Summer Newsletter July 2012
305 W. 41st Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. V5Y 2S5
Tel. 604-324-7444 www.oakridgeunited.org July 2012
Oakridge United Church Page 6
Summer Newsletter July 2012
From the Minister’s Study
I arrived at Oakridge United Church six days ago. In those six days, I’ve met a group of people who really love being around each other. I’ve met people who are friendly, warm and welcoming. I’ve met people who want to love and be loved, to share their community with others, and to be heard and acknowledged as a viable, healthy community.
After unpacking 16 boxes of books, files, periodicals and liturgical props; visiting with some volunteers and staff; studying some Matthew Shepherd and Charles Darwin; praying; preparing and leading a worship service; and upgrading, cursing and finally reinstalling the office computer, I spent some time reviewing past annual reports for OUC. Maggie left a file of them dating back to 2006.
My first observation is that I’m the fourth minister to serve Oakridge United Church in the last seven years. I can only imagine how painful it has been to move in and out of relationships with so many ministers in so few years. My second observation is that the total membership as of Dec 2005 was 152 and the total membership as of Dec 2011 is 100. That is another source of tremendous loss. My third observation is that Oakridge, despite heroic fundraising and an awe inspiring thrift store ministry, has been running a significant financial deficit for the same duration.
I also observed a remarkable amount of hope, joy, and determination in the pages of those reports.
I have been appointed by Vancouver South Presbytery for two years, so that we as a community of faith can do some serious soul searching together. Please note that nothing has yet been accomplished by my appoint-ment – the work is ahead of us.
So as you continue your summer rest and renewal, please receive this newsletter as a call to prayer. Pray for your community of faith; pray for our members and volunteers; pray for our user groups and guests; pray for those members and former adherents of Oakridge United Church who feel alienated and estranged; pray for those members and volunteers who are exhausted and in need of rest; pray for those members of our community who are unable to join us in work and worship; pray for the leadership of the community and the staff; pray for the wider community of the church, members of presbytery, conference and General Council; and, of course, pray for yourself and your own relationship to the community. Pray for our hopes and dreams; pray for the continued presences of the spirit; pray for wisdom and insight to know what the Spirit holds for us; pray for patience and acceptance in receiving what the Spirit holds for us.
As a Christian, it is one of my most ardent beliefs that, God calls us constantly to do the impossible; it is also my belief, that God gives us what we require to accomplish it.
Prayerfully submitted,
David Cathcart
Minister, Oakridge United Church
TUESDAY MORNING DROP IN
Since its inception a month ago, the Tuesday morning drop-in has had from eight to 12 people attending. As “drop-in” suggests, we can come and go anytime between 10 and 12. It is in the lounge, with coffee and cookies provided. The intent is just conversation among friends. All are welcome - come for whatever time you wish and feel free to bring a friend.
STRAWBERRY TEA
The fourth annual Oakridge United Strawberry Tea was held June 23 at 2pm. More than 90 people enjoyed sandwiches and sweets as well as the traditional strawberry shortcake.
Entertainment was provided by Kenn Hutchinson-Surette who played the piano and led the group in singing all their old favourites.
Besides providing a delightful afternoon of fellowship and good food this event also earned $1,120 for the church.This was accomplished through the hard work and dedication of Carole Teather, Mona Blusson, Joyce Livingston, Shirley Sharf, Win Waterhouse, Valerie Weinert, Sharon Morrow, Roy Teather and Pat Pratt.
HERE & THERE
Josie just celebrated her birthday with family at Cloud 9 Restaurant at the top of Harbour Centre. Now she’s looking forward to the annual Fesenmaier Penticton holiday from August 3-10.
Dave Autin & Lillian Hunt had their wedding here on the afternoon of June 30, with a lovely reception following downstairs. They are now visiting relatives in Montreal and Nova Scotia—safe journey on that long Trans-Canada highway, folks. We look forward to your return to us at the beginning of August.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Irene Biro, Chung Wong and Bessie Quirk who are all dealing with serious, ongoing illness.
