SSUC NEWSLETTER
June 2025
Reflection by Rev. Karen
“Rejoice in the Lord, always, and again I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4: 4
June is a month of celebration. We celebrate the birth of the Christian church over 2000 years ago on June 8th Pentecost Sunday. We also rejoice in 100 years as a United Church of Canada with a Joint Service at Camp Abby with Bedeque and North Bedeque pastoral charges. We celebrate High School, University and College Graduates and others whose volunteer work has impacted the community around them.
At a recent memorial service for Rev. Kendall Harrison, a colleague and friend, one person recalled one of his sayings “In troubled times, God still calls.” At the Regional Council meeting which followed we explored the many different ways we respond to God’s call:
as messengers who share Jesus with others, as servants who share in communities of faith helping one another worship and learn about God, as neighbours who go wherever the need is to share love, as partners who work for social change, as pilgrims who open our lives to holiness and wisdom.
In the troubled times of our personal lives and in the challenges of the world around us, God still pours out the gift of the Spirit to strengthen and guide us. God continues to call us forward into each new day to respond to God’s particular invitation for our lives. Perhaps we are called to be a loving presence or a practical helper with one another in grief. If our energy is low maybe our call is to nurture the power of prayer and rest in our daily life. God may call through the invitation of a friend to attend an educational event. Let us listen with our hearts, for God’s love and power are still at work within us and through us for the good of all creation. In these troubled times – God is calling you!
Services
Vacation - Rev Karen will be on vacation June 9th - 25th visiting her son Nicholas in France. If you require a minister's support while Karen is away, you are invited to contact a clergy of your choosing or await Karen's return. For regular pastoral support please call our pastoral care team members who are visiting for June.
June 15 – Christian Friends
June 22 – Rev. Beth
June 29 – Sharing From Regional Council and recognition of ministries with community time
after Worship.
Richard Boulter, Deborah Walsh, and Rev. Karen will share some of their experience of this year’s Regional Council. In this service we will also recognize the ministry of Jack Sorensen who has retired as our Building Attendant and from many other areas of responsibility. We welcome David Harman with John Heckbert to this shared work, and Julia Wilkie to the shared work with Jack, of Sound Production. In celebration of the many volunteers who make a difference in our church family we will have cupcakes and coffee/tea to share after the service.
Congratulations Graduates
Catherine Viger - Université de Moncton with a
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Carla Stewart - UPEI with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Colby Russell - Holland College with a diploma in Accounting
Emma Rogerson – New England College of Optometry with a
Doctor of Optometry
Kate Crabbe - graduating grade 12
Congratulations – Marjorie Inman received the WI Golden Book of Recognition Award which is presented to someone who has been a long-time member and to recognize their contribution to WI and community.
Condolences – We express our sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Lester Craig. May God’s love and comfort surround each one in this time of sadness.
Coffee & Conversation – thank you to all our volunteers who made this outreach possible. This program was greatly appreciated within the community.
Reports
Trustee/Property Update
At our April 30th meeting a tour of our building revealed a few minor issues to address such as lighting as the ramp entryway to the sanctuary and a railing for the steps into the choir. We also identified the roof was likely going to need replacing in the next year or so. However, in one of our May storms the roof started to leak. Fortunately, East Prince Roofers were able to respond promptly with a quote which was approved by the Board, and they replaced three sections of roof, including what was over the original vestry area. We are grateful that we recently received a bequest from which a portion was used to cover that expense as well as money from the building fund. Because of this bequest, fifteen thousand will be invested for future needs.
A second major project this year will be to resurface the paved area of our parking lot and to rework our front sanctuary entryway. This work will be paid for from our general fund which had accumulated some surplus during the time we did not have a full-time minister.
Memorials to our building fund, and bequests are significant ways that congregational members make a difference in our capacity to care for our building and property. Thank you for considering these types of donations in your future.
Finance Committee
Many thanks to our church family for your ongoing support of the ministry we provide here at South Shore United. As of the end of April our offerings to the church and M&S are even with last year.
M&S donations of $4,734 were sent to UCC Toronto at the end of April as our first installment. We have also sent the 2nd installment of the Annual Assessment to Toronto.
We received a Bequest this year from the estate of Errol Carruthers for $25,000. This money was going to be invested entirely, however we needed $11,000 of this to help fund the roof repairs that have just been completed. Thanks to many generous donations to the Memorial Building Fund, $3670 helped to fund the balance of the cost of repairs.
Our GIC that was invested has come due, and this will fund the new walkway from the sanctuary to the driveway in front of the main entrance, and fund repairs for the removal of the old steps, and some paving to the already paved part of the driveway.
Remaining monies from the Bequest and some from the GIC are in the process of being invested.
We have noticed an increase in costs for the internet, telephone, general office supplies, and maintenance expenses, however these increases were budgeted.
Overall, we are in good shape. If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact Cindy Harman, Chair.
Community Events
Camp Abby – The annual OPEN HOUSE will be held on Sunday, June 22 from 2 to 4.
Winsloe United Church Choir – “Make a Joyful Noise” concert celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. Sunday, June 15, 7:00pm, 121 Winsloe Rd. Special guests Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Kristyn Visser-Perkin. Refreshments and cake following the concert.
Sirens is thrilled to invite you to "Elements", our newest concert program inspired by Katerina Gimon’s powerful work. The concert will explore the forces of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire through rich harmonies and vivid soundscapes that will transport and inspire. Join the ensemble on Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 PM in Charlottetown at Park Royal United Church, or Sunday, June 15 at 3:00 PM in Montague at Hillcrest United Church. Tickets are Pay What You Can, with a recommended contribution of $25—available in advance on Eventbrite or at the door by cash or e-transfer. Learn more at 
sirenschoir.com
Announcements
Gardening Volunteers – Thursday June 12, 7:00pm is planting and weeding time. Volunteers are invited to drop off annuals you may wish to contribute to our garden boxes before Thursday. Please place them in our garden area. Anyone free on Thursday evening is invited to join in the next stage of our garden beautification.
Greeters – needed each week, please see signup sheet at the back of the church.
Prayer Requests – There is a box on the bookshelf at the back of the church for prayer requests, or email jm.macdougall10@gmail.com.
Pastoral Coverage – Helen Nicholson (658-2324) and Donna MacKinnon (658-2610) are visiting in June. If you would like a visit or know of someone who would like a visit, please call.
Building Attendant on Call – John can be reached at 902-658-2305.
Building Fund Donations – Recently the Trustees became aware that 3 sections of our roof which require urgent attention. Contributions to our building fund or designating memorial donations to that fund in support of this work would be greatly appreciated.
Donations – In June we will be collecting items for Camp Abby's wish list. Their wish list is at the back of the church and on our Facebook page.
Humour
How did the apostles get to Pentecost?
A Honda; they were all in one Accord!
Christianity.com