THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28th, 2017 - I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each others dreams, we can be together all the time. Pooh

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31st, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MISSION CAPSULES: Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … support the Rev. Blair and Vivian Bertrand as they serve a three year term with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in Malawi. Blair supports leadership development through the Blantyre Synod’s youth department, Zomba Theological College and the Theological Education by Extension program. Vivian’s desire is to support the Synod’s work combating poverty. Blair feels called to this mission and shares that “to be sent is to participate in the mission of God.” Vivian adds, “as Christians, we are called into relationship. My understanding of mission centers around the idea that we are all impoverished in our own way, and as humans living in the world, through the grace of God, we have something to offer our brothers and sisters.”

NOTE: Theology on Tap will continue soon – the book to read is “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom

Beaches Annual Meeting will be in February – Elisabeth Grant will soon be looking for your reports.

PONDERINGS

Every man in the world is better than someone else. And not as good as someone else. William Saroyan

I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been. Wayne Gretsky

In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never keep up with the Joneses – drag them down to your level. Quentin Crisp

The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it – as long as you really believe 100 percent. Arnold Schwarzenegger

I am just a ballplayer with one ambition and that is to give all I’ve got to help my ball club win. I’ve never played any other way. Joe DeMaggio

Have a good week - keep warm MB

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21st, 2017

TONIGHT – Join us for our annual Longest Night Service - 7:30 - a quiet hour of reflection, prayer and healing.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24th, 2017 - 10:00am - Advent 4 – morning worship with the Jazz Ensemble

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – 6:30 – Lessons and Carols

Late night Communion service – 10:00

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25th, 2017 - Christmas Day - enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS - mb

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15th, 2017 - Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon. Pooh

AND – Beaches Women’s Pot Luck dinner – 6:30 – Mary Rae Shantz home on Wineva.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 2017 - “I’ll be home for Christmas” songs and stories of Christmas Homecomings at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, Warden & Kingston Road, - 7:30 – Storytellers are Councillor Gary Crawford, Broadcaster Avis Favaro; Professor Don Gray and Rev. Christine Smaller. $10:00 – funds go to support Bluffs Food Bank.

AND – Join Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine at 1:00 – 2:30 – for a bird friendly tree decorating event – some materials provided or bring your own decorations and birdseed.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2017 - Third Sunday of Advent - join us for morning worship at 10:00 Rev. Katherine McClosky leading.

AND – 3:30 our annual reading of A Christmas Carol – featuring Tom Allen; Raina Douris; Jenny Young and Michael Brett, plus Lori Gemmell harp; Mike Murley sax; Julian Anderson-Bowes bass; Chris Pruden and Don Anderson piano; Evan Cartwright drums and the BPC Choir.

MISSION CAPSULES: Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … equip and nurture future church leaders who in turn will equip and nurture others to witness faithfully in the world. In 2017, 18 students graduated from our three theological colleges – Knox College in Toronto; The Presbyterian College in Montreal, Vancouver School of Theology and St. Andrew’s Hall in Vancouver. These colleges provide a strong academic and practice foundation to prepare students to serve our congregations. The PCC supports ministry candidates and their presbyteries as they work to discern the candidates call. In 2017, 16 candidates attended the PCC’s Guidance Conference which helps participants recognize their abilities, strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan of growth as they move forward. Together we also encourage and support new clergy who have just begun their ministries.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21st, 2017 - 7:30 – Longest Night Service - a quiet service of reflection, prayer and healing.

NOTE: I will be bringing copies of Laura Alary’s books that were ordered – this Sunday for pickup. I will also some extra copies available for sale.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24th, 2017 - Advent 4 – morning worship with the Jazz ensemble.

CHRISTMAS EVE – Lessons and carols - 6:30

Late night Communion 10:00

Ponderings:

I’ve always taken risks, and never worried what the world might really think of me. Cher

I’ve learned my song, and I sing it. Bob Barker

Your talent is god’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. Leo Buscaglia

Gentlemen, start your egos. Billy Crystal

When you are in any contest you should work as if there were – to the very last minute – a chance to lose it. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Courage is grace under pressure - Ernest Hemmingway

Courage is being scared to death – but saddling up anyway - John Wayne

In heaven, an angel is nobody in particular - George Bernard Shaw

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 2017 - “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering” Pooh

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8th, 2017 - THE FOUR MEN IN CONCERT – 7:00 – Manor Road United Church, (240 Manor Road, East of Mt. Pleasant) Songs of Love, Hope and Inspiration along with the music of Christmas. Tickets $20.00 – seniors $15.00 (our own George Kopulos is one of the four)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 2017 - Holiday market at St. Aidan’s 10:00 – 3:00 - One of a kind arts, ornaments, knits, crafts, preserves, pottery, baking and more.

AND - Cookie Walk at St. Paul’s United Church 200 McIntosh - 10:30 - Walk along and fill your box – select from dozens of trays of different homemade cookies. $10.00 per box. Info 416-261-4222

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 2017 - Second Sunday of Advent – join us for morning worship at 10:00 - Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. We will celebrate communion and our Amnesty International Letter Writing Campaign.

TORONTO BEACH CHORALE present Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 pm – Kingston Road United Church.

MISSION CAPSULES: Dr. Eddy Jonas head of women’s health at Zanmi Lasantein, Haiti is standing up for victims of gender based violence. While Haiti’s justice system is unable to respond adequately to widespread occurrences of violence against women, Dr. Jonas remains committed to providing the medical care, phychosocial support and community accompaniment victims need. Dr. Jonas is thankful for the support from PWS&D that is helping to address this critical human rights issue. “If we can’t receive victims and give them proper treatment then we are a part of the system of violence” says Dr. Jonas.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 2017 - Theology on Tap at the Beacher Café.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2017 - “A Christmas Carol” at Beaches - 3:30 - proceeds to the Refugee Fund.

PONDERINGS:

The really frightening thing about middle age is that you know you will grow out of it. Doris Day

I’m 30 years old but I read at the 34 year old level! Dana Carvey

Life’s a tough proposition and the first hundred years are the hardest. Wilson Mizner

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own. Aesop

After 30, a body has a mind of it’s own. Bette Midler

It’s the friends that you can call up at 4 am that matter. Marlene Dietrich

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. Jane Howard

You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself. Ethel Barrymore

Have a blessed week MB

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 2017 - “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” Pooh

Tis the Season for Christmas Craft and Bake Sales at local churches. Check out your copy of Beach Metro News.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: AIDS is now the leading cause of death among teenagers in the sub-Sahara in Africa, a region still devastated by the AIDS epidemic. The deaths can be avoided through prevention and treatment, education and healthcare. The Presbyterian Church in Canada through PWS&D supports HIV and AIDS programs that fight against stigma and discrimination ,teach and equip people to prevent the spread and the transmission between mother and child and provide home based care and medication to those with the disease.

NOTE: Calvary Baptist Church Food Bank is in need of help. I spoke to a worker there who said their demands from the community have increased by almost 50% and they regularly run out of the basic foods. Please think about donating something for them to add to their supplies.

CHRISTMAS GIVING: Laura Alary has written several children’s books – among them her Children’s introduction to Lent and this year; a book about Advent. We will have several of these books on hand for the next few Sundays. One of us will be there to take orders after worship.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2nd, 2017 - Jazz and Reflections – 4:30 – 5:15 – at Beach United Church featuring New Orleans Christmas X-centric Dixieland with special guest Bill MacLean.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 2017 - Advent 1 - Following worship Annual Advent Pot Luck Lunch.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 2017 - 7:30 pm - Toronto Beach Chorale present The Messiah at Kingston Road United Church.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2017 - Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets $25.00 – proceeds to the refugee Fund.

THINGS TO PONDER:

All great change in America begins at the dinner table. Ronald Reagan

As a child my family’s menu consisted of two choices, take it or leave it! Buddy Hackett

Household tasks are easier and quicker when they are done by somebody else. James Thorpe

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. Phyllis Diller

There is no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt dosen’t get any worse. Quentin Crisp

The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. Johnny Carson

We are having something a little different this year. Instead of a turkey, we are having a swan. You get more stuffing! George Carlin

Have a good week - I will be away again for a couple of weeks. MB

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15th, 2017 - “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.” Pooh

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15th, 2017 - A documentary called “Sponsorland” airs tonight at 9:00 on TVO. It tells the story of a Syrian family that was sponsored by a group in Picton, Ontario. Rob Shropshire recommended it highly. http://sponsorland.ca/

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17th, 2017 - “Music on Main” 7:30 Calvary Baptist Church, north of Kingston Road featuring Mended Heart Southern Gospel Group and Christian Chuquhuara : Piano/Vocal hits of the 50’s & 60’s. Dessert and coffee - tickets $15:00

This is the season for Christmas Craft sales – check out the Beach Metro for information – there seems to be something every weekend in November.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: PWS&D is committed to protecting the rights of children, including the right to food that helps them grow and thrive. The lack of food threatened the life of one year old Kai when violent conflict near their village forced his family to flee their home in South Sudan. After they had walked for days, Kai was showing signs of acute malnutrition, Fortunately, when they arrived at a UN protection camp, the little boy was admitted to a feeding center that is part of a PWS&D supported nutrition treatment program with Canadian Foodgrains Bank. After two months Kai was discharged having grown healthier, stronger and better able to face each day while waiting for peace to be restored in South Sudan.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25th, 2017 - 4:30 – 5:15 - Jazz Vespers at Hope United Church

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27th, 2017 - Theology on Tap resumes with “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” at the Beacher.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 2017 - Annual Advent Pot Luck lunch, following worship.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 2017 - Toronto Beach Chorale presents The Messiah, at Kingston Road United Church.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2017 - 3:30 - Dickens Christmas Reading

STUFF:

If flying is safe, why do they call the airport a “terminal”?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called “rush hour”?

Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?

Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic wins Lottery?”

Why is it that doctors call what they do “practice?”

Have a good week MB

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 2017 - “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you, you have to go to them sometimes.” Pooh

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28th, 2017 - Halloween on Queen – Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens – noon – 4:00 - Dress to impress for our costume contest. Plus games; crafts; face painting; live music; magicians; stilt walkers.

AND Jazz Vespers – 4:30 – 5:15 at Hope United Church, Main & Danforth, featuring guitarist Christopher Platt and pianist Josh Smiley.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – this Sunday one of our Jazz services will be presented. Bring your friends featuring our favourite jazz group.

