WORSHIP SERVICES
ARE HELD SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 24 – The Third Sunday of Lent
with worship leader, The Rev. John Miller
followed by “Coffee Time”
WE INVITE AND WILL WELCOME YOU!
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A BACKGROUNDER ON
INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY
Bridge Street United Church has embarked upon a 3-year journey of self-discovery and self-determination in a time referred to as Intentional Interim Ministry.
Guiding this experience, alongside our Intentional Interim Lead Minister, The Rev. G. David King, is a small group known as the Transition Team. Its members are: Karen Cullen, Rosella Donaldson, Frank Hiebert, Carolyn Ketcheson, and representing the East Central Ontario Region of the United Church, The Rev. Richard Hamilton.
All periods of Interim Ministry are guided by a Set of Goals as articulated by the Transition Team and endorsed by the Congregation.
A meeting of this Congregation occurred on Sunday, February 10, 2019 and, on recommendation from the Transition Team, the following Goals were committed to unanimously:
- To enhance the experience of Bridge Street United Church as a Christ-centred, nurturing community.
- To improve communications through regular information sharing.
- To agree on a viable financial model for the church’s ministry.
- To maintain the congregation’s support of faith formation, outreach, music, spirituality, and worship.
- To undertake new partnerships with other United Church congregations in the Belleville area.
Information concerning Intentional Interim Ministry matters will be featured regularly in the Announcements.
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The following information is from our bulletin announcements, March 24, 2019:
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ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING / ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Bridge Street United Church is scheduled to occur on Sunday, March 31, 2019 following worship.
A complimentary light lunch will be served immediately prior to the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Your voice matters!
The 2018 Annual Report will be available for distribution no later than Sunday, March 24th. Copies will be handed out at the worship service, or from the Church Office starting Monday, March 25 (1 p.m.).
A new feature to this year’s Annual Meeting regards how questions about the Annual Reports’ contents will be considered. To ensure that thoughtful and thorough answers can be provided, questions arising from the Annual Report are to be submitted in written form (ideally, electronically) to Rev. David via interim.clergy@gmail.com or to Carol Leslie at the Church Office in hard copy. Questions must be received by Thursday, March 28th at noon. All submitted questions will be acknowledged/answered at the Annual Meeting. Questions “from the floor” will only be considered if the answers can be easily/succinctly provided. To increase the likelihood that your question is answered, please get it to Rev. David or Carol Leslie by the deadline.
Thanks and see you on March 31st!
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NOTICE OF THE FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of the
BRIDGE STREET UNITED CHURCH FOUNDATION
to be held
Sunday, March 31, 2019
The 46th Annual General Meeting of the Foundation will be held at Bridge Street United Church, Sills Auditorium, on Sunday, March 31, 2019 following the Annual Congregational Meeting of Bridge Street United Church, which begins following 10:30 a.m. worship and a light lunch.
Every member of Bridge Street Church is a member of the Bridge Street United Church Foundation, and is encouraged to attend this meeting.
The following business will be transacted:
- Approval of the Minutes of the last Annual Meeting.
- Approval of the Auditor’s Annual Report for 2018, and a presentation of the 2018 Financial Statements.
- Appointment and establishment of the fee for the Foundation’s Auditors for 2019.
- Report of the President of the Board of Directors, and acceptance of its 46th Annual Report.
- Resolution Concerning By-Law I.5 – Board of Directors – Given that the Grants Committee is dormant due to the current moratorium on grants to outside organizations, the following motion was made by Directors at its meeting of November 27, 2018:
MOTION: That the following resolution be presented at the Annual General meeting – “Be it resolved that the Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2019 be set at 8 members +1 member appointed by General Council of the United Church of Canada.”
- Election of the Board of Directors for the Foundation for 2019.
- Any other business, which may rightfully be brought before the meeting.
