1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

MARTIN GROVE UNITED CHURCH
November 2014
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL
Bob Stanley, Chair
Carl Pinnock, Vice Chair
Rev. Philip Rodgers, Minister
Carol Burke, Secretary
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Sheila Avery
Pastoral Care
Carl Pinnock
Ministry and Personnel
Shirley Irvine
Trustees
Roberta Purdie
Worship
Cerene Johnson
Christian Education
George Avery
Stewardship & Finance
Liz Gosse-Davidson
Congregation Treasurer
Judy Binns (Interim Chair)
Outreach and Mission
Shirley Irvine (Interim Chair)
Property
Joan Carr
TSW Presbytery Representative
Joan Carr and Shirley Irvine
United Church Women
In This Issue
►
Minister's Message
Co-ordinating Council Update
► United Church Women
► News & Events
► Prayer & Reflection Corner
► Looking Ahead
►
75 Pergola Road
Etobicoke, ON M9W 5K4
416-745-6252
martingroveuc@bellnet.ca
www.martingroveuc.ca
Sunday Worship ~ 10:30am
Office Hrs. Mon. - Thu. 9:00am - Noon
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is where and how the
story of Christianity begins. The Church has been in the
Birthing Business ever since, in spite of the shifting tides
of controversy and widespread negative attitudes around
the church; of apathy and our failure to translate
ourselves to a rapidly changing world; in spite of smart
phones, iPods, tablets and computers; not to mention
church scandals. Surprisingly, the church somehow survives. Go figure! I think
it’s because the Church is in the Birthing Business. It’s what God wants us to
be!
Sure, some have given up on the Church and see it as a dying institution, but
rigorously God disagrees with our critics – as long as we draw the world’s
attention to the most significant demonstration of God’s love for the world (the
birth of a child in a humble Bethlehem stable), and join the angels and chorus of
the faithful and sing: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”.
So when I listened to people speaking at our last Co-Coordinating Council
Meeting of new initiatives to reach out to the wider community I think of birthing
and I am their champion, their cheerleader – because we are, after all, in the
birthing business.
By no means a new initiative, but notable, is this Christmas edition of Martin
Grove’s newsletter. It is a venture in rebirth and is an essential means of
keeping everyone informed of the current activities, special services, interesting
upcoming events, and general ‘Goings On’ of the congregation. All the
research tells us, you know, that in the homes of our church families the local
church newsletter is read more than The United Church Observer!
Christmas is a huge reminder of what the church is all about - birth. Confused
agendas and self-interest pursuits simply don’t fit. It’s about giving and sharing,
it’s about loving and goodness. Let’s keep it simple, well focused, and clean.
The Church is in the “Birthing Business”. That’s why on Christmas Eve Martin
Grove United and the church universal, will join the global family of the faithful,
as we sing for all to hear: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing! Glory to the Newborn
King”. “Merry Christmas, Everyone!” 
1
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A
s I write this note I can’t resist the sense of pride and joy I feel bursting forth from the Congregation on our very
successful year of celebration of our 20th Anniversary Year of Amalgamation. Beginning with the Congregational
Dinner in May leading up to our Anniversary Worship Service and Luncheon on October 19, we were truly
blessed by the participation and enjoyment had by all. Many thanks to all who joined in the celebration and
special thanks to Shirley Irvine and her team for their dedication and leadership in making it come together.
By now you all I hope have a chance to meet and greet with our new interim Minister – Rev Philip Rodgers. We are blessed
to have such a dedicated and capable person fill the void while our Ministry and Personnel Committee completes their task
and a new Search Committee finds a new Minister. It’s anticipated that this whole process will be completed by next June.
The events of these past weeks in Ottawa and Montreal only serve to remind us of the
sacrifice made by our brave men and women who are serving and have served in defense
of freedom and deliverance from tyranny around the World. What a timely yet tragic
reminder as we approach Remembrance Day – WE SHALL REMEMBER!
