January 20, 2026

Calvary Compass – January 20, 2026 - Calvary United Church, www.calvaryuc.ca  

 

Dear Friends of Calvary,

 The cold weather and icy conditions seem to be staying. This winter seems to be what our Canadian winters used to be like. Hopefully you are staying healthy and safe.

 There will not be a Jazz Vespers in February. Rev. Kerry will be on a study leave from January 27 to February 11.

 

Worship Services are all live-streamed: 

January 25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0blKByKNgk

February 1st - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4hJff9IPgc

NOTE: The same links will work to view the recorded service, in case you are unable to watch the live-stream.

Recorded service for

January 18 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCA_cnf6FGQ

 

MESSY CHURCH

Calvary, Wesley-Knox, Riverside and White Oaks United Churches are working together to present a Messy Church. Messy Church is a family orientated service in which a spiritual theme is developed and activities around it are presented. Parents, grandparents, children and other adults are invited to this event. Families are also invited to bring friends of your children. The theme this time is "Being Thankful". If you would like to help with one of the activities, please contact Marg LaRocque (mglarocque@rogers.com) or Mary Kannakko (mkannakko@rogers.com). Adult volunteers are needed to help with the various stations.

When: Friday, Feb 6th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Riverside United Church - 695 Riverside Drive

 

ANNUAL REPORTS

Please write your annual reports and send them to Kim by Tuesday, February 3rd so that she can collate them and prepare the booklet containing the various reports before the Annual Meeting. Please note that submissions should use the Arial font and 12 pt. size. Do not format with page numbers, headers or footers. Email your report to calvaryuc@execulink.com.

 

2026 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN  UNITY

The 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will run from January 18 - 25 and is observed by Christian traditions worldwide. The ecumenical initiative invites Christian traditions to pray for the unity of the church and to reflect on Jesus' prayer " that they may all be one" ( John 17: 21 ). This year's theme is inspired by Ephesians 4: " There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you are called to the one hope of your calling."

The week of Prayer Christian Unity has been encouraging prayer and reflection on Christian harmony and collaboration since the late 1800's.

 

CHAMPION

On Wednesday, January 28th, (in one week), Bonnie and Brian are taking us on a travelogue trip to Scandinavia/ Finland/ Sweden/ Norway/ Denmark and some Baltics ( Estonia/Lithuania/Lativa/Poland). All are welcome to come and enjoy this presentation. You do not have to be a member of CHAMPION to attend. CHAMPION starts at 1:00pm

 

AED ( Automatic External Defibrillator)

Calvary has a new AED ( Automatic External Defibrillator). It is in the same location at the top of the parking lot stairs. The AED includes both voice and written instructions when in use. EMS has offered to do an AED/CPR information session. Contact Marg Larocque if you would like to participate in this training or would like additional information about Calvary's AED (mglarocque@rogers.com) or 519-681-7810

 

Meetings this week:

    * Trustees - Tuesday - 7:30 pm via Zoom

    * CHAMPION - Wednesday - 1:00 - 3:30 pm

    * Church Council - Wednesday - 7:00 pm via Zoom

    * Bible Study - Thursday - 11:00 - 12 Noon via Zoom

    * Book Club - Monday - 7:30 pm via Zoom

 

Bible Study:

Bible Study will take place this week.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 27: 1, 4-9 and Matthew 4: 12-23

 

Psalm for the week:

Psalm 27: 1 & 4  from the NRSVue

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

    whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold[a] of my life;

    of whom shall I be afraid?

 

One thing I asked of the Lord;

    this I seek:

to live in the house of the Lord

    all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord,

    and to inquire in his temple.

 

Prayer for the week:

God you are our stronghold. 

You shelter and provide for us in our time of need.

Grant us the confidence that your presence

will not fail us. Enable us to assist the vulnerable,

the marginalized and the oppressed in their daily living. Amen.

Prayer focus for this week:  For warmer shelters for those living on our city streets.

 

Kim Knowles