page 2 2016 winter/spring program guide...fiddler on the roof flea market guitar for fun highlands...

Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1 Ph: 604-980-6071 www.highlandsunited.org

2016 Winter/Spring Program Guide

Winer Spring Program Guide Index Caring and Wellness

Caring Ministry

Hospital Visits

Care Facility Visitors

Highlands “At Home” Ministry

Caring Packages

Healing Hands Ministry

Prayer Shawls Ministry

Children, Youth & Young Adults

Sunday Morning Children and Youth Program

Sunday Morning Class and Teachers

CHOPS

Fun Live-Giving Youth (FLY)

IGNITE worship

Senior Youth Group

Young Adults

Financial Stewardship

Legacy Giving

Grow and Learn

Book Circle

Climate Action Committee

Earthquake Preparedness

ESL/ELL English as a Second Language

Living the Questions

Christianity 101 Membership Workshop

Walk and Talk

Life Events

Baptism

Weddings

Memorials

Meeting Others

Badminton

Birthday Celebrations

Bridge Club

Collectibles and Antiques Sale

Fiddler on the Roof

Flea Market

Guitar for Fun

Highlands Quilters

Men’s Breakfast

Photo Directory 2016

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Sunday Lunches

Thursday Community Meals

Women’s Breakfast

Music Ministry

Eight Deadly Sins

Genesis Too Choir

God’s Free Spirits Choir

Hand Bell Ringers

Praise Band

Spirit Singers Choir

Reaching Out…Building Community

Saturday Lunch

Shelter to Home

Developmental Disabilities

Community Partners (including First United, WISH, CCSS, Lookout and Camp Fircom)

Seniors Ministry

Seniors Connection

Seniors Connection Drop-In Café

Highlands Medical Response Team

Worship

Sunday Morning 10:00am Worship

Greeters and Welcome Hosts

Audio Visual / Technical Team

Volunteer Opportunities

Highlands Staff



Welcome to Highlands United Church This program guide presents many of the opportunities for learning and expressing our faith that exist at Highlands United Church.

We hope it will assist you in getting acquainted with the congregation or inspire you to delve into its richness more fully.

The varied programs, services, groups and ministries reflect our mission to build a growing faith community with open doors, open minds and open hearts.

Our Weekly Highlights newsletter will keep you up-to-date on new and current programs and outline ways to get involved and make new friends.

To find out more about our programs and events, please visit our website at www.highlandsunited.org. Don’t hesitate to contact any of our staff (see page 22) if you have any questions about Highlands programs and ministries.

To subscribe to our e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail [email protected].



Caring Ministry

We are building a lay-led ministry that will ensure support is given in the difficult patches of our life’s journey. There are currently four components and volunteers are invited to offer skills in these ministries:

Hospital Visits

Tanis van Drimmelen and Colleen Blair are trained visitors with compassionate hearts and are designated Hospital, Palliative and Hospice Visitors.

How can you help? If you or someone you know is in need of a hospital visit, please call the Church Office and Tanis will be alerted immediately. It takes all of us being aware to ensure that everyone in the congregation receives a caring visit.

Contact: Tanis van Drimmelen, 604-980-6071 or Colleen Blair 604-980-6071 ext 27

Care Facility Visitors

When people move into care facilities it is a big adjustment and they often lose touch with their former faith community. Highlands Caring Ministry

has appointed a visitor for each North Shore Senior Care Facility which is home to a Highlands person. These visitors connect at least once a

Caring and Wellness month bringing news of church friends and ongoing activities at the church, and offering some caring faith resources. If you would like to visit folks in a care facility, or be on the sub/alternate visitor list, please call Jacqueline Scott through the Church

Office.

Contact: Jacqueline Scott, 604-980-6071

Highlands “At Home” Ministry

As people live longer and remain in their own homes we have discovered that there can be some acute loneliness in that decision. Calls from friends are more important than ever. Doree Piercy is the

contact person for Highlands At Home Caring Ministry and tries to ensure that people living alone get caring phone calls. Would you like to be a caring telephone visitor for the At-Home people? Contact Doree Piercy through the Church Office. A screening process may be required to ensure everyone’s safety.

Contact: Doree Piercy, 604-980-6071

Caring Packages

Twice a year the invitation goes out via Highlights and e-mail for people to bake cookies and make goodies so we can deliver care packages to people in Care facilities and in the “At Home” Ministry, as well as a few with special circumstances. This ministry requires bakers and volunteers who will deliver the packages and have a caring visit. The

packages usually go out for Christmas and Easter. You can volunteer through the Church Office or respond to the invitation when it comes.

Contact: Tanis van Drimmelen, 604-980-6071

Healing Hands Ministry

Healing Hands is a major outreach and caring ministry. The Healing Hands Ministry within the

Christian community follows the example given by



Jesus. It is an energy-based approach to healing, working with and restoring balance to the energy fields that surround you. Changes may be experienced on a physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual level. The goal of a Healing Hands session is to awaken your body's innate healing powers, restoring harmony and balance to your whole being.

Volunteer practitioners who have taken courses offered by the Healing Pathway based at Naramata Centre offer healing sessions to members of the congregation and to persons in the wider community. Appointments are available on Monday evenings or Thursday mornings (alternates weekly), and can be made for home, a care facility, hospital or hospice.

Contact for info: Sharon Yetman, 604-988-5827

For an appointment: Lorraine Elliott, 604-985-4502

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl group meets on Mondays at 1pm in the Choir Room. Our shawls have

been lovingly

donated to those who are ill or in need of comfort, and have been received with much gratitude. We welcome anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting, as well as beginners and would like to learn to knit.

