Keeping in Touch - October 22, 2016
Good morning, James Bay United Church,
Maybe it has happened to you too this week ... almost every time I've turned on the radio, the news, the interview, the talk has been about "THE SECRET PATH" as it makes its way across the country. It's an animated film adaptation of a graphic novel by Jeff Lemire, with songs written and sung by Gord Downie, drawing us into the journey of a young boy, Charlie Wenjack, who, aching for home, flees from a residential school. There will be a screening in Victoria this Sunday evening, at City Hall (Pandora St entrance). From all reports so far, it's bound to break open our hearts, open up significant conversation and play a pivotal role in the journey toward truth and reconcilliation. Doors open at 4:30pm; program begins at 5:15, with the screening at 6pm. Tickets are by donation, payable at the door, to the Gord Downie Secret Path Fund for Truth and Reconcilliation. To reserve tickets, email Nicole.
On another note, Louise n'ha Ruby of our congregation is offering a vocal workshop "Tuning Into Yourself" by donation, on Sunday November 6, 1-3pm. The purpose of the workshop is 2-fold: 1. to create space for each person to re-discover their voice and their comfort within a circle of singers; 2. to offer some technique while focussing on the breath and the body. Louise hopes the impetus will be there for those who come away from the workshop, feeling courageous about lending their voice to the choir. At the same time she encourages, "Please feel free to enjoy the workshop and singing in circle with others whether or not you choose to be part of the choir. To indicate your interest, please be in touch with Louise at 250 732 5356 (cell, talk or text), or email . [FYI: Louise has been a professional vocalist and voice teacher for 35 years; taught voice privately; faciltated workshops and directed choirs. She has been a director and musical director for theatre productions and been a paid actor.]
Last of all for now, Nola, our prime mover on the website, is eager to share with us the steps we can take to create an on-line congregational directory. This would allow us to have readily available up to date contact information for each other. We will also be able to produce a hard copy version for those who are not on-line. With photos included, it becomes a really useful community building tool. As you'll notice in the notes below, there are significant measures in place to ensure that the information shared will be accessable exclusively to the people of the congregation. The system is set-up and ready to go, and requires each of us to take the step of signing in. I encourage you to take the time this week, even today!, to put yourself in the picture. What follows is a guide from Nola ...
New on our website!
Are you out and about and need to get in touch with a member of the of the congregation? Our new, secure directory is compatible with all desktop & mobile devices.
You will need to apply to add your information and a photo. This step is the security measure put in place so that not just anyone can view the contact info of all members.
Here are the directions.
Once your application has been accepted you can log into the directory using your password. Here are the directions for viewing the directory. You can always edit your own information to keep it current.
When you log on to the Directory just click on the contact card of the person you want to email.
No internet? No problem! We will be arranging for our own photographers to take your photo and have you fill out a contact form. Then your information will be added to the directory. We are looking forward to having everyone represented in the Directory and then making print versions.
At this time the directory can be downloaded as a CSV print document and eventually the directory will be available as a PDF document. A print copy will be a handy reference tool.
Thank You Nola.
Grace and Peace, Karen