Langley Presbyterian Church

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: Peter & Pam Klassen

Coffee: Althea Strudwick

Counters: Trevor Fowler & Bob Johnson

Media: Marg Garratt

Kidblast: Nancy Hantke & Judy Daniels

NEXT WEEK – FEBRUARY 26TH

Greeters: Nancy Hibbert

Coffee: Nancy Hibbert & Pam Klassen

Counters: Don Baycroft & Elsie Nicholson

Media: Glenna Morneau

Kidblast: Pam Klassen & Serena Emarald

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

March 2, 2012: World Day of Prayer. The women of Malaysia invite you to join them in the World Day of Prayer celebration held in our area this year at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Our theme is “Let Justice Prevail.” Two opportunities for prayer will be offered:

• at 1:00 pm we will be using a service composed by the women of the churches of Malaysia

• at 8:30 pm an hour of candle-lit prayer will be offered.

Everyone is Welcome! St. Andrew’s is located at 20955 Old Yale Road, Murrayville.

(The WDP Logo  -  The symbol for World Day of Prayer was developed by the women of Ireland and adopted as the international logo in 1982. Its design is made up of arrows converging from the four points of the compass, persons kneeling in prayer, the celtic cross, and the circle, representing the world and our unity through all our diversity.)

AT THE 2012 GENERAL ASSEMBLY a special Committee was formed to consider the Ramifications of Moving the PCC National Office from Wynford Drive in Toronto and they are requesting input from the whole church with regard to this possibility.

1. Frame the economic, social and theological criteria for such a move;

2. Receive input and comment from the church on these criteria; and then

3. Recommend whether or not relocation is appropriate.

The Committee is faithfully about its work and therefore asks the church for its input and comment by filling out the questionnaire that is available on the bookcase at the back.

Responses would be appreciated by March 20, 2012, c/o thamilton@presbyterian.ca, for forwarding to the Committee.

Mark your Calendars! Our church is once again hosting the 13th Annual Festival of Praise of the Lower Fraser Valley Presbyterian Churches……

WHEN: May 27, 2012 @ 2:30-4:30PM

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

MALAWI: Worshipping together – Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support Mike and Debbie Burns as they serve the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in Malawi. Debbie shares, “While we enjoy worshipping in St. James’ main church, we look forward to Sunday worship at one of the three prayer houses and weekly Wednesday evening services at the different mulagas (cottages). These services provide an intimate time for prayer, praise, study and fellowship, something that is difficult to obtain in a sanctuary filled with 700 people!” Let us pray for Mike, Debbie and the people of St. James as they share the good news of the gospel in Malawi.

PWS&D:

Supporting Small-Scale Farmers with Seeds and Tools

Give a farmer seeds… and he can grow food to feed himself. Give a farmer tools… and she can feed her family. Give a farmer fertilizer… and he can feed the community. Give a farmer all three… and we can help change the world!

PWS&D is helping small-scale, flood-affected farmers in the Swat region of Pakistan recover from devastating floods by providing seeds, tools and fertilizer in order to boost agricultural production and feed their families. You can help overcome hunger and poverty today with a gift of only $130 to support a farming family in need. www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

Gallery 7 Theatre proudly presents Oscar Wilde’s hilarious social satire, The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy about manners, love and mistaken identity. Runs March 9 & 10, 15 – 17, 22 – 24, 2012 @ 7:30 PM with discount matinees March 10 & 17 at 2:00 PM. MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road. Tickets at House of James: 604-852-3701. www.gallery7theatre.com.

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: Louise McAree

Coffee: Nancy Hibbert & Pam Klassen

Counters: Elsie Nicholson & Eleanor Mills

Media: Cam Ludwig

Kidblast: Nancy Hibbert & Rick Penner

NEXT WEEK – FEBRUARY 19TH

Greeters: Peter & Pam Klassen

Coffee: Althea Strudwick

Counters: Trevor Fowler & Bob Johnson

Media: Marg Garratt

Kidblast: Nancy Hibbert & Rick Penner

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

The First Presbyterian Church in New Westminster is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this March. They welcome everyone to come and participate in the celebration.