Contact: Joy Dancey, 604-924-1065, [email protected]

We exist to explore, inspire, question and discover the role of God in our lives.

At Highlands United Church we exist to love and be loved, to know and be known, to serve and be served, to learn, pray and grow together. We believe that the future of our church lies in the faith of our children and youth, and we support this journey in every way we see possible. We play together. We adventure together. We laugh together. We worship together. We burn with a desire to live the life Christ wanted for us — freely,

with compassion and with great joy.

For information on all Children and Youth programming please contact coordinators Allie Keir or Andria Irwin at [email protected] or

visit our new Children and Youth Website at www.highlandsunite.com

Sunday Morning Children & Youth Programs Registration is now open for all, ages 0 through Grade 12. Please visit our website at www.highlandsunited.org to register your child or youth, or visit us in the new Welcome Space before church on Sundays.

Please re-register your son or daughter even if you

have been registered in the past, as this ensures we have current emergency information for our records.

Sunday Morning Classes & Teachers

Nursery (0 to age 3): Alexa Villalpando

Age 3 to Kindergarten: Anna Younger, Colleen Chambers and Rachel Robertson

Grades 1-3 (4): Carl Steffens, Grace Owens and Bella Kershaw

Children, Youth & Young Adults

Prayer Shawls



Grades 4-6 (7): Colin Madill, Chris Madill, Isak Makynen, Anisha Navaratnam with Allie Keir

Grade 7 & up: Chris Bochon, Emilee–Ann Batista with Andria Irwin All classes are held in the 200 wing with the exception of the youth class which meets in the youth lounge.

CHOPs (Cookies for Highlands Outreach Projects!) Young children (preschool to grade 3) and their parents/grandparents bake together on occasional Sundays after church. After a BYO "Picnic" lunch, we gather in the big kitchen and make cookies to be distributed to folks who attend our Saturday

Lunches program at the North Shore Neighborhood House. This is an opportunity for children who are too young to volunteer on their own to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. It is also a great way for young kids and their parents to get to know one another in an informal (and somewhat chaotic) setting! Our next meeting is on Sunday March 6; for further information see the weekly Highlights.

Contact: Nancy Forde, [email protected]

or Amanda Ross, [email protected]

FLY

(Fun, Life-giving Youth) for young people in grades 4 to 7. FLY meets on the first and third Friday of

each month 7:00 to 9:00pm, beginning Friday, January 15, for games, activities, and adventures!

FLY events from January to May are: January 15, February 5 & 19, March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15, and May 6 & 20

IGNITE

is our new worship initiative for grades 7 and up. Please join us at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary for a high energy worship

service, often followed by food and activities for senior youth until 9:00pm.

Dinner is by donation.

February 12th theme is “The One You’re With” — come and join the IGNITE music team and listen to Emilee-Ann Batista talk about what it means to really love yourself.

More upcoming IGNITE events:April 8 & June 10

Senior Youth (Gr. 7/8 & up)

The senior youth have a flexible schedule of gatherings & outings, usually once per month.

Feb 12 Post IGNITE Sleepover—come help us plan our upcoming senior youth events.

Feb 28 Oscars Night—As always the dress code is fancy! We will have a red carpet, great food,

photo booth and livestream of the Oscars broadcast.

Contact: [email protected] to receive upcoming event details.

Young Adults (18-35)

Currently a group of young adults are meeting

once a month after the IGNITE worship service for a Bible & Brew at the local pub/restaurant. Contact: Andria, [email protected]



Highlands United serves a wide variety of people both within the congregation and in the wider community. The life and work of Highlands is

mostly accomplished through the financial support and commitment of its members and community. In addition to weekly donations, one-time financial gifts and donations in memoriam provide for the ministerial and general expenses of the church. We are excited about the results of our recent capital campaign which funded renovations and the creation of a wonderful new welcoming space at the church main entrance. All financial

matters are closely managed throughout the year under the direction of the Finance Committee to ensure prudent use of available resources. All donations to Highlands are eligible to receive an income tax receipt, which is issued by the end of February of the following year.

If you would like to make a donation or establish a program of regular giving: Contact: Carol Smith, 604-980-6071 [email protected]

Legacy Giving

People want their lives to count in enduring ways and to make a difference with long term impact. Many of you may wish to remember

Highlands through a contribution in your will or with an enduring gift while you are living and can still enjoy the fruits of your generosity. You can direct your gift to the ongoing work of the church or maintain the church facilities over time. Highlands also has established an endowment fund which allows you to contribute to

a permanent fund where your gift will become part

Financial Stewardship of a growing, long-term legacy in support of the work of the church long into the future. There are a number of ways you can give a gift that will strengthen Highlands for ongoing service to its community of followers and allow Highlands to increase its impact in the wider community:

· Name Highlands United Church as a beneficiary in your will

· Name Highlands United Church as the recipient of a Memorial gift

· Make a one-time financial gift to Highlands United Church today

Book Circle

Meets on the last Tuesday of each month (except in December, July and August). It is a welcoming drop-in group, so come when your schedule permits or when you are interested in a particular title. We gather at 7:00pm in the Library and are usually finished by 8:30pm. Books are chosen by voting on recommendations that individual participants bring forward. Upcoming titles will be confirmed in future weekly Highlights. Sharing our observations and opinions in this small group setting enables us to get to know a few others in our congregation at a deeper level.

If you have a book suggestion contact Phyllis Ferguson Bottomer, [email protected]

Grow & Learn



Climate Change Action Group

This new study/action group began in September.

So far we’ve looked at climate films, initiated an assessment of Highlands' roofs for installation of solar panels, worked to improve recycling at the church, and organized and promoted a North Shore Climate March across the Lions Gate Bridge to join Vancouver's march.