- Adjournment
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THIS WEEK @ BSUC
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| Mon., March 25 | Office Closed | ||
| Facility Use – Q Field Nats. | 7 p.m. | Auditorium | |
| Tues., March 26 | End-of-the-Month Meal Prep | 9 a.m. | Kitchen |
| Q. Deaf – Bible Study | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Chapel | |
| EOTM Meal | 4:30 p.m.
5 – 6:30 p.m. |
Doors Open – Gym
Meal Served – Gym |
|
| Wed., March 27 | Bible Study | 8 a.m. | Parlour |
| Knitters United | 3 – 5 p.m. | Auditorium | |
| Thurs., March 28 | EOTM | see Tues., March 26 | |
| April 6 Organ Concert Rehearsal | 3 – 4 p.m. | Sanctuary | |
| Vocal Choir Practice | 4 – 5:30 a.m. | Sanctuary | |
| Bell Choir Practice | 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | Bell Room | |
| Fri., March 29 | IFTC Volunteer Lunch Prep | Beg. 9 a.m. | Kitchen |
| Stuff ‘n Chatter | 9:30 a.m. | Auditorium | |
| Bazaar Committee | 10 a.m. | Parlour | |
| TGIF frozen meal dist. | 2 – 4 p.m. | Bridge St. foyer | |
| Sa., March 30 | IFTC Volunteer & Donor Lunch | 11:30 a.m. | Kitchen/Auditorium |
| Sun., March 31 | Lent 4 Worship Service
followed by a light lunch then Annual Meetings |
10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
Auditorium |
| Quinte Deaf Worship | 10;30 a.m. | Chapel |
NEXT WEEK …
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| Mon., April 1 | Office Closed | ||
| CDC Community Kitchen | 4 – 7 p.m. | Kitchen/Auditorium | |
| Tues., Apr. 2 | Personnel Team | 1:30 p.m. | Parlour |
| Q. Deaf – Bible Study | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Chapel | |
| Transition Team | 3 p.m. | Parlour | |
| Drumantics Drum Circle | 6 p.m. | Chapel | |
| Wed., Apr. 3 | Bible Study | 8 a.m. | Parlour |
| Thurs., April 4 | Bell Choir Practice | 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | Bell Room |
| Vocal Choir Practice | 7 – 8:15 p.m. | Sanctuary | |
| April 6 Organ Concert Rehearsal | 8:15 p.m. | Sanctuary | |
| Fri., April 5 | Girls Inc. PA Day Camp | 8 a.m. | Gym/Kitchen |
| Stuff ‘n Chatter | 9:30 a.m. | Auditorium | |
| TGIF frozen meal dist. | 2 – 4 p.m. | Bridge St. foyer | |
| Sat. April 6 | Spring Celebration Concert | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary |
| Sun., April 7 | Lent 5 Worship Service & Celebration Sunday during Coffee Time | 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary |
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Details of Some Upcoming Events …
- Getting Ready for Easter – The Worship Team is pleased to provide members of the congregation with an opportunity to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday by purchasing flowers for “in memoriam” or other life event (birthday, anniversary. etc.) recognition. The flowers will be purchased from a local florist; the cost is $25.00. A list of those remembered/occasions honoured will be included in Easter Sunday’s Announcements, and donors will be invited to take a pot of flowers home with them following the service. To participate, special envelopes for this purpose are available on the table at the back of the Sanctuary and can be placed on the offering plate no later than Sunday, April 7, or see Carol in the church office before Friday, April 5.
- Spring Celebration Concert with Liselotte Rotyka, Andre Knevel and Special Guests – Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m.Click here for concert poster
Andre Knevel and Liselotte Rotyka, the organ and Pan flute duo, will headline this Spring Celebration Concert Special guests include Command Performance Choir from Prince Edward County, Melodie Liu, soprano, Jeanette Huang and Patricia Ross, violin and piano duet, Jamie York on bagpipes and a massed choir of singers from several local church and community choirs. A “pay what you can” offering will be taken to support Bridge St. Church’s upcoming series of concerts. - Easter Flower Deliveries to our Special Friends – Thursday, April 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the church’s main entrance off Church St. Drivers needed. If you can help, please call Susan Pine at 613-962-4765 (leave a message if necessary), or e-mail Susan at j.pine@sympatico.ca.
