Sock Tree at UCM

December 1^st our Great Hall will smell of fresh pine once again.  In the past, we have decorated our tree with donated mittens and hats.  This year, we will be collecting wool socks.

CLEAN, DRY SOCKS CAN HELP CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE. SOCKS ARE ONE OF THE MOST NEEDED BUT LEAST DONATED ARTICLES OF CLOTHING TO SHELTERS FOR PERSONS WITHOUT HOMES.

Socks 4 Souls Canada is a volunteer run organization that is committed to contributing warmth, comfort, dignity, mobility and health to people who are without homes by providing them with new clean socks.

Since many persons without homes do not have access to laundry facilities, multiple pairs of socks are needed for each person. We will help warm the feet of those who find refuge in shelters, transitional housing and the city’s streets.

Please place your socks in the baskets at the bottom of the Christmas Tree. 

As ever, Pamela

New Refugee Family Arriving Soon
Furniture and Sundry Donations Requested

The Jalouk family will be arriving on Thursday November 22, earlier than we expected. Our committee has gathered a queen bed and single bed and a sofa, but if UCM members and friends have any furniture or linens and sundry, we would appreciate any donations to help set up their rental home.

As this is a family of seven people, we are currently looking for another couch and loveseat and/or a couple of armchairs for the living room, a couple of side tables and a coffee table, a TV table/bench, any working electronics and small kitchen appliances, a large dining table for 8 or 10 with at least 8 chairs, 6 dressers and a couple of desks and chairs. Maybe people could also donate art (picture frames) and the family can choose what they like. 
We have leads on all the beds needed, but will need linens for single or double beds and one queen. As for clothing, we may have winter coats, and they will shop for boots, shoes and other clothing when they arrive.
We have met the parents Abdulkarim and Najwah and their son Hozaifah by Skype, and they were very pleasant to converse with by interpreter. One of their daughters, Ghadeer, lives in Mississauga, and her husband Abdullah and baby Jolie came to our committee planning meeting last Sunday. We are all very excited to meet the Jalouk family at the airport. www.MarceloPazan.ca

THE MARK DeWOLFE SOCIAL ACTION AWARD - NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW

The Mark DeWolfe Social Action Award Committee is composed of Shirley Dickens, Leslie Webb, Larry Rawlinson and Kathy Geczi, Chair.  We invite members of the congregation to please submit names of nominees now.
 
This award, in memory of one of our previous ministers, will be presented at the December 9 service.

This has been a tradition at UCM since 1991. The nominees are individuals who have worked to promote social justice issues. The nominees are typically members who have shown vision, leadership and action in their volunteer work. Forms are available through the church office. Thank you for your submissions.

Contacting Rev. Fiona
You can reach Fiona by e-mail through minister@uucm.ca. Or you can call her at 226-791-4068 (it is not long distance when she is in the GTA).  You can send her a friend request on Facebook.

For in-person visits, please make an appointment. Fiona is often in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the afternoon, but is usually already booked ahead with meetings.

It is best not to leave messages on Fiona's church line, as it is not checked regularly.

Opportunities Abound

As a thriving community, UCM has much going on. If you have time, please consider sharing your energy and gifts with us. There is a place for you! There are opportunities to help with the garden, the green sanctuary work, and much more. Please speak to Rev. Fiona or visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Sexual harassment excludes women from public life
Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission

Le harcèlement sexuel : un acte qui relègue les femmes à la marge de la vie publique

Par : Renu Mandhane, commissaire en chef, Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne

Looking for Inspiration
Each week Rev. Fiona posts a spiritual practice for people to try at home. Sometimes it is an ancient practice such as meditation, others focus on the earth or universe with contemporary practices.  You can find the practice posted each Thursday at emptychalice.com or on the UCM facebook page.

Personal Witness
The Rev. Fiona Heath is a good listener.  If you are struggling with a personal problem, a spiritual crisis, or just need to vent, Fiona can be your witness. She won't have the answers, or offer advice (unless you ask for it), but will sit with you as you share your story.  Having someone who hears your pain helps ease it.
Email minister@uucm.ca or text her at 905-278-5622. You can also find her on facebook.
 
We all need support in difficult times, you don't have to struggle alone.