Our next meeting is in the first week of February. If you are concerned about climate and environmental issues, we invite you to join us. For more information:

Jon or Simone Carrodus, carrodus at shaw dot ca, 604-987-2595

Earthquake Preparedness

Join Bernadette Woit for a presentation on Earthquake Preparedness on Monday, February 15th at 7:30pm in Room 201 at Highlands.

For more information contact Bernadette Woit or Colleen Blair.

English as Second Language

North Vancouver has become a vibrant multicultural community including many for whom English is a second (or third or fourth) language. This program at Highlands offers an opportunity for students to practise their English in an informal setting, meet new people, learn about life in Canada, share stories and

have conversations about spiritual matters. A dedicated team of twelve teachers/leaders take turns facilitating the classes. Teachers and senior students work as a team to support these newcomers to Canada. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - noon with the first hour focused on general

conversation and the last hour spent with conversation of a more spiritual nature. In between, we have a coffee break with goodies supplied by the students. We now have both a Beginners class and an Advanced Class, with total enrollment of 40 students. Also on Thursdays, a Speakers' Group meets from 12:30 - 1:30 for the more advanced and adventurous. The Winter term began in January. Because of the popularity of the program we have had to limit registration this term and our classes are at capacity. The next term will begin in March with preregistration necessary. The students are paying $30 for each of these terms. New teachers and assistants are always welcome. Please contact Judy O'Neill or Diana Bomford through the Church office for more information.

Contact: Judy O’Neill or Diana Bomford through the Church Office at 604-980-6071.

Living the Questions

A DVD and discussion based study that explores Christianity from a progressive, open-minded perspective. Featuring short DVD presentations by acclaimed scholars, theologians and other

experts, and short weekly readings, this is a wonderful opportunity for people both new to Christianity and long time members to explore faith, justice and spiritual practices. No prior knowledge required! Adults and youth welcome.

7 weeks beginning Tuesday Feb. 9 Afternoon: 1 - 2:15 pm or Evening: 7 - 8:30 pm

To register:

• On-line at www.highlandsunited.org/events/

• Or call the Church Office 604-980-6071

• Or sign-up at the Sunday Action Table.

Registration deadline February 7



Christianity 101—the condensed version

You are invited to an explorers/inquirers event on Sunday, February 28th from noon to 4:30pm. Lunch will be provided.

Whether you are a newcomer

looking for an introduction to Christianity, or someone wishing to explore membership at Highlands, or you simply want to fill in a few gaps, all are welcome.

For anyone who wishes to continue the journey through Baptism, Confirmation or Transfer of Membership, we will choose a convenient date for a special service of membership in the Spring.

To register for the event: please sign up at the Action Table, on-line at www.highlandsunited.org (click on the News & Events page) or call the Church Office.

Contact: Sandi Parker 604-980-6071 ext 25, [email protected] or Colleen Blair 604-980-6071 ext 27, [email protected]

Walk and Talk

Join Sandi Parker and/or Colleen Blair at the Church on Monday mornings at 11:00am for a walk

or stroll around the Edgemont/Capilano area and a discussion about spirituality, the Bible, faith, the church, or anything else on your mind.

You set the pace, and we will start us off with a quote, a question or a thought.

All fitness levels welcome, but should be able to walk continuously for 45 – 60 minutes. Rain or shine (unless it is really, really horrible, and then we will go for coffee!).

11:00am on Mondays, no walk on Feb 8, March 28 and May 23

Baptism at Highlands

Baptism has been called the sacrament of belonging. It is a public declaration of your intention for you or your child to explore a spiritual path and receive the support of Highlands in your Christian formation. We feel honoured that you have entrusted Highlands with this initial step. Adults being baptized will also be confirmed into membership and will attend a New Members

group to explore this path. Parents who wish their children to be baptized attend a meeting on the meaning of baptism and a preview of the baptism service.

Contact: Sandi Parker 604-980-6071 ext 25, [email protected]

Weddings

Weddings are wonderful celebrations! A church wedding performed by a minister is similar to a civil wedding performed by a marriage commissioner—both services must meet the legal requirements of the Province of British Columbia and must be registered with the Department of Vital Statistics. But in a church wedding the spiritual dimension of marriage is as important as the legal.

You are welcome to be married at Highlands whether you are part of the congregation or not; whether you have been married before; whether

Life Events



you and your partner have different religious backgrounds; whether you are different genders or not. We welcome you!

The staff at Highlands United Church would be pleased to assist with coordinating your wedding service. To prepare for your ceremony, Highlands will provide you with a marriage workbook to guide you through a standard ceremony and provide you

with wording options that most closely complement the type of ceremony you are seeking.

For more information, check out our web site www.highlandsunited.org/life events or contact the Church Office at [email protected]

Memorial Services

Highlands can provide help and comfort in your time of loss, even if you are not part of the Highlands congregation, by supporting you and your family as you grieve, and by

assisting with arrangements that involve Highlands Church and its

facilities.

Highlands staff can help you plan a memorial service or funeral that best reflects your wishes, honours the life of your family member or friend, and acknowledges your loss. We can help you

choose scripture readings, music and prayers, discuss the eulogy or words of remembrance and help your family and friends determine all aspects of the service.

For more information, visit our web site www.highlandsunited.org/life events or contact the Church Office at [email protected]

Badminton

The Badminton group meets on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30pm until the end of June. All are welcome. Contact: George Parton, 604-988-4488

Birthday Celebrations

Come for cake and celebration during your birthday month or save it up till the following month. The

candles are lit from the Christ Candle to represent that the blessing of Christ continues through the blessing of each person alive – light coming from light. Birthday parties are held in the Fireside Room after the 10:00am service. Watch for dates which will be posted in the weekly Highlights newsletter.