MISSION CAPSULES: Have you ever found yourself stuck and in need of good advice? Thanks to Presbyterians Sharing … ministers and ministries across Canada are receiving the encouragement and guidance they need to thrive through a variety of coaching networks. Programs such as the New Church Development Coaches and the Social Mentor Network bring direct support to ministries by matching them with trained coaches who provide guidance and support. Whether getting a new church staff off the ground or navigating the challenges of managing a church-based outreach mission, coaches help leadership teams hear where God is calling them and equip them with the tools needed to follow God’s call. In 2018 Canadian Ministries will pilot two new coaching programs in the area of evangelism and congregational renewal!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 2017 - Theology on Tap at the Beacher Café - 7:00 – join us for a good discussion on the book Sea Sick by Alanna Mitchell.

FYI - Our weekly offerings to date, are down from the same period last year, so the members of your Stewardship & Finance Committee would ask that you prayerfully consider: 1) Whether your situation will allow you to give through PAR in a regular monthly way, and 2) Whether a review of your level of giving is warranted. You can make giving to Beaches easy and simple while, at the same time, providing the church with a stable, predictable source of revenue each month. HOW?.....by joining the Pre-Authorized Remittance plan (PAR).

Your offering would be drawn monthly directly from your account; no need to remember to write a cheque nor to have cash available nor consider what to do should you be absent on a Sunday. It is a safe and secure process. For more information about PAR, see Sheila MacDonald or go to www.presbyterian.ca/stewardship/par On behalf of your Stewardship Committee, thank you for your strong, on-going support.

More lexophiles

The guy who fell into an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she’d dye.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
Acupuncture is a jab well done. That’s the point of it!
And finally
Those who get too big for their britches will be totally exposed in the end.

Have a good week - MB I will be away for the next while.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20th, 2017 - Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude!

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20th, 21st & 22nd, 2017 - BEACH STUDIO TOUR – featuring 23 artists and artisans; at locations all around the Beach. Lists and maps available along Queen Street.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 2017 - ANNUAL MARATHON – along Queen Street East. No access south of Queen to Cars.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 1027 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 2017 - Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Yonge Street north of St. Clair. 7:00 – “Midwives and Ministry” Anna Carter Florence preaching and Liturgist/Musician John Bell.

MISSION CAPSULE: Presbyterians Sharing …supports the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean, a Bible translation consultant working in partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and The Bible Society in Taiwan. In a recent blog post, Paul writes. “Maelaanenge ki Twaumase!” (Thanks be to God!) These words were repeated during the joyful 3-hour thanksgiving service for the publication of the Ngudradrekai Bible on July 11th, 2017 at Kucapungane Presbyterian Church in the mountain foothills of southern Taiwan. Nearly 30 years after the Gospel first took root in Old Kucapungane village, Ngudradrekal people now have the complete Bible printed in their own language. The Rev. Peter Bush, Moderator of the 2017 General Assembly, attended the celebration – he shares, “To read the Bible in one’s mother language is to be affirmed culturally as a people having value and it is to be called to discipleship following Jesus Christ.”

FROM THE REFUGEE TEAM: After worship last Sunday, a group of us gathered to discuss how to proceed in light of the government’s decision to reject Hassan’s (and family’s) application for refugee status in Canada. The pros and cons of various options were discussed and a straw poll revealed that most of those present favoured having a trusted immigration lawyer review the file in order to determine whether there is any reason to think that a formal request for judicial review would be worthwhile. If you would like more information on the various options before us, please email Klaas. Session will make the final decision in this matter.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2017 - Theology on Tap will continue our study of Sea Sick by Alanna Mitchell. Ms Mitchell will be joining us for the discussion. The Beacher 7:30.

FOR YOUR INTEREST: The Vinyl Café has announced “The Unreleased Stories” of Dave and Morley are available as of October 31st, 2017 through Amazon and Indigo.

MORE LEXOPHILES:

- A boiled egg is hard to beat.
- when you’ve seen one shopping center you’ve seen a mall.
- Police were summoned to a daycare center where a three year old was resisting a rest.
- Did you hear about the fellow whose entire left side was cut off? He’s all right now.
- A bicycle can’t stand alone; it’s just two tired.
- When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11th, 2017 - “Love is taking a few steps backward, maybe even more …. to give way to the happiness of the person you love.” Pooh

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. Following worship there will be a congregational meeting to discuss our Refugee family. As you may know, Hassan, Dua and Abdaljalil have had their application to come to Canada refused by the government – after two years of waiting. We will discuss how we respond to this decision.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15th, 2017 - The Last Curlew with Tom Allen & Friends at Kingston Road United Church – 1:30 – tickets $25:00

MISSION CAPSULES: Today, 800 million people worldwide to go bed with an empty stomach. The majority of the world’s hungry people are subsistence farmers. These farmers struggle to cultivate plentiful harvests in the midst of a changing climate, which brings unpredictable and extreme weather events that devastate crops. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s Climate Fund is a way for Canadians to respond to families impacted by climate change. This year, donations to the Climate Fund will support PWS&D’S agro-ecological and food security project in Guatemala. The project has been transformative for Cataline, a farmer who received support to adapt to climate change, grow more vegetables and improve her family’s nutrition. “I am grateful that we can see another way to live a healthy life,” she says.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 2017 - Lost Pilgrims Concert – Erindale Presbyterian Church, 1560 Dundas Street, West, Mississauga – in celebration of their 57th Anniversary. 6:30 – 9:30 – reception – wine/beer/soft drinks/ finger food and a great concert. Tickets $35:00

LEXOPHILES - These are this year’s winning submissions for the best lexophiles competition.

- When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.
- A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
- When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A.
- The batteries were given out free of charge
- A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.
- A will is a dead giveaway
- With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Have a good week - MB (I will not be around for a couple of weeks.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, 2017 - “I was walking along looking for somebody and then suddenly I wasn’t anymore” Pooh

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, 2017 - Kingston Road Fall Festival from Victoria Park to Main Street.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. We will celebrate World Communion Sunday.

MISSION CAPSULE: Presbyterians Sharing … helps congregations and individuals walk alongside Indigenous people on a journey toward reconciliation. In June, 33 Presbyterians from across Canada visited three of the PCC’s seven indigenous ministries, worshipped at Mistawasis church and listened to stories of anger and pain and offered apologies. They also witnessed some of the ways in which PCC ministries are transforming lives. At Birdtail Sioux First Nation, site of the Birtle residential school, Doug Hanska thanked the visitors with an honour song. He explains, “The stop they did in Birdtail, I know it many not mean much to a lot of people, but to some of us it means a lot.” He said. “We can forgive and move on, like our teachings tell us.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2017 - Jazz & Reflections – Beach United Church – 4:30 – 5:15 featuring David Occhipinti and his group.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16th, 2017 - Theology on Tap with begin their next series with Paul Collin’s book Judgement Day: The struggle for Life on Earth. The companion piece will be Alanna Mitchell’s Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis. Alanna will join us for one of our October sessions. If you would like to order these books please speak to M.J. or Erin.

MORE:

Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look alike contest!!

Chewing Gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.

Sherlock Holmes NEVER said, “Elementary, my dear Watson.”

An old law in Bellingham, Washington, made it illegal for a woman to take more than three steps backwards while dancing!

The glue on Israeli postage is certified kosher

Bats always turn left when exiting a cave.

The Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from public libraries.

Have a good week MB

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st, 2017 - “Rabbit’s clever” said Pooh thoughtfully. “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbits clever” “And he has a brain,” said Pooh. “Yes,” said Piglet. “Rabbit has a brain.” There was a long silence. “I suppose,” said Pooh, “that that’s why he never understands anything.”

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, SEPEMBER 22nd – 24th, 2017 - ART IN THE BEACH at Beach United Church. Friday 6:00 – 9:00. Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 5:00 – info – beachguildoffineart.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017 - 4:30 – 5:15 - Jazz Vespers at Hope United Church – featuring Jim Clayton Trio AND – 1:00 – 4:00 Hope United Church – War Time Radio Show Auditions – join us as we stage a live to air “1944 Radio Show” in celebration of Remembrance Day.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2017 - Great Lakes Water Walk starting at Scarboro Missions on Kingston Road at 7:00 am west through the Beach ending with a ceremony at Marilyn Bell Park – Ontario Place 3:00 pm. This is an inclusive free indigenous led walk to safeguard the water by walking together. People of all backgrounds are welcome. Organized by Nibi Emosadaamajig and Ecologos/Water Docs. Info – www.greatlakeswaterwalk.ca

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McClosky leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: Last winter, the compassionate Grade 4-6 class at St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, took on PWS&D Farming for the Future Sunday School Challenge to raise money for a program that helps food insecure families in rural Guatemala. At a bake sale at the church, the class made $350.00 in sales on top of the $400.00 they raised through the collection of pop cans! The children donated the proceeds to PWS&D with the hope of helping vulnerable families get what they need to grow maize, vegetables and fruit trees for years to come. By working together, small actions can help families overcome challenges and build bright futures.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2017 - Theology on Tap will finish it’s current reading of Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry and The Inconvenient Indian. Then two weeks off before our next series which will begin October 16th. Paul Collins book Judgement Day; The Struggle for Life on Earth. To order books speak to Erin or M.J.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMER 30th, 2017 - Fall Ravine Cleanup starting at the Beech Avenue entrance to the Glen Stewart Ravine. 10:00 am – Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine invite the community to volunteer to clean up the ravine. Bring gloves and dress to get dirty.

COMING UP: OCTOBER 15th, 2017 - The Last Curlew with Tom Allen & Friends at Kingston Road United Church – 1:30 – Based on the book “Last of the Curlews” by Fred Bodsworth. Tickets $25:00

MORE OF “SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE”

- The original name for butterfly was flutterby.

- The first CD pressed in the US was Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA.

- The phrase “rule of thumb” is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn’t beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.

- The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At that time, the most known player on the market was Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.

- Bruce Lee was so fast that they actually had to s-l-o-w film down so you could see his moves!

- By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you cannot sink into quicksand. Good to know!

- Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with!

Have a good week - M

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2017 - “Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.” Pooh

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 - Butterfly Way Parade and Pollinator Party at Kew Gardens – 1:00 – 5:00 – Parade begins on the boardwalk at 1:00.

AND Cigarette butts are the most littered items on our Beaches – they don’t biodegrade, they leach toxic chemicals into the sand and water. With all the flooding this summer, it’s been difficult for cleaning equipment to access and clean our beaches – so we are going to lend hand and we need help. If you can help please register online – info@blueflag.ca

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 - Heather Crisp leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: In her community in Nicaragua, Sandra believed she was feeding her children wholesome, nutritious food. But the chips and soda that made up the bulk of their diets led to illness and delays in growth. PWS&D supported community promoters are helping families like Sandra’s improve their nutrition by discussing the benefits of locally grown, fresh produce and helping establish household gardens. Sandra now understands that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is important for a healthy future. Today her children are energetic and healthy. For Sandra, this project is the beginning of a brighter future for her family and community. “Our mission is to share what we have learned so that our community will prosper with healthy and active families.”

