November 7, 2023
Dear Friends,
Ruth Duck’s words are so profound in our lives today. “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.” May our hearts be open to new possibilities and opportunities to love and care for each other and our world. On this anniversary Sunday may we take the opportunity to look back on our journey and allow that celebration to inform how we live into our future. May we live into our UCC mission statement. We are called to celebrate Grace with deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice.
I invite you to join us at our 11am Worship Service on November 19, 2022 as we celebrate the 170th Anniversary of Grace United Church.
Our guest preacher is the Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke. Jody Clarke is the Professor of Pastoral Theology at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, Jody's focus is in the areas of trauma studies, personality theory, dying and bereavement. Having noted those areas of interest, Jody enjoys exploring the complexity, messiness and triumphs found within the human journey. He has published articles on themes such as psychospiritual diagnosis, character change and human resilience. He also likes to blend his research interests with literature in the hope of making complex theories accessible. In addition to his academic work, Jody is vigilant in remaining as close as he can to the frontlines of the human journey. He continues to work within parish ministry and health care contexts. Jody grew up in Dartmouth, for the past 30 years he and his family have lived only few blocks away from Grace. He is an avid runner and paddler.
This year on Anniversary Sunday, we will be joined by guest pianist, Cynthia Davies as well as the brass quintet, iTromboni. Cynthia is an incredibly gifted and generous collaborative pianist who has played at Grace many times before. She and Joel have prepared a piano duet by Beethoven, and Cynthia will accompany the choir on selections by Gabriel Fauré and Leonard Enns. One of Canada's most versatile chamber ensembles, iTromboni is made up of professional trombone players from across the country, including Joel's brother, Jim! You'll want to come back to the church for their 2:00pm recital, which is admission by donation.
Come and help us celebrate 170 years of ministry in this community and in the world.
Yours in Christ's Service,
Rev. Stephen Fram
A note from your Finance Committee
As you may have heard, Grace United Church is currently in a difficult financial position. The operating deficit at the end of September is approximately $22,000. We have experienced lower than expected revenues this year. Our year-to-date local offerings at the end of September are $125,900 whereas our budget at this time is $148,800. We are also experiencing lower than budgeted rental income. We have had an overall increase in expenses this year as well as unexpected repairs.
We ask that you consider making a special donation to the operating fund at this time in order that we may end the year without a large deficit.
Please remember your church by using the special Anniversary Envelope