The following special events will be taking place:

Saturday, March 10th

• Prayer tour: at 10:00 a.m.

• Open House: from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m

• Anniversary Banquet: 6:00 p.m

Sunday, March 11th

• Anniversary Worship: 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Kevin Livingston will be preaching and several other Ministers [Rev. Dr. Cal Chambers, Rev. David Smith, Rev. Dr. Ted Siverns, Rev. Desmond McConaghy, & Rev. Tim Bruneau] will lead in worship and in the celebration of Holy Communion.

• Anniversary Lunch 12:00 p.m.

• Anniversary Musical will be presented at 7:00 p.m.

335 7th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3K9 www.firstchurchnw.ca Phone: (604) 522-2801, Fax: (604) 522-2802 firstchurch@shawbiz.ca

Further information is on the bulletin board.

The Langley Food Bank has sent a letter thanking us for our continuing support financially and with groceries they quote: “The ongoing demand for our services has continued at record high levels this past year, distributing over 20,000 grocery hampers, 30,000 articles of clothing and 200 birthday gifts to our clients”

There is a new blank Coffee Roster posted downstairs. Thank you to all those who sign up to make coffee each week, it is very much appreciated. If you would like to help out some Sunday, just add your name to any Sunday on the roster.

Greeters Roster: I have made up a new roster and have posted it on the bulletin board; if you are not able to do the Sunday you have been allocated, please arrange a swap or contact Marg in the office.

Youth and Young Adult Worship Service, March 11th at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 8469 Cedar St, Mission. See Poster on notice board.

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

CANADA: Supporting university students – Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing help chaplaincies across Canada to support and reach out to students. McMaster University’s Ecumenical chaplaincy provides counseling, advocates for students in difficulty, and offers Christian worship. It also provides opportunities for students to get involved in social justice, anti-violence, poverty and prayer groups. McMaster’s Ecumenical Chaplain, The Rev. Dr. Carol Wood, is a Presbyterian minister. She enjoys the diversity of the McMaster community and the opportunity to walk with students through the challenges of their university experience. Let us pray for McMaster’s ecumenical chaplaincy as it provides a Christian presence on campus.

PWS&D:

Providing Food Aid in Guatemala – When heavy rains poured down on Central America this past October, over 40,000 people were affected by severe food shortages. Like many others in her community, Bertha, who farms a small plot of land with her husband and five children, was left empty handed after the rains destroyed her crops. Through gifts to PWS&D, Presbyterians in Canada helped ensure that much needed food packages were distributed to 855 families in Guatemala. It is “great what is going on here,” Bertha said after receiving food support. “Here there are so many people that are very poor, that have many kids, so for me I see this as very good.”

Working together, we are ensuring people struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies receive the assistance they require. Thank you for your continued support!

www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

The LCS Foundation presents Doug Fordham’s seminar “Your Money, Your Life!” Topics covered include questions we all struggle with. Planning, saving, making smart money choices, borrowing wisely, getting out of debt, managing money and budgeting, investing and taking care of tomorrow, developing a financial strategy and recognizing financial foolishness. This seminar has something for everyone!

“You Can’t Take It With You” Doug Fordham will also be touching on the topic of estate planning. What is estate planning and why should you do it? Do you know how to ask the right questions? How and when do you update your will? Gain perspective on estate planning.

This is evening is at no charge to you & includes coffee and dessert. Thursday March 1 from 7 to 9 pm at the Southridge Baptist Church (next to LCS Middle High) RSVP: Please RSVP your attendance by February 23 to foundation@langleychristian.com or call 604.533.2118.

