Highlands United Church Fall Program Guide...Fiddler on the Roof Flea Market Guitar for Fun Highlands Quilters Men’s Breakfast Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair Scottish Dance Fundraising

Highlands United Church Fall Program Guide

Sept-Dec 2015

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

Page 2 2015 Fal l Prog ram Guide

Fall 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

All Hallows Eve Family Party and Potluck Dinner

CHOPS

Fun Live-Giving Youth (FLY)

IGNITE worship

Senior Youth Group

Young Adults

Financial Stewardship

Annual Stewardship Connection

Planned Giving / Enduring Giving

Grow and Learn

“Be You!” Art Journaling Course

Book Circle

Climate Action Committee

Spirit Connections with Culleen Bryant

ESL/ELL English as a Second Language

ESL/ELL Elections Information Workshop

Walk and Talk

Life Events

Baptism

Weddings

Memorials

Meeting Others

Badminton

Birthday Celebrations

Bridge Club

Fiddler on the Roof

Flea Market

Guitar for Fun

Highlands Quilters

Men’s Breakfast

Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair

Scottish Dance Fundraising

Sunday Lunches

Thursday Community Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

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

Dress A Girl Around the World

Edgemont Village Christmas Day Community Meal

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Sandwiches for First United

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

Worship

Sunday Morning 10:00am Worship

Sunday Morning Coffee Time

Greeters and Welcome Hosts for Sunday

Audio Visual / Technical Team

Christmas Season

Christmas Eve Services

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 21) 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

Caring and Wellness person. These visitors connect at least once a 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. Visits and 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 and visits. Would you like to be a caring visitor for the At-Home people? Contact Doree Piercy through the Church Office. There is a screening process 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] or Linda Baxter, 604-990-0507, [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 further information on children and youth programming please contact coordinators Allie Keir or Andria Irwin at [email protected] or visit our children and youth website at www.highlandsunite.ca

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

Please re-register your son or daughter even if you have been registered in the past. Regular Sunday School classes begin Sept 20th.

Children, Youth & Young Adults

Prayer Shawls



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

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 Hallow’s Eve / All Saints Day Family Potluck, Party & Darkness to Light Walk

Friday, Oct. 30, 5:00 to 7:30pm Costumes welcome! Gather at 5:00pm for family activities, followed by a potluck dinner and spooky walk from the Gym to the Sanctuary where we will close with a short family worship. Bring your unwanted or

unneeded Halloween candy to be distributed to folks through First United. For families with children of all ages…grandparents welcome too!

CHOPS (Cookies at Highlands for Outreach Projects!) Parents with young children (preschoolers welcome) who like to bake! We will gather in the big kitchen and make cookies to be distributed to folks who attend the Saturday lunches at the North Shore Neighborhood House. This is an opportunity for children who are too young to volunteer on their own and contribute to the community in a meaningful way. And it is a great time mucking about with cookie dough together

with a significant adult! Each child/sibling group must bring one adult parent or friend with them. For more information or to let us know you will be attending, check the weekly Highlights for upcoming dates.

Contact Nancy Forde at [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, Sept 18, for games, activities, and adventures! FLY events from September to December are: September 18, October 2, October 16, November 6, November 20, and December 4.

IGNITE

is our new Senior Youth initiative for grades 8 and up. Please join us at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary for a high energy worship service, followed by food and activities until 9:00pm.

Bring a toonie to support costs and throw it in the donation bucket!

IGNITE events from September to December are: October 9, November 13, and December 11.



Senior Youth (Gr. 7/8 & up)

The senior youth have a flexible schedule of social activities, outings, and service projects. Join us for the first fall gathering on Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm (following IGNITEworship) for The Impossible Spaghetti Dinner! Bring a friend who doesn’t come to Highlands and gain a more manageable utensil. Bring a toonie to help cover expenses.