- Book Sale – Friday, April 12 (12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.). All genre of books available, PLUS DVD’s, CD’s, vinyl records, puzzles and games. Coffee and muffins available for purchase. Donations for the book sale can now be dropped off at 60 Bridge St. E. entrance during office hours and on Sundays.
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GOVERNANCE BOARD NEWS
The congregation elects the Governance Board to function as its governing body (and selects a Lead Minister to act as its spiritual, programmatic and administrative leader).
- Governance Board Minutes are posted on the bulletin board located directly across from the kitchen door.
- Click here to read our congregation’s named mission, values and vision statements.
- Click here to learn about the governing structure of Bridge St. United Church.
Click here for our governance webpage.
MINISTRY TEAM NEWS
Ministry Teams manage the daily practical work of the congregation.
Administration
- Facility Use During the Month of February – The following organizations used church space during this period to further their own mission: Drumantics; HIV-AIDS Regional Services (Kingston); Quinte Deaf Fellowship; Quinte Field Naturalists.
Community Connections
The Community Connections Ministry Team lives out Christ’s mission in response to the world.
FOOD MINISTRY:
BRIDGE STREET UNITED CHURCH (BSUC) HAS HAD AN ACTIVE MEAL MINISTRY SERVING THE BELLEVILLE COMMUNITY SINCE 1997. THE MISSION OF THE BSUC FOOD MINISTRY PROGRAMS ALIGNS CLOSELY WITH THE STATED VALUES AND MISSION OF BSUC. FOOD MINISTRY OFFERS THREE DIFFERENT MEAL PROGRAMS: INN FROM THE COLD (IFTC), THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY (TGIF), AND END-OF-THE-MONTH MEALS (EOTM), EACH OF WHICH IS DIRECTED TO THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY.
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Total number of meals served/distributed in 2018 through the three BSUC food ministry programs = 14,184.
During the six weeks of the 2018 when our “Inn from the Cold” program was held, 7,070 meals were served or distributed.
4,724 meals were distributed through our weekly “TGIF” frozen meal distribution program.
2,390 meals were served or distributed through our twice-monthly, “End-of-the-Month” meal program.
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Click here for a link to our Food Ministry page.
KNITTERS UNITED:
Spring Cleaning your cupboards? – We at Knitters United have been knitting up a storm all winter and now our cupboards are somewhat bare! You can help by cleaning out yours and bringing us your surplus yarn. Please leave it at the church office, during regular office hours. Pick up of yarn can also be arranged by calling Elizabeth Ewashkiw 968-9382 or eewashkiw@sympatico.ca.
UNITED SYRIAN FAMILY SUPPORT (USFS) BELLEVILLE SPONSORSHIP GROUP:
THE UNITED SYRIAN FAMILY SUPPORT (BELLEVILLE) TEAM IS COMPRISED OF APPROXIMATELY 100 INDIVIDUALS; MEMBERS FROM THE BELLEVILLE AREA, INCLUDING BRIDGE STREET, ST. MATTHEW’S AND EASTMINSTER UNITED CHURCHES, ST. JOSEPH’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND MEMBERS OF THE BAHA’I AND MUSLIM COMMUNITIES; WHO HAVE COMMITTED TO SUPPORT FIVE SYRIAN FAMILIES.
Click here to connect to the United Syrian Family Support (Belleville) website.
Faith Formation
The Faith Formation Ministry Team enables spiritual nurturing of children and adults.
BIBLE STUDY:
Every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., enjoy a cup of coffee while reading and discussing the scripture on which the next Sunday’s worship service will be based. Everyone is welcome. Use Bridge St. entrance. COORDINATOR: AUDREY. CONTACT: acowan6@cogeco.ca or 613-968-5432.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN:
On Sunday mornings, the Faith Formation Ministry Team invites your children to attend …
Infant/Toddler Room – ages newborn to 48 months
Children’s Centre – ages 4 to 13
Each group is facilitated and supervised by two adults.