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: Nancy & Gary Hantke

Coffee: Marg Garratt

Counters: Terry Ames & Louise McAree

Media: David Fowler

Kidblast: John Paeng & Judy Daniels

NEXT WEEK – FEBRUARY 12TH

Greeters: Louise McAree

Coffee: Nancy Hibbert & Pam Klassen

Counters: Elsie Nicholson & Eleanor Mills

Media: Cam Ludwig

Kidblast: Nancy Hibbert & Rick Penner

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Today we welcome Bill and Thelma Nicholson into membership of Langley Presbyterian Church. Bill and Thelma were members before, and at our recent Session meeting, the elders received them into communicant membership and placed them back on to our congregational roll. We welcome them to the fellowship and ministry of our congregation.

Caring and Sharing at LPC……It is with sadness that we announce that Bill Gartside passed away on Monday and his funeral will be held tomorrow (Monday) 2pm at the Vancouver Golf Club, 771 Austin Ave, Coquitlam. Rev Terry Hibbert will be officiating. Our love and sympathy goes to his wife Gerry and their family.

The worship team has requested cards be available to the congregation so that if you have a favourite hymn that you would like sung, please fill out the card and place it in the collection plate or leave it in the basket on the bookcase at the back. If you have no requests at this time, please place the card in the pew for future use.

There is a new blank Coffee Roster posted downstairs. Thank you to all those who sign up to make coffee each week, it is very much appreciated. If you would like to help out some Sunday, just add your name to any Sunday on the roster.

Pilgrimage 2012: Exploring the Reformed Heritage

France, Switzerland and Scotland: July 6 to 22, 2012

Join the Elders’ Institute (Presbyterian Church in Canada) and other Christians through Peregrinatio Studies for a spiritual journey with specialists in church history, music, education and Christian spirituality. To receive a brochure/registration form, phone the Elders’ Institute (St. Andrew’s Hall) at 604-822-0071 (Vancouver) or toll-free at 1-866-794-8888, or email elders@standrews.edu. Bursaries are available for ruling elders. Bursary deadline is February 15. Everyone welcome.

YAYAG UPDATE: The Youth and Young Adults group have sent a newsletter noting all the events they are hosting. These are on the noticeboard downstairs. They are also launching a fresh new YAYAG website in the not-so-distant future, until then, please feel free to visit their Synod YAYAG Facebook Page at http://www.yayag.ca/

On behalf of the YAYAG Team, Kevin Carrigan, Synod Youth & Young Adults Ministry Advisory Group Convener.

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

YOUTH IN MISSION: Transforming lives

Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support Youth in Mission. YIM allows youth to accompany Presbyterian mission partners in Canada and internationally through short-term mission experiences. As these young people share in the mission of the church, they enhance their personal growth, learn skills and grow in their faith. In 2012, YIM is offering mission experiences in Taiwan, Israel/Palestine, the mission track at the Canada Youth conference, and the International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC. Let us pray for our youth who are leading in mission!

TODAY IS PWS&D SUNDAY:

Remembering People in Need on PWS&D Sunday

Presbyterian World Service & Development is our church’s agency that works with vulnerable communities around the world to help overcome poverty, oppression and injustice. Programs focus on long-term community development and emergency relief following crisis and

disaster. Sunday, February 5th is a day designated by the national church as PWS&D Sunday—an excellent opportunity to remember our brothers and sisters in need and to learn more about PWS&D and our partners. With your support, we are helping build new futures of hope and opportunity. You can read inspiring and uplifting stories from our programs by going online and signing up for our free monthly e-newsletter and quarterly print newsletter.

Community News:

Koinos 401 Seminar on Tent Making Ministries

We remember Paul, the Apostle as a missionary theologian; however, he was also a businessman (‘leather craftsman’ or ‘tentmaker’)! Following his example, many heralds of the Good News in our day serve the Lord at their own expense, sometimes in countries where ‘missionaries’ are unwelcome. This is also true in North America, where the majority of local churches are too small to afford to pay a pastor a full-time salary. Dr Paul Stevens has made a lifelong study of Paul’s missionary vision and its relevance for Christian outreach today. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from this distinguished teacher.