Young Adults (18-35)

While we have no Young Adult gatherings planned in the immediate future, please check back in January as we plan to host a number of events. If you are a young adult interested in participating in the youthful life of Highlands United Church please contact Andria Irwin at [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. A recent capital campaign was successful in funding the renovations and reconstruction of the church main entrance. 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]

Financial Stewardship

The Annual Stewardship Connection Each year during October, all participants in the life of the church are invited to make a confidential financial pledge for the following year in support of our spiritual community’s many ministries, programs and outreach initiatives. This year’s Stewardship Connection will be launched on Sunday, October 4 with the theme, “Saints Alive! Living Generously!” and conclude with our famous Upside Down Celebration Lunch which will be held on Sunday, October 25, immediately following worship. Please mark this date in your calendar. For more information, pick up a copy of this year's Stewardship brochure, or browse it on the Highlands website. Contact: Bob Brown, 604-603-6005

Planned Giving / Enduring 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 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



“Be You” Art Journaling Course

An art journaling course, based on the book “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown.

This 10 week class will take you through Brené’s first runaway bestseller, and help bring her transformative ideas from the head to the heart as you apply them to your own life. Brené Brown’s TED Talk The “Power of Vulnerability” has remained in the top

ten most watched TED talks since it was delivered in 2010. To get a taste of her research-based ideas on courage, connection and compassion watch her TED Talk!

Prerequisites: curiosity and an open heart. No artistic ability or experience required.

Cost: $75 Includes the book “The Gifts of Imperfection,” an art journal, the use of art supplies, and some light refreshments.

Class Facilitator: Sandi Goldie, ICF Certified Life Coach, Certified Daring Way Facilitator with Sandi Parker M.Ed, CCC

Class size: Class will be limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 8.

Dates: Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30pm, September 30 to December 9, with no group on October 7.

If you like connection and personal growth, come join us! Questions? Contact Sandi Goldie at: [email protected]

Register at www.highlandsunited.org or at the Action Table or call the Church Office.

Grow & Learn 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.

If you have a book suggestion contact Phyllis Ferguson Bottomer, at [email protected] or Linda Baxter, 604-990-0507, [email protected].

Climate Change Action Group

What can we do about Climate Change? A new study/action group is starting up on the subject of climate and the environment.

Monday, September 28 at 7:00pm: First meeting at Highlands: possibly a film (“Tapped,” or “The Future of Energy”, or ??), and discussion of the group’s purpose and possible activities and meeting times.

Wednesday, October 7: First Field Trip to see Naomi Klein’s new film version of “This Changes Everything,” at the Vancouver International Film Festival (6 pm at the Centre for Performing Arts).

Watch for more information in the Highlights; or speak to Jon Carrodus at 604-987-2595, or e-mail: jcarrodus at shaw dot ca



Spirit Connection with Cullene Bryant

Sunday afternoons, 4pm to 5:30pm in the Chapel at Highlands United Church

An opportunity to explore various aspects of contemplative Christianity in a relaxed and informal setting, and discover helpful practices to sustain us through the everyday challenges of life in 2015.

In our time together, we will explore the heart of the Christian Wisdom tradition, known to the early mystics as “The Way.” Through “The Way” we seek to open our hearts to a deepening and transformative relationship with God.

While we are rooted with the Christian heritage, we will also explore the practices of the other traditions. These could include the following (depending on the interests of the group):

• “Tools of Wisdom” to help us develop our relationship with God

• Presence: working in balance and harmony in all we do (prayer and work)

• Centering prayer – silent contemplation / meditation

• Lectio Divina – an accessible form of meditation using scriptures

• Sacred chanting

• Moving meditation and Working meditation

• Surrender – having an underlying attitude of softening, opening and yielding with compassion awareness

Facilitator: Cullene Bryant, M.Div., D.Min

Register: www.highlandsunited.org and click on the Events Page or register at the Action Table on Sundays.

English as Second Language ESL / ELL

North Vancouver has become a vibrant multicultural community including many for whom English is a second (or third or fourth) language. This program provides 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 ten volunteer teachers and 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 9:30am to noon. The first hour is focused on general conversation with a separate Beginner Class on Tuesday. The coffee break is followed by conversation of a more spiritual nature from 11:00 till noon. In addition, on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm, there is a Speakers Group for the more advanced and adventurous. Last year we also had a dance group.