Contact: Debbie Sigsworth,

[email protected] or Phyllis Bottomer, [email protected]

Bridge Club

The Highlands Bridge Group meets on the first Friday of the month in people’s homes in groups of eight people for about three hours starting at a

time convenient to the hosts. The first round is November 6th. The hosts start things off with a light dessert, coffee, tea and conversation as a group. Then we break into two groups of four, re-mixing after each six hands of bridge, so that we get a chance to chat with everyone one-on-one. Bridge skills range from basic up to instructor level. We do ask each person for $5 to join, which covers the cost of the desserts served at the wind-up session at the Church in June, as well as some

nice prizes for “notable” bridge performances. If you would like to be part of this social ministry, either with a partner as a regular, or to be put on

Meeting Others



the list of “spares” to be called when a regular can’t attend, please call Keith Miller 604-985-6046 or Dave Ball 604-987-5432, so we know how many pairs to plan for this season.

Collectibles and Antiques Sales

Join us on Saturday, May 7th from 9am to 12noon. Featuring: Everything from buttons to books and ephemera; china, crystal and silver, Grandma's kitchenware, jewellery and post cards; plus the elegant, the unusual and forgotten treasures.

Fiddler on the Roof

We are well along in preparing for our presentation of Fiddler on the Roof, March 16-20 at 7:30 pm each evening. Cast and orchestra are having a great time in rehearsals; sets and costumes are being constructed; publicity is going out to the community; plans are being made for ticket sales. General ticket sales will begin on February 7, with Gift Certificate redemption available on and after January 24. All seats are $25. The teams working on costumes, props and publicity are still looking for more help, so if you have an interest, we could certainly use your assistance. Be a part of this wonderful experience! To get involved, please contact Gill Irwin at [email protected] We can't wait to see you at the show! L'chaim!!

Doug and Gill Irwin

Flea Market

This annual event marks our church as a recycling and reusing centre in the community. The Flea Market will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to get involved in this community booster. There is an

ongoing opportunity to help sort on Tuesday mornings. Help is also needed to set up the week prior to sale day and it is all hands on deck for a shift on Flea Market day. This sale raises between $25,000 and $35,000 so it takes many hands to make it happen!

Contact: Jim Parsons for regular Flea Market activities, 604-987-3177, [email protected]

Contact: Gill and Doug Irwin for information about

the sale day and to volunteer for setup, teardown, and anything in between, Gill Irwin: [email protected] or Doug Irwin: [email protected]

Guitar for Fun

Join Stephen Molnar on alternating Monday evenings for beginner guitar get-togethers. Come join the fun and meet other folks who love to strum! Contact: Stephen Molnar, [email protected]

Highlands Quilters

This group has been in existence for about 40 years and over that time has raised a considerable sum of money for the work of the church. Currently we are a small group who work together around a large quilting frame to finish off the quilts for others who have prepared the colourful pieced quilt tops. The completed quilts are either donated to charitable causes or returned to an individual. If

you can do a simple running stitch then you can learn to quilt so do come and join us one Monday morning at 9:00 am in the Choir Room. Come for a visit or come to sew. For more information,

Contact: Chris Robertson, 604-988-5483



Men’s Breakfast

This group meets every Wednesday at 7:30am at the Eighties Restaurant, at 14th and Lonsdale. We gather for fellowship, support, and discussions about issues of importance to our community and church. Breakfast, including beverage and

gratuity, is $10. This is an open group and all are welcome. Contact: Hugh Creighton, 604-980-3556, [email protected]

Photo Directory 2016

At time of printing, plans are in motion for the creation of a new Church Photo Directory. More information will be published in the weekly Highlights newsletter regarding the publication date and costs but for now, here are the dates when congregational photos will be taken:

January 24 and 31 and Feb 7 before and after church service.

For more information contact: Michael Soderling: [email protected] or Craig Madill: [email protected]

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Celebrate the last day before the beginning of Lent with a traditional pancake supper. Pancakes (gluten free options available), sausages, fruit, toppings and coffee and tea. $5.00 per

person or $20.00 for a family. 3 years and under no charge.

Tuesday, February 9—drop in any time between 5:00 and 6:30 pm

To give us an idea of numbers sign up online at www.highlandsunited.org/events/

Sunday Lunches

One Sunday during the month we will offer a delicious lunch after church. Everyone is welcome to attend. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the lunch, set up tables and chairs, and create a welcoming ambience. We request a $5/person or $20/family donation to cover our expenses.

Winter/Spring Schedule:

February 14—A ♥Love♥ Theme

March 27—Easter Brunch

April 17—Just food!

May 8—Mothers Day Brunch

If you would like to get involved contact: Colleen Blair, 604-980-6071 ext 27, [email protected]

Thursday Community Meal

Thursday evenings are wonderfully energetic at HUC. Family logistical planning on this evening is an art, especially with many kids and parents participating in one of our four choirs. Each Thursday evening we will offer a hearty, simple, family-friendly meal between 5:30 and 6:30pm and whether you’re a family of four or a senior on your own, all are welcome. And given the family style, communal nature of the event, we happily encourage your assistance with clean up! If anyone would like to volunteer to participate on a particular Thursday night team, please contact Colleen Blair.

