Welcome to Spring! Except for the few snow storms we received, this past winter was almost bearable! On one of the coldest mornings of February (Valentine’s Day), the first people to arrive at the Dalston church found it very cold – outside and inside! The furnaces had malfunctioned, which eventually lead to a burst water pipe in the furnace room. With quick action by several church members, calls were placed to the furnace repair person, our local handyman, and a plumber. By 8 p.m. all was well at the much warmer church. A lot of people spent a cold (and in some cases – wet) day showing their love for our little church. We thank them all.
We keep very busy while we continue to support the Food Bank, and throughout the cold months, we have supplied meals to the Out of the Cold program. We also continue our shawls, lap rugs, and blankets ministry to local nursing homes and Hospice Simcoe, although we’re out of crocheters or knitters for the shawls. If you would be interested in assisting us in this task, please call Janet at 705 737-2552 for more info. Our Amnesty International group is still active, and Bible Study is a weekly event. Godly Play for the children is such a great program, which the children really enjoy.
Simcoe Area Women’s Day sponsored by Simcoe Centre-West District Women’s Institutes will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 at the Simcoe County Museum from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. For tickets, call 705-527-7768 or e-mail institutelady@outlook.com. The day will include subjects on Travel with Edith Eedy, Heart Health by Jennifer Yaeck, The Pensionnaires, and lunch catered by Randy Beard all for $20.00. All Ladies are welcome.
The Dalston-Crown Hill congregation has generously donated money and kitchen supplies for the Syrian Refugee family who we are sponsoring in co-operation with Grace United Church in Barrie and Midhurst United Church. A family of seven is expected in the near future with the five children ranging from the age of 9 to 3. A home has been secured for the family and is presently being prepared for their arrival. Some members of the congregation are working with the set up of the kitchen including supplies and others will be assisting in budgeting and financial matters as well as integration into the school system.
We invite you to supper! The Dalston Annual Ham Supper will take place on Saturday, May 7th, with continuous seating from 4:30 pm – 7 pm. The menu includes local ham (Nicholyn Farms), scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, veggies, and of course, homemade pies! Adults $17, Children under 12 $8 – no taxes or tip! To reserve your tickets, please call Lois Marshall at 705-728-8985.
African Project…
The schools are here….but where are the girls?
Through the ‘Adopt a Village’ initiative of MeToWe in Kenya, schools are built and education is available to the children in remote communities. However, in these areas, girls lose about 25% of their learning time because they do not attend school for the duration of their menstrual periods.
Days for Girls is an organization that supports 100% learning opportunities for these girls by sewing hygiene kits containing shields and reusable washable napkins…..kits that are sent and distributed in many areas of need.
Through a pilot project, a team of Canadian women are travelling to Kenya in June……not to distribute, but to teach students at an all girls high school to make their own kits…..for themselves, their teachers, and for other students in Kenya. Sewing machines are being purchased and installed in a classroom in Kisaruni…….a wonderful, exciting initiative to enable the students, and their community, to sew and distribute kits independently.
A Day for Girls sewing group operates out of Coldwater United Church the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. …..new sewers and cutters and assemblers are welcome! For further info call Barb at 705 686 3170 or email barbcarswell@gmail.com
On April 24, there will be a presentation about this joint venture at Collier St. United Church, 112 Collier St, Barrie, from 2 – 4 p.m. in the church hall. For more information, please call Susan Kelly at 705 722-6965. Please join us!
For the girls. Everywhere. Period.
We invite you to join us if you’re looking for a very friendly and informal environment for worship. Our regular services are at 10 a.m. unless otherwise stated, at Dalston church, 1734 Penetanguishene Rd., Dalston. Music is a big part of our worship, along with very meaningful reflections. Come and enjoy a time of spiritual uplifting, music, and great fellowship over coffee & tea after the service. For more information call Rev. George at 705-728-6015.
Prepared by Janet Pantng for North Simcoe Life (http://www.northsimcoe.life/)
March 2016