4th March, 2022 Announcements

In-Person Services have resumed!

COVID-19 Protocols (Masks, No singing, Distancing, Pre-screening and vaccine verification at the door).

If you feel unwell, or are not comfortable attending in person, the services are live streamed at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, and will be posted to the YouTube channel for future viewing. To watch the Annesley Sunday Services on YouTube:          Annesley United Church’s YouTube Channel is: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnesleyUnitedChurch

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!! 

World Day of Prayer – Friday, March 4th, 2022

The World Day of Prayer Service is online again this year. It can be found on the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada website – www.wicc.org   The service was introduced on the website on February 1st and will remain on for at least 6 to 8 weeks. There are suggestions for paying the collection along with the service. This year’s service was written by women from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Annesley Woodworkers’ Guild – Meeting March 9th

The Woodworkers will be meeting in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Jim McKittrick, speaking on making 3-D wood carvings. Call Mark Waugh 519-986-4390 or Doug Dickie 519-986-3393 for information.

I Care ~ I Walk – Worth Celebrating!

Thanks to the generosity of Annesley members, $880 has been raised for the  I Care ~ I Walk fundraiser for the Grey Bruce Spiritual Care Council. The Council supports providers who journey with individuals and families in Grey Bruce hospitals to give care and connect them with their personal sense of faith and spirituality during difficult times. 95% of the money raised goes directly to bedside care and programs and 5% to Administration.  On behalf of the Annesley pastoral care team, a huge thank you to our donors/sponsors!

Pictured here are pastoral care members Heather Spry and Jill Lawford with friend Lera Ryan. We renamed the fundraiser “I Care….I Snowshoe”! 😊 (Dogs, Bryn and Katie refused to pose for the photo but were enthusiastic participants).  

Skating Party on March 13th

The Christian Education Committee is having a skating party on March 13th from 2:00 – 3:00 at the Rocklyn Arena. Skating will be followed by hot chocolate, coffee & donuts.  Everyone is invited to join the fun!

It is time again to thank Markdale Hospital & Grey Gables staff

Last year through the financial generosity of Annesley members, we sent lunches of appreciation to the staff at Grey Gables and the Markdale hospital. We know this gesture was deeply appreciated. Of course we had no idea then that the nasty Omicron variant would prolong the pandemic. None of us can imagine the depth of fatigue that our health care workers have had to endure. The Centering Prayer group would like to fundraise once more to recognize our local health care workers. If you would like to donate to help us with this project there are several ways to contribute. 

  • If you are coming to Annesley for a  Sunday service, please put your donation in an envelope marked “for hospital staff”. 
  •  Drop your donation off at the church office.
  •  Mail in a cheque made out to Annesley United  Church with a notation that the money is designated for hospital staff project. PO Box 573, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0

 We will keep you updated on this fundraiser. Thanks so much! If you have questions please call the church office.  519-986-3019

Emergency Response — Ukraine

On February 24th, the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine erupted, costing precious lives and creating a humanitarian crisis as people flee from the conflict. The U.N. estimates that hundreds of thousands of people, displaced from their homes, are seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Many have lost friends and loved ones, struggle to meet their basic needs, and face an uncertain future.

United Church Mission & Service partners are responding to the rapidly unfolding crisis.

You can help. Right now, people urgently need shelter, clean water, food, and medical attention.

Please show your support by making a gift today:

-Online https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/conflict-ukraine via our secure donation page.                                                                                             -Phone 416-231-5931 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2738 and use your Visa or MasterCard.                                                                                                                   -Send a cheque or money order to:                                                           The United Church of Canada Philanthropy Unit – Emergency Response
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note “Emergency Response—Ukraine” on the face of your cheque.   Note: As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 100% of your donation goes directly to emergency relief, with 85% of your donation responding to this designated emergency and 15% responding to future emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage. Donations to Mission & Service enable the United Church to cover all of the costs of emergency response work without deducting any fees from your donation.

2022 Giving Envelopes are in

Stop by during office hours (Monday to Friday 10 – 2), or call the office at (519) 986-3019 if you would like to have your envelopes delivered to you.