Dinners in the Winter and Spring begin on January 7 and will continue until May 5 (excluding March 17 and 24 due to Spring Break)

Contact: Colleen Blair, 604-980-6071 ext 27, [email protected]



Maundy Thursday Seder Meal

Re-enact a part of the Passover celebration and its connection to Holy Week through this Seder Meal ritual. Bring a pot-luck item to share (entrée, salad or veggie dish—Mediterranean & Middle Eastern inspired dishes welcome). All ages welcome. Dessert, ritual food items, wine & grape juice provided. Sign-up on-line: www.highlandsunited.org/events/ or at the Action Table.

Cost: no cost, financial donations gratefully accepted to offset costs. For information contact Sandi Parker, [email protected] or Colleen Blair, [email protected]

Women’s Breakfast

On the third Thursday of each month at 8:00am women of the congregation are invited to gather for breakfast at Daisy Restaurant, 1089 Roosevelt Cres., south of Marine Dr., between Lloyd and McKay just off 15th St. The room is light and bright, the menu offers many food options and prices and the conversation is lively.

The 2016 dates are: Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19, Jun 16, Jul 21, Aug 18 To get your name on the monthly Women’s Breakfast Reminder Email List, please contact: Catherine Alkenbrack, [email protected]

Eight Deadly Sins

is an a capella young men’s singing group, sings monthly at Highlands. New members are sought through audition.

Contact: Noel Hollett, 604-929-6925

Genesis Too (GII) Choir

Is for young folks in Grades 4 to 12. Rehearsals are

on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30pm. GII sings on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, from September to May.

This choir goes on a trip and presents a special service in the spring. Stay tuned for details on this special service in the weekly Highlights.

Contact: Geordie Roberts, 604-980-7349 [email protected]

God’s Free Spirits Choir

is for children age 4 years to the end of Grade 3. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:00pm. We sing once a month in church and continue until the beginning of May.

Contact: Jeannie Denault, 604-929-7469 or 604-418-4978, [email protected]

Hand Bell Ringers

perform at Christmas and Easter, with rehearsals the preceding three or four Sundays after church. Those interested must read music well. Contact: Roz Hollett, 604-929-6925

Music Ministry



Praise Band

If you are interested in being on the roster of players/singers for the Praise Band, please contact Geordie Roberts. We are looking for musicians who read music or can pick up a rock or pop style song quickly and are willing to attend one

rehearsal in the week prior to a Praise Band service. Experience using a microphone or amplified instrument is also an asset.

Contact: Geordie Roberts, 604-980-7349 [email protected]

Spirit Singers Choir

This group sings every Sunday in worship from September to June, and practises on Thursdays from 8 to 9:30pm. We are presently also working on a service called "Thrive" which will be presented in worship at Oasis United in Penticton on May 15 and at Highlands on May 29.

Contact: Gill Irwin, [email protected]

Saturday Lunch Feeding Ministry

The Saturday Lunch Feeding Ministry provides a healthy, abundant meal every Saturday at 1:00pm at the North Shore Neighbourhood House, at 2nd and St. Georges in Lower Lonsdale. Each week we serve up to 50 guests. You can help by being one of the three cooks, from 10:30am to 1:00pm, or by

being one of the four or five server/greeters, from 12:20 to 2:30pm. For more information about this ministry and how you can help, see the volunteer schedule on our web site at www.highlandsunited.org.

Contact: Emily Heidrich, [email protected]

Shelter to Home

Through all the twists and turns of life, some people end up homeless and needing the support of North Shore agencies. At some point, they return to independent housing. At this exciting, scary time they

encounter a harsh reality – it takes money to furnish and stock their new home. In partnership with NS agencies and with the wise,

compassionate Shelter to Home leadership team, we supply furniture and household items they need to set up, at no cost. We accept only items that are in good condition. To donate items call 778-331-8465.

To volunteer, see the Highlands website (www.highlandsunited.org) or contact: Ruth Kershaw, [email protected].

Reaching Out...Building Community



Developmental Disabilities Association

Through the work of our Flea Market we have a strong connection with the Developmental

Disabilities Association, who come on site to pick up items weekly throughout the year and after our Annual Flea Market sale.

Global Connections

The goal of the Global Connections Committee is to raise awareness in the congregation and community of global issues and realities and the mission of the church, and to encourage involvement.

We do this through:

• growing our partnership with the Artesana Collective in Guatemala and supporting Healing Hands trips to Guatemala

• promoting awareness during worship, including Minutes for Mission, prayers, “reports”, and appeals for emergent global crises

• supporting groups going on “exposure tours”

• maintaining the Action Table

• encouraging the congregation to support the Mission and Service Fund and other church partners, such as Habitat for Humanity.

Do you have a passion for these or other global justice issues? We invite you to join us in our work.

For information contact:

Sharon Yetman, sharon.yetman at shaw dot ca, 604-988-5827

Jon & Simone Carrodus, carrodus at shaw dot ca, 604-987-2595

Ian Bennett, iamaph at gmail dot com, 604-341-5888

Community Partners

Our facilities allow us to reach out to groups and provide meeting space for many organizations whose goals are in line with our vision. Some of these groups include Rovers, Venturers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, AA, Alanon, Grief

Recovery, and Tai Chi.

Through the work of the Local Connections Committee, Highlands reaches out to help people in need in and around our community. The Local Connections Committee meets every two months to review where the most need is in our community – new members are always welcome. We partner with the following groups on the Downtown Eastside and the North Shore. We contribute

support to these partners through volunteer and financial support.