Date & Time: Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Richmond Chinese Alliance Church, No. 1 Road & Williams, Richmond, BC.

Cost: $30 (including lunch) Register online http://koinosseminars.wordpress.com/ or send cheque to: RCAC, 10100 No. 1 Road, Richmond BC V7E 1S2

For further information, contact Dr W. Ward Gasque @ 778-887-2350

Learning for International Faith Engagement Seminars

*formerly Mission Trip Leaders Seminar

To capture the spirit of partnership that guides engagement with global partners, in 2012 we offer Learning for International Faith Engagement drawing on the Canadian Churches’ Forum 90 years of global ministry experience, a diversity of resources, connections with denominational mission departments, and knowledge of the historical and global context of missions.  Please join us for one of our upcoming seminars!

March 11 – 12, 2012. Vancouver, British Columbia

September 22-23, 2012. 47 Toronto, Ontario

(Estimated cost of $370 includes meals and accommodation.)

To register or for more information, see The Forum’s web page at www.ccforum.ca

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: Don & Lorraine Baycroft

Coffee: Eleanor Mills & Judy Daniels

Counters: Paul Goddard & Emma Stuive

Media: Shawn Brouwer

NEXT WEEK – FEBRUARY 5TH

Greeters: Nancy & Gary Hantke

Coffee:

Counters: Terry Ames & Elsie Nicholson

Media: Shawn Brouwer

Kidblast: John Paeng & Judy Daniels

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

YOUR 2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS AND TAX RECEIPTS are now available for you to pick up on the back table.

SESSION REPORT – The Session met on January 20, 2012 and reviewed and discussed the following items:

1. Allie Dale-Johnson, our Treasurer, met with Session to present the financial report for 2011 and the proposed budget for 2012. The budget was accepted and will be presented at the AGM.

2. The AGM will be held on Sunday March 18th. The exact time is to be determined, but it will be following the worship service so that people will not have to go home and return later in the day. It is later this year because our Treasurer is away until the beginning of March.

3. The Session received the certificate of transfer for Bill and Thelma Nicholson and was pleased to receive them back into membership at LPC. We welcome Bill and Thelma as congregant members.

4. Session is working on a Building Use Agreement for groups outside out congregation wishing to use and rent our facilities. We are seeking to put together one comprehensive document that will; include a fee structure. Both the Property Committee and church Secretary are being consulted in this process and we hope to have a completed document within a month or so.

5. The Sunday School will be looking into doing hygiene kits again for needy in the community, and more information will be forthcoming when the project is ready to begun.

6. Rev. Hibbert has sent a letter to Presbytery seeking permission for the congregation to go ahead with its plans for replacing the church roof.

7. The Session received a report from the Presbytery’s Visitation Committee. The Visitation Committee met with the Session, the Chairs of the Finance and Property Teams, and with Rev. Hibbert on Dec. 1st The Visitation Committee has reported to the Presbytery and we await any recommendations they have made.

8. The next Session meeting is planned for following the AGM, and Session will meet on Friday, March 30th.

Terry Hibbert – Interim Moderator

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

JUSTICE MINISTRIES: Truth, reconciliation and equity – Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support Presbyterian participation in KAIROS’ Truth, Reconciliation and Equity: They Matter to Us! campaign. This campaign invites KAIROS members to support the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and to speak with Members of Parliament about how the Government of Canada will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Let us pray for Presbyterians who are working to build bridges of understanding and respect with indigenous people in Canada.

