December 16, 2025
Calvary Compass – December 16, 2025 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca
Dear Friends of Calvary,
It is hard to believe that Christmas will only be 10 days and counting away. Next Sunday will be the fourth Sunday in Advent. This Wednesday evening, Rev. Kerry will be offering a Blue Christmas Service for those who would like a quieter service.
Thank you to Denise Jung and the choir for a wonderful Music Sunday. The music was very inspiring. Thank you also to Katy Farrow and Brian Wallace for reading all of the scripture readings.
At our Family Christmas Eve Service, we again will be doing the Pageant in the Pews. If you are wanting to be part of the pageant, come early so that you can put on one of the costumes. There are lots of non-speaking roles for both children and adults. Please remember to bring either a flashlight or a cellphone. We will need them during the service. The service begins at 7 pm December 24th.
We are still collecting 2026 calendars that people do not want. They are available at our Community Breakfasts for those in attendance. There is a box at the back of the sanctuary and at the parking lot door.
This Thursday's Noon organ concert will include a few musicians. Wayne Carroll will be on the organ, Peter Bartley on Violin, a few others on string instruments, Kim Knowles and Katy Farrow on flute and Rev. Kerry singing. There is always coffee, tea and some baked goods afterwards. All are welcome to come and enjoy the music.
The Mitten trees are looking great with lots of new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and socks. We will distribute them to the London Community Chaplaincy in January.
Our youth will be decorating cookies for Coffee Hour this Sunday.
Worship Services are all live-streamed:
December 21 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR6pe3AC5jI
December 24 (Christmas Eve) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMf365EZQek
NOTE: The same links will work to view the recorded service, in case you are unable to watch the live-stream.
Recorded service for
December 14 (Music Sunday)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9-TljfbAmM
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – Looking for helpers
For our Christmas Eve Service (Pageant in the Pews) we need a few people to help people in their choosing and putting on their costumes. This is a fun time where members of the congregation get to fulfil their dream of dressing up as an angel, or shepherd or wise person.
We also need one more usher.
Please let Kim know in the office if you are able to help. Thank you!
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Pause, Pray, Disrupt - A United Church Response
to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The UCC invites you to join us as we pause from our daily routines, pray for justice and peace, and consider how we are called to disrupt systems of oppression.
When: Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17. Time: 12 noon -12:30 ET
Register here: https//us02wed.zoom.us/.../register/utvKpJS_TKKWKKMUH3sjdA
This ZOOM gathering draws inspiration from recent United Church vigils while creating space for United Church members and friends to respond to the call for solidarity with Palestinian communities. All are welcome to participate in this time of faithful witness.
BLUE CHRISTMAS
Join us for the Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 17 at 7pm in the Sanctuary. We will gather to hear scripture and listen to reflective seasonal music with an emphasis on ‘we are not alone at this time of the year.’
ADVENT PROJECT FOR 2025
In our recent Catalyst, an excellent article was written to outline London Cares and the good work that the organization does to help those who are unhoused here in London. Please consider making a donation to London Cares Homeless Response Services. There are envelopes located at the back and front of the sanctuary. Your cheques are to be addressed to "London Cares Homeless Response Services" and NOT to Calvary United Church. Please make sure that your cheque is dated on or before December 31, 2025 and your full name and address is on the envelope. They will send you a tax receipt.
CHILDREN'S AND FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Wesley-Knox is inviting all the children and families from Riverside, White Oaks, Calvary and Wesley-Knox for a Children's and Family Christmas Party.
When: Friday, December 19th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
It is also a chance for parents to drop off their children and do some last-minute shopping or wrapping. For more information, contact Denver Milner at milnerdenver@gmail.com
BROADVIEW DISCUSSION GROUP
White Oaks United sent an email inviting us to consider either joining their Broadview Discussion Group or forming our own and sharing our thoughts back and forth. At present, the White Oaks group have 5 faithful participants. They meet once a month to discuss the latest edition of the Broadview magazine. They usually meet from 11:00 am to 12:30pm and bring their own bagged lunches. This is all considered a part of the Faith Formation component of the United Church's Ministry. White Oaks has sent this invitation to Riverside, Wesley-Knox and Calvary. They would be interested knowing our opinions on this proposal. Give it some thought and let Mary Kannakko know your thoughts. (mkannakko@rogers.com)
Upcoming Events:
• Sunday, December 21, 2 pm, A Colborne Christmas, Admission $25, Colborne Street United Church
• CHAMPION - Wednesday - 12 Noon - 3:30 pm - Our Christmas lunch and party
• Bible Study - Thursday - 10:30 - 11:30 pm via Zoom
• Organ Concert - Thursday - 12 Noon in the sanctuary
Bible Study
Scripture Readings - Luke 1: 47 - 55; Matthew 1: 18 - 25:
This will be our last Bible Study until January 2026.
Psalm for the week:
Psalm 147: 1-5 from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition translation
Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the broken-hearted
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
Prayer for the week:
Loving God, thank You for the promise that You heal
the broken-hearted and bind up our wounds.
Thank You for Your immense power and loving-kindness.
Strengthen me to walk humbly and trust Your promises,
even when I can't see past today. May Your comforting
presence overwhelm me with peace. Now and always. Amen.
Prayer focus: For family, friends, and neighbours that are in hospital at this time of year.