On a more joyous note I hope everyone is looking forward to the coming Holiday Season
of Christmas – May it bring Peace on Earth and Good Will amongst all. 
Bob Stanley, Chair Coordinating Council
Financial Update to October 31, 2014
Pastoral Care
As you can see by the numbers we are in a surplus position at this time due in
large part to the amounts transferred from the Trustees and also a very
generous donation from a member. We have some large bills coming up
between now and year end, so we need to be diligent in order to meet our year
end budget. We are also behind in our M&S objective.
Year to Date
Budget
Revenue ---------- $154,922 -------$192,057
Expenses --------- $154,377
Surplus ------------------ $545
Objective
M&S ----------------- $11,273 -------- $15,000
Our Pastoral Callers and Pastoral
Care Visitors have been working out
well.
The annual Wishing Well BBQ held on June 11 was a great success again. It
was held inside due to the rain that threatened, but we did not let that dampen
our enthusiasm. Thanks to the cooks and all of those who helped make the day
a success. We exceeded our objective and we thank everyone for their
support.
Our other fund raiser, "The Christmas Stocking" will conclude on December 14.
Please put this contribution in your regular Sunday offering envelope under
“other”, mark it “Christmas Stocking” and indicate the amount. Be sure it is
submitted no later than December 28 so that your donation can be recorded in
2014 income tax totals. 
George Avery, Chair Stewardship and Finance
2
We have helped out with getting
rides for some to appointments and
made calls to members who have
been ill or suffered recent
bereavement. We will be making
more calls to those who cannot get
out to let them know about our
upcoming Church Services.
Please help to keep us informed by
notifying the Minister or the
Committee if you know of someone
who needs a visit or a friendly call. 
Sheila Avery,
Chair Pastoral Care
Ministry Development Profile Update (MDPC)
The MDPC is a team of congregation members including the Ministry and Personnel committee that is formed to represent
MGUC in the development of a Ministry and Mission Profile. The committee members are:
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Carl Pinnock - Facilitator
Don Wheeler
George Avery
Peggy McKee
Juli Roslin
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Elmore McIntosh
Stella George
Cerene Johnson
Roberta Purdie
Norm Greene – Consultant
Toronto conference has introduced and rolled out a new system that is to be used for a new call or appointment of a
Minister. This process is very in depth, lengthy and thorough. It is a work in progress but has enough thought and
intellectual information put into it to be effective. Once a vacancy has been declared by a United Church, the following
forms are required to be completed in workshop settings:
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Request to Declare Vacancy
provide Presbytery with the necessary document to consider the declaration of a vacancy
Ministry Position Description
provide a user-friendly template for use by local ministry unit, committees or governing body to
develop solid position description
Demographics, Financial and Community Profile
provide information about Local Ministry Units to prospective applicants
Ministry and Mission Profile
enable local ministry unit to honestly and boldly “tell its story”
The committee is currently working on the Ministry and Mission Profile because it is the most time consuming process. This
profile has 8 categories which are:
Discipleship
Justice and Outreach
Leadership
Ministry Partnerships
Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Spirituality and Self
Care within your local ministry unit
Stewardship and Worship
For each category we have to create 6 - 8 sentences that describe our current ministry, our goals and action plans for
success. This section is critical because it will describe to potential ministers details about who we are, what we currently
have in place and what we aspire to be in the future. Once we have completed all 8 categories, we will prioritize them in
order of importance to our congregation. We will then present to council and subsequently schedule a congregational
meeting where you will be able to provide feedback.
To date we have had several workshops addressing the first 3 categories. The committee is working hard to complete the
remainder of the categories by the beginning of the New Year.
I will provide frequent updates to council and congregation each time a milestone is met. 
Carl Pinnock, Chair Ministry and Personnel
3
Outreach
Council is pleased to welcome Judy Binns who has kindly agreed to lead the Outreach Committee. This committee
sponsors the Youth Without Shelter Dinner, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, Out of the Cold, our local Food Bank, Robert Koil
South India Outreach Project, Greenholme Breakfast Club, our Annual Mitten Tree, Rexdale Women’s Centre; among other
various projects and fundraisers in the community. Thank you, Judy, for taking on this leadership role. We know you’ll do a
great job!