• First United Church is our main partner in the Downtown Eastside. We help with volunteers to assist with their programming for the vulnerable people of the Downtown Eastside. Volunteer jobs consist of coffee servers, welcoming people, foot washing, assist with writing letters or cards to friends or family of the homeless, etc. Financial support from

Highlands helps to run the programs & buy bulk food for the food bank or for community meals, or support the storage facility that stores the only precious possessions of the homeless, while they participate in programs. We contribute toiletries, clothing, shoes and socks. In the Fall, we have a “Sock Appeal” for First United when over 1000 pairs of socks are collected. During Advent, we have a special

appeal to support the work at First United Church. In the past, we contributed sandwiches made by our church ladies, to feed the hungry year round.



• Wish Drop-In Society is another partner in the Downtown Eastside that provides a safe place for women in the sex trade. With our support of clothing, toiletries and financial donations, they provide education, retraining, a health clinic, night van for safety and meals for these women. Volunteers are always needed to help with their programs.

• On the North Shore, Capilano Community Services Society has been another partner of Highlands Church since its formation over 50 years ago. CCSS provides counselling and after-school social activities for Youth-at-risk, as well as shopping trips for isolated Seniors, medical rides and social activities. CCSS shares their bus with Highlands for our senior’s activities. Highlands also provides volunteers for drivers

and board members.

• The North Shore Lookout Shelter receives financial donations from Highlands for bus passes for their clients to get to job interviews or medical appointments. In the past, we assisted with meals 2x per month. Highlands assists with the Shelter to Home program for many of their clients.

• Camp Fircom is also a Highlands partner. We provide support for the organic farm and a

campership for a child who could not afford a week at camp. Volunteers from Highlands & other churches assist with work parties & board duties.

For more information about our community partners and the work of the Local Connections Committee, contact Sheila Durward, [email protected]

Seniors Connection

Seniors from Highlands and the community at large meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10:30am to 1:00pm, for a fun, informative and engaging experience. The event begins with 15 minutes of chair exercises, followed by a guest speaker and a hot lunch. Each session offers opportunities for continued learning, access to information and resources, and the sense of well-being that comes from being in relationship and

connecting with others. The cost per session is $7 and signup in advance for each event is required. For further information, to participate as a volunteer, or to register,

Contact: Colleen Blair, 604-980-6071 ext 27, [email protected]

Please RSVP by noon on the Sunday before any given program day, so that we can confirm numbers for lunch!

Seniors Connection Winter / Spring 2016 Schedule

January 6th — Beyond Stalagmites and Bats! Have you ever wondered what is found in underground caves? Join Kevin Stanway to discover natural wonders and man made treasures

as you take a visual tour through the caves of Laos and Thailand. An ardent caver, Kevin has guided in B.C. and Alberta and has also been a member of a National Geographic sponsored team that mapped caves in Laos. (This event rescheduled after the power outage caused cancellation in November!)

January 20th — Marilyn Robinson: Blue Sky

Clothing Company Owner, designer and successful business woman, Marilyn Robinson will share her story, philosophy and vision behind the clothing she creates using fair trade labour practices and ethically sourced materials.

Seniors Ministry



February 3rd — Jane Harding: Legacies Jane will be speaking to us about leaving financial legacies to the people and charities we love and also outlining how that may help with our taxes, both current and at the end of life.

February 17th — Deborah Harsant: Brain Transplants….Not an Option! Deborah discusses how our malleable aging brain responds to exercise, nutrition and social connections, and how forming new connections and networks in our brains leads to a reinvigoration of our cognitive abilities. Fascinating and practical too!

March 2nd— Joan Burrows and Pauline Barrett: Grandmothers Advocacy Network - GRAN. Joan and Pauline’s presentation will describe how seniors across Canada are working in partnership with grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa as they

strive to sustain their families and communities in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Tuesday, March 15th — a Play a Pie and a Pint! Our event moves to Tuesday at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. We will meet in

Centennial Theatre at 23rd and Lonsdale, at 11:30am to hear the North Shore Celtic Ensemble and enjoy lunch afterwards. Cost is $22 if ticket is purchased in advance, and covers the concert and lunch. RSVP and payment due by March 2, or you may order your own ticket after this date.

Seniors Connection Spring Bus Trip Wednesday March 30th—Museum of Vancouver –enjoy the permanent exhibits that look at the history of Vancouver from the 1900’s to present and a new exhibition titled Your Future Home: creating the New Vancouver. Lunch at Truffles Café and a browse through the gift shop at VanDusen Gardens.Weather permitting, there will be time for a garden walk to see early spring

blooms.

Cost: $30 which covers bus and museum

admission. Garden entrance fee ($5.75) and lunch not included. (Wide variety of lunch items and prices available.) Time: Leaving Highlands at 10:00am and returning approx. 3:30pm. Sign up and payment due by March 9th

April 6: Barbara Greenlaw: Advance Care Planning. Barbara is a volunteer with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Community Engagement Advisory Network. She will facilitate a process that addresses personal values and goals for living well and planning for a time when you cannot speak for

yourself or make your own medical decisions. See poster for details.

Apr. 20 TBA

May 18: Higher Ground Women’s Choir Join members of Higher Ground Women’s Choir for a tribute to Spring! There will be love songs, songs of renewal, story songs, some great Canadian folk songs, and--best of all--an opportunity for audience members to sing old

favourites. Do not miss this encore of the pre-Christmas presentation, where the community singing was just as special as the performance of the choir--this from the choir members themselves!

June Overnight Bus Trip. Watch for details of an overnight bus trip in early June!



NEW! Highlands Connection Cafe: an exciting addition to the Seniors' Connection Programme!

In the recently published report from the Integrated Care Advocacy Group, titled Living Up To the Promise, the authors reference the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognizing social support as a key determinant of seniors' health.

When seniors have meaningful social

connections, they “develop their resilience and ability to bounce back after adversity, as well as an ability to gain strength from stress rather than be diminished by it”.