Fall sessions start on Tuesday, September 15. The cost for the sessions is $40 for the Fall Term (Oct 19 to Dec 15), and $30 each for the Winter and Spring terms.

If you or someone you know is interested in this program, please suggest they drop in to a class, or contact one of the teachers via the church office. New teachers and assistants are always welcome.

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



Elections Information Workshop for New Canadians

If you have friends or neighbours who are new Canadians interested in the upcoming election, but English is a challenge, please invite them to a free workshop about the upcoming election, co-hosted by MOSAIC BC and Highlands United Church ESL/ELL team.

The Workshop will include how Canadians elect their government, the role of political parties, who is eligible to vote in the Federal and Provincial Elections, and how to vote.

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Time: 9:30-11:30am; doors open at 9:00am

Location: Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver

Registration: Darae Lee at MOSAIC BC 604-254-9626, or register at the Workshop, bringing their PR card if they are a permanent resident. MOSAIC BC uses the PR information to obtain funding for this workshop.

For more information, please contact Bonny Ball 604-987-5432.

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, beginning Monday Sept. 28 (excluding Thanksgiving Monday)



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. This is a good time to get to know each other and to ‘rehearse’ the baptism act. Contact: Sandi Parker 604-980-6071; e-mail at: [email protected] or Robin Rivers, 604-990-0636 [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 you and your partner have different religious backgrounds; whether you are different genders or not. We welcome you!

Life Events 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 or contact the Church Office at [email protected].

Memorials

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, check out our web site www.highlandsunited.org or contact the Church Office at [email protected].



Badminton

The Badminton group meets on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30pm starting September 14.

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]

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 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.

Meeting Others Fiddler on the Roof

After two highly successful musical presentations in the past few years (the last one nominated as one of five Outstanding Large Theatre Productions of 2014), Highlands United Productions is gearing up for another wonderful challenge: Fiddler on the Roof, being presented in our sanctuary March 16-20, 2016. These fabulous shows don't just happen - they take a whole community of volunteers to put them together, and we are so fortunate to have so many interested folks to help.

If you are hoping to be on stage in the show, auditions will take place Sunday, November 8 at noon and Monday November 9 at 7:00pm. We expect a cast of about 40 people which must include a number of children of various ages, as well as an orchestra of about eight musicians.

Off stage, there are too many departments to mention, and most have already started their planning and would love to include you on their team. If you have an interest in helping in any way with the production, please contact Doug Irwin at [email protected] or 604-838-8457 and he will put you in touch with the right team leader.

Gift certificates for show tickets will again be sold before Christmas, starting November 29. These are extremely popular Christmas presents! General ticket sales begin February 7, 2016. We hope to see you in the audience!

Cheers! Doug



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 17 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, [email protected] or [email protected]

Guitar for Fun

Join Stephen Molnar on Monday evenings for beginner guitar get-togethers. Starting September 21, the group will practise tunes that they will play at the Family Christmas Concert in December. 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. Contact: Hugh Creighton, 604-980-3556, [email protected]

Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair

The Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair will be held on Friday evening November 27 and Saturday November 28. This weekend is a wonderful way to begin Christmas preparations and to get into the spirit in a meaningful way. Tour the more than 100 Nativity exhibits on display, enjoy a mug of cider and the sound of local musicians playing seasonal music, and browse the Spirit Singers’ Craft Fair for wonderful handmade items and baking. Children can dress up as members of the Nativity or make their own Nativity scenes in the activity area. There’s also the ever-popular Kids Only Market, where for a few dollars children can do all of their Christmas shopping and surprise family members with their selections.

Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event.

Contact for Nativity Exhibit: Sandi Parker, 604-980-6071 [email protected]

Contact for Spirit Singers Craft Fair: Tracey Morettin, 604-985-5660, [email protected]

Contact for Kids Only Market: Gill Irwin, [email protected]



Scottish Dance Fundraiser

This will be our fourth year joining forces with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra to present a Scottish (Ceilidh) Dance. It’s loads of fun, with lively music for dancing, good entertainment and homemade cookies and refreshments at intermission!