Greenholme Breakfast Club
We wish Robert Koil a healthy and safe trip as he departs for India on November 25 to continue the annual tradition of
service to people of South India who are in need. Thank you Robert, for all you do on behalf of Martin Grove United
Church. Donations to this fund can be made anytime during the year. If you had planned to contribute to this outreach
program this year, but missed the traditional October time frame appeal, you can still make a contribution. Mark your
envelope “India Outreach” under “Other” and it will be applied to this project. 
Submitted by Liz Gosse-Davidson
Memorial and Special
Occasions
On Friday, October 3, Tina KleinStanley attended the West Humber
Collegiate Commencement
Ceremonies on behalf of Martin
Grove United Church to present the
Pam Prinold Community Award
Scholarship. This is awarded
annually to a student chosen by the
school who best represents the
spirit of community service that
Pam embodied. Congratulations to
Daejuaun Hamilton who was
presented with a cheque from the
Pam Prinold Fund along with a
certificate of congratulations.
Special thanks to Tina for
representing Martin Grove at this
event. 
George Avery, Chair Memorial
and Special Occasions
South West Presbytery
South West Presbytery is alive and well. Catherine Smith and Henry McLeod
were commissioned last June to be co-chairs of the Presbytery for the 20142015 year.
At the September meeting, Norm Greene gave a summary report on the
viability work he has been doing the last two years with congregations in the
Presbytery. He suggested between 12 and 16 churches are likely to close or
amalgamate over the next decade. The report recommends that Presbytery
can play an active role, including:
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to pray for congregations
to develop supports for revitalization and focusing outward to provide
loving support for congregations who decide to close
Discussion of "Cultivating the Urban Forest Renewing Mission in South West
Presbytery" continues. The court considered different aspects of how to build
relationships, i.e.: sharing the workload, navigating conflict and finances. The
discussion continues. 
Joan Carr, Presbytery Representative
4
Property
The Property Committee, also known as our “handymen”,
have been very busy over the summer and fall months
looking after the repairs and maintenance of the church
building and grounds. It is a 24 hour 365 days of the year
job. They have many tasks to take care of such as
repairing leaks, fixing furniture, painting where needed,
trimming and pruning bushes and trees including fallen
limbs from storms. The list is endless of the tasks these
men take care of and we owe them a great deal of
gratitude for keeping our church clean and our grounds
and parking lot looking great so we have a comfortable,
spiritual place to worship. Most of the work is carried out
by the committee members as well as some volunteers in
the congregation. Of course there are times when the
work is beyond their skills and we must hire
professionals.
Thanks to Barry Porter for getting up on ladders to
change the light fixtures. Thanks to Jack Bea, secretary
of the committee and the sound man who operates the
sound system and recording of the services. Bob
Eastman, our long time flower gardener, has moved way
and we will miss him and the work he did keeping the
flower gardens looking so nice. If there is anyone who
would enjoy doing a little gardening we would be pleased
to have you tend the gardens.
This committee has been without a chair for a very long
time but they continue to work together and keep things
ship shape. We give thanks to everyone on the
committee who give so generously of their time and
talents and in doing so also benefit the church financially.
If you have a talent or skill to do this kind of work we
would be only too glad to have you join the committee.
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year from your Property Committee. 
Shirley Irvine,
Interim Chair Property
Have you ever wondered how the entrance windows stay
so clean throughout the year? Thanks to Jim Hladin who
cleans them on a regular basis. Thanks also to Marvin
Smith who keeps the temperature in the building at a
comfortable level summer or winter. Marvin is also in
charge of the aging elevator that we sometimes get stuck
in and he comes to our rescue.