However, we were glad to hear of Dick Abrahamson’s release from hospital, and his return home to Effie. They are back to enjoying the sun and sea air at Point Roberts, in the company of their grandchildren who are visiting from Palm Desert.
Cheryl Entwistle is enjoying three weeks in Saskatchewan, returning at month end.
The Wyllychuks have been sighted around the neighbourhood on their bikes, making the most of the summer weather. They are looking forward to the birth of their first grandchild later this month.
Sharon Morrow had a good week in Oregon last month, getting to know Portland over three days, followed by some wonderful walking in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. At the end of the month she was lucky to go on a 7-day Alaskan cruise to Anchorage, and then spend four days in Denali National Park where the summit of Mt. McKinley (at over 18,000 ft. the highest point in North America) peeked through the clouds one afternoon. No bear sightings--but one wolf, some Dall sheep and moose put in appearances.
June Newton is being presented with a Queens Medal in Victoria on July 18th in connection with her nursing service in Europe (including Italy and England) during World War II. Congratulations on this honour, June.
Congratulations also to choir member Grace Chandy, upon the publication this past April of her third book. “Corporate Time Theft”, co-authored by Zen Tharani, looks at the problem of employees stealing time because in many cases there are ample opportunities to do so. Checks and balances to curb these occurrences need to be implemented before Time Theft becomes part of organizational culture.
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
--Tom Holmes
As we pass the mid year in this special place of Oakridge United we once again prepare for change--something we are all familiar with.
We say good bye to Reverend Maggie and hello to Reverend David --to Maggie go our sincere best wishes and prayers as she continues her ministry at Gilmore Park United, and to our new minister David Cathcart, welcome. We look forward to your being with us after a very successful ministry at Knox United in Brandon, Manitoba. We know you are happy to be back in BC and we are pleased that you chose Oakridge United to be your new church home.
Also we take this opportunity to extend our thanks to Reverend Blake Field, the Chair of Presbytery, for his involvement in bringing David to us.
A Task Force Committee has been formed, as instructed by the Annual General Meeting. The Task Force is to research options as to the future of the Oakridge premises. This committee will keep the congregation informed as we move into the future. We shall remain optimistic. Thanks be to God.
FINANCIAL REPORT
--Doug Golding, Treasurer
(as of May 31, 2012)
MAY Y-T-D
Contributions $ 4,083 $ 26,266
Thrift Shop 2,860 11,127
Use of Facilities 8,341 40,178
Total Income 15,284 77,571
Expenses 19,223 95,400
Expenses over Income ($ 3,938) ($ 17,829)
STEWARDSHIP & OUTREACH
--Rod Hourston, Chairperson
MISSION & SERVICEFUND (M&S)
Total to April 0/12 $ 2,720
May contribution 571
Total to Date $3,291
FIRST UNITED CHURCH
Total to April 30, 2012 $ 675
May contribution 70
Total to Date $ 745
OUTREACH
Our Outreach Project is First United Church Mission. Members of the congregation bring donations of food, clothing and toiletries on the first Sunday of the month and these are delivered to First United's Thrift Shop on the following Wednesday. The Thrift Shop staff are quick to respond to my arrival and help to unload the contents of the two plastic
boxes and return the empties to the car.
Our donations are truly welcome. The latest information indicates that 800-1,000 meals are serveddaily which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack. There is also a food bank on site for emergency situations.
OAKRIDGE THRIFT SHOP RIDES THE WAVE
--Thrift Shop Committee
In spite of our somewhat unpleasant spring weather, the Oakridge Thrift Shop continues to collect, sort, price and place donated item for sale.Profits have beenbetter over the past few months, and there is an increase in the numbers ofshopperson a regular basis. We suspect the advertisement in the "Coffee News"around Marpole, Oakridge, and Kitsilano accounts for the difference in business.