The next dance is scheduled for Saturday evening, November 7 at 7:00pm. Watch the Highlights for ticket sale dates. If you’d like to help with the setup, front of house, or bake cookies for our guests

Contact: Carol Smith, [email protected]

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.

Fall Lunch Schedule:

September 13: Welcome back BBQ

October 11: Thanksgiving treats in the Welcoming Space

October 25: Upside Down Lunch

November 29: Annual Advent Chinese Food Lunch

December 25: Edgemont Village Community Christmas Day Meal

You can be involved by joining the team that prepares lunch or being the clean-up crew.

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 fall begin on September 17. Note: no dinner on October 15 due to preparations for the Flea Market. The cost for this meal is $4 per person or $12 per family.

Contact: Colleen Blair, 604-980-6071 ext 27 [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 Street. The room is light and bright, the menu offers many food options and prices and the conversation is lively.

The 2015 breakfast dates are as follows: Oct 15, Nov 19 & Dec 17

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 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 for young folks in Grades 4 to 12. Practice is on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30pm, beginning September 17. 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]

Music Ministry God’s Free Spirits Choir is for children age 4 years to the end of Grade 3.

Practices are on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:00pm beginning September 17.

We sing once a month in church and end our sessions is in May.

Contact: Jeannie Denault, 604-929-7469

Hand Bell Ringers

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

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. The special service at the end of the year, and the annual trip are highlights.

Contact: Gill Irwin, [email protected]



Dress a Girl Around the World is part of the “Hope 4 Women International organization, a nondenominational independent Christian organization.

Through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, Dress A Girl Around the World provides dresses for little girls in developing countries. Dresses are made by church groups and community volunteers using a simple standard pattern. Each dress has a “Dress a Girl” label, is hand delivered and the smiles are endless! For more information about Dress a Girl, visit their website at: www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com.

To date, our Highlands sewers have made over 150 dresses. We gather a few times a year to sew dresses, exchange fabrics and ship off dresses. Donations of 100% cotton fabrics are always welcome. If you’re interested in being part of the next sewing bee at Highlands on September 26, contact Carol Smith in the Church office 604-980-6071 or [email protected].

Edgemont Village Community Christmas Day Community Meal

is held on Christmas Day at 12:00pm in the Gym and is open to everyone from the congregation and the community. We’re also looking for help with cooking turkeys and preparing the feast on Christmas Eve. Donations of turkeys or financial contributions to assist with food purchases are always welcome. We are very grateful to the Edgemont Business Community for their continued support of this community event. If you’d like to cook, bake or serve, or just come for the meal, Contact: Carol Smith, 604-980-6071 [email protected]

Reaching Out...Building Community Highlands is also an active member in the Edgemont Village Business Association and we are represented at meetings by Betty Chapin. We are a full sponsor of all Village Events.

Sandwiches for First United

Twice a month this group meets on Monday mornings at 9:00am in the church kitchen to make sandwiches for people in the programs at First United Church Mission, located in the Downtown Eastside. New sandwich makers are always welcome, as are donations of sandwich-making ingredients and/or money.

Contact: Doree Piercy, 604-985-1574 [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].

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.

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:

• First United Church is our main partner in the Downtown Eastside and we help with bulk food for the food bank or donations to buy bulk food, homemade sandwiches twice a month (through the Sandwiches for First United program), toiletries, clothing, and socks. Volunteers also help in the many programs provided by First United for the vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside.

In the Fall, we have a “Sock Appeal” for First United and during Advent, we have a special appeal to support the work at First United Church.

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

• On the North Shore, Capilano Community Services Society has been another partner of Highlands Church since its formation. CCSS provides counselling and social activities for youth-at-risk as well as medical rides and social activities for isolated seniors. CCSS shares their bus with Highlands for our senior’s activities. Highlands also provides volunteers for driving 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.

• Camp Fircom is also a Highlands partner providing support for the organic farm and supporting a campership for a child who could not afford a week at camp.



