SSUC NEWSLETTER

September 2025

Reflection by Rev. Karen

Theologian Kate Bowler suggests that as we approach the hurry and scurry of September that we practice the virtue of prudence. Yes, there is much to be done but we don’t have to accomplish it all within the first days or even weeks of fall. Prudence slows down the pace, and encourages us to carefully consider, what is good for me to do today. When we face complex demands on our time, our compassion and our attention; prudence invites us to release external expectations to listen to God’s inner guidance to discern where our creative efforts with God are most needed. Recall the words of the hymn by Shirley Erena Murray: “Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”

Services

Sept. 7 – Drawn In: Living a Creative Life With God will be the overall theme for worship from September through Thanksgiving. You are invited to bring something you have created to help us decorate the sanctuary for this season of Creation (handcrafts, gardening, preserves, photos, whatever you like to create). Bring it to worship on Sept 7th.

Sept. 14 – All-Ages with Fellowship time following the service. Corn boil and hotdogs served.

All Ages Services

Once a month beginning on September 14th, we will offer our All-Age Worship experiences. These worship times will be approximately half an hour long and rather than a sermon there will be a reflection activity planned for children. Please share this date with all young families you know as this is our main faith formation activity for children. Note that children are welcome during any worship time and a story is prepared for them each week.

Meetings in Fellowship Room

Sept. 4, 10am – Spiritual Nurture Executive

Sept. 9 & 23, 2pm – Book Club/Spiritual Support Group

Sept. 11, 7pm – Spiritual Nurture Committee

Sept. 16, 7pm – Finance Committee

Sept. 30, 7pm – Unified Board

Book Club/Support group – Tuesday September 9th 2 - 4pm at the Fellowship Room SSUC. This year we will be using a book titled “Good Enough” – 40ish devotionals for a life of imperfection by Katie Bowler and Jessica Richie. New members are welcome. We hope to see you there! To learn more about Katie Bowler visit her website at www.katiebowler.com

Reports

Trustee/Property Update

Midway Construction added a beautiful handrail going up to the choir loft.

Community Events

Get Ready to Stroll – Sept. 22 – Oct. 13. Join us for a 21-day spiritual adventure exploring the theme of Shelter. Each day you’ll receive an email with a grounding photograph, a short reflection, and a simple practice to take with you as you stroll — outdoors or in spirit. Registration: $20 CAD. Created by Janice Maclean (Canada) and Caroline Bindon (New Zealand)

https://prayerbench.ca/product/stroll-individual-2/

Camp Abby - will need mason jars or regular jars that can be used for our weekly candle lighting ceremonies next summer. If you find some that you might not be wanting, let Sharon (vshowatt@pei.sympatico.ca) know and she will make arrangements to collect them.

Bedeque United Church – Palestine Land Exercise workshop, Nov. 1, 1 - 3p.m. About the Workshop: It didn’t start on October 7, 2023. Would you like to deepen your understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict? The Palestine Land Exercise (PLE) is an interactive presentation that walks participants through key historical events in the region since the late 19th century. Guided by a four-member volunteer team, this 50-minute immersive experience is followed by an Indigenous-style talking circle, offering space for reflection and discussion on steps toward peace. This workshop is open to all interested in participating! Please email to register by October 15th bedequepc@outlook.com

Announcements

Greeters – needed each week, please see sign-up 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 September. 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.

Humour

If pilgrims were still alive, what would they be most famous for?

Their age. WomensDay.com

South Shore United Church, P.O. Box 4, Crapaud, PE C0A 1J0

Clergy: Rev. Dr. Karen MacLeod-Wilkie 902-940-6349;

Office Administrator: Ruth Boulter 902-658-2863 Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 830am – 1230pm Email: southshoreunited1@gmail.com E-Transfer: ssuc.et21@gmail.com Church website: www.southshoreunitedchurch.ca Regional Council: www.ucceast.ca