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th, 2017 - Theology on Tap – Beacher Café

COMING UP:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th, 2017 - At the Balmy Beach Club – an author’s dinner, featuring Peter Robinson and Gord Downie. Tickets are $70:00. Gord Downie will be talking about his book Secret Path. This evening is being organised by St. Aidan’s Church.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, 2017 - Presbytery Youth Progressive Dinner – the Youth Committee has planned a progressive dinner which will begin at 5:00 at St. Andrews; move on to Rosedale and finish up at Riverdale.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2017 - 2:00 – 4:00 – Kingston Road United Church - Toronto Beach Chorale – come and participate in a free, open choral rehearsal….Love to sing? Drop in and sing with the Toronto Beach Chorale and participate in Canada’s Culture Days celebrations. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how choral music is rehearsed and practise a few vocal techniques as a member of the audience. Artistic Director and Conductor, Mervin William Fick will guide us through a lively, open working rehearsal as we prepare for our 10th anniversary 2017/18 season.

MORE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE …..

- A 2 X 4 is really 1-1/2 by 3 – ½

- During the chariot scene in “Ben Hur” a small red car can be seen in the distance and Heston is wearing a watch!

- On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily! (that explains a few mysteries)

- Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn’t wear pants.

- Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during WWII were made of wood.

- The number of possible ways of playing the first four moves per side in a game of chess is 318,979,564,000.

- There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, purple and silver.

- The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan. There was never a recorded Wendy before.

- The very first bomb dropped by the allies on Berlin in WWII killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo.

AND THIS – I have been told that a duck’s quack does echo.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th, 2017 - “The things that make me different are the things that make me me.” Winnie the Pooh

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 8 & 9, 2017 - Toronto Beaches Film Festival at Beach United Church. All premier screenings. Tickets $12.00 each or two for $20.00. info – www.torontobeachesfilmfest.com

SATURDAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th & 10th, 2017 - Beach Celtic Festival at Kew Gardens. 9:00 – 7:00 – a Ceilidh celebration of all things celtic. www.thecelticfestical.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th, 2017 - morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. We will celebrate communion.

MISSION CAPSULES: Presbyterian Connection is a new newspaper designed to unite Presbyterians by sharing stories, reflections, interviews and articles from across Canada. By equipping leaders, connecting congregations and missions and facilitating communication, the paper will help strengthen denominational ties across the country. “This publication is just what we need to keep connected across the country. I especially appreciated the very positive, hopeful and encouraging vibe of this issue. Thank you!”

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th, 2017 - Theology on Tap will finish it’s current reading of Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry and The Inconvenient Indian on Monday, September 25th. We will than take two weeks off. Our next series of discussions will begin October 16th and focus on Paul Collin’s Book Judgement Day: The Struggle for Life on Earth. The companion piece will be Alanna Mitchell’s Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis. Alanna will join us for one of our October sessions. Once again Crux book stores will give us a discount on the theological work and Alanna has said she can give us a discount on her book if ten are purchased. If you would like to purchase these books please contact either Erin or M.J.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2017 - Find out how to protect yourself against fraud. 2:00 – 3:00 pm at Beaches Library, Queen & Lee, an officer from 55 Division, Toronto Police Services will provide information on how you can protect yourself against fraud and be available to answer questions.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

A rat can last longer without water than a camel.

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it will digest itself.

The dot over the letter “I” us called a tittle.

A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot find a mate.

A duck’s quack doesn’t echo. No one knows why.

Have a good week. MB

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29th, 2017 - “Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?” “Supposing it didn’t” said Pooh, after careful thought. Piglet was comforted by this.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29th, 2017 - Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook. - 7:00 - Last mid week service for the summer led by the Lost Pilgrims Band. Dinner at 6:00 …

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30th, 2017 - Mid Week Worship at Beaches – 7:30 – last service for the summer. Join us for a quiet, casual, comtemplative hour.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2017 - join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. M.J.Perry leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: In Guatemala, the Francisco Coll School sits on a landfill site surrounded by shelters built by families trying to make ends meet by collecting trash. With the support of PWS&D Francisco Coll is providing vulnerable boys and girls with a proper education in a safe environment. Maria Herrera, a student at Francisco Coll, dreams of graduating from university and becoming an administrator. Her mother doesn’t have a reliable income, but with support from PWS&D she can continue going to the school she loves. In a letter thanking PWS&D for its support she says, “I ask God that every day you have good health and blessings and that you continue to be able to help adolescents achieve their dreams and goals, like me.”

RIDDLE: Who remembers the rhyme – “As I was going to St. Ives, I met a man with seven wives, Each wife had seven sacks, Each sack had seven cats, Each cat had seven kits: Kits, cats, sacks and wives, How many were there going to St. Ives? So, how many??

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th, 2017 - Theology on Tap continues the discussion at The Beacher Café

MORE FROM THE CYNICAL PHILOSOPHER

If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.

My 60 year kindergarten reunion is coming up soon and I’m worried about the 175 pounds I’ve gained since then.

The pharmacist asked me my birth date again today. I’m pretty sure she’s going to get me something.

I think it’s pretty cool how Chinese people made a language entirely out of tattoos.

Money can’t buy happiness, but it keep the kids in touch.

The location of your mailbox shows you how far away from your house you can be in a bathrobe before you start looking like a mental patient.

The reason Mayberry was so peaceful and quiet was because nobody was married. Andy, Aunt Bea, Barney, Floyd, Howard, Goober, Gomer, Sam, Earnest T. Bass, Helen, Thelma Lou, Clara and of course, Opie were all single. The only married person was Otis and he stayed drunk!

Have a good week MB

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 2017 - “What day is it?” “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet, “My favourite day,” said Pooh

TUESDAY’S AT FALLINGBROOK - 7:00 - Rev. Helen Hartai leading

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2017 - Wednesday worship at 7:30 - join us for a quiet, contemplative hour.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: Edmonton Urban Native Ministry is one of eight Native Ministries in Canada supported by gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … The ministry serves people of Aboriginal background in Edmonton’s inner city. It seeks to meet the social and spiritual needs of people struggling with complex issues of addiction, exploitation, violence, homelessness and poverty. Providing practical support creating awareness and promoting healing initiatives are priorities. EUNM collaborates with various churches to provide children’s ministry programs, VBS and summer camp opportunities. The history of the relationship between Aboriginal People and the Presbyterian Church in Canada has been complex and often difficult. The PCC is committed to walking with Aboriginal Peoples on a journey toward healing and reconciliation.

MONDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2017 - Theology on Tap will continue at the Beacher Café.

The Cynical Philosopher:

I read that 4,153,237 people got married last year. Not meaning to cause any trouble, but shouldn’t that be an even number?

Today, a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water.

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

I find it ironic that the colours red, white and blue stand for freedom, until they are flashing behind you.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight, live longer than the men who mention it.

You know that tingly little feeling you get when you are attracted to someone? That’s common sense leaving your body.

Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish…

Money talks - but all mine every says is good-bye..

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2017 - “Sometimes,” said Pooh, “the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

AND …. 7:30 – Wednesday evening service - join us for a quiet, comtemplative gathering.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: Nearly half of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan’s membership is Indigenous. With support from Presbyterians Sharing … Carragh Erhardt (Healing and Reconciliation Program Assistant) the Rev. Dianne Ollerenshaw, (Director of Regional Ministries, Synod of Alberta & the Northwest) and Lori Ransom (Healing and Reconciliation Animator, 2006-2011) represented the PCC at the PCT’s International Forum on the “Mission of the Church in Taiwan Today.” Afterwards they spent six days with PCC mission Staff, the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean, and some of his Indigenous colleagues for mutual learning about experiences of reconciliation in Canada and Taiwan. Carragh shares, “I am grateful to the people we met in Taiwan for sharing their experiences and I look forward to continuing this partnership.”

NOTE: Theology on Tap will be cancelled for August 21st. We will get together again on Monday August 28th.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 2017 - Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook – 7:00 - Rev. Helen Hartai leading.

JUST COMMENTS:

Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic. Dan Rather

Nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys it’s own special laws. Douglas Adams

Upper classes are a nation’s past; the middle class is it’s future. Ayn Rand

Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right. Laurens van der Post

In the future we’ll have 15 minutes of fame and 15 minutes of health care. Nicole Hollander

The Romans would never have found time to conquer the world if they had been obliged first to learn Latin. Heinrich Heine

No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. Booker T. Washington

In politics stupidity is not a handicap. Napoleon Bonaparte

Too bad that all the people who really know how to run the country are busy driving taxi cabs and cutting hair! George Burns

Have a good week - MB

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8th, 2017 - “I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live my life as if there isn’t and die to find out there is.” Albert Camus

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9th, 2017 - Join us for a contemplative service at 7:30.

ALSO – Movie nights in the Beach starting at dusk - this week, Ghostbusters – Ivan Forest Gardens

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. We will celebrate communion.

MISSION CAPSULES: After a massive earthquake shook her Nepali village in April 2015, Dolma’s dream of pursuing higher education felt out of reach. Her school was demolished and even when lessons resumed her frightened family refused to let her go. “Our house had collapsed. My family needed me,” shares Dolma. PWS&D partners in Nepal focused on repairing the shattered inner peace of survivors through community based activities as a form of psychosocial support. “There were cultural events, folk dances and drama performances,” shares Dolma. “That was very effective in making life in the village normal again.” Dolma, now back in school, is certain the psychosocial activities are what helped her parents find comfort and the strength to let her return.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14th, 2017 - Theology on Tap the Beaches Book Study will continue at the Beacher Café at 7:00 .

MORE JOB DEFINITIONS:

Lawyer - A person who writes a 10,000 word document and calls it a “brief”.

Psychologist - A person who watches everyone else when a beautiful girl enters the room.

Professor - Someone who talks in someone else’s sleep.

Diplomat - Someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Have a good week - MB

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2017 - “How do you spell love” Piglet. “You don’t spell it, you feel it” Pooh

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY, AUGUST 4th – 7th, 2017 - Toronto Food Truck Festival at Wood bine Park. Friday 5:00 -10:00; Saturday noon – 10:00; Sunday and Monday noon – 8:00.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7th, 2017 - Theology on Tap will gather at the Beacher Café, Queen & MacLean, 7:00 – The Book is “Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry; Conversations on Creation, Land Justice and Life Together.

MISSION CAPSULE: When 11 year old Madan fell from a tree, he suffered injuries that left him bedridden and covered in painful sores. When his health didn’t improve, his family took him to a PWS&D supported clinic in a remote region of Nepal. There he received treatment, physiotherapy and a wheelchair – but the assistance didn’t end there. When Madan wanted to attend school, local partners advocated for the addition of an accessibility ramp at a nearby school to accommodate his wheelchair. Madan’s time at school, alongside supportive friends, was empowering. Today, he is taking college courses and aspiring to complete a master’s degree. Madan is grateful for the support that not only treated his illness, but also helped him build a future of hope and opportunity.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8th, 2017 - 7:00 - “Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook” - Ms. Lori Ransom, leading.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9th, 2017 - Wednesday evening service at Beaches – 7:30 – join us for a relaxed, contemplative service.