In an effort to show our sincere appreciation for the work of our volunteerswho come on a regular basis, the Thrift Shop Committee held a "Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon" Friday, June 1st. A good number of our helpers attended and enjoyed the event. Pictures of the eventwill be posted on the bulletin board late in July. Summer is upon us once again and volunteers needtime away with their families and friends just like the rest of us. Anyone who could assistin the Shop should contact Cheryl Entwistle: or call 604-322-1403 to discuss how they can help.
Donations are the backboneof the Thrift Shop business. We need more donations!
Please ask neighbours, friends, and family members to donateitems that are clean andin good working order. Just a reminder--we do not accept computers, televisions, kids’ cribs and car seats or helmets, nor large pieces of furniture. These items do not sell and add extra work for the volunteers.
Remember, collectively we can make a difference: we can make money to supportand maintainour church, we can enhance socialization amongst church members and friends, and wecan make acontribution to community service.
Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather of the summer.
WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
--Isobel Main, Worship Co-Chair
In worship, like the weather, seasons change and we are now in Pentecost.
At the end of June it was with some regret we witnessed the departure of Rev. Maggie Watts-Hammond after more than three years of ministry. We wish her well in her further endeavours.
Our thanks to Rev. Wendy Bily, Laurel Dykstra and Rev. Bob Burrows who conducted worship while Rev. Maggie was on holiday.
On June 17 the choir was delighted to host the Manila Chamber Choir who sang during the worship service--a rare treat indeed. Members of Oakridge Choir are now resting until September. However, the choir did sing on July 8 to welcome our new minister, Rev. David C. Cathcart. Our thanks to Ginger Shaw, who will be our musician until the end of July. Madelene Klassen returns in August.
Sunday July 1 was Canada Day and the worship was conducted by members of the Worship/CE Committee—Isobel Main, Dorothy Briggs and Cynthia Richards.
We welcomed Rev. David C. Cathcart July 8, when he presided over his first worship service as minister of Oakridge. Rev. Cathcart comes to us from Knox United Church in Brandon, Manitoba. He holds a BA Honours degree in Philosophy, is a trained singer and along with his many other accomplishments, likes to knit. Rev. Cathcart was raised in Delta, B. C. We welcome him and with God’s blessing, pray that he will be able to stay with us for some time.
--Dorothy Briggs, CE Co-Chair
BIBLE STUDY
Adult bible study, or more aptly named Wondering Wednesdays, had a dedicated group. On Rev. Maggie’s last night she showed us pictures from her recent trip to Italy--religious art in stained glass, sculptures, pictures, friezes, art in churches, art adorning ordinary buildings in the street and art on fountains. Art was everywhere and the stories behind it captured our imagination.
Sunday bible study continues once a month in the library following the service, with Rev. Roy Stark leading.
YOUTH
It was nice to see some children in church on Rev. Maggie’s last Sunday enjoying her story time. We look forward to “Hawaiian Night”, our Family Fun Night on August 22nd.
PRAYER CIRCLE
The Prayer Circle continues faithfully, and regularly sends letters and makes phone calls and visits to our shut-ins. June Newton sends birthday cards, and Dorothy Briggs sends get-well and sympathy cards.
MUSIC NEWS
--Madelene Klassen,
Music Minister
What a wonderful time the Choir has had this year. We’ve had the fun and challenge of learning music with interesting melodies and rhythms and intricate interweaving musical lines. Oakridge is blessed with good singers who cheerfully volunteer every week for practice and arrive early on Sunday. At the end of our Thursday rehearsal we often speak of and pray for those who we feel need encouragement and prayer. Remember to thank these wonderful volunteers.
I shall be away all Sundays in July. Ginger Shaw will serve Oakridge while I am on summer vacation. I’ll be at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in early July taking a two-day summer course in teaching music. It’s always interesting to see and hear new material and ideas.