Knox Shuniah United Church

Humour – Courtesy of Ruth Kamo

A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his

father as to when they could discuss his use of the car. His father

said he'd make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades up from

a C to a B average, study your Bible, and get your hair cut.  Then

we'll talk about the car.” 

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for

the offer, and they agreed on it. 

After about six weeks his father said: “Son, you've brought your

grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your

Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut.” 

The boy said: “You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and

I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair,

John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair ~ and there's

even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”

You're going to love the Dad's reply:  “Did you also notice that they

all walked everywhere they went?”

On behalf of the entire Harmony United Church Family, a heartfelt

“THANK YOU” goes out to Betty Whittingham who has been tireless in

her dedication to bring a ray of sunshine into all of our lives.

During this past year of pandemic, Betty has selflessly prepared and

delivered greeting cards to all.

It has been a busy year for Betty with a variety of 42 cards, and 119

Christmas greetings, going out without cost to the church through her

own generosity. Her contribution to bringing joy to us all during this

difficult time must be recognized as a true Christian endeavour.

Betty, from all of your friends at Harmony, saying “THANK YOU” is

simply  not enough for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

(Submitted by Arlien Hall Wesa)

The Worship Committee thanks Christina Stricker for

her unfailing leadership and contributions almost every

week to the Sunday Live Stream Services. We are

grateful to all of the choir members of Harmony, and

readers, for their willing contributions.

Worship Service Outline:

For those of you who would like a

copy of the service emailed out to

you, before or after presentation,

please contact me by email and I

will send whatever is available each

week. This may not always include

the sermon. I'll send whatever I can.

[email protected]

The Earth is Crying Out

What is the Corona/ Covid-19 Virus Really Teaching us?

I’m a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad. As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us:

It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should too. If you don’t believe me, just ask Tom Hanks.

It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport.

It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.

It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don’t look after our health, we will, of course, get sick.

It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll.

It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it’s the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.

It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit.

It is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.

It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.

It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colors.

It is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good.

It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to.

It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick.

It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical, and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass. Whereas many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector. It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.

Bill Gates

Are YOU looking for a “summer place” to enjoy the great outdoors?

Knox Shuniah United Church handles the bookings for Camp Duncan, which is located at East Loon Lake.  The main lodge and cabins can accommodate approximately 80 guests.  The kitchen facilities are terrific.  Camp Duncan is an ideal spot for receptions, parties, family reunions, weddings,  meetings, conventions, and other functions.  For more information about how to book Camp Duncan for your special event, please contact the Church Office @ 345-5065.

  Cash Cards

Do you wish to help Harmony United raise much

needed funds?

Please consider buying “cash cards.”

As the name implies, they are a card that can be

used to make purchases at many retail outlets. The

cash carddoes not expire, and by purchasing cash

cards, a percentage of yourpurchases are closely

monitored by a company called FundScrip

which supplies the cash cards. They in turn give a

percentage of the money to Harmony, which helps

us make our faith part of our daily life.  

How much money can be raised? The sky is the

limit! There are currently over 50 local businesses

in Thunder Bay in which you can take advantage of

this great way to meet your everyday needs, while

at the same time supporting our great church. The

percentages vary from 2% – 10%. Please consider

purchasing cash cards! Lists of local businesses

Order Forms are on the table at the back of the

Sanctuary.

Our contact person is Brenda Hay.

Harmony  United Church

1 Shuniah Street

Thunder Bay, ON

P7A 2Y7

Contact Us:

Phone: (807) 345-5065

[email protected]

www.harmonyunited.webs.com

SUNDAY WORSHIP:

10:30 a.m.

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday to Friday

9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Minister:  t.b.d.

Welcome, Friend! Harmony  United Church is a

neighbourhood community Church and a special place

to come and worship. Each Sunday, we provide a

positive and meaningful worship service.

We have a beautiful building that is multi-purpose in

design and serves our needs, the needs of others, and

is wheelchair accessible. Hall use is available and

welcomed.

We offer many community programmes and special

events. We would be happy to hear suggestions for

other activities that would fill a need in our

neighbourhood. Call us or email any suggestions you

may have:

• After School Programmes

• Weekend Activities for Children

• Drop-In/Support for Seniors

• Other

Our Vision:

“To show by deed, the love of Christ”

Ways to get involved at Harmony United Church:

Beavers:

Monday evenings: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Beavers is a programme for youth aged 5 – 7.

Contact:

Kim Leonard: 344-1019

Cubs:

Wednesday evenings: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cubs are youth aged 8 – 10 years.

Contact:

Kim Leonard: 344-1019

Hall Use:

Our multi-use and fully accessible facility can easily

accommodate events such as bridal and baby

showers, birthday parties, game nights, sports,

seminars, clubs, music recitals and concerts.

Tai Chi:

Meets Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in Crittall Hall.

Contact: Lee Leonard

Telephone: 344-1019

Tai Chi is a mind and body discipline that can be

enjoyed by people of all ages.

Harmony Church Choir:

Practices are held Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m.

– 8:30 p.m., in the Sanctuary.

Contact: Larry Kamo 

Line and Ballroom Dancing:

Meets Sunday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Contact: Lee Leonard

Telephone: 344-1019

The Dulcimer Circle:

This group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, in

Cameron Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Contact: Larry Kamo

Telephone: 683-6651

The Dulcimer Circle enhances our worship services,

and practices regularly perfecting the gentle sounds of

the ‘Mountain Dulcimer’. Learn how to play this

soothing, beautiful instrument.

Would you like to “donate a bulletin”

in memory of a loved one,

or for another special occasion?

Please contact the church office for details:

345-5065.

Thanks to those who already have, or plan to

throughout the year!