We're excited to report that with a grant from the Ann Baker Fund for Innovative Seniors Ministry at the United Church of Canada Foundation, we are able to expand the Seniors Connection programme to include an informal drop-in on the

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. (The current Seniors Connection programme is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month)

This will be an informal drop-in to add a little more fun and laughter in our week! I am hoping to hear from seniors who enjoy games and conversation and would be willing to reach out in friendship to act as hosts for the event. There are tremendous benefits to volunteering in this way but I also expect that on any given day, the line between

participant and host will be very much blurred and possibly nonexistent. Every participant has something to offer and every host has something to gain thus creating the potential for a deeply authentic and rich community experience. Whether you come as a guest or a host, this venture is very much one of seniors enabling,

empowering and supporting fellow seniors. The physical welcome space has been built and it's beautiful, and it's time to build an equally beautiful and life-giving story to fill it.

If you are interested in volunteering as a host, or would be willing to be a volunteer driver to assist folks who don’t drive, please contact Colleen Blair at [email protected] or call

604-980-6071 ext 27. Volunteer duties will involve visiting and playing games, listening and helping create a welcoming atmosphere.

Highlands Medical Response Team

What you should know if a medical event occurs during

worship?

Highlands has a Medical Response Team that will respond to medical events that occur during worship services

or large congregational events.

Your role as congregation members / what you need to know:

If you become aware of someone requiring medical assistance, PLEASE stand up and call

out to advise one of the worship leaders that there is a medical event requiring assistance. Alternatively, advise Colleen Blair at the back of the Sanctuary, or a Greeter, and one of us will go up and speak with the worship leader. The worship leader will ask the medical response team to respond.

A Defibrillator is located in the main office area, on the wall adjacent to the brochure rack and

elevator.

A First Aid kit is located in the welcome space on the left hand side of the shelf over the coat rack.

A wheelchair is located in the cupboard in the Welcoming Space



It would be worthwhile for congregation members to familiarize themselves at some point, with the location of the defibrillator and first aid kit in the event they are asked to bring these items to the Medical Response team member.

If you have current first aid or medical training and would like to be on the Medical Response Team, please call Colleen Blair at 604-980-6071 ext 27,

[email protected]

Sunday Morning 10:00am Worship

The Sunday service at Highlands is inspiring, inclusive and thoughtful. The theology is progressive and looks for the metaphor in our scripture that relates to today. Worship begins at

10:00am and concludes with coffee time. You are invited to come as you are, to bring your questions and your opinions. Contact: Tanis van Drimmelen, Chair of Worship Committee, [email protected]

Holy Week Services

Ash Wednesday Service—check the weekly Highlights for the time of this year’s service.

Maundy Thursday—join us for the Maundy Thursday Seder Meal in the Lower Hall at 6:00 pm. See poster on page __ for details

Good Friday Service—Friday, March 25th at 10:00 am.

Easter Sunday Service—10:00 am Sunday March 27th followed by the Easter Brunch in the Gym.

Worship Services

Sunday Morning Greeters and Welcome Hosts

Sunday Greeters and Welcome Hosts are essential part of the Highlands experience. Many

people who come to Highlands came initially because of the warmth and interest shown to them when they arrived at the Church and during the pre-service and post-service coffee times.

If you are passionate about meeting people and helping newcomers and long-time participants to feel welcome and to experience a sense of belonging, please contact Colleen Blair, 604-980-6071 ext 27,

[email protected]

February 21st, all greeters and welcome hosts and those who are curious about these roles, are invited to lunch and a check in after worship. Please RSVP to Colleen.

Technical Team / Audio Visual

The technology at Highlands is doing a pretty good job of keeping up with the real world! Every Sunday, we are now live-streaming our services, and they are being watched far and wide! From England to Australia, from Korea to Africa, and from Lions Gate Hospital to Capilano Care, many folks are enjoying worshipping with Highlands.

Our new sound system has greatly improved the sound in the Sanctuary and around the building. We are constantly tweaking the system to try to give the best possible sound to everyone.

If you would like to be a part of the technical crew who runs the sound system, PowerPoint, and live streaming on Sundays and assists rental groups who need to use the system, please contact Doug Irwin at [email protected] or 604-838-8457, and we will arrange for the appropriate training and scheduling to take place.



Friendly Drivers Needed! The Seniors activities at Highlands offer the opportunity for folks to get out and visit with one another and keep in touch both socially, physically and emotionally, but they need to be able to get here! If you would be interested in picking up folks for any of the Wednesday programs, your efforts would be truly appreciated and many blessings would be bestowed upon you! Also, a mileage allowance to help offset the cost of gas can be offered. Please check in with Colleen Blair at [email protected] or call 604-980-6071 ext 27, if you can offer the gift of a lift.

The Hospitality Ministry Hospitality is central to our identity as Christians and there are many practical ways in which to participate in this profoundly beautiful expression of our faith.

Sunday Morning Greeters and Welcome Hosts Join the group of gifted and committed Sunday Morning Greeters and Welcome Hosts who embody and make real, the warm and generous welcome that the whole community represents, both to newcomers and to long time members. Welcome Hosts are particularly focussed on welcoming and answering any questions that newcomers have, both before and after worship. Greeters provide a welcoming smile along with the weekly bulletin, collect the offering and do a general tidy up of the sanctuary after worship. Support and instructions are provided for volunteers in each of these roles.