JOB DEFINITIONS:

Accountant - Someone who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

Auditor - Someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.

Banker - A fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

Economist - An expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.

Statistician - Someone who is good with numbers, but lacks the personality to be an accountant.

Programmer - Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, JULY 27th, 2017 - “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember; You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But, the most important thing is, even if we are apart, I’ll always be with you.” Winnie the Pooh

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, JULY 27th, 28th & 29th, 2017 - Beaches Annual Jazz Festival Streetfest. Queen Street from Woodbine to Beech Avenue – 7:00 – 11:00

SUNDAY, JULY 30th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICES DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST WILL NOT REPLACE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES.

MISSION CAPSULES: Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … help administer the Avondbloem Fund, established by George and Evelyn van Beek in 1981. This legacy gift supports practical, creative PCC projects that spread the message of Christ. The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise, a ministry of Paris Presbyterian Church, received a grant to help grow its innovative work. Staff members – who are on social assistance or living with barriers to traditional employment – prepare healthy, homemade soups and stews that are sold in the Paris community and beyond. Proceeds from the sales provide their salaries. Currently, eight people are employed – and two more Raw Carrots will be opening in the next year! This initiative builds self-confidence, provides job training and job creation – a living example of Christ’s message of love and hope.

MONDAY, JULY 31st, 2017 - 7:00 – Theology on Tap meets at the Beacher Café, Queen and MacLean. The book is “Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry” with “The Inconvenient Indian” by Tom King as a companion piece. All are welcome

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1st, 2017 - Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook - 7:00 - Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald leading.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2017 - Beaches Church - 7:30 – contemporary worship for the month of August – Wednesday evenings. The first service will be in memory of Rev. Rodger Hunter and his ministry with the Boarding Homes. Services will be approximately 45 mins – one hour, and will follow a relaxed format. These services do not replace Sunday morning worship.

MORE ABOUT CANADA: Neil Young; The Rockies; Canadarm; Vimy Ridge; Wayne Gretzky; Nanaimo Bars; IMAX; Camping; Bob & Doug Mackenzie; Split Pea Soup; Chris Hadfield; Canada Dry Ginger Ale; Billy Bishop; The Friendly Giant; CFL; Margaret Laurence; Just For Laughs; McIntosh Apples; Superman; Better tarts; Coming Home eh; O Canada;

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19th, 2017 - “Wit, by itself, is of little account. It becomes of moment only when grounded on wisdom.” Mark Twain

FRIDAY/SUNDAY, JULY 21st – 23rd, 2017 - Beaches Jazz Festival – Main Stage at Woodbine Park.

SUNDAY, JULY 23rd, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McClosky leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: PWS&D building sustainable livelihoods program in Malawi supports orphans and vulnerable children, women and people living with HIV and AIDS to overcome poverty and build hopeful futures. One way this is accomplished is through self-help groups. Last year, 22 groups were established, enabling vulnerable women to save and borrow loans to better care for their families. With her first loan, one woman transformed her life. With her savings, she opened a small grocery stall. Today, she is earning enough to support herself, buy food and hygiene supplies for her family and pay her son’s college tuition. “I am really grateful to this project. It is there to empower us, “ she says. “We are now singing songs of joy.”

MONDAY, JULY 24th, 2017 - Book Study at the Beacher Café – 7:00 – 8:30 – “Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry: Conversations on Creation, Land Justice and Life Together.

TUESDAY, JULY 25th, 2017 - Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook 7:00 pm - Rev. Jim Biggs leading

THURSDAY – SATURDAY, JULY 27th – 29th, 2017 - Beaches Jazz Festival Streetfest from Beech Avenue to Woodbine.

SATURDAY, JULY 29th, 2017 - Historical Walk with Gene Domagala – 1:00 – All about the Balsam Avenue neighbourhood and some notable residents. Glenn Cochrane; Doris McCarthy; William Kurelek. Gather at Balsam and Pine.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2017 - Summer Wednesday’s at Beaches – 7:00 – our first service will be in honour of Rev. Rodger Hunter.

MORE ABOUT CANADA

Hayley Wickenheiser; Beavers; Beavertails; Drake; Nunavut; Ketchup chips; Alice Munroe; Diversity; Blue Rodeo; HBC Blankets; RCMP; Macleans; Inukshuks; Butter tarts; NWT; Robertson Screwdrivers; Montreal Bagels; Ice Rinks; Tom Thomson; Georgian Bay; David Suzuki; Trivial Pursuit; Stuart McLean; Screech; Manitoulin Island; Romeo Dallaire; Niagara Falls; Pride Celebrations; Stompin’ Tom; Mittens’; Bloody Caesars;

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, JULY 13th, 2017 - War does not determine who is right, only who is left!

FRIDAY, JULY 14th, - 16th, 2017 - Woodbine Park – Beaches Jazz Latin Carnival -

FRIDAY, JULY 14th, 2016 - Coffee House – 7:00 – St. Augustine Anglican Church, North of Eglinton at Broadway. Kevin McCloskey is hosting and has apparently been getting good crowds. $5:00 cover includes coffee; tea; and cake.

SUNDAY, JULY 16th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship t 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: Your gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … are providing grants to nine new congregational developments. One of these, Two Rivers Church, began as a small group of friends who felt the call to come together as a church in downtown Guelph. A biweekly Living Room gathering brings people together for a meal and conversation. The “Sacrament of the Ordinary” encourages participants to share something from the past week which caused them to reflect on the presence of grace in the mundane or routine. Rev. Glen Soderholm shares, “I think what we want to cultivate is a deeper understanding to the reality of God with us in every detail of our lives. By hearing each other’s reflections, we become opened to this possibility in all of our daily lives.”

MONDAY, JULY 24th, 2017 - Beaches Book Study will begin again at the Beacher Café. M.J.Perry has the books which were delivered last week.

MORE ABOUT CANADA

Snow; Smarties; Shania Twain; Juno Beach; Canoes; Mark Carney; Manitoba; Double-doubles; Saskatchewan; CBC & Radio Canada; Leonard Cohen; Quebec; The Tragically Hip; The Group of Seven; Prince Edward Island; Sarah McLachlan; Coffee Crisp; Goalie Mask; Joie de vivre; New Brunswick; Terry Fox; Hockey; Nova Scotia; The Band; Yukon; Caribana; Peameal Bacon; Mordecai Richler; Beaches Jazz Festival; Acceptance; Bannock; Choice; Two-fours; ROM and AGO; William Shatner; Tourtiere; Stephen Leacock; Lacrosse; Snowshoes; Lake Louise…..

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, JULY 6th, 2017 - “Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be”

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, JULY 7th, 8th & 9th, 2017 - Beaches Jazz Festival begins at Jimmie Simpson Park (didn’t know this was part of The Beach!)

SUNDAY, JULY 9th, 2017 - Leslieville Flea Market at the Ashbridge Estate. 10:00 – 2:00

SUNDAY, JULY 9th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. M.J. Perry leading. We will celebrate communion. We will meet after worship to discuss whether and how we can help Sobhiya – the 16 year old Syrian girl. Gareth will be joining us at this meeting – he is a very valuable ally and we expect to have more information about her situation.

MISSION CAPSULE;

Sitting outside her home on a warm, sunny day in South Sudan, the sudden crack of distant gunfire wasn’t immediately concerning to Besta. But when the gunshots became louder and more frequent, she grew fearful and her husband decided they must gather their children and flee. Amid a frantic crowd, they ran to save their lives. Now settled in a makeshift shelter, the family was safe, but worried about where their next meal would come from. Besta longs to return to her farm but she acknowledges that the food rations her family received from PWS&D through a Canadian Foodgrains Bank – supported project have been a source of hope. Despite the hardships she has experienced, Besta is grateful to have something to feed her children.

TUESDAY, JULY 11th, 2017 - Tuesday’s at Fallingbrook – 7:00 pm – Rev. Jim Biggs leading

NOTE: M.J. Perry has advised that the books are now available for the next book study. She will bring them to church this Sunday, July 9th – the first meeting will be at The Beacher Café, August 24th.

FRIDAY, JULY 14th, 2017 - Kevin McCloskey is hosting a coffee house at St. Augustines Church – start time is 7:00. More information next week. A $5:00 donation includes coffee, tea, cold drinks and cake.

MORE REASONS TO LOVE CANADA

Maple Syrup; Dr. Frederick Banting; Algonquin Park; k.d.lang; Fiddleheads; Public Healthcare; Lester B. Pearson; Arcade Fire; the Maple Leaf; Pierre Elliott Trudeau; Big Nickel; Rush; Jann Arden; Rick Mercer; The Maple Leafs; Northern Lights; Glenn Gould; Our Flag; Toboggans; Farley Mowat; Anne Murray; War of 1812; Hugh MacLennan; Freedom; Yannick Bisson; Poutine; Barenaked Ladies; Franklin the Turtle; Margaret Atwood; Tolerance; Alexander Graham Bell; Indigenous Wisdom; Peacekeeping; Gordon Lightfoot.

More later ….

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, JUNE 29th, 2017 - There are more chickens than people in the world.

SATURDAY, JULY 1st, 2017 - Historical Walk with Gene Domagala – 1:00 – Kew Beach – meet at the Beaches Library

CANADA DAY PICNIC at Woodbine Park starting at noon.

SUNDAY, JULY 2nd, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: With support from Presbyterians Sharing … staff at our national office provide resources, envision new and innovative models for ministry and congregational life, equip youth, study faith and justice issues, support international partners, equip ministry candidates and new clergy, and so much more! In 2016 PCC staff made over 175 visits to congregations, presbyteries, WMS, and AMS groups, colleges, camps, youth groups and events in order to share the Gospel message of love, hope and justice with Presbyterians across Canada.

REFUGEES - SUNDAY, JULY 9th, 2017 - We will meet after worship. In the meanwhile, I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to me with offers of help of all sorts. It’s been very heartwarming. Klaas

TUESDAY, JULY 11th, 2017 - Tuesdays at Fallingbrook – 7:00 – Rev. Jim B iggs

REASONS TO LOVE CANADA:

The Charter of Rights & Freedoms.
Agnes Macphail
Loons
Joni Mitchell
Democracy
Penny Oleksiak
We apologize
Bilingualism
Robertson Davies
Ice Fishing
Ontario
Norman Bethune
Tanya Tagaq
Bruce Cockburn
Anne of Green Gables.