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN
Operation Christmas Child ~ Thank you to all those who filled shoeboxes for “Operation Christmas Child”. This program
is sponsored by “Samaritan’s Purse”. The boxes are taken to a drop off centre, where someone checks that they contain
the correct materials. Boxes are then sent to countries where they are needed where children receive them at Christmas
time. Kay Kelly first introduced this program to the U.C.W. When Kay was unable to look after the boxes, Joan Carr took
over. The deadline for box return is November 16. Joan will update the congregation when all boxes are received. Thank
you again for your concern and participation. 
Submitted by Joan Carr
Note from Phil Rodgers: Christmas comes with mixed feelings, mostly glad, some sad. This poem speaks eloquently to
my pastoral heart. I send it with my prayers and blessings of The Christmas Season to all.
As Long as There's a Christmas
The first few lights glow brightly, as you watch the season start.
You know you should be happy, but don't feel it in your heart.
"I promised in the manger and fulfilled it from the cross.
I built a home that's filled with love for all those who are lost.
So Christmas comes with sadness, and a yearning deep inside,
a thirst for love and peace and hope that will not be denied.
His words still echo through the years, a vow that He made true,
"As long as there's a Christmas, I will be in love with you."
Late one night you hear a voice, so soft, and without blame,
and then, surprised, you realize, He's calling you by name.
. . . . . Jack Zavada
5
NEWS & EVENTS
October, 2014 was the 20th Anniversary of Martin Grove United
Church and a time to celebrate the successful amalgamation of
the two churches, with the congregations of Rexdale United
Church and West Humber United Church joining together to
become Martin Grove United Church.
A Planning Committee was set up with, Bob Stanley, Joan Carr,
Roberta Purdie, Vince Massey and Shirley Irvine to discuss ideas
and suggestions for celebrating our 20th Anniversary. The
Committee organized two special events to bring people together
to celebrate. Our first event was held on May 3 at the Canadian
Legion to celebrate a significant milestone date of May 2, 1994 for
the approval of the building plans. We invited all members of the
congregation to come and enjoy a delicious dinner and
entertainment at the Legion. A good time was had by all.
Our second event was a special Worship service and luncheon on
Sunday, October 19. Invitations were sent out to former Ministers,
past members and friends of the two churches. The worship
service was well attended and thanks to the participation of former
ministers, (Rev Bruce Misener, Rev Don Laing, Rev Charles
Swan, and Rev Elwyn Hughes) in the worship service it was
thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to the worship committee and
Rev Phil Rodgers for doing such a great job.
It was wonderful to see Rev Tony Gazzard whose ministry at
MGUC for 15 years definitely contributed to our success. We wish
him well and are grateful that he could join us. We also give
thanks to Rev Don Bell and Rev Rob Gillingham who unfortunately
could not be with us but were remembered for their ministry in the
life and work of Martin Grove United Church. Throughout the past
3 years our regular activities at MGUC continued with a renewed
spirit to the future, thanks to the ministry of Rev Lorraine Hill.
Following the service we enjoyed a delicious lunch downstairs
where we had a pictorial display of the building under construction
presented by Vince Massey. Rob Bartlett presented a power point
presentation of pictures and events over the past 20 years. We all
enjoyed reminiscing over the past 20 years.
Thanks to Bob Stanley for doing such a great job as Master of
Ceremonies and to all who helped in setting up the room, working
in the kitchen and serving of cake to make this a wonderful
celebration. 
Submitted by Shirley Irvine
6
Fundraising Project
Marilyn Coombs has created greeting cards which are for sale, with all proceeds
going to MGUC as a fund raiser. There are Christmas cards, both religious and nonreligious, birthday cards (male and female), and All Occasion cards available. Some
of the 30 cards have verses that you can attach (have double sided tape that you
peel off) or you may add your own message. Marilyn has hand embroidered the
majority of the cards.
Please have a look at these beautiful works of art. Speak to Marilyn to find out more
about this project. 
PRAYER & REFLECTION CORNER
Remembrance Service
On Sunday, November 9, we shared
a very meaningful Remembrance
Day service. Veterans, spouses,
Legion representatives, Coordinating Council members and
others in the congregation were
invited to place a poppy on our
cross in memory and recognition of
those who have served and who we
honour.
