Calvin Church’s Weekly Announcements

CALVIN CHURCH’S WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Below are our congregational announcements for the week of July 27th – August 3rd. 

St. David’s and Calvin Sunday Fall Supper Group: (Reminder) 

The St. David’s and Calvin Sunday suppers group is scheduled to deliver casseroles on September 8. We are inviting new people to take part in this support to our neighbours. The rising cost of housing and everything else has put many people in difficulty, and a free hot meal on Sunday nights relieves a bit of the burden. As a group, we deliver the casseroles to Saint Andrews Church 3 times each year, although not everyone does it every time. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. The group is made up of people from the two congregations and their friends. I am available at nicolewcampbell26@icloud.com or 902-266-5878 to anyone with questions. 

Minister’s Summer Vacation: (Reminder) 

Rev. Koslowski will be away on vacation July 15 – Aug. 12. During that time, the pulpit will be filled by David Parker. We look forward to his preaching, and to what God might have to say to us through them. If you, or a loved one require pastoral care at that time, please contact Rev. Calvin Burt at 902-715-4006.

Congregational Meeting Follow-up: (Reminder) 

At the Sunday Congregational Meeting (Sunday, July 7th), Calvin agreed to accept the gift of the Fairview Allan organ from the Power Family (who purchased the organ on Calvin’s behalf) in memory of Lloyd MacKenzie. The congregation will cover the moving and installation cost of the organ into Calvin at a cost of $20,643. The organ will be removed and stored by Dr. Piano, with the repair work to be done by Allan Organs. Installation into the sanctuary is expected to occur in late August, with a dedication service following at a later date. The replacement of the Calvin LED Sign has been determined to be a non urgent issue, and the Session will explore different sign types and financial options, such as grants and loans, and report back on this matter at a later date. 

Egg Cartons Needed: (Reminder)

The Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank is desperately in need of ’12-pack’ egg cartons. If you have some to donate, please simply place them in the shopping cart in the Narthex outside the Sanctuary.

Sunday Drivers Needed!: (Reminder) 

We are currently looking for volunteers that are willing to provide drives for members of the church who are without a vehicle or can not drive on Sundays for morning Service. If you are interested in providing this service to fellow church members, please email calvinhalifax@bellaliant.com

Fall Volunteers still needed Children’s ministries: 

In looking ahead to September we are still looking for additional help with our children’s ministries. Ways to help include: 1.) volunteering to take regular turn in the nursery, 2.) to teach either our elementary class or our Youth Group, or 3.) to act as a helper/assistant to a teacher. Ideally we’re hoping for 6 more nursery volunteers, and 3-4 more people to work with the Sunday School classes. If you would be interested in helping out, please speak to Allison Jack, or Norna Hugasdottir.

Sign Up sheets for those interested in reading Scripture or leading in prayer: (Updated)

Sign up sheets for August 2024 – December 2024 are now on the table in the Narthex for anyone interested in signing up to either read scripture OR to lead in prayer during one of our Sunday worship services. Having different people share their voices, words, perspectives and prayers in worship has been a real blessing, and our hope is that you might consider sharing yours!

Senior’s Friendship:

The Seniors’ Friendship Group has now wrapped up its meetings for the spring. The group looks forward to returning in the Fall each Wed. from 1 – 3 p.m. in the church hall. Please watch for more details.

Children’s Ministries:

Our children’s ministries have resumed on Sunday mornings with 3 levels to our weekly Children’s Ministry program this year: a nursery program (ages 0-4 yrs.) an elementary level Sunday School program (Primary – Grade 6), and a Youth Group program (Grades 7-12).  Nursery-age children can be dropped off prior downstairs in the nursery prior to worship beginning at 10:50 a.m.. Sunday School and Youth Group age children will be invited to take part in the first part of our worship time, before going downstairs to their respective programs.

Choir Rehearsal: 

The choir meets on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the back meeting room downstairs. All are welcome to come, and join, and to share in Calvin’s music ministry!

