Bay of Quinte Conference United Church Women -
Mid-Week Event - Music and Memories
Hosted by Oshawa Presbyterial, Held at Kingsview United Church in Oshawa, October 26th, 2011
The theme of the day was Music and Memories with a theme hymn titled 'For The Music Of Creation'.
Since some people travelled some distance to attend, it's a warm welcome to have coffee and muffins available. Gathering in the sanctuary with music was very symbolic considering our theme. A special thank you to Janet Rice for filling in on the piano with very short notice (people do get sick).
Throughout the day each of the 7 Presbyterials take part in different ways such as Introductions, Thank-you, a Surprise, Worship, and Offering. Lindsay chose a worship titled A Love Song from a book many of us are familiar with, Beside Still Waters by Betty Radford Turcott, with Psalm 100 as their reading. Thank you for the words to show each of us that our lives can be a song of praise to God.
Bev Foster, executive director of Room 217 Foundation, was our guest speaker. The first of many pieces she played for us was' I Believe In The Power Of You And I', she asked us to think of what that piece of music meant to us. Learning about the cross-coding of music and memories, how neuron-science can actually see where the brain gets activated by music alone and that music is stored in different areas of the brain so when some areas are damaged there is still a memory, was fascinating. Not all recall to music is positive. It can sometimes stir very sad memories. Music can be a bridge from us to someone with cognitive impairment such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Music can play a very strong role in palliative care, a way to care for the person and their soul. With some songs Bev performed, we were asked to share with two or three people close to us, what memory was triggered by the piece. This was truly a different way of learning something new about friends.
In 2005, the first three cds were released for palliative care use. The Room 217 Foundation, a not-for-profit Corporation and registered Canadian charity was established in 2009 in order to produce and deliver distinctive music care resources, to train front line care providers in the therapeutic use of music and to promote creative research into music and care.
Singing' Will You Remember Me', Bev talked about Jesus and the Last Supper, how this was his way of giving us a memory. When we gather, we will remember him. He is with us. In gathering as Christians, there is a future. Closing hymn was 'We Gather Here'. Those of us in attendance will remember how connections are made through music.
With two seating's for lunch (dinner) there was time to visit Pat Gilmour in the book room and catch up with friends. The afternoon began with music to gather us in the Sanctuary with approximately 130 women in attendance, there was a joyful noise made unto the Lord.
Carol Brown educated us on Fair Trade products, and informed us of some companies that support fair trade farmers. We need to remember to look for the fair trade logo when shopping.
June Drain did a workshop in the afternoon titled "What are we doing right?" remembering our UCW through different decades. We, the women of the church, are responsible to spread the word of Jesus, after all, we were part of the resurrection story.
There were stations signifying three dates: 1962, 1987 & 2011. We were asked to go to the date that was most meaningful to us. In each group there was so much honest and fun discussion about the UCW relating to that period of time it is impossible to explain it in this report. It is however significant to say that things have sure changed in a number of ways such as not referring to members by her husband's name. Mrs Michael McAdam in 1962 not Deb as today, the careers of our members and the dress code of meetings, but also has stayed the same in others ways as we STILL do bazaars, support each other in our life events and do whatever we can for our local church and beyond.
June's humour and inspirations made this a time of fellowship and respect for the women who have gone before us. She reminds us that in 1987, our 25th year the concern was not having enough young people to keep the UCW going, in 2012 we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary. In doing that we need to cut ourselves some slack, rejoice, and show our willingness to change with the times.
Belleville made us laugh with a skit called The Ark. Who thought a boat could be so funny?
Oshawa closed the day with a Agape meal, and about half of the ladies stayed to have a light meal before heading home.
Conference is pleased to be able to share with all the Presbyterials opportunities to come together as one. We would like to Thank Oshawa Presbyterial for the work to put this event together and Kingsview United for hosting.
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Bay of Quinte Conference - UCW Workshop
On October 12, 2011, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr Jackie Harper, approximately 21 ladies gathered for a two part educational day. Our president Norma Wrightly opened with a hymn, Spirit Of Life, and a reading from Psalm 32:8 - "The Lord Says, I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you." Norma used this in reflection to our lives this led into the topic for the morning, discipleship.
Jackie quoted Ed White from a U.S. religious think tank. He says "You don't get to retire from discipleship." This was certainly a way to catch our attention. We have gained new perspective with changing our concept of volunteering in our church to being life-long disciples. Our relationship with God is ongoing; changing, yes, but never ceases. Each of us is God's beloved. We need to claim that. We are called to nurture our faith intentionally. There are several different practises to help us do that, such as gratitude, journaling, and breath prayers, to name but a few. In doing one that works for you, you get to know God's story. There was very open discussion on topics like...How do we honour what each person brings to the group, inviting them to be disciples in a way that is life-giving to them... Making room for change and still honouring tradition, also... how do we share our faith story in new and creative ways that connect to other people's lives?
A hymn from Voices United, 'I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry' was sung and discussed. We need to model Jesus' teachings, this will help us all be good disciples. We touched on how our UCW purpose relates to discipleship before breaking for lunch.
Great food was provided (with remuneration from conference) by Roberta Plunkett and Barb DeJeet. In our afternoon session we spent time learning about AOPA, Association of Ontario Disabilities Act. The province of Ontario's goal is to be a totally accessible province by 2025. Our churches have to have a plan in place by January 2012 to explain how we can improve our buildings and practices to welcome all into our church.
In asking who among us was disabled, we had, pardon the pun, an eye opener, who wore glasses, who has a hearing aid, who has had to use a cane or crutches at some time in their lives. These would all be considered disabilities. Far too often, we think disability comes with a wheelchair. There are big ways that some churches need to change, like putting in an elevator or ramps, and making room in the sanctuary for a wheel chair or scooter. There are also smaller ways to help, such as large print bulletins, or having a magnifying glass available, and portable hearing systems. There were several handouts for us to take back to our churches to get this discussion underway. It takes this first step to make a difference.
If you have the opportunity to attend one of these workshops, it's a great opportunity for learning and fellowship. Thank you to Jackie Harper for her inspiring leadership.
Deborah McAdam (communications)
Positions Available on UCW Conference Executive
Convenors are needed for Archives and AVEL/Communications. Job descriptions are available from Emily Pettypiece. Please send names of nominees or your own expression of interest to Betty Turcott, chair of Nominations.
Thanks to Susan Lasch and Jean Windrem for their service in these positions over the years.
Purpose
To unite women of the congregation for the totalmission of the church and to provide a medium through which we may express our loyalty and dovotion to Jesus Christ in Christian
WITNESS
STUDY
FELLOWSHIP and
SERVICE
Mission Statement
Our mission is to love God, to foster Christian faithfulness, spirituality, committment and devotion and to promote love and respect by living generously and giving joyfully to all God's people and to affirm and strenghten ourselves creatively.
Our Vision
As United Church Women we believe:
a) as Christian women of faith, we nurthure spiritually reaching out with commitment and devotion to God's people
b) to promote truth, justice, peace, caring and sharing with respect for all in community and wider world
c) to love God and others by living generously, and giving joyfully; and
d) to affirm and strengthen ourselves creatively in study and witness through music, laughter and solitude.
UCW Prayer
And now go with us, Lord
Into the days ahead,
Strengthen us for peace
Give us widsom
Keep us humble
And may we live and work together
And so striving
Build a new and better world of tomorrow.
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Bay of Quinte Conference United Church Women 