Many thanks to all who will be volunteering their time to support Christian Education.
Click here for our Children’s Centre web page.
Finance
Now is a perfect time to sign up for, or increase, “PAR” offerings for 2019. PAR = Pre-Authorized Monthly Contact the church office to join the 69 contributors who financially support this church’s ministry through PAR. Please contact Carol by phone @ 613-962-9178 or e-mail @ info@bridgestchurch.com.
Hospitality & Fellowship
The Hospitality & Fellowship Team endeavours to model the practice of “Radical Hospitality” with greeters, to warmly welcome friends and strangers alike each Sunday, and at special events planned throughout the year.
BOOK CLUB – Held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
COFFEE TIME – Sunday mornings following worship.
Music
The goal of the Music Ministry Team is to support the Music Director by planning, supporting and implementing relevant activities to be creative, courageous and joyful in praise, and for education and outreach into the community.
Choir practices are held on Thursdays.
Bell Ringers’ practice 5:30 – 6:45 p.m – Ring the buzzer at Bridge St. entrance.
Vocal Choir practice – 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Knock on the Sanctuary “ramp” door.
Click here for our choir webpage.
Spring Celebration Concert @ BSUC with Liselotte Rotyka, Andre Knevel and Special Guests – Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m. – This is the first in a series of concerts intending to be accessible to the entire community, with attendees paying what they can, from pocket change to what a regular ticket price for a professional concert would be. The headlined artists will be Andre Knevel, a Canadian pipe organist who tours both Europe and North America several times each year, playing in most of the best pipe organs in the world, often with Liselotte Rokyta on the same programs. One of those top-line pipe organs happens to be the 4-manual “Casavant” organ right here in Bridge Street United Church! Liselotte continues to display an unbelievable talent on the panflute. Guest artists include Jamie York on the bagpipes; Melody Liu, soprano; Jeanette Huang, violinist, Prince Edward County’s “Command Performance” choir; and a massed choir open to any from the area who might like to join. So far members are coming from as far as Roseneath and Cobourg, as well as a core of our own BSUC choir. The concert will be a benefit concert, supporting the future presentations of the arts at Bridge Street Church. A freewill offering will be collected.
We are very fortunate to have such a wealth of talent all under the same roof at the same time, and we hope you will consider coming out to support this outreach program. After expenses, proceeds will go towards further community concerts in the music program, which include The Welsh Toronto Men’s Chorus, an organ/soprano duo, a violin/piano duo (with Mitchell at the piano) as well as another Dessert Cabaret.
Pastoral Care
Members of the Pastoral Care Ministry Team offer a compassionate, empathetic and Spirit-filled presence to those of our church family who find themselves unable to participate more fully in the life and work of BSUC.
Rev. Phil Hobbs, Minister of Pastoral Care (pro tem) is away on Annual Vacation Leave until Wednesday, March 13. During this time, if you have a pastoral care request, please contact Rev. David King by calling the church (613-962-9178) or his cell phone (1-905-375-7369).
A Note from Rev. Phil Hobbs, Minister of Pastoral Care (pro tem) …
Dear Friends:
Once again the cycle of our Christian Year brings us to the season of Lent. This has historically been a time for the faithful to practice Spiritual Disciplines for the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Sometimes that involves people in giving up something for Lent (chocolate, for example!😳). As your Pastoral Care Minister (pro-tem), I’m inviting you to “Give It Up for Lent!” I invite you to give up the sedentary lifestyle that so many of us lead – and that is so destructive to our wellbeing. For the 40 Days of Lent, I invite you to be more active every day. I invite you to take more steps. I invite you to swim if that’s your preference. In whatever way works for you, I invite you to use the 40 Days of Lent to move more each day. In this way you will be caring for your own wellbeing – as we recognize anew that, as St. Paul said: “You are the temple of the Holy Spirit – God lives in you.”
