West Hill Bloghttp://www.westhill.net/blog/The Blog of West Hill Uniteden-US2012-02-23T19:06:22ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)West'ill love the movieshttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/22/westill-love-the-movies.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-22T23:40:01Z

Join us this Sunday February 26 as Gretta makes a gradual return to the work that she loves.  

We will be starting our Inspired by Hollywood series this Sunday as well.  Join us as we look for inspiration in this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Picture. Watch the film beforehand; join us Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for the inspiration.

"The Tree of Life"  February 26

"The Artist"  March 4

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"  March 11

"The Help"  March 18

"Moneyball"  March 25

Right click on the image below to view it full size. 

 

 

]]>This United Churchhttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/22/this-united-church.htmlgretta2012-02-22T22:54:03ZThanks to Jordan Sullivan who posted this link on Facebook, I'm able to draw your attention to the results of a survey recently completed that aimed to get a handle on the identity, values, and beliefs of people in The United Church of Canada.  There's lots in here to explore but a few interesting tidbits to get you going:

The survey results were coalesced into four groups: Pillars (38%), Observers (23%), Traditionalists (21%), and Progressives (17%).  Hmmm.  Which are you?  You'll have to read the descriptions to REALLY figure it out!

The average length of time someone had been associated with the United Church: 23 years

Respondents over 50 years of age: 82%

Respondents born in Canada: 86%

Respondents who said they'd be very comfortable with a gay, lesbian, or transgender minister: 50%

Respondents to said they'd be very comfortable with a transgender minister: 27%

(The following isn't from the report but I thought you'd find it interesting!)

Number of United Churches: 3362

Number that are members of Affirm United: 62 

Enjoy reading the rest of the report!  You'll find it here but you'll need to scroll down a bit to get to the actual links.

]]>Celebration of Gretta's New Bookhttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/celebration-of-grettas-new-book.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T20:38:01ZBirth of the Book - A Celebration

On Sunday April 1, 2012, West Hill is pleased to celebrate with Gretta on the release of her latest book, Amen: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Belief.

Please join us at 10:30 am, West Hill United Church for a special celebration, book signing and reception.  

Contest

Purchase a copy of Amen through the West Hill Kiosk and win a gourmet dinner with Gretta. 

Pre-order your copy by March 11th by placing a $5 deposit (cost the book is $30, tax included) and you will receive a ballot for the contest and a signed copy of her book at the launch on April 1, 2012. 

Closing Date for preorders and contest: Sunday, March 11, 2012

Contest Draw Date: April 1, 2012 

Book Price: $30 (inc. tax) 

For more information, email the church office or call 416-282-8566.

Book Details:

Prayer is an essential part of the daily lives of many people. Some believe it connects them with God, a cosmic force, the universe or life itself, and that it can change circumstances or bring them comfort, protection and peace. Others engage in the act of prayer as a traditional ritual from which they neither demand nor expect results. Many who pray cannot imagine living without it. For many others, however, prayer has no significance in their lives at all. Having left a practice they once knew or matured without religious intervention or instruction, the idea of praying regularly might be considered by these individuals as nothing more than a waste of time. In Amen, Gretta Vosper, United Church minister and author of the controversial bestseller With or Without God, examines these diverse positions in the light of the harsh realities of unanswered prayer, the secular critique of supernatural intervention and the need for a deep sense of ownership for the suffering in the world. With characteristic honesty, she calls the reader to submit the tradition of prayer to the test of integrity. Can we draw from it useful principles for addressing human and global needs? Or is it safe, and maybe even more effective, to get up from our knees and live out the answers we seek?

]]>A Taste of Tolerancehttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/a-taste-of-tolerance.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T20:31:00ZMany in our community will remember Jaroslav.  Several people within our church community were instrumental in supporting the work of removing him from the immigration detention centre.  The United Church Observer has documented his story.

]]>Congregational Meetinghttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/congregational-meeting.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T20:06:34Zchurch newsThe congregational meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:00pm, immediately following the pancake supper. 

Agenda includes review of the 2012 budget, election of board members, and a discussion about the benefits and challenges of having one rather than two congregational meetings per year.  

The board will also be recommending some changes to the policies on board membership and terms of service.

Please make time to attend this important meeting. 

]]>Anne Walker in Concert - February 25, 2012http://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/anne-walker-in-concert-february-25-2012.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T20:00:04ZJoin Anne as she stirs hearts and minds with her beautiful melodies and lyrics.
 
When, Saturday, February 25, 2012
Time: 1-3pm
Where:  Yvonne's Coffee Haus, 98 Island Road, Scarborough, ON (Port Union/401)

 

]]>Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life: Resourceshttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/twelve-steps-to-a-compassionate-life-resources.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T19:19:12Zbookstudy church newsDid you know . . . that videos and small group questions are now available within the book study section of our website?  Go to the resources tab at the top and click on book study.  

]]>Evolutionary Women's Circle - New Sessions Startinghttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/evolutionary-womens-circle-new-sessions-starting.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T18:32:27Z 

Find out what it is like to be part of a circle of women gathering for personal empowerment and spiritual growth in a fantastic, synergistic group. Come to a free Evolutionary Women's (EW) information night this WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in West Hill United lounge.   

This is an information night and welcome for new and returning evolutionary women.  We'll be providing more information about what this group is all about and letting you know what themes and topics we will be exploring in this second session of EW circles, meeting for 8 consecutive Wed. nights from Mar 7 – April 25, 2012.

You did not have to attend Session 1 to be a part of this group.  Come on out this Wednesday and see what we're about.

]]>Pancake Dinner February 21sthttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/pancake-dinner-february-21st.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T17:04:34Z 

 

Come out and join your friends, family, and neighbours at West Hill's pancake supper.

When:  Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Time:  5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Where: West Hill United Church, 62 Orchard Park Drive, Scarborough

Cost is only $7.00 per person (pay at the door)

Vegan option available

]]>Let's Go Bowlinghttp://www.westhill.net/blog/2012/2/12/lets-go-bowling.htmlWest Hill United2012-02-12T16:51:04Z 

Sign up for our Annual Bowling Tournament this coming Saturday February 18th at Rouge Hill Bowling Centre, 111 Island Road, Scarborough.  

The cost for adults is only $25.00 for 3 games, a delicious cold buffet and an opportunity to bid on some great items at our silent auction. Kids play and eat for free!  

The bidding on the silent auction will start today (February 12th) at the church. Auction items will be set up with bid sheets in the lobby. Bidding closes at 10:00 pm, Saturday February 18th at Rouge Hill Bowling Centre.

 

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