Annual Reports

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be taking place on April 10th this year, after the Palm Sunday Service. The Annual Report is being prepared now, and will be available in March.

Harriston Meat Packers

Back by popular demand, a Harriston Meat Packer’s fund raiser will be held this spring – stay tuned for details!

Broadview Magazine Subscriptions

Broadview Scubscriptions are now due for March renewal.  Our Group Subscription runs from April 2022 to March 2023. Cost is still $25, and payment can be dropped off at the office or mailed to Annesley United Church, PO Box 573, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0.  New subscriptions are welcome!

The Grey Highlands Fire Department

Reminds you to CHECK YOUR ALARMS! Test your smoke and CO alarms monthly and change the batteries every 6 months. If you are unable to check your alarms on your own and you live in Grey Highlands, contact the GH Fire Department and we will be happy to complete a Home Alarm Safety Visit. Contact: 519-986-1216 ext. 227 fireadmin@greyhighlands.ca

Grey Smoke -Grey Highlands Fire and Fire Services -Then and Now

This documentary is about professionals. Dedicated volunteer men and women that have served the people of Grey Highlands in times of need for over 150 years. A story about fire and firefighting, told by firefighters. From the early days of wood structures and horse drawn equipment, to the latest in hi tech protection, the program also reveals some of the darker sides of what these special people face every time they get in a fire truck. Challenges, tragedy, lessons learned, physical and mental preparation, triumph and satisfaction – all are part of our most ancient association with fire. View the documentary on the Grey Highlands Cultural Channel, or using this link:

Grey Smoke – Grey Highlands Fire and Fire Services Then and Now

Annesley Quiltmakers – March 23rd

The Annesley Quiltmakers will be getting together on Wednesday, March 23rd at 9:30 am. We need people who can bring their sewing machines and sew, people to layer and pin quilts together and people to tie them. We welcome newcomers to our group.
Things will be a little different from before:
1. We ask that participants be double vaccinated.
2. We ask that you wear a mask and social distance while you are in the building.
3. In order to avoid sharing food, please bring your own snack or lunch. We will provide tea and coffee.
We look forward to seeing everyone and having a fun day together again!

FundScrip – Next Order date will be Sunday, March 27th.

Print an order form here: https://www.markdaleunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FUNDSCRIPORDERFORM-6.pdf

Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer has moved to Zoom at 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. Contact Lynn at 519-986-3707 for details.

Seniors ASK

Seniors ASK is a FREE program that specializes in helping seniors/caregivers by answering questions they may have in any area of concern to them, either locally or beyond Grey/Bruce. 519-374-9495 Senior friendly…Senior focused. When you have a question, JUST ASK. 

COVID-19 Policy November 21st, 2021

The Annesley Board has consulted with members of the congregation, other United churches in the area and around Ontario, contacts with Western Ontario Waterways  & Shining Waters Regional Councils, and  the Grey Bruce Health Unit to make a decision concerning requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations to attend services and events in the Annesley building.  It has been decided that until further notice, we will require verification of full (double) vaccination for anyone 12+ to attend any services and events in the building.  Many people advised that they were reluctant to attend unless this policy was adopted. We hope to continue to meet the spiritual needs of anyone who cannot attend, for any reason, through our live stream and recorded services. We recognize the positive and negative impacts this policy will have on various people, and do not want to exclude anyone, especially anyone who needs Pastoral Care.  Please advise if Pastoral Care is needed no matter what your vaccination status may be.  We will revisit this decision in the spring of 2022, at our Annual Congregational meeting to be held in April 2022. 

Annesley Library

Our library is a valuable resource. Keep it viable by using it. 

Prayer Shawl Ministry 

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is an important part of Annesley’s outreach. Warm and cozy shawls are given to those of the congregation and community who are bereaved or seriously ill. The appropriate yarn must be purchased. If you would like to help, put your donation in an envelope marked Prayer Shawl and your name and send it to the church office. If you know anyone in the community who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl, please contact the Church office at 519-986-3019

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