May you experience God’s Grace and Peace and be filled with Joy as you respond to this invitation.
With Pastoral Care & Support, Rev. Phil
PS: Please email me to let me know your progress rev.phil@bridgestchurch.com
BENEVOLENT FUND:
This church’s Benevolent Fund is in place to assist those during times of personal financial crisis. This “last hope” form of community outreach, administered by our Minister of Pastoral Care, is in keeping with the generous spirit of Bridge Street Church and, as such, we believe that maintaining the fund is the responsibility of this congregation. Donations to the Benevolent Fund can be made by way of the special “Benevolent Fund” envelopes found in the church pews.
PRAYER CIRCLE:
Prayer Box – We invite you to submit your prayer requests to be included with the daily prayers of our dedicated team of pray-ers. Please slip your prayers into the special Prayer Box, located on the table at the back of the Auditorium. Prayer requests are dedicated each Sunday along with the morning offering.
Personnel
The Personnel Ministry Team meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to provide a regular opportunity for the Church staff and members of the congregation to meet with the team to discuss any issues related to personnel matters within the church.
Property
The Property Ministry Team manages the upkeep of the physical Bridge St. Church building.
Worship
The Worship Ministry Team plans services for the liturgical year and oversees related policy. They also manage the Memorial Fund.
UCW –
The purpose of the United Church Women is “to unite all women of the congregation for the total mission of the church and provide a medium through which they may express their loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, service, and fellowship.” (excerpt from UCW Guidelines)
- Kente Presbyterial UCW Annual Meeting, April 10th 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at College Hill United Church, Belleville. Lunch $12 at the door. The theme is “We Will Rejoice”. Arabella, a dynamic duo will speak through their music celebrating the joy of Springtime and the Easter message of renewal and rebirth. For more information or a ride, contact Sue Reid at 613-968-4655/suemargreid@yahoo.ca.
Click here for the UCW webpage.
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COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES:
The Council of Trustees performs the duties of managing the “lands, premises, and Real Property and Personal Property acquired for the use of the Bridge Street Church Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada” as specified by the Model Trust Deed.
BRIDGE ST. UNITED CHURCH FOUNDATION:
The Bridge Street United Church Foundation, incorporated in 1973 as a charitable organization, administers on behalf of the Bridge Street United Church congregation, funds from the estate of the late Charlotte E. Sills, and other funds that are received from time to time. The Foundation is composed of all members of the Bridge Street United Church congregation and is administered by a Board of Directors, which the members of the Foundation elect. Click here for the BSUC Foundation webpage.
QUINTE LIVING CENTRE:
Located at 370 Front Street, Belleville, this 112-unit seniors’ apartment building was built in 1982 as an outreach project of BSUC and operates as a registered, non-profit, charitable corporation. The Board of Directors consists primarily of members of Bridge Street Church and members from the community-at-large.
Click here to connect to the Quinte Living Centre website.
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Area Church & Community Activities –
- Clothing Extravaganza – Purge & Pick – Saturday, March 23, 12 to 4 p.m. at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church – $10. Proceeds to “Grace Inn Homeless Shelter”. Drop off 221 John St., March 10 to 21. Call for pick up, 613-661-6488 or contact angkbraun@gmail.com. POSTER
- Quinte Symphony @ BSUC – Sunday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. – “Music from the North” – Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Luke Bell, piano. The Moldau Karelia Suite. Tickets online @ thequintesymphony.com, Pinnacle Music Studios, Sam the Record Man and at the door.
- Mark’s United, Cannifton, Fundraising Bust Trip to “The Book of Mormon” at the Ed Mirvish Theatre – Sat., June 15th, 2019 – 2 p.m. matinee. Cost $150/person (includes ticket to show and transportation). Down payment of $75 due by March 31st. For poster and itinerary, see bulletin board.
Information about this and other church & community activities are posted downstairs on the Bridge St. foyer bulletin board.