Dalston-Crown Hill and Forest Home United Churches
North Simcoe Life Newsletter for February to March 2018
One of our deepest longings as human beings is to connect in a meaningful way to our world, our community, others and ourselves. We know from countless research that healthy life-giving relationship is a key to living lives that are fulfilling. Something we seek to nurture and focus on at Dalston Crown-Hill and Forest Home United Churches is the quality of relationships and opportunities to connect. Martin Buber, an Austrian philosopher, observes “When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is in the electricity that surges between them.” Creating opportunities for people to connect is rooted in our sense of purpose to be a reflection of love in the world.
In the teachings of Jesus about the Kindom of God we hear a vision of the way the world can be when all are welcome and treated as ones who matter. From the Old Testament we hear the Isaiah vision of a time when deserts will flow with water, when swords are turned into ploughshares to ensure all are fed, and when the lion and the lamb will lie down together. The focus of the Isaiah vision is reflected in the goal of “creating a human presence on earth that is environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling” that comes from the international group Pachamama Alliance for which one of our ministers, Karen, is a facilitator. Our activities and invitations to the wider community are rooted in our desire to create space that is filled with caring, connecting, meaningful conversations, enquiry into the big questions about life, and fun. Check out the Facebook pages or websites or send an email to get updates on details for the variety of gatherings.
A focus at Dalston Crown-Hill this year will be to create a Speaker’s Series and explore creating Re-Skilling opportunities to reclaim some of the long-time skills that are being forgotten. Some of the topics being considered for the Speaker’s Series include things like focusing on recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Report, deepening awareness of different world religions, developing ways to deal effectively with the stress and demands of a busy world. Re-Skilling options could include canning, quilting, knitting, building a birdhouse. If you have ideas for topics we are open to suggestions. Send them via Facebook or email or call Karen at 705-325-7998.
A Meditation and Conversation Circle for Women is happening at Forest Home on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. It is a time to reconnect to the source of power within you and to engage in conversations that explore insights about life. For more information call Karen at 705-325-7998.
During the season of Lent there will be a Lenten Coffee and Conversation. You’ve heard about the spiritual practice of doing without something for Lent, well, we would like to invite you to add something to your life for the season of Lent! We want to meet weekly over coffee to talk about some faith questions that are relevant to our lives. You get to choose the topics. Interested? We will gather on Wednesday afternoons during the season of Lent from February 14 to March 28. For more information call Ruth at 705-229-6513.
At Dalston-Crown Hill there are periodic gatherings for Men’s Breakfasts and Women’s Chit – Chat Sip ‘n Snack. Both provide an opportunity for connection and leisurely conversation. Watch for details on Facebook or send us an email with the request to be put on the email list so you will be notified of gatherings. Also watch for details about the Ham Supper coming up and the lunches after church to support a young person to go to Nicaragua to work with communities there.
4F: Fun, Faith and Food on Fridays! In March 4F “Celebrates Diversity” on Friday March 23rd from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Families…imagine a Friday evening…you are tired out from your busy week…you need a recharge! All you have to do is show up for our fun event for families with children and grandparents with grandchildren and friends of the children. We enjoy a meal together, play some games that get us connected and reflect together on our lives with a faith story in an all age setting. Save the date on your calendar! We will gather at Reagan House in Scout Valley to ensure the space is accessible for everyone. For more information call Ruth at 705-229-6513.
On Sunday mornings everyone is welcome as people gather for worship at Forest Home United Church in the village of Forest Home at 9:00 am and at Dalston Crown-Hill United Church in the village of Dalston at 10:30 am. There will be special mid-week services for Holy Week.
Dalston Crown-Hill has been newly renovated to be accessible. Come check out the facilities that are available for a variety of gatherings, whether for community or private events. For details call Al at 705-737-2552.
To stay tuned to upcoming events, follow the postings on Facebook at Forest Home United Church and Dalston Crown-Hill United Church or check out the websites at www.DalstonCrownHillUnitedChurch.net
and www.ForestHomeUC.ca or send an email foresthomeunitedchurch@yahoo.ca or dalcrown@gmail.com .
Submitted by Karen Hilfman Millson