NOTICES FROM PWS&D:

Famine in East Africa – Presbyterians have been responding to what has been declared the worst East African drought in the past 60 years. Despite the onset of short rains this December, millions are still suffering the effects of limited food availability, sky rocketing food prices, and water scarcity. PWS&D is committed to long-term intervention in this region and together we can continue to provide food and clean water, as well as seeds and agricultural training to affected communities who are in desperate need of your support. You can make a donation through your church offering, mail a cheque to the office, donate online or call PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark all donations “East Africa Drought.” www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd/donate

Learning for International Faith Engagement Seminars *formerly Mission Trip Leaders Seminar

To capture the spirit of partnership that guides engagement with global partners, in 2012 we offer Learning for International Faith Engagement drawing on the Canadian Churches’ Forum 90 years of global ministry experience, a diversity of resources, connections with denominational mission departments, and knowledge of the historical and global context of missions.

Please join us for one of our upcoming seminars!

March 11 – 12, 2012. Vancouver, British Columbia

September 22-23, 2012. 47 Toronto, Ontario

(Estimated cost of $370 includes meals and accommodation.)  To register or for more information, see The Forum’s web page at www.ccforum.ca

The WMS Synodical Meeting will be held in the Surrey Korean Church at 15964 – 88th Ave. Surrey on March 22, 2012. It will start at 9am for registration and coffee. The Theme for 2012 is: Esther 4: 14B: “Perhaps you have come to the kingdom for just such a time as this.”    The meeting will start at 9:30am, closing at 2:30pm. Remember the meeting is only 1 day; with less business; to hear about WMS work; have fellowship and praise God together.

Reminder Calendar (Further info on Noticeboard)

Sat. Feb. 11, 6:30pm Camp Douglas Fundraiser Dessert Night

Thurs. March 22 9am – 2:30pm WMS Synodical Meeting

Community Notices

Upcoming FREE Chronic Pain Self-Management workshop at the Langley Seniors Recreation and Resource Centre on Saturdays 9:30 -12, starting February 4 – March 10th. Registration is required. For more information 1-866-902-3767.

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: The Fowler Family

Coffee: Don & Lorraine Baycroft

Counters: Trevor Fowler & Louise McAree

Media: Cam Ludwig

NEXT WEEK – JANUARY 29TH

Greeters: Don & Lorraine Baycroft

Coffee:

Counters: Paul Goddard & Emma Stuive

Media:

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

YOUR 2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS AND TAX RECEIPTS are now available for you to pick up on the back table.

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley are hosting the World Day of Prayer 2012 this year, using materials prepared for this event by women of the churches of Malayasia. (The usual day is the first Friday in March.) The Rev. Paula Porter Leggett from St. Andrews is looking for anyone interested in being part of the planning team for this event. (You can read more about the day at www.wicc.org

Contact Marg in the office For Rev. Paula’s email and phone number.

CAMP DOUGLAS FUNDRAISER:

MUSIC & DESSERT NIGHT FEATURING THE DENNIS ENNS TRIO

An evening of live music, dessert, lively conversation, and a silent auction is planned for Saturday February 11th at 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring family and friends along and have a really great time supporting Camp Douglas. Remember to have your dancing shoes on and come and join us for a fun filled evening. Live music provided by the Dennis Enns Trio www.dennisennstrio.com

When: Saturday Feb 11 @ 6:30 PM

Where: Haney Presbyterian Church, 11858 216th Street, Maple Ridge. Tickets are just $10 per person available from Sue at the church office call 604 467 1715

All proceeds to benefit Camp Douglas

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

CANADA: Meeting needs in the inner city – Your gifts to Presbyterians Sharing help St. David’s Inner City Outreach Ministry to meet the needs of families in Hamilton’s inner city. Their outreach activities, including after-school programs for children and teens, adult and seniors’ programs and a teen mom support group are geared towards not just alleviating, but actually preventing poverty. Let us pray for St. David’s outreach ministry as it works to develop a safe and healthy community for children, youth and families in Hamilton’s inner city.