HAPPY CANADA DAY - Enjoy MB

FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd, 2017 - “A lie can travel half way round the world while the truth is putting on it’s shoes” Mark Twain

AND – 7:00 - Lost Pilgrims CD launch concert - reception at 6:00 – Guildwood Presbyterian Church

SATURDAY, JUNE 24th, 2017 - Historical Walk with Gene Domagala – 1:00 – Balmy Beach – meet at the southeast corner of Beech and Queen.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. Following the service Gareth Chantler – who has met with our Refugee family in Turkey – will be at Beaches to discuss his experiences in general, Hassan’s family and their situation. He will give a short talk, followed by Q & A during coffee hour.

MISSION CAPSULES: Shumaila, a timid 16 year old from Afghanistan, dreamed of having the confidence to work in politics and guide the peaceful development of her country. One day, her school’s principal announced that a summer camp offering training on human rights, leadership and public speaking would be starting shortly. The camp supported by PWS&D lasted four days but changed Shumaila’s life forever. “I became confident and developed knowledge on politics and the rights of women and children,” she shares proudly. In a mock election, Shumaila was voted president – but she won more than just a title. “It was during the election campaign that I got the confidence required to deliver speeches in public. “With this support, Shumaila participates in school activities and voices her opinions at community events.

TUESDAY, JULY 4th, 2017 - 7:00 - Summer worship at Fallingbrook Presbyterian – Rev. Linda Lamour leading.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Ottawa has decided that this summer, any children who want to have Lemonade Stands must apply for a licence. This Licence is three pages long and states that each child must pay 7% of all earnings and every sign must be bilingual. Really!

SUMMER WORSHIP: During July and August this year we will continue to gather at 10:00 am Sunday mornings. However, during August, we will also gather at 7:00 Wednesday evenings .

MORE SIGNAGE:

In a Veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes, Sit! Stay!”

At the Electric Company: “We would be delighted if you send in your payment on time. However, if you don’t. YOU will be de-lighted.”

In a Restaurant window: “Don’t stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up!”

In the front yard of a Funeral Home: “Drive carefully. We’ll wait”

At a Propane Filling Station: “Thank heaven for little grills”

In a Chicago Radiator Shop: “Best place in town to take a leak”

Have a good week MB

THURSDAY, JUNE 15th, 2017 - Compassion is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see - Mark Twain

SATURDAY, JUNE 17th, 2017 – 9:00 – 1:00 – Calvary Baptist Church, 72 Main Street - Treasures Shared Sale.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading…….and for your information, Session agreed this month to extend Katherine’s contract for another year and she agreed!!

MISSION CAPSULE: PWS&D is very grateful for the congregations, presbyteries, groups and individuals who contributed to refugee sponsorship efforts in 2016. Whether they were involved in an application raising funds or collecting furniture, Presbyterians were enthusiastic as ever to respond to the global refugee crisis by contributing to resettlement opportunities in Canada. In 2016, 73 sponsorship applications were filed for 244 people, with families from Syria, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Pakistan, Burma and Venezuela arriving safely in Canada. We celebrate the compassionate efforts of Presbyterians across Canada who are responding to God’s call to serve and defend the vulnerable and the persecuted.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd, 2017 - Lost Pilgrims CD Launch concert – 7:00 – Guildwood Presbyterian

NEWS FROM KLAAS: Gareth Chantler (my former student’s brother, who has met with Hassan in Turkey and facilitated our ongoing financial support) is back in Toronto for the summer. I met with him earlier this week and we had a long talk about his experience of the Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey and beyond. He is a very thoughtful and insightful person and we are lucky to have him as a go-between.

Gareth is willing to join us at church on Sunday, June 25th to talk to us about his experiences in general, and Hassan’s family and situation in particular. He will give a short talk, followed by a Q & A during the coffee hour. I hope you will be able to come then, I’m sure he will have very interesting things to say. It will also be a good opportunity for us to thank him personally for his generous assistance during these past few months.

MORE SIGNS:

At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee - “Invite us to your next blowout”

On a Plumber’s truck - “Don’t sleep with a drip. Call your plumber”

On an Electrician’s truck - “Let us remove your shorts”

In a non-smoking area: - “If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and will take appropriate action”

At a Car Dealership - “The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment”

Outside a Muffler Shop - “No appointment necessary. We hear you coming”

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, JUNE 8th, 2017 - Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with!

SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2017 - 1:00 – historical walk with Gene Domagala. Meet at the northeast corner of Main and Gerrard and meander through the former Village of East Toronto. Tour will end at Community Center 55 for refreshments.

SATURDAY, SUNDAY JUNE 10th & 11th, 2017 - Beaches Arts & Crafts Show at Kew Gardens - 10:00 – 6:00 rain or shine. Featuring 150 artistsans

SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2017 - 11:00 – Service in memory of Rev. Rodger Hunter at Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Avenue, reception & BBQ to follow.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. We will celebrate communion.

MISSION CAPSULES: With support from Presbyterians Sharing … young adult international internships provide opportunities for young people to learn and grow in faith. Interns return to Canada having experienced Christ’s mission in the world, excited to share what they have learned with their congregations and friends. At the end of August, Jacqueline Bannerman will finish an eight month internship working with our partner, the Reformed Church in Hungary, to support refugees in Budapest. This type of transformative experience influences life decisions. Preparing and supporting young adults and helping them discern the call of Christ in their lives, nurtures leadership in the church.

NOTE: Elisabeth spoke to the Bell Canada guys, who seem to be living on our Avion lawn and who will be there, apparently, for quite some time before they are finished what they are there to do. There is hope for our south garden. Their only real comment was that they would like cookies!

FRIDAY, JUNE 23rd, 2017 - 7:00 - Lost Pilgrims CD launch at Guildwood Presbyterian Church.

AND THIS! For anyone who is or isn’t interested, the new/old Guild Inn is almost ready to reopen. I must say, it is looking very nice.

SIGNS

A sign in a shoe repair store in Vancouver reads: “ We will heel you; We will save your sole; We will even dye for you!”

A sign on a Blinds and Curtain truck: “Blind man driving”

In a Podiatrist’s Office: “Time wounds all heels”

On a Septic Tank Truck: “Yesterday’s Meals on Wheels”

At an Optometrist’s Office: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place”

On a Plumber’s truck: “We repair what your husband fixed”

Have a good week - M

THURSDAY, JUNE 1st, 2017 - If a Canadian apologizes three times in a row – the Maple Syrup Fairy will bring them a hockey puck signed by Rick Mercer!!

SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd, 2017 - Springfest at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church – Warden & Kingston – 9:00 -1:00 – plants, baked goods, knife sharpening, garden workshops, BBQ and more.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4th, 2017 - Pentacost Sunday - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Jazz service led by Worship & Arts featuring our favourite jazz group.

MISSION CAPSULES: This Sunday, Presbyterians from across Canada are meeting in Kingston, Ontario for our annual General Assembly. The chosen theme is Jesus Christ – the same yesterday, today, forever, based on Hebrews 13:8. Commissioners from across Canada will worship together and discuss, debate and vote on matters that affect our denomination. A first-time commissioner from last year shares; “ I gained extensive new knowledge of the extent of our denomination’s work and mission. It was energizing to meet Presbyterians from across the country and to feel part of something beyond my congregation.”

SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2017 - 11:00 am – A service of celebration in honour of Rev. Rodger Hunter at Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Avenue. The service will be followed by a reception and BBQ.

NOTE: Members of our Beaches community will be arriving in PEI today and tomorrow to begin their Habitat for Humanity build. They will be building a two story house in Charlottetown.

OF INTEREST: If you find yourself in Hamilton in the next few weeks check out the HMCS Haida – because it is our 150th year the entrance fee is being waived. Our own Bruce D. is one of the tour volunteers.

I need Trivia/Stuff - I got nuthin!!!

Have a good week - MB

FRIDAY, MAY 26th, 2017 - “People is more important than anything, even grammar.”! Dan Harmon, TV Writer

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MAY 26, 27, 28th, 2017 - Beach Guild of Fine Arts “Small Paintings for Small Spaces” Art Show and Sale at the Gardener’s Cottage, Lee Avenue. Showcasing over 20 artists.

SATURDAY, MAY 27th, 2017 - Historical Walk through St. John’s Cemetery with Gene Domagala 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Meet at Woodbine and Kingston Road. As part of the “Doors Open” The Anglican Church of St. John the Baptist, Norway, will be open Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 and Sunday 12:30 – 5:00.

SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MAY 27 & 28, 2017 - Doors Open Toronto. www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Toronto.aspx

SUNDAY, MAY 28th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: Razia always wanted to be a mother. But the young woman had struggled for years to conceive and feared something was wrong. In the remote village in Afghanistan where she lives, the closest health centre was a distance away; therefore medical check-ups and tests seemed a nuisance and the cost to travel an unnecessary expense. With the establishment of a PWS&D supported health centre in a nearby village, Razia was able to meet with medical professionals who addressed her health concerns and helped her receive proper treatment so she could get pregnant. Today, with improved access to necessary health services, Razia’a well-being has improved and her hope is restored.

SUNDAY, MAY 28th, 2017 - 3:00 - Toronto Chamber Choir – Sacred Sounds of Latin America, Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street, West (at Avenue Road) Tickets $30.00 – Seniors $25.00 - under 30 $12.50

Theology on Tap will begin about two weeks after our books arrive. This means we will not be gathering for our first get together on June 5th. Crux Book Store has assured us that they should not take too long to get here but we want people to have comfortable reading time before we begin to gather.

HABITAT BUILD - Seven members of Beaches will be joining with others in PEI from June 4th – 11th. They will be working on a two story home for a family of eight. It will be the 59th Habitat PEI home. The Team includes Robyn, Pat and Peter, Arvilla and Jim, Liz and Bill, Elizabeth & Mary (friends), Patricia (co-leader), and Janet (experienced Habitat builder).

NEWS: About a year ago we entered into a formal arrangement with a group of people from the community who wanted to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. They call themselves “the Simcoe Group”. In a nutshell, the arrangement was that they would donate funds to Beaches to be held in trust, and would eventually be paired with a Syrian family through the national office of the Presbyterian Church. They would then undertake to do the work of welcoming the Syrian family and sponsoring them for a year, as per the government’s expectations. I am delighted to report that the Simcoe Group has now been paired with a refugee family. The family is a single mother and three children, a 12 year old boy and two girls aged 10 & 7. They are from Syria but are currently living in Jordan. It is expected that they will be cleared to travel in the next few months. Let us hope and pray for the speedy arrival of this family. Klaas

SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2017 - Beaches Jazz Service at 10:00

SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2017 - 11:00 am - A service of celebration of the life of Rodger Hunter will be held at Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Avenue, Toronto. The service will be followed by a reception and a BBQ.

