Place of Meeting July 2014

Place of Meeting

Oh, the joys of summer The TUMC retreat, with the Saturday night campfire, marked the start of the summer season for many members of our congregation, with a mix of quiet prayer and song, Taize-style, rest and relaxation, fun in the water, conversation, good food and all the traditional camp stuff – like silly skits and songs around the campfire. More inside.

Toronto United Mennonite Church July 2014

Place of Meeting

Seen around TUMC

is the meaning of the Huron word “toronton,” from which our city gets its name. Fittingly, it can also mean “plenty” or “abundance.”

Place of Meeting is also the monthly newsletter of Toronto United Mennonite Church. May you find plenty here to enjoy and ponder. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation as a whole.

Contributions of all kinds are enthusiastically received, through the mail folder in the lobby or at dmartens@pathcom.com Next deadline Sept. 2, 2014 Have you discovered the allcolour online version of Place of Meeting, complete with live weblinks? Check this month’s issue out here: issuu.com/pomeditor/docs/ pom_july_2014l You can also request an email subscription to the colour version in PDF form or a monthly link to the current online issue. Please send a request to dmartens@pathcom.com Editor: Doreen Martens Junior High kids lead the service on June 1; young string players accompany provide rich accompaniment on June 8; children’s time on July 6.

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Decision made, now it’s time for work!

By Jan Kraus

D

id you know? Space Task Force 3 (SPF3) members Chair Bob Thiessen, recording secretary Jan Kraus, Carolyn Loewen and Richard Ratzlaff continue to consult and work even through the challenges of summer schedules.

Other people have been regular supporters and contributors to STF3 meetings including architect Melana Janzen, Christy Langschmidt and Doug Pritchard. STF3 meetings regularly included “guests” who spoke to specific questions and concerns of the committee.

Starting with the September 2008 Living out our Values and Identity statement, many different people have contributed their time and talents to making our values visible.

This has included self-reflection and conversations focused on our congregational life including worship, education, hospitality and networking.

We also listened for God’s voice calling us to share our resources, time, energy and talent with our community and the wider world.

Many different mission options were explored and the congregation has now chosen to focus on assisting victims of human trafficking. As we have explored new horizons we have continued to work closely with our current partners and neighbours.

Many TUMC people have been involved through committee meetings, Soup & Sophia gatherings,

Board meetings, AGM, fundraising campaigns, written reports, architectural blueprints, telephone interviews and one on one conversations.

Currently much work is going on “behind the scenes” as people continue to work on alterations of the drawings to meet the budget and space modifications, prepare designs for 6 Lark renovations, prepare paperwork for city permits, meet with city counselors, meet with mission partners, communicate with current partners and inform neighbours.

We encourage you to read the reports, study the architectural drawings and offer your comments and questions to any member of STF3.

In addition we invite you to prayerfully listen for God’s leading as together we respond to God’s call to share our time, energy and talents.

Options for naming 6 Lark After reviewing many submitted suggestions for a name for the shelter to be located at 6 Lark, the working group has narrowed down the choices to four: Lark Centre, Vida Centre, Aurora House and Esther Centre. Background for each of these choices is posted at church. Attendees on July 6 and 13 have been given the opportunity to cast their votes (three votes per person, to be placed any way you like). Those unable to attend either Sunday are invited to contact Mary Klein with their submission.

Out of the loop?

Draft minutes from the June 8 congregational meeting are posted at tumc.ca for your review and comments to the TUMC Board. You need to log-‐on with your user ID and password to get to the Congregational Meetings page.

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Prayer Letter: Bock Ki Kim and Sook-Kyoung Park

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Milestones

The past month has been one of many welcomes. On June 3, we celebrated the safe arrival of three new babies in our congregation with a shower: Eli Nathanial, with parents David and Damaris; Isaac Joel, with parents Joel and Heather and (not pictured) Brynn Carolyn with parents Kendell and Clark.

On the same day, we welcomed Ethan Vanderleek as our summer intern, left.

On June 8, we had the joy of receiving Peter Haresnape into membership, with Doug Pritchard serving as his faith partner (below).

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retreat was centred on learning about and experiencing reflective prayer and song in the style of the Taize ecumenical community in France, led by summer intern Ethan Vanderleek and associate pastor Michele Rizoli. A beautiful setting and equally beautiful music captured the quiet attention even of little ones.

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

Retreats are always a delightful time of relaxation, playing games together, swapping around babies, and good conversation that helps us grow closer as a family of faith. Right, Florence Heise whips up some hot chocolate for arriving campers on Friday night; Saturday morning, Michele Rizoli offers some reflections on her visit to Taize.

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

Taste and See, like the sign says: Good food is always a favourite part of the Silver Lake retreat, and this year was no exception. From tacos to ice cream cones to yummy breakfast casseroles, we ate heartily.

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

It was a cooler weekend than some adults might have hoped, but the kids took full advantage of the sunshine and the warm pond to enjoy some crazy fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially in kayaks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the water and sand.

Thanks to Michele Rizoli for photos top left.

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

Whether it was working together, playing games, learning some new skills or just teaming up to pull the dinner bell, we found lots of ways to enjoy being together.

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake

Hilarity ensued around the campfire Saturday night, with fun songs and skits, ending in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unity.â&#x20AC;?

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A slice of Taize at Silver Lake Some parting shots from Silver Lake 2014.

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Ending the year with a splash The GERMS (junior youth) ended the school year with a great pool party and barbecue (and at least one feat of gymnastics) at the home of Harold and Tobi Thiessen.

Photos by Michele Rizoli.

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