NOTICES FROM PWS&D:

Welcoming a Stranger – Looking for an exciting opportunity to take part in the life-changing ministry of helping refugees begin new lives in Canada? Refugee sponsorship is a tangible way for a congregation to take action. More than 1.5 million Iraqi citizens have been uprooted from their homes since the Iraq conflict began in 2003 and over 2 million have sought asylum in neighbouring countries. An opportunity now exists for Presbyterian congregations to take on sponsorship of Iraqi refugees. To learn more about embracing the challenge of welcoming a refugee to Canada, as well as what funding is available, speak to your minister or mission committee leader, and contact PWS&D refugee coordinator Carolyn Vanderlip at cvanderlip@presbyterian.ca or call 1-800-619-7301 ext. 249. www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd/welcoming-a-stranger/

WHAT IS CANADA YOUTH 2012? IT IS A FIVE-DAY EVENT…A GATHERING…A GET ­TOGETHER…A CELEBRATION…AN ASSEMBLY…A RALLY….CY2012 WILL BE ALL THESE THINGS, AND WILL FOCUS ON THE YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTH MINISTRY OF OUR DENOMINATION.

For more information go to their website at www.canadayouth.ca Please do not hesitate to contact me as you require more information about the event. I can be reached by email at CanadaYouth2012@presbyterian.ca or by telephone at 403-982-0094.

Jo Morris, Coordinator

The WMS Synodical Meeting will be held in the Surrey Korean Church at 15964 – 88th Ave. Surrey on March 22, 2012. It will start at 9am for registration and coffee.

The Theme for 2012 is: Esther 4: 14B:

“Perhaps you have come to the kingdom for just such a time as this.”

The meeting will start at 9:30am, closing at 2:30pm.

Remember the meeting is only 1 day; with less business; to hear about WMS work; have fellowship and praise God together.

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

You are welcome to a concert by Glen Soderholm, Christian singer and songwriter extraordinaire on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Epiphany Chapel. Glen has six CD’s to his credit, mostly original music. Hearing him sing and speak is an experience not to be missed. The concert is sponsored by St. Andrew’s Hall and is free of charge.

SERVING TODAY:

Greeters: Serena Emarald & Judy Daniels

Coffee: Marg & George Serviss

Counters: Bob Johnson & Don Baycroft

Media: Marg Garratt

NEXT WEEK – JANUARY 22ND

Greeters: The Fowler Family

Coffee:

Counters: Trevor Fowler & Louise McAree

Media: Cam Ludwig

Children:

CHILDREN AGED 3 – 12 are invited to join our Kidblast program

held downstairs after the ‘exchange of peace’.

OUR NURSERY is also located in the downstairs Hall.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

YOUR 2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS AND TAX RECEIPTS are now available for you to pick up on the back table.

Congregational Meeting – Today

Replacement of the Church Roof – Please stay after the service today for a brief meeting to approve funding for a new church roof.

The Property Committee had the church roof inspected last Fall, the result of which is that the roof needs to be replaced. The replacement cost is estimated to be approximately $32,000.00 plus $5,000.00 for any unexpected repairs or costs, for a total of $37,000.00

This will be financed as follows:

$12,000.00 from the CI&R fund

$15,000.00 from the 2011 budget surplus

$10,000.00 from the interest accrued in the manse fund

Note: the Manse Fund stands at $332,199.81; of this the original capital investment was $315,000.00. This leaves $17,991.81 of accrued interest.

Therefore:

Recommendation #1: That the Property and Finance Committees be given approval to proceed with the replacement of the church roof to the amount of $37,000.00, to be financed as above.

Recommendation #2: That the Session Approach the Presbytery for permission to use $10,000.00 from the interest accrued in the Manse Fund.

The WMS Council Report from the meeting in Toronto in November is posted on the notice board, if you would like an electronic copy, please let Marg know. .

