Why White Gift Sunday?

It was mentioned that churches often fall into routines and traditions, forgetting the reason why things happen. No, really, it happens!

The question was posed, Why White Gift Sunday? Turning to the internet (so take this information with the requisite grain of salt), the tradition began in 1903 at a Methodist church in Ohio, in the season of Sunday School Christmas concerts and gift exchanges.

Noting the discrepancy in the perceived value and quality of gifts, a Chinese tradition was referenced. From a drama written by United Churcher, Joan Berge in Bright, ON: "All the people gave their king a gift wrapped in plain white paper so that each one would look the same. Then no one could make comparisons. Each family gave what it was able to give, and the king accepted them all."

Verifiably true, or not, it "presents" a nice story. For the full drama script, click here.

Remember to bring donations for the Food Bank on Sunday (Trinity is worshipping at St. John's Anglican, 11:15 a.m.), and to support the foster children sponsored by the Sunday Schools with monetary donations in white envelopes marked with "Foster Child". Also, for Appin United, a request of hats and mitts/gloves is being made. See you then.

Meeting Notes from Official Board

A presentation was made to MariLynn Fraleigh, former Charge Secretary, in thanks and recognition of her 18 years of ministry in that position.

The Pastoral Charge budget for 2008 was approved.

The churches will offer to host a group of university-aged youth from South Korea at the end of January, beginning of February 2008. A friend of mine, who works (through the Mission and Service Fund) as the chaplain for Hanshin University in Seoul, is bringing a group of students on a mission trip to southwestern Ontario. The Official Board agreed that our churches offer host this group of 15 people through billeting and transportation; the details have yet to be finalized, more information will come as it's available.

A revised pastoral charge cost-sharing ratio of 38% Appin, 62% Trinity (to be in effect for 2009), will be presented and discussed at each congregation's Annual Meeting.

That's all that stands out for me as "highlights" of the meeting; anyone else with something to share?

Meeting Notes from Presbytery

Apart from overseeing the usual comings and goings of what's going on with churches and ministers in the area, a few items of note:

Division of World Outreach
• Appeal for specific help and support for new refugees has yielded few responses. Gloves, hats and scarves needed at Cross Cultural Learning Centre (505 Dundas St. London)
• Proposed exchange with Mozambique in the new year: invitation from the Christian Council of Mozambique seeking a long term partnering of the people of both churches, in faith and justice. People from each Presbytery desired for a 14-day trip planned August 2008 for 10(?) people, seeking pastors, youth and women. Information will be posted on Conference website. Applications due January 15, each participant required to provide own funding $4500.

Mission and Service Fund
• Mission and Service pledge forms sent directly to the pastoral charge by General Council Office, instead of through a local facilitator
• Concern expressed at this change of procedure, a letter will be sent by Presbytery

New Business
• Feasibility of Major Funding Campaign ($200 million for Mission and Service, local churches, overseas ministry) questionnaire sent out to ministers.
• UWO Chaplaincy update: seeking input from pastoral charges for students attending UWO and/or passing along her email; seeking to speak to churches about the work she’s doing
• Implementation of Centralized Payroll expected to be delayed, pending evaluation of Saskatchewan’s experience
• United Church considering denominational self-insurance program, 25% savings possible, report in 2008 (likely a $50 000 deductible, requiring 100% church participation)

for your personal reflection: Isaiah 2. 1-5

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.'

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

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What feelings, questions, thoughts and prompts to personal action arise from this scripture? Share them as Comments below or in an email!