OUR MINISTER

I write this after a busy weekend in which I conducted a wedding – a new beginning for two families now joined as one – and attended a service to mark the closure of our neighbour, Grace United Church in Sydenham – an ending after 149 years of faithful ministry.

The church, like life itself, is full of beginnings and endings – life and death. We celebrate life as we baptize a child and mark endings as we bury a loved one.

As you know, I recently moved into a new house. I noticed a rather dead looking plant in one of the flowers beds and thought to myself that I would need to pull it out and replace it. However, unpacking boxes and setting up house meant the outside was left for a while. Cutting grass on the weekend, I got a wonderful scent of lavender as I passed by this dead plant. Stopping, I examined it and discovered new green growth under the dead gray stalks.

There is always new life in the midst of death and/or destruction. That January morning when we waded through the water in St. Paul’s basement, I wondered about our future. Thanks, though, to the hard work of many folks, we’ve got a bright new hall and lots of people enjoying it. At Trinity, we’re helping bring colour to the village with our flower barrel – and the ROMEO’s (plus one Juliet) helped make my move even more like a beginning and less an ending as they enthusiastically (and efficiently) carried boxes and plants and assorted other “treasures” on moving day. You lifted my heart and I am truly grateful.

As our pastoral charge moves through a visioning process, I know there are those who fear some kind of ending, but I encourage you all to trust and to look for the new beginning and the opportunity it may afford the ministry here. In this season of Pentecost, may we all embrace the spirit of this season – the birth of a new mission for the church in the world.

May God bless us all as we move into the future to follow where Christ leads us and the Spirit guides us.

I wish you a blessed and restful summer.

Lynda

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally used up and worn out, shouting “...wow, what a ride!”

DAILY PRAYER

Psalm 19: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my redeemer.

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Spring has sprung! The sunshine feels so good. The Memorial garden is looking great with flourishing perennials.

It is really good to see Fergus and Carolyn Brown in church once again. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

The 2010 Vision with a Mission committee has been busy printing information reports for the bulletin. The Sunday discussion brought forth some very important input. The committee will continue to work on a new vision statement.

The yard and bake sale was a success, but the spaghetti dinner had low attendance. Those who participated had a lot of fun.

Brenda Crawford was honoured with a poem highlighting all of the events she has spearheaded in the past. Brenda will continue to attend Council meetings but will take a much needed rest from committee work. A special thank-you is extended to Brenda.

The church sure looks “spiffy” with new paint and carpet. The Sunday School room needs a “re-do” too and we hope to get to it before the fall.

The manse is an active spot with people coming and going. The upgrades are almost completed and the seniors are already attending the Tuesday lunches.

It was decided at a congregational meeting that St. Paul’s would close for the month of August this summer. Trinity will be open, as is the Desert Lake combined service and pot luck lunch.

Sheila Anthony, Rob Tapscott and their daughter Morgan have been tripping around England and Wales. Sheila wanted to “visit her roots”. We look forward to hearing all about it on their return.

Don’t miss the combined worship service on May 30^th. Grandmothers by the Lake will be conducting the service, featuring Adele Colby who has just returned from attending “Grandmother’s Gathering” in Swaziland.

Have a good summer, everyone!

Marni Pedersen

TRINITY NEWS

On April 10, we were saddened to hear of the death of long-time Verona resident Charlie Stewart. Charlie was not only well known for his community involvement but also for his prowess with old engines, tractors, old cars and other things mechanical. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Trinity members Barb, Linda, Jason and Sarah and the rest of Charlie’s family.

On April 4, Trinity stewards catered a banquet for the Boy Scouts. 48 meals were served. A special thanks to Jennifer Bennett and Connie Shibley who helped organize this fundraiser. A special thanks also to everyone else who assisted.

On April 30, a group of people from Trinity converged upon Rev. Lynda’s old house on Unity Road with trucks, vans and a large trailer to help Lynda move to her new house in Amherstview. Part of the move had to be completed the next day. We left Lynda’s new house filled with boxes piled halfway to the ceiling. It will take a while to unpack, sort and put everything in order. Good luck in your new place Rev. Lynda.

Email: lprice13@cogeco.ca

Phone: 613-766-0619
On May 29, Trinity will be hosting a “Whale of a Sale”. This will be a large lawn/garage sale. There will be electronics, dishes, tools and other items too numerous to mention. We are still looking for donated items. We are also hoping a large number of people will come out on May 26 to grab up the bargains.

On June 12, the combined Trinity/St. Paul’s/Community choir will present their second “Black Tie and Blue Jeans” concert at Trinity (details later on).

On August 7, Trinity will host its annual Festival Fish Fry in conjunction with the Verona Cattail Festival. While this event is our largest fund raiser, we find difficult to find enough help to stage this event. If you are able to help with this event, please let us know.

Don Coleman

BEHIND THE SCENES

Many thanks to the following individuals who quietly give of their time and talent, they are much appreciated:

· Doug Boulter, John McDougall, Joyce Casement and Joanne Abrams for their quick action when Trinity’s dishwasher caught fire. And to Lynda and Doug Boulter for their help in cleaning up afterwards.

