Dear Members and Friends of NUC,
"OPEN DOORS, OPEN HEARTS, CELEBRATING GOD'S LOVE" are the words that appear over the front doors of Norwich United Church. They are based upon Jesus's greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself."
It doesn't take long as we move through our daily lives to understand how hard it is to put this public statement of faith into action. Our decision about who is worthy and welcome might not line up too well with those words spoken by Jesus when asked about the greatest commandment. In recent years we have witnessed the increased voice of hate with alarming speed. Acts of terrorism hide behind the cross, with the message of God's judgement, proclaiming that certain groups of people are evil and an abomination against God.
Our decision to fly the Pride/Progress flag and other flags, was meant to show our support for people in our community who share our common humanity. The choice was not a safe or popular decision, but it is still far less dangerous than it is for members of the Pride community. Our actions were based on the desire to share our support for them and all hurting and marginalized people. We strive to work on various justice issues, to understand that discrimination, stigma and rejection destroy the soul and may be life-threatening. At NUC, we are aiming to support all people. There are people who have experienced discrimination and rejection which we may have trouble comprehending if we have never experienced these things ourselves. Clearly, we need to try to "walk a mile" in those shoes and truly try to love everyone as a neighbour.
At Norwich United Church, we want to live the words of Jesus Christ. The work of healing and justice-making is being the church. We try to stand with Jesus against the injustice against all people, challenging discrimination based on appearance, class, culture, age and beliefs.
We need to live out the message that Norwich United Church is a safe place as we strive to live more fully in God's way of welcome, love, and justice for all creation.
If you have any questions or concerns about what is happening at NUC, your minister and perhaps a shepherding elder would love to sit down and discuss this letter and listen carefully to all points of view. Please just call me at 519-550-1285 and we'll find an agreeable time.
Sincerely,
Janice Pow, DLM (Designated Lay Minister)
SUNDAY, October 1
EVERY CHILD MATTERS
Messy Church is back at NUC! Monday, October 2.
Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.
Doors open at 4:30pm.
Rally Day Brunch!
Welcome!
Worship services at NUC begin at 10:30 a.m. with minister Janice Pow - DLM. When you enter the space you will be greeted by a friendly face who will be happy to take your name and guide you up to the sanctuary.
Services can also be found on this website (News and Announcements) and on our Facebook page.
"Open Doors, Open Hearts, Celebrating God's Love"
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that the land on which we are
worshiping today is part of the lands traditionally inhabited the
Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Attawandaron People. We also acknowledge the enduring
presence and deep traditional knowledge, the laws, and philosophies of the
First Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with
a responsibility to honour all our relations, with the promise and challenge of
Truth and Reconciliation at the forefront.
If you have any questions or require pastoral care please contact your Shepherding Elder and if you are uncertain who that may be, please call the church office at 519.863.3637
Our Chair of Council - Elisabeth Stone (519.863.3249)
Ways To Donate
PAR
(pre authorized remittance) that comes directly out of your banking institution. A void cheque is needed.
nucdonations@execulink.com
Cheque
Simply write out a cheque to Norwich United Church, Box 183, Norwich ON N0J 1P0. You may post-date your cheques to a date that is convenient to your banking needs.
Canada Helps
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/?q=Norwich+United+Church
(Canada Helps issues the receipt)
NUC Sunday School: nuc.ss@execulink.com
You may leave your offering at Norwich Shoppers Drug Mart in an envelope clearly marked to Norwich United Church in care of Diane Tribe. Diane is in the Norwich store all day Monday and until noon on Friday. You can mail to the church address as well.
All donations can go directly to a specified fund; General Fund, Mission and Service, World Development & Relief or Other. Detail your donation and our treasurer, Diane Tribe will put it in accordingly.
Thank you for your continued financial support.
"Open Doors. Open Hearts. Celebrating God's Love."
How Norwich United Church Serves You
Celebrating God's Love for over 200 years!
Norwich United Church celebrated its bicentennial in 2020! Celebrating 200 years of witness and service to our community and beyond.
Thank you for your support and keeping NUC in your prayers. We look forward in serving the community with Christian fellowship and outreach for another 200 years!