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 $6 and signup in advance for each event is required. For further information, to participate as a volunteer, or to register, contact Colleen Blair at [email protected] or call 604-980-6071 ext 27.

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

Seniors Connection Sept-Dec 2015 Schedule

September 16: Capilano ElderU Learning is a lifelong endeavor and September is a traditional back to school time, so what better way to begin our Fall season than to have Carl Parker, co-chair of Capilano University’s ElderU, come to share information about their programme for Seniors. “Learning is not only a lifelong task but also a lifelong summons to renewal of the soul.” J. Chittister

September 30: Overnight Bus Trip Dinner and theatre in Chemainus. Visit the church office to pick up information and registration. Registration and payment due by August 26.

Seniors Ministry October 7: Geordie’s Tour de France Enjoy a window onto the sights and sounds of the Capilano University Singers’ springtime trip to Paris, as recounted by Geordie Roberts.

October 21: Mike Wakefield: a photographer for 30 years, Mike is drawn to areas where civilization and the environment meet. He uses photography to document the present, helping to explain in a visual form to future generations what once was and will never be again. You will have seen his work in the North Shore News!

November 4: A New Museum for North Vancouver Join representatives of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives to hear about their plans for a new museum on the waterfront, learn about the museum’s “hidden treasures” and find out how to contribute your stories and photos to their “North Van Voices and Views” project.

November 18: 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.

December 2: Christmas Lunch and Entertainment All through December, we’re surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas. Join us for a special lunch and Christmas entertainment and the chance to gather with friends old and new, in this season of light.

December 16: Christmas Lights Bus Trip: Enjoy Christmas festivities, lights and afternoon tea in one of the downtown hotels. Event details will be published in the weekly Highlights.



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.

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]

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, 604-980-6041 ext 27

Worship Services



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. Also this fall, we are breaking in our brand new sound system, which has the ability to do so many new things, we can't keep up!

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.

The Christmas Season

Christmas Comfort Worship

This quiet worship is sensitive to the people who are hurting at Christmas and may feel more alone because of the nature of this season. Following the quiet observance that God is with us in our feeling, there is a time of supportive conversation and tea. Tuesday, December 22 at 4:00pm.

Contact: Sharon Yetman, 604-988-5827

Family Christmas Concert

A fun and informal evening of choirs, stories, dancing, and oodles of audience participation, on Sunday, December 13 at 7:00pm. This is an annual Highlands Christmas tradition intended to fill you, your family and friends with a sense of community and the enjoyment of the Christmas Season. To be part of the “Family Band” (all experienced players welcome) at this event, contact Geordie Roberts at [email protected].

Christmas Eve Services

4:00 pm Christmas Pageant An opportunity for the young and young at heart to wear a costume and participate in the service. The God’s Free Spirits choir will sing. Please come early for seating.

7:00 pm Carols and Choirs Choirs and carols with Genesis II and the Spirit Singers Choirs. Please come early for seating.

10:00 pm: A Celtic Christmas Service A service that is in keeping with the "themed" nature of the late service for the past several years, this year we are again offering a Celtic Christmas Eve Service at 10:00pm (note new time). By “Celtic” we mean seasonal music arranged for performance in the style of Irish and Scottish folk music and featuring harp, guitar, percussion, penny whistle and……well, whatever those Irish and Scottish folk had available, including kitchen spoons.

Contact Geordie Roberts for more information about playing in the band at [email protected]



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]

Geordie Roberts Music Director [email protected]

Gillian Irwin Spirit Singers Director [email protected]

Jeannie Denault Gods Free Spirits Director [email protected]

Tatina Lee Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Alexa Villalpando Nursery Care

Demi Chao Accompanist

LeeAnne Roberts Accounting Supervisor

Sunday School Teachers and Youth Leaders:

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



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].


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 Committee

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. Pop into the church office and speak to Carol Smith or connect with Alex Wood or Brian Wyatt.

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.



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.

Documents

Highlands United Church Fall Program Guide...Fiddler on the Roof Flea Market Guitar for Fun Highlands Quilters Men’s Breakfast Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair Scottish Dance Fundraising