EVER WONDER …
“What does Emily do in between Sundays?” Well here you go in her words what last week looked like at Leaside United:
In ministry, there is rarely a “typical” week, but I thought I might
occasionally share a particular week, as a glimpse into the activities
that I and others in our church take part in outside of Sunday morning
worship. I hope you find it interesting.
Of course, every week I also send and receive many emails. This week, between Monday and Sunday, I received 170 emails and sent 53.
Rev. Emily Gordon – emily@leasideunited.org
Monday, June 10
Mondays are my Sabbath, so I spent most of this day reading and with family.
Tuesday, June 11
- Worship planning meeting
Natalie, Matthew and I meet on Tuesday mornings to review the past Sunday, and plan worship for future weeks, as well as discuss anything else that has arisen for a planning team. Many of you have noticed how integrated the scripture, music, liturgy (prayers and responses), and children’s program are – and that’s because we take the time to make this happen and make sure we know each other’s plans. - Children and Youth check-in
Natalie and I follow the Tuesday worship planning meeting with a quick check in on anything else to discuss during the week. Right now, Natalie is planning an end of year LUCY ice cream outing, as well as coordinating saying goodbye to Emily Pollock after four wonderful years with us. - Pastoral Care Committee meeting
The committee had its final monthly meeting before the summer. We discussed pastoral care visit updates, plans for a simple Circle of Friends gathering to begin in the fall, and the effect that Renovations will have on this year’s Christmas Tea – all over a delicious meal organized by the committee to celebrate the end of the year. - Renovation Team meeting
The Renovation Team has met every two weeks since last August – a huge commitment for everyone taking part! One of the items discussed was how to present information at the June council meeting, and the June 23 congregational information session following the service. - Preparing prayers and other service information for Sunday’s bulletin
Wednesday, June 12
- Coordinating Participation in Sunday’s Service
On June 16, we had extra participants lighting candles, which meant sending a number of messages this week to find out who would be here at a time of year when many people are away on weekends. - Research and worship planning for June
This month is full of celebrations, from our Birthday celebration and Festival of Hymns on June 9 and Pride Sunday June 16, to Baptism Sunday June 23 and our Canadian Voices service June 30. Each service with a special focus or approach means more planning and preparation time is needed for things such as from finding readings, research, gathering or writing prayers, and designing the service order in a way that flows smoothly and allows us to focus on the sacred in the service and within each other. - Meeting with someone about receiving a Grocery Voucher
- Follow up for the Art / Walls Renovation Task Team
Council agreed to form several task teams to organize sorting and moving our belongings before and during the renovation. The Art / Walls Team is spending time discussing what should end up on our walls after the renovation. I summarized ideas from the first team on ways we can balance history, art, and practical communication needs in our renovated building.
Thursday, June 13
- Communications Team Meeting
Prepared for and chaired the final Communications Team meeting before the summer. This meeting was a little longer than usual as we reflected on responses to the Festival of Hymns communication approaches, and looked ahead to everything happening between now and our return in September. One exciting new decision was to start a Community Events email list that just sends out information about Community Events such as our Festival of Hymns, the Variety Show in March, and others. This might be the perfect email for family and friends of people that attend Leaside as well as the wider community. - Weekly Email Message
We have two weekly emails – a highlights email with a message from me about the coming Sunday, and a Church Family email which expands on this with a list of upcoming meetings and events as well as weekly announcements. If you aren’t on one of these lists you can sign up on our website. - Arranging meetings and following up from meetings about Baptism
- Choir Appreciation Party
Last Thursday was the last day of rehearsals before the summer – this week was a chance for the Worship and Nurturing Spirituality Committee to thank the Chancel and Junior Choirs for all of their musical leadership over the year!
Friday, June 14
- Sunday Preparation
For our Pride Sunday service, we heard 3 stories from different sources – from an article from the most recent issue of Broadview to recent news stories. - Purchasing Candles for Sunday
It can be challenging to find scent-free coloured candles, but we ended up with beautiful ones for our Sunday service. Choir members captured some beautiful images on Sunday, along with Murray, our photographer.
Saturday, June 15
- Baptism meeting
Met with a family in preparation for our Baptism Sunday. We will be celebrating 5 baptisms together on June 23.
Sunday, June 16
- Worship
I’m here by 9am and there is always a lot happening before the service as well as afterwards. After the service, during Lemonade on the Lawn there were cupcakes to celebrate Emily Pollock’s time with us. - Wedding Meeting
Met with a couple who will be married at Leaside in the fall. Did you know that there will be three weddings at Leaside this year? The congregation believes part of our welcoming ministry is to offer a place where all are welcome to be married. You can read the Wedding policy created by the Worship and Nurturing Spirituality committee and approved by Council on our website.
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