Have a good week - MB

FRIDAY, MAY 19th, 2017 - I thought I wanted a career. Turns out, I just wanted the pay checques!!

SATURDAY, MAY 20th, 2017 - Beach Garden Society Plant Sale at Adam Beck Community Centre. 79 Lawlor Avenue – 9:00 – 11:30 am

SUNDAY, MAY 21st, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McClockey leading

MISSION CAPSULES: Presbyterians Sharing … helps Toronto’s ARISE Ministry offer outreach, case management and pastoral care to victims of human trafficking and people involved in the sex trade. As part of this ministry, the Rev. Deb Rapport sets out once a week at midnight with one of two others to chat with women they meet and find out if they are ok. They hand out bags filled by volunteers with things a woman might want – including hand sanitizer, tissues, lip gloss, chocolate and emergency numbers – and even more important, a sign that someone cares. Deb shares, “ARISE Ministry is where hope lives! What a profoundly awe-inspiring experience to see hope take hold in someone’s life. Please pray for ARISE as we continue to plant, tend and care for the seeds of hope growing in the lives of individuals involved in the sex trade.”

NOTE: John Struthers cut the grass on Thursday this week – but we need a few people to volunteer to do it again before too long. We have two good mowers – an electric and a hand – you will notice that Bell Canada have pretty much destroyed our south garden on Avion by putting in a new B ell Box and driving their truck onto that space. They have promised to fix it at some point, but at the moment it’s just dirt. So we have to work around it – easy for Beaches people!

COMING UP:

SATURDAY, MAY 27th, 2017 - 7:30 pm Lost Pilgrims in Concert at Trinity Presbyterian. Bayview just south of the 401

JAZZ SERVICE AT BEACHES – Pentacost Sunday.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2017 - Memorial Service for Rev. Rodger Hunter – at Beaches Church.

AND THIS IS ALL I HAVE – SEND STUFF

The Queen of the UK is the legal owner of one sixth of the earth’s land surface.

Nearly 6000 people per year get hurt or die in the UK after tripping over their trousers or falling down stairs while pulling them up.

In the UK accents change noticeably about every 25 miles.

Kate Middleton is credited with boosting the UK economy by 1 billion pounds in 2012.

In the 16th century. A London law forbade wife beating after 9:00 pm, but only because the noise disturbed people’s sleep!

92% of public baby changing tables tested in the UK carried traces of cocaine!

British pennies are used to adjust the time in London’s big ben clock tower.

Have a good week - MB

FRIDAY, MAY 12th, 2017 - So, where is MacArthur Park and who left the cake out in the rain??

SATURDAY, MAY 13th, 2017 - 1:00 pm – Historical Walk along Gerrard Street East, with Gene Domagala. Meet at Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard Street, East and walk to Gerrard India Bazaar.

AND – Singing our History: A Canada 150 Celebration – St. Andrews Presbyterian Church – 7:30 pm

MAY 13, 14, 20-22 – Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser at 14 Lyall Avenue – Main & Kingston Road – 10:00 – 6:00 - Annual sale of garden perennials raises money for the Emergency Food Bank at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Regent Park. Supported by Michael Erdman and the Cantemus Singers.

SUNDAY, MAY 14th, 2017 - Fourth Sunday of Easter – join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading … we will celebrate communion and baptism.

MISSION CAPSULES: “Poverty is reduced in my family,” shares Tickiness, smiling. “My grandchildren are going to school and my life has changed.” This is something Tickiness never thought she would say, having spent most of her life burdened by poverty. After adopting her orphaned grandchildren, she could barely afford food, let alone the school fees. But a village savings and loans group through a PWS&D supported program in her Malawian community has been a source of hope. Tickiness has been accessing small loans and saving with other group members. With the money she has saved, Tickiness can afford to send her grandchildren to school and is improving her family’s living conditions. “The project is a blessing.”

NOTE: Robyn Allin attended a meeting this past week, organized by the Rotman School to bring together the NYT journalists who initiated a series of six articles on the Canadian private sponsorship program and who have forged an ongoing relationship with a Syrian refugee family and sponsor group from our neighbourhood. It was a very informative and powerful presentation, especially as two refugee families present shared their experience. Their articles have informed the world and highlighted Canada’s unique private sponsorship program which, not surprisingly was initiated by the huge response to the photo of Aylan Kurdi.

Robyn had an opportunity to speak with Minister Ahmed Hussen, after he had spoken at length about the Canadian private sponsorship program, as a successful partnership of Government and communities, and the resulting impact on many countries which are now looking to Canada for a model to replicate. He also addressed Canada’s ongoing commitment to the other categories of refugees, particularly other humanitarian and vulnerable peoples and announced that due to the strong response and support of private groups, the numbers of refugees will be increased significantly next year, and that the impact on the Canadian economy has been positive. He also pointed out that the Syrian program and other ongoing programs have a backlog of people waiting, and stressed that his first priority was to process these people.

Robyn managed to speak to him as he was leaving and when she explained our family’s situation, he said they are amongst the backlog and will be processed and as long as all was in order, they would come. He is strongly committed to “cleaning up” the backlog before making new commitments. Robyn was encouraged that these families are still “on the radar” and that we must keep faith with them and continue to connect and support them while we all wait.

AND FROM THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE: We are looking for volunteers to cut the grass at the church, once, during the upcoming gardening season. We have two very good mowers – an electric mower and a hand mower. The grass on the west and south sides of the building can be cut in under two hours. A schedule for signing up is posted on the bulletin board outside Elisabeth’s office. Thank you.

STUFF:

The villagers all decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered but only one boy came with an umbrella. That’s faith.

When you throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That’s Trust.

Every night we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still we set the alarm to wake us up. That’s Hope.

We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. That’s Love.

We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. That’s Confidence.

An old man wears a shirt that says “I am not 80 years old; I am 16 with 64 years of experience” That’s Attitude.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, MAY 4th, 2017 - The oldest house in the UK is nearly 6000 years old and has stone furniture that is still intact.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 5th, 6th & 7th, 2017 - Annual Beach Studio Tour. www.beachstudiotour.ca

SATURDAY, MAY 6th, 2017 - Beach Jazz & Reflections – JRJ Organ Trio – Jack Steinwell, organ; Ryan Seberry, trumpet; Julian Ciarka, drums – 4:30 – 5:15 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 7th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. M.J. Perry leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: With support from Presbyterians Sharing …. Michelle Verwey works as a community health advisor to the Church of North India’s Central Regional Board of Health Services. She advises on project monitoring, reporting and public health matters. Recently she visited a rural village in Madhya Pradesh, where she met eight-year-old Sarita. Sarita’s family received five fruit trees from the PWS&D – supported community health and self-reliance project. Michelle shares, “Malnutrition is very common in Madhya Pradesh. Many children, like Sarita, suffer from stunting – a result of chronic malnutrition. But this project gives me hope that I will be able to watch babies grow to be healthy children with bright prospects for their futures.”

TUESDAY, MAY 9th, 2017 - Toronto Community Orchestra concert at Eastminster United Church – 7:30 pm – FREE ADMISSION

More Araprosdokians - Winston Churchill loved araprosdokians, figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence of phrase is … surprising or unexpected.

- The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on my list.

- Where there’s a will, I want to be in it

- Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak

- If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong

- War does not determine who is right – only who is left.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, APRIL 27th, 2017 - “The UK is the only country not required to name itself on its postage stamps.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - Spring Thaw concert – featuring Julian Anderson Bowes; Tara Kannangara; James Hill; Eric West; and Leland Whitty. 8:00 pm – Tickets $20.00 – fundraiser for Truth & Reconciliation. Plan to be there – bring your friends, bring your family

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - 1:00 – historical walk with Gene Domagla – meet at the N.W corner of Woodbine & Danforth.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: Presbyterians Sharing … supports Winnipeg Inner City Missions to bring light and hope to one of the toughest neighbourhoods in all of Canada. Its Learning and Play program helps young children gain important pre-kindergarten knowledge. Caregivers learn how to engage with their children in a safe place. Many did not experience loving and engaged playing in their own childhood. The program seeks to help caregivers learn how to use play to genuinely show their love for their children. Karen, a mother, foster mother and grandmother shares. “I wish I’d had this program when my son was born. Thank God I was given the opportunity to do it over again.”

SATURDAY, MAY 13th, 2017 - Singing our History: A Canada 150 Celebration: St. Andrew’s 7:30 pm. Tickets $25.00

TUESDAY, JUNE 13th, 2017 - Evangel Hall Mission Golf Tournament: Pheasant Run Golf Course in Newmarket. In it’s 15th year the tournament has raised over $1.2 million for the programs and clients of Evangel Hall. Monies are raised through sponsorships, golfer fees and silent and live auctions. Format is a 4 person scramble, shotgun at 12:00, lunch and dinner included. Contact Linda Herron at linda@lindaherron.ca

NOTICE: We are happy to say that people don’t want to wait for Advent to continue with Theology on Tap. Would people who do participate, or who want to participate, please let either Erin Sclisizzi or M.J.Perry know if they would prefer to start again on June 5th or September 11th.

The plan is to continue to meet at the Beacher Café on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30. Although Castro’s was very, very gracious in welcoming us and we wish to express our gratitude to the owners, their party atmosphere made conversation difficult.

The book we are using for the next session is Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry: Conversations on Creation, Land, Justice and Life Together. It is produced by Mennonite Central Committee in the U.S. Crux book store has offered us a discount again. Due to the dollar exchange it is currently $29.69 and the hope is that we would be able to acquire it for the American listed price. We have also selected as a companion piece, Tom King’s The Inconvenient Indian, available at the Toronto Public Library.

MORE MISTAKES

If a scientist makes a mistake, it’s a new invention…

If a tailor makes a mistake, it’s a new fashion …

If a teacher makes a mistake, it’s a new theory …

If our boss makes a mistake, it’s OUR mistake …

If an employee makes a mistake, then it’s a ‘MISTAKE’! ...

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19th, 2017 - “If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd, 2017 - LOST PILGRIMS in Concert, at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Don Mills. - 7:00 pm – Wine & Cheese (cash bar) 6:00 pm. Concert in support of Arise Ministry. Information eventsariseministry@gmail.com

AND – Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine ‘Earth Day Clean Up’ - 350 Beech Avenue 10:00 am – noon – bring your gloves, garbage bags & snacks will be provided.

