Click here for the web version of the Nov 8th service
About our new (2027) General Secretary, Rev Eric Hebert-Daly
Welcome to Rev. Eric Hebert-Daly, our incoming General Secretary of the United Church of Canada. For more info about him click here
Refugees – who needs them? Actually we do.
In 2025, Canada deported a record breaking 23,160 foreign nationals. ( CBC news) . The vast majority of these were failed refugee claimants, with only about 7% removals stemming from criminal charges,
The United Church has responded to this Trump-style government action in many ways; The UCC web site asks readers to raise you voice when our government denies hearings for asylum seekers.
The United Church Migrant Justice Network notes:
- Refugees strengthen Canada’s workforce and are more likely than Canadian-born workers to be employed in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades.
- Refugee employment earnings increase steadily over time, with median earnings rising by more than 30% in the first ten years after arrival.
- More than 80% of refugees become Canadian citizens, reflecting a strong commitment to participating fully in Canadian society.
- Refugees contribute not only through work, but also through volunteerism, community leadership, and civic engagement.
- What can you do ? Write and or call you MP – and ask why our government has gone from welcoming immigrants to deporting them.
LEADNOW.CA cites economist Ben Atkinson who told The The Tyee that non-permanent residents use health care proportionally less than other Albertans.
Whats Upcoming in and around Rowntree
Every Tuesday, 7-830, Knit Happens ! Ask Rev. Wendy to send you the link or call the office ( 519-432-8075) for her info , if you are interested in attending for conversation as crafting (not just knitting) is optional.
ELUCO news ; Every Sunday please bring in non-perishable food donations for ELUCO’s food cupboard at Sandford and Huron St., leave them in bin inside the glass doors. ELUCO needs our help due to increased demand- please consider donating at their web site . Their annual Walk and Roll fundraiser raised over $10,000.
We still have Cranberry, Strawberry, and Orange/Spice jams available – please call the office @ 519-432-8075 or 519 -878-0340 to arrange pickup.
Reminders
Our Music Director Dr Ryan Baxters recordings of Listening to the Land is available on most streaming services and he will have CD’s available soon. Ryan is playing at St Paul’s on Tuesday Nov 10 at 12:15
Rowntree’s Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday, November 21 from 10 am to 1 pm. Vendors are welcome! Please call 519-878-0340 if interested in participating! Volunteers always welcome, contact Maryjane at 519-878-0340. See our calendar for many other fall bazaars.
Forest City Singers concert is Dec 4 @ 7pm here. Always great music.
Mass choir with Rowntree, Dundas St and Colborne St United choirs Saturday Dec 19 at 2 pm
The United Church reminds us all to keep your vaccinations up-to-date. This goes for flu, Covid and RSV. Check with your doctor or pharmacy for their recommendations
Making our building greener
Rowntree is constantly trying to make our building ‘ greener’ , ie reducing our carbon footprint. In 2024 we partnered with Faithful Footprints of the United Church and Thomas Dyna-Build renovators of London to re-work the Brampton St. entrance. This job was completed in the fall but was more extensive than we’d planned; we found insulation missing, roof leaks and ventilation lacking from previous work which had to be fixed. So we ended up with a bigger bill than we figured: costs went from $27,600 to $43,800, some of which Faithful Footsteps covered. However, we should significantly reduce our natural gas usage and make our building greener. We’ve introduced a fund-raiser to pay this off : Green (Rown)Tree and asking for your financial help. So when you donate, please apportion some to this. Thank-You