Food Cupboard: 

Helpful items you can donate include: canned meat (Flakes of Tuna/Chicken/Ham/Spam)  Paper Towel/Toilet Paper bars of soap and toothpaste – dishwashing soap, Kraft Dinner canned soup and vegetables and pet food. Please see the donation box in the narthex or speak with Allison Power (patpower@eastlink.ca or 902-445-9161) or any member of the Mission and Outreach Team.

Pastoral Care Team

If you know someone in the congregation that could benefit from hearing from their Church Family please contact Kaitlyn Power (kaitlyn.power3@hotmail.com or 902-445-9161).  Cards will be sent from the pastoral care team to those who are identified as grieving, celebrating a special occasion, or thinking of you or get well wishes.

Bulletin Dedications:

You can now, once again, place dedications into the bulletins in celebration or memory of a special event or individual. Dedications can be made using the printed form on the table just outside the sanctuary, or online, at a suggested donation of $15 (which is used to offset printing costs). And if you don’t have $15, don’t worry. Just give what you can.

For those wishing to submit an please email the church at calvinhalifax@bellaliant.com.

(***PLEASE NOTE that online dedications must be submitted no later than the Wednesday immediately prior the Sunday on which they are intended to the printed)

Breakfast Program

Items needed on a weekly basis include cereal, granola bars, puddings, individual wrapped snacks, arrowroot cookies, fruit (applesauce, mandarin oranges, peaches, pears, fruit cocktail),  pancake mix (just add water), oats, and 1L juices (apple, orange, fruit mixture).  We currently support 21 families, (over 44 children) on a weekly basis. If you would like to donate with your offering, please note “Mission and Outreach Breakfast Program” with your contribution.  Any questions about this program – please contact Allison Power (patpower@eastlink.ca or 902-445-9161)

Prayer Chain:

For items to be added to the Prayer Chain, please email prayerchain@calvinhalifax.ca or speak to Allison Power (902-445-9161). Please ensure you have permission from the individual to have their name added to the list. Updates are also appreciated!  All requests are kept in confidence. We currently have a team of 16 who pray for those requested. If you feel called to be part of the Prayer Chain Team – please speak to Allison Power or Rev. Mike Koslowski.

Remember the Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank!:

Donations of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank can be placed in the shopping cart just inside the front doors of the church. Monetary donations should be earmarked ‘Food Bank’ and can be placed into the offering plates on any Sunday morning. If you would like to donate directly, monetary donations in the form of cash or cheques can be sent to their Treasurer, Russell Cooper, at 33 Chartwell Lane, Halifax, NS, B3M 3S7. Cheques should be made payable to the Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank. They will also accept e-transfers at the email address halifaxwestfoodbank@gmail.com. If you could leave your address in the comment section (or return address on posted donations), they will be sure to issue a tax receipt.

Who’s Who at Calvin

Not sure who’s who, or who to reach out and direct your questions to? Below are just some of those involved in leading our ministry here together at Calvin:

   Minister: Rev. Michael Koslowski, B.A., M. Div.
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Dr. W. G. S. (Sydney) McDonald, B.A., D.D.
Elder Emeritus: Murray MacDonald
Music Director: Faith Daley, B.A., B.Ed.

   Interim Clerk of Session: Lilla Tanner

   Envelope Secretary:  Dan Campbell

Ministry Team Leaders

Worship and Congregational Life: Rev. Michael Koslowski
Mission & Outreach: Allison Power
Personnel & Ministry Opportunities: Lilla Tanner
Finance and Stewardship: Pam MacFarlane
Property & Maintenance: Marian Smith
Prayer Chain, Contact: Allison Power
Pastoral Care: Rev. Michael Koslowski

Peace,

Elise Farnam
Calvin Presbyterian Church
3311 Ashburn Ave., Halifax  N.S.

(o) 902-455-7435