AND – Rummage & Bake Sale at Hope United Church 10:30 – 12:30 - Great bargains

SUNDAY, APRIL 23rd, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULE:

Malaria is one of Africa’s most severe health challenges and one of it’s most prevalent childhood diseases. PWS&D is working to reduce the incidence of malaria by teaching communities how to prevent the spread. Community leaders and volunteers run prevention campaigns and teach people how to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and properly use and care for bed nets that provide protection while sleeping. When someone does contract malaria, volunteers now know how to respond quickly with medical care to ensure fewer people die as a result of the disease. With awareness, tools and training, communities are seeing fewer cases of the disease and embracing their futures with optimism and strong, healthy bodies.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - SPRING THAW CONCERT featuring Julian and the band. Proceeds to Truth and Reconciliation Ministries. Come along and enjoy the music performed by this group. Bring your friends, bring your children bring anybody!

COMING UP - Annual Beach Studio Tour

MISTAKES

If a barber makes a mistake, it’s a new style ….

If a driver makes a mistake, it’s an accident …

If a doctor makes a mistake, it’s an operation …

If an engineer makes a mistake, it’s a new venture…

If parents make a mistake, it’s a new generation …

If a politician makes a mistake, it’s a new law …

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12th, 2017 - “Sometimes you lie in bed at night and don’t have a single thing to worry about. That always worries me.” Charlie Brown

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 - 6:00 – Maundy Thursday, dinner and Tenebrae Service.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 - 10:00 – Good Friday service

SUNDAY, APRIL 16th, 2017 - 10:00 – EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE: - Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. Two Acolytes will begin their year of service with us.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: It’s a strange name, mixing the sounds of two weekdays. It comes from the Latin “Mandatum,: which means “to command.” “Command Thursday” doesn’t sound much better, I suppose, we are a bit leery of commands.

But what are the commands which Jesus gave to us, that Maundy Thursday long ago, this Maundy Thursday today? We might expect them to be, “Don’t do this, don’t do that.” But those are not the commands He gave, not the commands He gives us today. Jesus’ commands as we will hear, have all to do with doing , not “don’ting.”

Serve one another, commanded Jesus, “even as I have served you.” “Love one another, “ commanded Jesus, “even as I have loved you. “Don’t give up on one another, on me, on hope, on yourselves,” commanded Jesus, “even as I have remembered you and will never let you go.”

“Remember one another, remember this night, remember me.” Commanded Jesus, “even as I have remembered you and will never let you go.”

Let us remember this night all that Jesus said and did, that first Maundy Thursday so long ago and so remember why it is, and what it is to serve one another, to love one another, to not give up, to remember. Listen for God, as we read, as we sing, as we pray and as we share.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 -- 7:30 - Toronto Beach Chorale presents “Mozart’s Requiem at Kingston Road United Church. This final concert of TBC’s season will include Salieri’s “Coronation Te Deum in D major” and other works. Tickets $25:00, $12:00 student. Tickets available from choir members, at the door, cash only.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19th, 2017 - Great Escape Bookstore Book and Film Club screens Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train” at the Fox at 7:00 followed by Q&A with film professor Kathleen Cummins.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd, 2017 - Lost Pilgrims in Concert for Arise Ministry. St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Don Mills at 7:00. Doors open at 6:00 with a wine & cheese reception (cash bar) Tickets $25:00. To reserve call 416-422-0510

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - Spring Thaw Concert with Julian and the band.

MORE ABOUT CANADA

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world’s lakes combined.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor During WWII, Canada declared war on Japan before the U.S. did.

The U.S./CANADA border is the longest international border in the world and it lacks military defense.

With 1,896 Km, Yonge Street in Canada is the longest street in the world.

Canada has fewer people than Tokyo’s metropolitan area.

During WWII, Canada gave out buttons to people who tried to enlist but were refused due to medical reasons to show their willingness to fight.

Canada has the third largest oil reserves of any country after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela

Have a good week - Come to Church it’s Easter! MB

THURSDAY, APRIL 6th, 2017 - Sad news: Our friend, Rev. Rodger Hunter, died this week after a battle with cancer.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9th, 2017 - PALM SUNDAY – join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Jazz Service – led by Rev. Katherine McCloskey. Following worship, a pizza lunch will be offered and at 1:00 The Presbytery have been called to meet for a service recognizing the appointment of the Rev. Katherine McCloskey as the stated supply minister.

MISSION CAPSULE:

Presbyterians Sharing … supports Joel Sherbino, a part-time mission liaison between the PCC and the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in Malawi as he continues his ministry at Paris Presbyterian Church in Ontario. In accepting this position, Joel expressed his deep sense of call in these words: “I will always have one foot in each world, Malawi and Canada”. Joel is in regular contact with the Blantyre Synod prison ministry’s volunteers and staff, and encourages Canadian Presbyterians to learn about Malawi, pray for the people there and support special projects. Joel’s position as liaison will help deepen the PCC’s partnership with the CCAP, while offering opportunities for Canadian Presbyterians to engage in Christ’s mission in Malawi.

MONDAY, APRIL 10th, 2017 - Book Study continues at the Beacher (Queen & McLean) at 7:00 – Theology on Tap

THURSDAY, APRIL 13th, 2017 – 6:00 - Maundy Thursday pot luck dinner of soup, bread, cheese & fruit followed by a Tenebrae service.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 - 10:00 – Good Friday service

AND - 7:30 – Toronto Beach Chorale, in their final concert of the 2016/17 season, present Mozart’s Requiem – plus, Coronation Te Deum in D Major by Antonio Salieri. They will be welcoming professional soloists and a professional orchestra. Actors will read, in costume, a selection of dramatic monologues from the play “Amadeus” by Peter Shaffer.

Canada’s 150th Anniversary – Did you know –

Residents of Churchill, Manitoba leave their cars unlocked to offer an escape for pedestrians who might encounter Polar Bears.

Canada is the second largest country in the world, right after Russia.

Licence plates in the Northwest Territories are shaped like Polar Bears.

Canada is the world’s most educated country: over half of it’s residents have college degrees.

Canada has the largest coastline in the world.

In Newfoundland the Atlantic Ocean sometimes freezes and people play hockey on it.

“Canada” is a Iroquoian word meaning “Village”.

Have a good week - come to church MB

FRIDAY, MARCH 31st, 2017 - Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1st, 2017 - 4:30 – 5:15 - Beach Jazz & Reflection featuring Lara Solnicid Trio “On a Clear Day … “ Beach United Church Wineva & Queen

SUNDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2017 - Fifth Sunday of Lent – join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULE: “I was happy and relieved that my disease was diagnosed and that it was curable!” The gratitude Sher felt after getting answers to his health concerns and medicine to treat his leprosy is inspiring. But the road to recovery had an uncertain start. In an effort to heal a mysterious lesion on his foot, Sher tried a variety of herbal remedies. But the wound continued to fester. “I was in distress. I knew something was wrong.” Sher was referred to a PWS&D supported clinic in Nepal where he was finally diagnosed. Though anxious at first, health workers comforted Sher and explained his treatment options. Now cured -- and equipped with the knowledge and support to build a healthy future - Sher has peace of mind.

MONDAY, APRIL 3rd, 2017 - 7:00 - Theology on Tap Book study continues – NOTE – it will be at The Beacher, Queen & McLean and NOT at Castro’s.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5th, 2017 - Lenten Noon hour meditations at St. Andrew’s – 12 noon – organ recitals; 12:15 – meditation – with Rev. Deb Rapport, of Arise ministries – 12:45 – lunch

SUNDAY, APRIL 9th, 2017 - Palm Sunday Jazz Service - followed by LUNCH - and at 1:00 a Service of Recognition for Rev. Katherine McClosky’s ministry at Beaches.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13th, 2017 - 6:00 - Maundy Thursday Pot Luck meal and Tenebrae service

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 - Good Friday service at 10:00

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 - 7:30 - Final concert of the 2016/17 season of the Toronto Beach Chorale at Kingston Road United Church. They will present W.A.Mozart’s Requiem – plus Coronation Te Deum in D major by Antonio Salieri – they will also welcome a professional orchestra and soloists. Actors will read, in costume, a selection of dramatic monologues from the play “Amadeus” by Peter Shaffer.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd, 2017 - 7:00 - Lost Pilgrims in concert at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Don Mills – in support of Arise Ministry. 6:00 – Wine & Cheese (cash bar) – tickets $25:00

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - Spring Thaw Concert at Beaches – featuring Julian and the band – proceeds to Truth and Reconciliation Ministries.

MORE EDUCATED MIND PUNS

If you jumped off a bridge in Paris, you’d be in Seine.

A vulture carrying two dead raccoons boards a plane. The stewardess looks at him and says, “I’m sorry sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.”

Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam.”

Two Inuit sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too!

Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive.”

Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root-canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.

There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Have a good week – come to church - MB

TUESDAY, MARCH 21st, 2017 - The terms “UK” and “GREAT BRITAIN” are not interchangeable: The United Kingdom includes Northern Ireland, while Great Britain does not.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26th, 2017 - Fourth Sunday of Lent - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES:

Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing … support Tyndale St. Georges Community Centre in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood as it works to ensure that each member of the community has the opportunities and skills to help realize their potential. The high school perseverance program matches students with peers or older students. Participants gain skills and confidence that lead to more regular school attendance and higher grades, and mentors gain awareness of individual differences and satisfaction from using their abilities to help others. Noah, a volunteer in the program says, “I think if we want a brighter future and a more intelligent community, then we have to help each other out and do our best to succeed together.”

MONDAY, MARCH 27th, 2017 - Theology on Tap – Castro’s Pub, Queen Street east of Wineva

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29th, 2017 - St. Andrew’s Lenten Noonhour service – Andrew Asbil, Dean and Rector of St. James Cathedral. Organ Recital – 12:00; Meditation – 12:15 – 12:45; Lunch

COMING UP - SUNDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2017 - PALM SUNDAY service, followed by a service of recognition for Rev. Katherine McCloskey

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - Spring Thaw Concert

MORE PUNS FOR THE EDUCATED MINDS

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The Police are looking into it.

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

A backward poet writes inverse.

The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

In a democracy it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism it’s your count that votes.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, MARCH 16th, 2017 - On November 26th, 1911, three men were hanged at Green berry Hill in London, England, after being convicted of the murder of Sir Edmund Berry. Their names were, Green, Berry and Hill.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19th, 2017 - Third Sunday of Lent – join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: Worldwide, 663 million people live without improved drinking water sources. A lack of clean water is a significant development challenge. In areas of the world where access to water is limited, local PWS&D partners are responding to improve water sources, build new ones and train volunteers to maintain wells. Support to improve sanitation ensures water stays clean and prevents the spread of illness. PWS&D equips communities to build hand-washing facilities and latrines and educates members about proper hygiene. The results of this program are transformative and far reaching - clean water allows women and men to harvest crops, care for their families, expand their livelihoods and lead healthy, productive lives.