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley are hosting the World Day of Prayer 2012 this year, using materials prepared for this event by women of the churches of Malayasia. (The usual day is the first Friday in March.) The Rev. Paula Porter Leggett from St. Andrews is looking for anyone interested in being part of the planning team for this event. (You can read more about the day at www.wicc.org

Contact Marg in the office For Rev. Paula’s email and phone number.

PCC MISSION UPDATE:

TAIWAN: Translating the Bible – Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean as he works with a Bible translation team in Taiwan to translate the Bible into the Hakka language. They are working to finish the complete translation by 2012, when The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan celebrates “The Year of Hakka Mission”. Paul says, “Since this is all God’s work, we pray that the Lord will help us achieve this very worthy goal.” Let us pray that the newly translated Bible will be a guiding light for Hakka Christians in Taiwan.

NOTICES FROM PWS&D:

When Working for Peace Turns Deadly – Two volunteers killed at Dadaab refugee camp, East Africa

PWS&D is shocked and saddened by recent news from the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, East Africa, where we are working with local partners to support Somali refugees fleeing famine and oppression. Two leaders of the community peace and security teams (CPSTs) have been fatally shot.

PWS&D has been supporting the establishment of CPSTs, where refugees from within the camp volunteer to serve as a mix of firefighter, police officer, medic and counsellor. Working to establish peace and cooperation, they receive training in how to resolve issues and ease tensions. They have been particularly effective at dealing with issues of domestic violence, brawls, encroachment and robberies.

Please remember the families of the two slain leaders in your prayers. PWS&D continues to work in East Africa and your support is still very much needed as hundreds of thousands of people struggle to cope with food shortages, drought and insecurity.

Educating Girls in Afghanistan

Many girls in Afghanistan will never have the chance to attend school. With youth comprising 50% of the population and the female literacy rate below 18%, investing in the education of girls is more important than ever. PWS&D is working with our local partner to train teachers, provide girls with textbooks and supplies, repair schools, and raise awareness and support for female education. Shanaz, leader of a parent-

teacher committee, says, “Before this program, we did not allow our girls to get an education. But now with the program we see the need for education and we send our girls to school.” For the 2011-2012 school year, PWS&D aims to increase enrolment from 1,350 to 1,800 girls. Together with your support, we are creating opportunities for girls and helping them realize their dreams. www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

LinXus 8 is coming up on January 21st from 6:45PM-9:30PM at Fairview Presbyterian (2725 Fir Street, Vancouver). This is going to be a great event to kick off our theme of the year: Evangelism. Gavin Marshall is our guest speaker and we will have games, food and of course, fun! We invite all youth groups to attend; more information can be found on the LinXus website at www.linXusbc.com.

Gallery 7 Theatre proudly presents Daniel DeFoe’s Robinson Crusoe, a thought-provoking tour-de-force theatre experience exploring faith, friendship, tolerance and survival. Runs January 20 & 21, 26 – 28, Feb. 2 – 4,2 012 @ 7:30 PM with discount matinees Jan. 21 & 28 at 2:00 PM. MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road. Tickets at House of James: 604-852-3701.www.gallery7theatre.com.

St. Joseph’s Church presents a Benefit Concert for PHILIPPINE FLOOD RELIEF in the Parish Hall, 20667 Fraser Highway, Langley on Sunday, February 12, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Refreshments, Admission by donation.

Vancouver School of Theology is holding an all day workshop on Saturday, February 4 entitled ‘Children, Youth and the Church’ with Jason Santos. Jason has great experience with youth and children and is the author of a book on youth ministry and monasticism with a forward by Desmond Tutu. It will be a delightful day of learning with workshops and plenary sessions. I really hope that many can attend this workshop designed to support our churches in their ministry to youth and children. This would be a great event for those who work in youth and children’s ministry in your congregations and at our Camp. (See the poster on our noticeboard).

Sincerely, The Reverend Richard R. Topping, Ph.D

Professor of Studies in the Reformed Tradition