A Prayer of Remembrance
Almighty and eternal God,
from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted,
either by death or life:
hear our prayers and thanksgivings
for all whom we remember this day;
fulfill in them the purpose of your love;
and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Saturday Morning Prayer Group
The Saturday Morning Prayer Group meets regularly on Saturday mornings from 11:00am for about half an hour to an hour.
We include prayer requests from the prayer book, from family, friends, and co-workers. Sometimes Cerene meets with
people on the bus or subway and they put in prayer requests.
We invite church members to submit prayer requests. Anyone is welcome to join the prayer group at any time. You can
bring your requests in person to the prayer gathering. Requests can also be put in the collection tray and the ushers can
forward it to Cerene or Stella. It is alright if the prayer request is anonymous. God knows who you are. 
Submitted by Stella George
In Loving Memory
With deep sadness we remember members who passed away in 2014
Mary Gane ~ July 5
We will keep you close in our hearts forever
7
LOOKING AHEAD
Schedule of Worship
Dates to Remember
November
Sun Nov 2 Worship Service ~ All Saints
Sun Nov 9 Worship Service ~ Remembrance
Sun Nov 16 Worship Service ~ Stewardship Sunday
Praise Singing
Sun Nov 23 Worship Service ~ Christ The King
Sun Nov 30 Worship Service ~ 1st Sunday of Advent
Chancel Communion
Sun Dec 7
Sun Dec 14
2
Sun Dec 21
Wed Dec 24
Sun Dec 28
Mondays 1:00pm – Meditation Group
Thursdays 7:00pm – Choir Rehearsal
Saturdays 11:00am – Prayer Group
Wed Dec 3
Sun Dec 7
Sun Dec 14
Wed Dec 17
Wed Dec 17
Wed Dec 24
Thu Dec 25
Fri Dec 26
Wed Dec 31
December
6:00pm MGUCW Christmas Potluck Supper
White Gift Sunday
Choir Cantata
1:00pm MGUCW Christmas Tea
6:30pm MDPC Mtg
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Years Eve
Sun Nov 2
Sun Nov 9
December
Worship Service ~ White Gift
Worship Service
Choir Cantata
Worship Service
Praise Singing
Worship Service ~ Christmas Eve
7:00pm Candlelight Service
Worship Service
Hymn Sing “Elaine Weimer”
January
Sun Jan 4 Worship Service ~ Epiphany
Robert Koil presents “South India Report”
Sun Jan 11 Worship Service
Chancel Communion
Sun Jan 18 Worship Service
Praise Singing
Sun Jan 25 Worship Service
Thu Jan 1
Sat Jan 3
Sun Jan 11
10:30am ~ Sunday Services
Fellowship and Refreshments Following
All are welcome
Liz Gosse-Davidson
Carol Burke
Ryan McCullough
Marilyn Coombs
Liz Gosse-Davidson
Sun Nov 16
Mon Nov 17
Wed Nov 19
Wed Nov 26
Sat Nov 29
November
Youth Without Shelter Dinner
Remembrance of Veterans and Spouses
Outreach Committee Mtg Following Service
Worship Committee Mtg following Service
7:30pm Finance Committee Mtg
6:30pm MDPC Mtg
7:00pm Co-ordinating Council Mtg
10:00am Decorating Chancel & Lunch
Sun Jan 18
Wed Jan 21
Wed Jan. 21
Thu Jan 22
Wed Jan 28
Editor
Format/Design
Anniversary Images
Card Images
Poppy/Cross Image
8
January
New Years Day
Removal of Chancel Decorations
Outreach Committee Mtg Following Service
Youth Without Shelter Dinner
Worship Committee Meeting
1:00pm UCW Meeting Following Service
6:30pm MDPC Mtg
2:00pm Redmen Concert
7:00pm Co-ordinating Council Mtg