved to the minister by our theology and our ‘manual’, called “The Book Of Forms.”) Here is part of what The Book of Forms has to say about the qualities sought for the eldership:

“Election to the eldership is the call of God, through the congregation, for service in Christ’s Church. Since the eldership is a spiritual office concerned with the rule and pastoral oversight of the congregation, only suitable men and women should be considered. They should be committed Christians, in regular attendance at public worship, persons of sound judgment and upright character, and either knowledgeable or prepared to learn of the government of the church…The eldership is a spiritual function as is the ministry, and the qualifications for the office are those laid down in ‘the express word of God, and  namely the Canons written by the Apostle Paul.’ An elder must be a professing member of the congregation and must be “an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity” (I Timothy 4:12).

The Session will receive nominations until Feb. 13/22 . Please uphold thisprocess, the Session, and the Congregation in your prayers, and thank you.

HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION

EACH NOMINEE MUST BE NAMED BY TWO PROFESSING MEMBERS OF

THE CONGREGATION. THE NOMINEE MUST ALSO BE A PROFESSING

MEMBER.

YOU MAY USE THE FORM BELOW OR CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL OR ANY OTHER PAPER, SEALED IN AN ENVELOPE MARKED “ELDER NOMINATION”

THE SESSION WILL VET THE NOMINEES AS TO THEIR SUITABILITY AND

WILLINGNESS TO SERVE, AND WILL CALL A CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING FOR THE ELECTION 

———————————————————–

NOMINATION FORM

WE NOMINATE ________________________

FOR ADMISSION TO THE SESSION OF COMOX VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH, COMOX

NAME (PRINTED AND SIGNED) OF MEMBER MAKING NOMINATION

NAME (PRINTED AND SIGNED) OF MEMBER MAKING NOMINATION

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk

In celebration of our Anniversary I asked you to share with me memories of CVPC. In the coming Newsletters I look forward to sharing those memories with you. Please feel free to continue to write to me with some memories and I will include them! 

The first memory that came in was from Peg MacMillan she writes:

“I started working at the Comox Rec Centre in 1993 and, being the ‘newbie’, I was given the shift no-one, including myself wanted, the Sunday shift. But hey, the job was a good fit for me at the time and I was told it would only be a short time before I would be switched out of the Sunday position. Fast forward to January 1995 and, yup, I was still the Sunday employee.
Having missed attending church for two years I was quite happy when I was advised a congregation would start to use one of our meeting areas for Sunday worship. I believe it was D’arcy and Marg Carr who stopped at my desk that first Sunday with concern I would be interrupted by the music and said they would ensure to close the door when the service began. I requested they leave the door open so ‘I might attend from a distance’. This arrangement worked perfectly as I was now able to attend worship while at work.
The friendliness of CVPC’s congregation stayed with me long after they moved on. When Rodney & I moved back to Comox I remembered this friendly, welcoming group and realized we were within walking distance of their church. And now, happily, we can say it’s our church too.”

Thank you Peg for sharing this memory and for reminding us that we never know how we can positively impact others and what effect that can have on their faith life in the future!

IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM SESSION:

The Session moved to RESUME in-person worship in February following previously adopted pandemic protocols. You can register to attend in person worship by calling the office or going to:

IN Person Registration 

The New Beginnings Building Committee recommended that Session receive and consider a proposal from the United Properties Resource Corporation (UPRC).

The New Beginnings Building Committee was in contact with three different church based consulting/development firms. They received proposals from two of them and are recommending the proposal from UPRC.

UPRC was created by the United Church of Canada to bring professional real estate expertise to communities of faith to provide them with all of the information they need to make faithful decisions.  UPRC would become a general partner with CVPC and would look after most of the cost, work, and management of a mixed housing complex. To learn more about UPRC go to:

https://uprc.ca/

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be called in the very near future so that the congregation can consider the proposal from UPRC. The date for this meeting will be announced on Sunday. 

Rev. Jenn and Mike are on holidays Jan 31-Feb 7. Erica Farrell will be leading the service and Jean Sarrazin will be providing tech support. Please contact your elder or Angela Hope  in the event of a pastoral emergency. 

A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk 

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter I am using the Biola University’s Centre for Christianity Culture and the Arts daily devotionals for advent. I have found these devotionals to be thought provoking and they compliment our Advent Bible Study on the songs in Luke very well. These devotionals include not only a short meditation but a poem, song and piece of art.  This morning the main focus was on Luke 1:49-50, a portion of Mary’s song. Mary declares that God has done great things for her, despite the fact that she is an unwed, pregnant, teenage girl! Sometimes we miss the good things God has done for us because we are faced with such deep challenges. Sometimes we expect good things to be momentous rather than small things. Tim Muehlhoff wrote today’s devotional and his words have helped me see the good things God does for us, always. He writes, “This Advent season let us cultivate a “seeing eye” that not only praises God for dramatic answers to prayer, but also affirms that “every good gift” is from above (Jm. 1:17). Today let us recognize that hot coffee, laughter, aspirin, an unexpected compliment, pets, Advent devotionals, family, seasons, music, braveness of front-line workers, poetry, and yes, even endless Zoom meetings are a form of God’s common grace.”

ADVENT BIBLE STUDY:

Our study of the songs in Luke continues every Thursday at 7pm over zoom (email revjenng@gmail.com for link) until Dec. 16th.

IN PERSON WORSHIP: You are invited to join us for in person worship every Sunday. Please register on line or by calling the office.  A reminder that we also require proof of vaccine and masks at all times. To register on line go to:

IN PERSON WORSHIP REGISTRATION

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: We will also be hosting an in person Christmas Eve service at 5pm. It will also be live-streamed. Please register on line or by calling the office.

Christmas Eve Service REGISTRATION

SHARED SERVICE JAN 2: Our worship service on Jan 2 will be at St. George’s United (505 6th st. Courtenay) at 10:30am. The Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart will be leading the service. To attend in person one must be vaccinated. The service will also be live streamed via their website at stgeorgesunited.com/worship-online

  CHRISTMAS HAMPERS: We are collecting funds for the Salvation Army Christmas Hampers. You can donate until Dec. 19th through your envelopes or via CanadaHelps. Please be sure to choose “Christmas Hampers” or write it on the “other line” of your envelopes.

OFFERING ENVELOPES:

The 2022 Offering Envelopes are now available.

Please note that many numbers have changed.

Please do not use 2021 envelopes next year.

You can pick up your envelopes during office hours.

Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm (OFFICE CLOSED Dec 27-31)

____________________________________________

OFFICE PATIENCE:

Our administrator Katie will be away on holidays Dec. 15-Jan. 9. We will have volunteers in our office during office hours to help answer phones and welcome visitors. Please be patient with us and note that emails may not get answered in a timely fashion. The office will be completely closed Dec. 27-31

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SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS: ALONGSIDE CARE GIVER CONSULTING

Anyone who is caring for a loved one, friend or wants to help others is welcome to join our support group for caregivers. The next meeting is Dec. 15th at 10am at the church. 

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SOME OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR COMMUNITY:

Comox United (Beach Dr) is hosting a Women’s Advent Service on Dec. 13 at 7pm.

Come and catch your breath in the company of other women. Music, readings, singing, and a time to be blessed by the presence of the Holy.

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DRIVE IN MESSIAH SINGALONG:

Opening Acts include The Comox Valley Children’s Choir and The Quarantones.

Car and Driver $30, Passengers $20 Tickets available at Blue Heron Books and Colour Your World.