MONDAY, MARCH 20th, 2017 - Theology on Tap – discussion centers on the book The Politics of Jesus by Overy Hendricks. Join in at Castro’s Pub, - 7:30 – N/S Queen east of Wineva

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22nd, 2017 - St. Andrew’s Lenten Meditation Series. This week – Richard Chambers, U of T – 12 noon organ recital; 12:15 – 12:45 meditation; l12:45 lunch.

Presbyterian College has prepared a daily devotional for Lent. www.presbyteriancollege.ca/lent

COMING UP:

SUNDAY, APRIL 9th, 2017 - Palm Sunday – Jazz Service followed by a SERVICE OF RECOGNITION for Katherine McCloskey.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13th, 2017 - 6:30 Maundy Thursday, dinner and service.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th, 2017 - Good Friday.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16th, 2017 - Easter Sunday

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 - Spring Thaw Concert at Beaches

PUNS FOR THE EDUCATED MIND!!

The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

I thought I saw an eye-doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

She was only a whisky-maker, but he loved her still.

A rubber-band pistol was confiscated from an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, MARCH 9th, 2017 - On February 13th, 1746, Jean Marie Dubarry was executed for the murder of his father. Precisely 100 years later, another Frenchman named Jean Marie Dubarry was executed – for killing his father.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11th, 2017 - TURN YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD FOR SPRING

SUNDAY, MARCH 12th, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 -- led by Rev. Katherine McCloskey – we will celebrate communion.

MISSION CAPSULES:

With support from Presbyterians Sharing … Jackie Bannerman is serving as a young adult intern in Budapest, Hungary with our long standing partner, the Reformed Church in Hungary. Jackie is excited about helping the Kalunba Refugee ministry to build relationships with refugees in a safe environment. She teaches English lessons and helps with Kalunba’s website, providing English content to connect international readers. Jackie shares, “I hope to help create a sort of home, if only a temporary one, and provide a much needed sense of hope to people coming from fearful situations with uncertain futures.”

MONDAY, MARCH 13th, 2017 - Theology on Tap will continue at 7:30 at Castro’s Pub, N/S Queen Street, east of Wineva. A great discussion was enjoyed last week and hopefully will continue this next week. The book, The Politics of Jesus is proving to be of interest. Everyone welcome.

SOME ODD THOUGHTS:

How to prepare Tofu: Throw it away and grill some meat!

I just did a week’s worth of cardio after walking into a spider web.

A recent study has found women who carry a little extra weight live longer than people who mention it!

Kid’s today don’t know how easy their life is - when I was young, you had to walk nine feet through shag carpet to change the TV channel.

Remember when we were kids and every time it was below zero out they closed the school? Me neither.

This morning I finished my 14 day supply of diet food in three hours and 20 mins.

Have a good week – it’s almost spring MB

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1st, 2017 - FIRST DAY OF LENT. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE at 7:30 – Join us – a quiet, contemplative service. One of our favourites.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2017 - World Day of Prayer – 2:00 pm – Queen Street East Presbyterian Church, Queen & Carlaw. AND at 7:00 – Waverley Road Baptist Church, Waverley Road & Queen. This one hour service has been prepared by the women of the Philippines and includes music and storytelling.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4th, 2017 - 4:30 – 5:15 - Jazz and Reflections at Beach United Church – featuring Barry Livingston Band “Bridges”

SUNDAY, MARCH 5th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES: Deeba teaches chemistry at a high school in Afghanistan, where cultural barriers frequently limit opportunities for women and prevent them from entering the workforce. While she has the support of her family, Deeba experienced challenges as a woman working outside the home. One challenge was the lack of training she received in educational methods, making it difficult to teach her lessons. Thanks to a PWS&D program that supports training for teachers in Afghanistan, Deeba is participating in workshops to help her improve the quality of lessons for her students. Because of this program, she is inspiring students to reach their full potential and setting examples for women. “I can feel the respect for myself in my student’s eyes.”

NOTE: A Lenten Devotional Resource from Presbyterian College is available. It includes daily scripture readings with reflections and prayers written by faculty, graduates and board members of the College. For more information go to; www.presbyteriancollege.ca/lent

MONDAY, MARCH 6th, 2017 - Theology on Tap – talking about the book The Politics of Jesus by Obery Hendricks.

MORE CULTURAL MEDICAL DICTIONARY

Secretion - hiding something

Seizure - Roman Emperor

Tablet - a small table

Terminal illness - Getting sick at the airport

Tumor - One plus one more

Urine - Opposite of you’re out

Have a good week MB

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, 2017 - Abraham Lincoln created the Secret Service on April 14th, 1865 - the very day he was shot at Ford’s theatre.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 am – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading. BEACHES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING following worship. Bring a snack, or lunch and please be prepared to stay.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2017 - 3:00 pm – Beach United – Toronto Beach Chorale presents “Maple Sugar Music”. Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, the concert features La Messe Quebecoise for choir, fiddle and spoons, a fusion of classical and French Canadian folk music. Tickets in advance $20.00 – at the door $25.00.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2017 - 1:30 pm - Tom Allen & Company are presenting “From Weimar to Vaudeville” at Kingston Road United Church. The story of two men, both sons of musical royalty. As America recovers from the Great Depression and while Germany descends into chaos, these two musical princes reach out to each other as the world tilts again toward war. Featuring music by Richard Strauss, Charlie Chaplin, Fletcher Henderson and others, plus some original songs from members of the cast. A wonderful gathering of singers and musicians.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 - Ash Wednesday service at 7:30

MISSION CAPSULES: Presbyterians Sharing … supports congregations that are involved in an intentional program of transformation, like Heritage Green Family Church in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Heritage Green’s family style worship welcomes all ages with songs and prayers that make sense to kids and interactive activities that draw families into God’s presence. Every service brings families together, with Christ at the centre. The congregation is working to build strong relationships between neighbours within their community and believes that the stronger a neighbourhood becomes, the healthier the families who live there will be.

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE: The Presbyterian College has prepared a daily devotional for Lent 2017. It includes daily scripture readings, with reflections and prayers written by faculty, graduates, and board members of the College. You can receive the devotional in your email, as a PDF download, or in hard copy. Visit this site for more information: www.presbyteriancollege.ca/lent

COMING UP: Theology on Tap will resume on March 6th, 2017 - talking about the book The Politics of Jesus by Obery Hendricks. If you would like a copy and still don’t have one, speak to Erin or M.J.

MORE FROM CULTURAL MEDICAL DICTIONARY

Medical Staff              Doctor’s cane

Morbid                     higher offer

Nitrates                   Rates of pay for working at night
 
Node                       I knew it
 
Out patient                a person who has fainted
 
Post Operative             letter carrier
 
Recovery Room              place to do upholstery

Have a good week - MB

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2017 - Mark Twain was born during an appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1835 and died on the day of it’s next appearance in 1910.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2017 - An evening of Upper Beach History – 7:00 pm – The Grinder on Main Street, just south of Gerrard. Mark Battenberg tells stories about the pioneers in the villages of Norway and old East Toronto.

MISSION CAPSULES: Presbyterians Sharing … supports Dr. Nicholas and Rebecca Bauman as they serve with the United Mission to Nepal, one of the PCC’s long-standing partners. Nick will work as a general surgeon at the United Mission Hospital in Tansen, which serves a population of about one million people in western Nepal. The hospital’s motto is “We serve, Jesus heals”. Nick will engage in clinical work, with a heavy emphasis on teaching Nepali medical residents. Becky is an Occupational Therapist and is excited to discover ways in which to utilize her skills.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2017 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOLLOWING WORSHIP.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2017 - 3:00 pm - Toronto Beach Chorale presents “Maple Sugar Music” at Beach United Church. Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday the concert features La Messe Quebecoise for choir, fiddle and spoons, a fusion of classical and French Canadian folk music. Tickets $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door.

MORE CULTURAL MEDICAL DICTIONARY.

Colic - A sheep dog

Dilate - to live long

Enema - not a friend

Fester - Quicker than someone else

Fibula - small lie

Impotent - Distinguished, well known

Labor pain - getting hurt at work

Have a good week - MB

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2017 - “Nigeria has more English speakers than the United Kingdom”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2017 - GROUNDHOG DAY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, 2017 - Jazz & Reflections at Beach United Church, - 4:30 – 5:15 – featuring Jackie Richardson, Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – for one of our Jazz Services with Julian Anderson Bowes and his group. If there is snow, please bring shoes to wear in the sanctuary.

MISSION CAPSULES: One way our church is empowering vulnerable families to overcome hunger and improve nutrition is by supporting the Malawi Farmer-to-Farmer Agroecology project through PWS&D. The project – with funding from the Government of Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank – has helped 6,000 farm families in Malawi transform their withered plots of land and improve their livelihoods and lives for the long term. Learning from one another, farmers practice and apply sustainable methods that help protect crops from a changing environment. Annie Nguluve was amazed by the results of the program. Since learning about the advantages of intercropping, her small plot of land has sprung to life. “I’ve seen that I get more yields by adding other crops. It has increased my food production.”

THEOLOGY ON TAP will resume on Monday, March 6th, 2017 - talking about the book “The Politics of Jesus” by Obery Hendricks. If you are interested speak to Erin or M.J.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, 2017 - BEACHES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING following worship. Please get your reports to Elisabeth by February 6th.

THE CULTURAL MEDICAL DICTIONARY

Artery ................ The study of paintings

Bacteria ................ Back door to cafeteria

Barium ................ What doctors do when patients die

Benign ................ What you be, after you be eight

Caesarean Section ................ A neighbourhood in Rom

Cat scan ................ Searching for kitty

Cauterize ................ Made eye contact with her

Have a good week - MB

HI ALL – I AM BACK! NEW COMPUTER – HURRAY!

MONDAY, JANUARY 9th, 2017 - I always carry a knife in my purse, you know, in case of cheesecake or chocolate!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15th, 2017 - Join us for morning worship at 10:00 – Rev. Katherine McCloskey leading.

MISSION CAPSULES:

Adisah used to feel neglected by her family in Ghana. Because she was born with a hearing and speech impairment, Adisah was not given the opportunity to attend school. Years later, she received the care she needed at the Garu Community Based Rehab Centre. The centre – which assists people living with disabilities to overcome challenges and access vocational support – offered Adisah training in agricultural production. Adisah worked very hard and soon became a successful farmer. Together with her husband Salam, they are producing enough food for their three children. Salam recently remarked, My wife is a blessing to me. I thank God for the support from the centre and PWS&D to make us what we are today.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12th, 2017 - Session Meeting 7:30

NOTE; Theology on Tap will resume Monday, March 6th, talking about the book The Politics of Jesus by Obery Hendricks. We can get a discount on the book if we order ten copies by January 10th. Please let M.J. or Erin know if you want a copy of the book - soon.

MORE LEXOPHILES

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

A short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

The roundest knight at King Arthurs round table was Sir Cumference.

Have a good week - MB