United Church Chatter

Submitted

By Dianne Kowalchuk

Summer is here! We celebrate the season of summer and all the glory of God’s creation. Rivers United will not be holding Sunday worship services during the summer, but the Church is still “open”! Minister Sheila Deforest will be found in her church office on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. She can be reached there at 328-7940. The breaking news, however, is that Rivers United will be holding Wed. evening Vesper Services. Sheila has written the following invitation:

In the United Church hymn book, Voices United, the introduction to Daily Prayer tells us: “All believers share the urge to place the beginning and the ending of the day in God’s hands. From earliest times, Christ’s victory over death has been symbolized by the dawning of a new day and the lighting of lamps at the close of day.” Lighting a candle and turning the day over to God, has been a practice of mine and one I would like to share. Being a student and having the blessing of Rivers UC to try new things, I will be offering Wed. evening Vesper/Evening services during July and Aug. This worship service will consist of singing, scripture, silence, and prayer. The intent is to praise God and offer prayers for the world. It is not meant to be a Sun. service, so the length of time will be approximately 30 minutes long. I invite everyone to come, to gather in community and share the desire to be in relationship with God and each other. The Wed. evening service will begin on July 4, at 7 pm, in Rivers United Church. Everyone is welcome to attend and please if you are able, stay afterwards for a time of fellowship and visiting.

Rivers United Church has a vision for a church that lives and works in unity with all God’s people and follows the example of Jesus Christ in loving and serving others. We have a particular desire to provide outreach for those in need here and in the wider community. The proceeds of the spring Thrift Sale were split among Riverdale Harvest, the Breakfast Program at Rivers Collegiate, and the Rivers and Area Community Foundation. We thank everyone who supported this worthwhile project.

RUC is undertaking a major project this summer. The sanctuary of RUC contains four stained-glass windows, which are badly in need of repair. These windows are part of our history. The earliest windows were erected in 1932 to serve as memorials to the sons of Rev. Samuel and Mrs. Martin (Malcolm and Wallace) who died in 1925 of diphtheria (9 years old) and 1930 of spinal meningitis (23 years old) respectively. Both are buried in Rivers Cemetery. The third window was dedicated in 1945 in memory of Fanny Frances Offen (1877-1944), an active worker for many years with the Sunday School and the Mission Band. Fanny was the wife of T.W. Offen, who published the Rivers Gazette for 37 years. The fourth window was dedicated in 1952 “in grateful remembrance” to Jean Sinclair (1891-1952), wife of R.G. Sinclair. These windows will be repaired in Winnipeg and replaced in the sanctuary. There, they will shine in their original glory!

And so Rivers United Church carries on. Children young and old appreciated the ice cream treats on Sundae Sun. (June 11). Plans are to enter an RUC float in the July 8 community parade. At the United Church, all are welcome at the Wed. evening Vesper Services, and all are welcome when we resume Sun. services on Sept. 10. We are all children of God. You can get the latest church news at www.riversunitedchurch.org . May your time in the summer sun be a blessed time.

Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The Comets played the Elkhorn Expos in Elkhorn on Wednesday, June 14 at 7 pm. The score was 7 - 4 for the Comets. The Comets seven runs were scored by Braeden Clarke - two, Ryan Shaw - one, Michael McFadden - one, Fred Hrycak – one, Cale Shaw – one, and

Owen Wareham - one.

The Comets looked sharp in their new jerseys thanks to Way-Mor Agencies for their sponsorship.

The Rivers Comets played again against the Oak River Dodgers in Rivers on Friday, June 16 at 7 pm. Valiant effort from Scott Beever, complete game only allowing 4 hits, striking out 12 but couldn’t get the timely offence and they fall 4-2 to the Oak River Dodgers. Michael McFadden, and Scott Beever made the runs across home plate for the Comets.

Congratulations to Noella Kilimnik who won $250 in the 50/50.

Their next game is Sunday, June 25, at 6 pm when they take on the Hamiota Red Sox in Hamiota. See you there!