December 2, 2025
Calvary Compass – December 2, 2025 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca
Dear Friends of Calvary,
This Sunday is the second Sunday in Advent. It will also be our Memorial Sunday when we remember those in our congregation who have died this year.
After the church service on Sunday, there will be a mini bazaar in the lower hall. You can enjoy a tea, coffee, cold drink and maybe cookies while you browse the preserves, frozen foods and crafts. Please remember to bring your own bag(s) and cash money.
The Christmas trees and decorations are up. Don't forget to bring your new mittens, hats, scarves and socks for the Mitten Tree. All items will all go to the London Community Chaplaincy for distribution in January.
This Thursday at the noon organ concert, Ryan Baxter will be playing. He is the Music Director at Rowntree United Church and also a PhD student at Western in their music program. The concert lasts about 40 minutes and there will be tea, coffee, juice and muffins afterwards.
Please bring any unwanted 2026 Calendars to the church. There is a box at the back of the sanctuary and at the parking lot door for them.
Worship Services are all live-streamed:
December 7 (Memorial Sunday)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJWrO9EU3XU
December 14 (Music Sunday)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9-TljfbAmM
NOTE: The same links will work to view the recorded service, in case you are unable to watch the live-stream.
Recorded service for
November 30 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta61TjhfG-k
JAZZ VESPERS – URGENT REQUEST
Calvary is looking for teams to prepare and serve the meal for the Jazz Vespers quartet in the church parlour before each concert on the first Wednesday of each month. Their food needs are simple, and it's a great opportunity to get to know some marvelous musicians. If you think you would like to be involved, contact Karen Butt at 519-868-8367 or Kim in the office. Your costs will be reimbursed to you.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Starting this week on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd from 12 Noon to 12:30 pm
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.’
REFUGEE SPONSORING
A group within the congregations of our Shared Ministry are interested in sponsoring a refugee family from Afghanistan, currently in Pakistan. All costs will be paid by their Afghanti relatives currently in London and sponsorship would be under the United Church of Canada's office for refugee support. Our responsibility would be to help "on ground" in London to secure housing and furnishing, school and heath- care registration, language training, practical advice, and mostly of all a friendly welcome. According to the UCC refugee sponsorship web page, refugee numbers world wide are greatest since the end of World War II. If you are interested in being part of the oversight group for this mission, contact Karen Butt, co-chair of Calvary's Outreach Committee - kbbutt@gmail.com or Mike Beck of Wesley-Knox Church at beck23md03@gmail.com " I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25: 23
LONDON COMMUNITY CHAPLAINCY
As mentioned in our recent Catalyst, the London Community Chaplaincy is holding a Christmas Parade through Southdale and Limberlost Communities on Saturday, December 13, bringing stocking stuffers to the families. If you would like to support the Parade by providing small items such as chocolate treats, candy canes, granola bars or small bags of potato chips for the stockings, this would be greatly appreciated. Please bring the items to church with you. There will be a collection box in the hallway close to the other donation boxes.
Thank you for your support of the Chaplaincy.
- Linda Baker
LONDON COMMUNITY CHAPLAINCY
If able, please remember to bring non-perishable items such as cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, peanut butter, drinking boxes and other nut-free items for school lunch. The need is always great for these families. There are donation bins located in the hallway and sanctuary for these items.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Chaplaincy.
Karen Butt and Bonnie McNichol - Co-chairs of the Outreach Committee
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.
CHAMPION
This Wednesday, Shelly Woods from the Memorial Boys and Girls Club will be talking to us about their 50+ Club and about the activities and events at the Club. All are welcome to come and hear her. You do not have to be a member of CHAMPION to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE
Broadview Magazine is running a fundraising campaign right now. Many of us enjoy reading their insightful magazine that deals with the issues of the day and United Church issues. Unfortunately, as the case in all forms of journalism, they are struggling as their funding is slowly dwindling. They have already made 25% of their $200,000 goal. They must at least reach the 75% of their goal to remain viable.
If you can help, please send your donation to: Broadview - Suite C1-310 Danforth Avenue, Toronto ON M4K 1N6
Upcoming Bazaars and Events:
- Tuesday, December 2nd, 7pm, Forest City Singers presents The Sounds of Christmas, Riverside United Church, Tickets $20.
- Friday, December 5th at 7pm, “Sounds of the Season” concert at Trinity United Church, Goodwill donation or non-perishable food item at the door.
- Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm “Go Tell it on the Mountain” with Denise Pelley, Wesley Knox United Church, Tickets $25
- Fri. December 12, 7pm, A Taste of Sinatra and Friends, Riverside United Church, Tickets $39.50
- Saturday, December 13, 10am to noon, Cookie Walk, Lambeth United Church
MEETINGS THIS WEEK
* CHAMPION - Wednesday - 1:00 - 3:30 pm
* Jazz Vespers - Wednesday - 7:00 pm
* Bible Study - Thursday - 10:30 - 11:45 am via Zoom
* Organ Concert - Thursday - 12 Noon in sanctuary
BIBLE STUDY
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 11: 1 -10; Matthew 3: 1 -12;
PSALM FOR THE WEEK
Psalm 75: 1 - 3 from Contemporary English Bible Translation
O God, we thank you
for being so near to us!
Everybody celebrates
your wonderful deeds.
You have set a time
to judge with fairness.
The earth trembles,
and its people shake;
you alone keep
its foundations firm.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
(from the Evangelical Lutheran book of weekly prayers)
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only son.
By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace;
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and teacher, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer focus for the week: For those who are in sorrow or experiencing grief.