If you are interested in being a Welcome Host, please contact Jon Carrodus, carrodus at shaw dot ca

If you can offer your help as a Sunday Morning Greeter, please contact Colleen Blair at [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities

Connection Café The new Seniors drop in will begin October 14 and I am hoping to hear from seniors who enjoy games and conversation and would be willing to reach out in friendship to act as hosts for the event. There are tremendous benefits to volunteering in this way but I also expect that on any given day, the line between participant and host will be very much blurred and possibly nonexistent. Every participant has something to offer and every host has something to gain thus creating the potential for a deeply authentic and rich community experience. Whether you come as a guest or a host, this venture is very much one of seniors enabling, empowering and supporting fellow seniors. The physical welcome space has been built and it's beautiful, and it's time to build an equally beautiful and life-giving story to fill it. If you are interested in volunteering as a host, please contact Coleen Blair at [email protected] or call 604-980-6071 ext 27. Volunteer duties will involve visiting and playing games, listening and helping create a welcoming atmosphere.

Seniors Connection The Seniors Connection program which runs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month is almost in it’s fourth year. We have amazing volunteers who help to cook and serve or set up and tidy up for this wonderful event but we are always happy to welcome new volunteers. Please speak with Colleen Blair if you’re able to participate. Contact Colleen at [email protected] or call 604-980-6071 ext 27.



Thursday Dinners and Sunday Lunch Simple meals are shared around the table at Highlands as we nurture ourselves and one another with food and friendship. Sharing a meal together is a perfect entry point into the community and into the heart of God. Sunday lunch happens once a month and while Thursday dinners happen every week in the school year, volunteers are invited to help with just one Thursday dinner a month—be one of the set-up or clean-up crew! When there are enough volunteers, everyone has fun! Please be in touch with Colleen Blair if you can participate in this very essential ministry.

Contact: [email protected] or call 604-980-6071 ext 27

Flea Market

Highlands supports many local and global outreach programs through contributions and donations to the Flea Market. If you have a couple of hours free on a Tuesday morning, come and join the “sorters” to sort through donations and have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends over coffee.

Property Fix-Ups

Do you like to “putter”, do you enjoy dipping into the “honey do list” for the next fix-it project, then join our merry band of handy folks who take care of odd jobs around the church. Someone who enjoys not-too-complicated plumbing jobs would be especially welcome at this time. Pop into the church office and see Carol Smith or speak with Property Committee chair, Dave Wilson.

We’re also looking for a team of painters to freshen up the lower wall of the Gym—come and have a morning of painting fun and help make the Gym cleaner and more inviting.

Evening Monitors

During the school year, individuals “man” the church office reception desk from 7pm to 10pm pm Monday through Thursday. These individuals provide information and directions to folks who come to the church for meetings and events. Together with our custodian, the monitor is responsible for ensuring that the building is secure at the end of the evening. Contact the church office at: [email protected], if you have an evening free once every 6 weeks and would like to be part of our Monitors team.

Visiting Ministry

Are you looking for a volunteer position at Highlands? Not sure what you want to do? Do you enjoy, have a passion and love supporting a Senior?

Visiting Ministry (under the umbrella of Caring Ministry) is a group of volunteers who visit Senior Care Facilities once per month within the volunteer’s personal schedule.

We have one group gathering per year with the fabulous team of volunteers that are in place now for fellowship and support.

We are visitors, not caregivers, who bring news from Highlands, provide a listening ear for our friends who are not able to attend church as they were accustomed, as well as be extra “eyes and ears” for their loving family. We want our friends to know they are not forgotten!

If so, please meet with me in the New Welcome Space after any service for coffee. I can give you more details. If you are not able to stay, please give the office a call & ask for Jacqueline Scott (Visiting Ministry) and I will return your call. Many more volunteer opportunities are noted in various ministries throughout this guide.



Highlands United Church Staff

Sandi Parker Coordinating Minister [email protected]

Colleen Blair Minster for Seniors, Hospitality & Pastoral Care [email protected]

Andria Irwin Coordinator for Children, Youth and Young Adults [email protected]

Allie Keir Coordinator for Children, Youth and Young Adults [email protected]

Carol Smith Administrator [email protected]

Ken Irwin Lay Worship Leader [email protected]

Geordie Roberts Music Director and GII Choir Director [email protected]

Gillian Irwin Spirit Singers Choir Director [email protected]

Jeannie Denault Gods Free Spirits Choir Director [email protected]

Tatina Lee Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Demi Chao Accompanist

LeeAnne Roberts Accounting Supervisor

Dillon Bochon Audio Visual / Livestream Technician

Corey Hollett Audio Visual / Livestream Technician

Noel Hollett Audio Visual / Livestream Technician

Krystal Stone Audio Visual / Livestream Technician

Sunday School Teachers and Youth Leaders:

Alexa Villalpando Nursery Care

Emilee-Ann Batista Youth Leader

Chris Bochon Youth Leader

Colleen Chambers Sunday School Teacher

Bella Kershaw Sunday School Teacher

Chris Madill Sunday School Teacher

Colin Madill Youth Leader

Isak Makynen Sunday School Teacher

Anisha Navaratnam Sunday School Teacher

Grace Owens Sunday School Teacher

Rachel Robertson Sunday School Teacher

Carl Steffens Sunday School Teacher

Anna Younger Sunday School Teacher



Whoever you are…Wherever you are on your faith journey… Whatever you want to ask…...you are welcome and accepted.

Our Vision Statement:

As followers of Jesus, we want to be a community

that gathers and takes risks: To receive and engage a diversity of people,

To celebrate life-giving worship, To love and be loved,

To know and be known, To serve and be served

To learn, pray and grow together. Trusting in God,

we want to be people who scatter: To live out faith in action,

To seek peace, justice and healing, To share time, ministries and money. Led by the Spirit, we are continually

transformed on this journey.

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