Carman United Church, Chilliwack, BC

Thursday 6 April 2017

April 6th, 2017

Here we are, well into 2017 and this is the first blog of the year.  

There have been many changes at Carman United since the last blog.  Our sanctuary has been renovated, with new carpeting and comfortable chairs replacing the pews which had been in the church for over 100 years.

We are revamping our church council to make for smaller gatherings.  There will also be more emphasis on Communication between council, committees and the congregation.
We have started publishing the minutes of Council meetings for all to read.  Several new and attractive bulletin boards will soon be mounted in the hallway whereon committees can post their own minutes or plans.

We had our Annual General Meeting in February with many new committee members joining those who continue to serve from previous years.  We were reminded of our stewardship and the need for continued and possibly increased givings to meet our deficit budget for this year.  The Carman family can be depended on to do this.

Rev.Medland also reminded us that any member of the congregation is welcome to attend Council meetings and comment if they feel the necessity.  Only council members can vote however.

In March we held our annual St.Paddy's themed potluck supper to welcome all those who have joined us in the past year.  Always a fun get-together.

On April 1st (no fooling!) the annual Guess Who's Coming to Dinner was held.  This is a great way to enjoy wonderful food and to get better acquainted with fellow Carmanites. It also raises funds to support the meals we serve at Ruth & Naomi's mission.

There have been a number of new programs started. For a pleasant afternoon, we have the prayer shawl knitting ministry on Tuesdays from 1 - 3 p.m.  Bring needles and yarn.

  Taize Contemplative service is held on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Rev. Karen is holding evening classes for those seeking church membership or baptism.

Our annual Garage Sale will be held Friday Apr.28th and Sat. Apr.29th.  Donations welcomed and needed.  No clothing but accessories are welcome.

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This coming Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week.  First we will have Palm Sunday which is an intergenerational service at Carman.  Usually we have the children parade in,  waving their palm fronds.  Each person in the congregation is also given a frond and we wave them joyously as we imitate the people greeting Jesus as he entered the city.

The next week leading up to Easter Sunday will be a busy one at most churches and certainly it is at Carman.  Usually we share holy week services with at least one other United Church and this year will be no different.The services will be as follows:

April 9th        -    Palm Sunday             10:30 a.m. children stay for full service

April 13th      -    Maundy Thursday        6:30 p.m.  Agape meal and foot washing.
                                                                Chilliwack United invited.

April  14th      -   Good Friday                10:30 a.m.  Service at Chilliwack United
                                                                                  Joint Choirs.

April   16th     -   EASTER                    7:30 a.m.   Sunrise service at Carman Cemetery
                                                             Muffins and coffee at Carman afterwards.

        Easter Sunday worship                10:30 a.m.  No Communion.

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