Our Hearts Remember Service will be held on Sunday, November 9 at 1:30pm. This is an annual service of special remembrance for loved ones who have passed. It is an opportunity to remember loved ones in a time of quiet reflection and worship. Following the service, you are invited to share light refreshments and fellowship.
RPUC has an active prayer shawl ministry. If you know someone who would appreciate a prayer shawl, you may pick one up at the church or speak with a member of our Pastoral Care Committee or Rev. Jim.
November 20 is the day the world celebrates International Children’s Day, as declared by the United Nations in 1959. The date was brought into more focus when the Convention for the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989. On Sunday, November 16, the Cherubs and Joyful Noise will light up the service as we recognize and uphold children and children’s rights. Youth will take part with special readings – if you know a youth that would like to be involved, please email parkerjeanine22@gmail.com.
Your Church Council has been working hard to prepare the Community of Faith Profile, which is a picture of who we are as a faith congregation and what we are looking for in a permanent minister. There will be a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 16 at 11:15am (in-person in Beecroft Hall) where we will vote on the adoption of this document and moving forward with the job posting. Some printed copies are available on the long counter outside the library.
Christmas Cheer’s annual campaign is underway – signup started November 1. This very worthy program brings joy (and grocery gift cards) to about 175 families in need. We have many different tasks that need your help! If you are interested in volunteering with us, even if you just have a few hours to spare, contact Debi.
The Christmas Shoebox Program plans to provide 141 boxes for the children and youth aged 1-17 who use the service of Banff Avenue Community House. Shoeboxes and information sheets with suggestions on how to fill the boxes will be available in Beecroft Hall during coffee hour starting on Sunday, November 16. Filled and wrapped boxes need to be returned to the church by Sunday, December 7. If you require additional information or if you would like to fill a box but require assistance, please email Kim Hunton for more information.
It’s Christmas Pageant time! This year’s pageant will take place during the worship service on Sunday, December 14. There will be a sign-up table at coffee hour or you can email rpucpageant2023@gmail.com. Let us know if you or your children would like to participate. Please include names and ages so we can assign appropriate roles. More details will be coming soon regarding rehearsal dates but first we need to get our cast and crew organized. If you can help out with stage setup/take down or costumes, etc., we would love that too!
The next Rideau Park Men’s Breakfast will be at 9:30am on Wednesday, November 19 at Hometown Sports Grill, 1525 Bank St. For more information, contact Wayne Bennett. Let Wayne know if you plan to attend.
On Sunday, November 23, Sergeant Special Constable Allie Browne will be visiting us to talk about the work she does with people on the street, as part of her work with OC Transpo. We will be collecting the following items to be handed out to people they interact with on the streets: socks, gloves, hats, scarves, hand and feet warmers (dollar store), sweatshirts/hoodies, boots and jackets.
55+ Christmas Lunch: Wednesday, November 26 at 12pm. Cost is $10 per person. This event is open to everyone over the age of 55. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 613-733-3156 or email the church office no later than noon on Thursday, November 20. Click here to see the menu.
Rideau Park is holding a Christmas Concert on Sunday, November 30 at 7pm, featuring Rideau Park’s Touch of Brass, La Bell Ensemble and Ringing Praise Handbell Choirs along with the Chancel Choir. There will also be opportunities to sing along with your favourite Christmas carols. A freewill offering will be accepted and proceeds from the concert will be shared between our Christmas Cheer program and the Heron Emergency Food Centre.
Our Little Free Library is getting a lot of business. We invite you to drop off books you have read and to return books you have borrowed from the library.
A very lovely commentary about Rideau Park was posted to our FaceBook page; click here to view.
We need your help at coffee time after the Sunday worship service! Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in Beecroft Hall.
Naloxone kits are available to use throughout the church – in the Sanctuary, in Brackenridge Hall, in Beecroft Hall and at the desk outside Beecroft Hall. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses of fentanyl, heroin and other street drugs. Please tell other church users.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Join us for coffee and conversation in Beecroft Hall after the Sunday morning worship services.
Sunday School: Primary (grades 1-3) meet in the Kindergarten room; Junior (grades 4-6) in the Beecroft Balcony; and Senior (grades 7 and up) in the Parlour. Our childcare space is staffed each Sunday.
The Euchre Club meets on Thursdays at 1pm in the Parlour. All are welcome.
Healing Pathway in-person sessions are held every other Thursday from 12:30-2:30pm. Email healingpathway@rideaupark.ca or speak to Sharon Sanderson or Brian Neal to book an appointment.
The Knitting Group meets on Mondays from 1-3:30pm. The Quilting Group meets on Thursdays from 9am-12-pm. For more information, contact Doreen Hamilton.
Meditation Group Online meets Thursdays at 10am on Zoom. Contact Sharon Sanderson for an invitation.
Rideau Park Music – Following are the times when each group practices.
Chancel Choir on Thursdays 11 at 7:30pm.
Joyful Noise Choir (Grades 2 and up) on Thursdays at 6:15pm.
Cherub Choir (ages 6 and under) on Thursdays at 6pm.
Drums Alive! (all ages) on Thursdays at 4:30pm.
For information about these groups, click here or contact Iain Macpherson.
Handbell Choirs
Touch of Brass on Mondays at 7:15pm. For information, contact Gord Dewis.
Ringing Praise on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. For information, contact Jeanette Caton.
La Bell Ensemble on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. For information, contact Jeanette Caton.
Fitness 50+ on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15am.
Tai-Chi Classes
Saturday, November 8, 10:45am-12pm in Beecroft Hall
Saturday, November 15, 10:45am-12pm in Beecroft Hall
For more information, please contact Eduardo at molon@eduardomolon.com.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Oasis meets in person on Mondays from 8-9pm in Brackenridge Hall.
12 Steps to Serenity meets in person on Thursdays at 7:30pm in Beecroft Hall.