· Jennifer Bennett for organizing and leading our Sunday service on February 28^th while Rev. Lynda was away.

· Annabelle Twiddy and the combined choir for participating in the Voices of Easter Concert at St. Patrick’s Church in Napanee

If you know someone who should be recognized in any way, please tell a member of the newsletter committee.

2010 VISION WITH A MISSION

Our first conversation with the congregations took place on May 2nd as part of the regular church services. The 2010 Vision Committee of John McDougall, Marni Pedersen and Glenda Turner chaired the discussion. We missed our colleague Brenda Crawford who was unable to participate.

The purpose of this process is to review our present mission statement and to discover strategies which will allow our congregations to remain viable and active over the next five years and beyond.

The congregations submitted their ‘homework” which prioritized their reasons for going to church and for the role of the minister. Worshiping with a minister, friendships, and caring for each other seem to be most important, but a detailed report will be prepared soon for the bulletin.

The Sunday conversations were honest, bold and reflective. Although we have not yet analyzed the results, there are a few observations that we would like to make. There was very little conversation about amalgamation. It was very clear that both congregations felt that they were viable, unique and best able to serve their own communities.

The Trinity congregation spent most of their discussion time suggesting steps for the future that would attract new members and younger families through changes in the service and social opportunities.

St. Paul’s concentrated on their responsibility to each other as a church community and their relationships with families.

It is clear that “the church” means different things to everyone at different times in our lives. In this initial meeting, there was very little discussion about our role and responsibilities in the community until we are motivated, energized and inspired ourselves.

This has been an excellent start. Thank you all for your participation.

The worst prison would be a closed heart

– John Paul II

MANSE

OPEN HOUSE

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and join us for Open House at the Manse hosted by South Frontenac Community Services. Activities for the day include: tours of the newly renovated building, yard sale, bake sale, plant sale, charity barbeque, live entertainment and a jumping castle for the young folks.

See you there!

SFCS

The Charge Trustee Manse Liaison Committee, represented by Carl Turner from Trinity and Rob Tapscott from St. Paul’s, will be the liaison with the representative from South Frontenac Community Services.

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. Henry Ford

BULLETIN COVERS, YOUNG ARTISTS

We are always looking for photos for our bulletin covers - our supply dwindles quickly. Of particular interest are photos or pictures from our youngsters. Go through your photos or take your camera out one day, and submit them. Get your children or grandchildren to draw something that interests them. How about some drawings or sketches from our Sunday School children? Once a month we would like to feature work from the Sunday Schools.

Contact Don Coleman at 613-374-2445.

TRINITY ANNIVERSARY

On June 13, Trinity will be celebrating the 124^th anniversary of being a congregation in Verona. This year also marks the 85^th anniversary of the formation of the United Church of Canada. Also, our current church building becomes 100 years old this year.

On Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 pm, Trinity will host its second “Black Tie and Blue Jeans Concert”. The Trinity choir will be joined by members of St. Paul’s choir and other members in the community. The pieces will be a mixture of religious and contemporary pieces. Come and join us for this musical treat.

On Sunday June 13 at 11:00 am, Trinity will hold a special anniversary service. The special speaker this year will be the Rev. Chris Walker. Chris is currently pastor of the Ottawa Mandarin Wesleyan Church in Kanata. Chris grew up in Verona. His grandparents, Ray and Edna (Genge) Walker were members of Trinity. The Walker and Genge families were very prominent in the history of Verona and Trinity United Church. We look forward to seeing Chris and hearing his message at this special service.

Glenda Turner and John McDougall have decided to go ahead with the traditional lunch (sandwiches), cake and ice cream celebration afterwards, as it seems to be very important for our long-time members.

BAPTISMS

We welcome into our church families, the following children who were recently baptized:

St. Paul’s

· Calen James McNutt, son of Chris and Mary Anne McNutt

· Eric Edison Crawford, son of Stephen Crawford and Heather Locatelli

Trinity

· Evan Michael James Dillon, son of Jamie Dillon and Jacqueline Robinson

IN MEMORIUM

The Trinity congregation mourns the death of

· Viola Leslie

· Charlie Stewart

The St. Paul’s congregation mourns the loss of

· Ray Paul

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

The committee of stewards signed Trinity to compete in the MOST ATTRACTIVE FLOWER BARREL competition in Verona. The Verona Community Association purchased and installed barrels along the main street of Verona. Participants are encouraged to plant and tend the barrel. The competition runs from May to Labour Day. At the Verona Garlic Festival on September 4th, the barrels will be judged and the best barrel will win a prize of $300.00. Good luck Trinity!

At the Mother's Day service on May 10, our newest fundraiser, 2-year old Martha Christie, made an appeal to the congregation for loonies to defray the cost of plants and decorative items for our barrel. Our generous congregation filled a little flower pot to overflowing. We have no excuse not to win the prize for most attractive arrangement and Martha says to all "tank you berry mush!"

HEAR YE, HEAR YE

In June 2010, the United Church of Canada will celebrate its 85th anniversary with the theme of Remember, Renew, Rejoice! A package with ideas has been sent to our charge on how to celebrate as individual congregations, A DVD was included with an anniversary message from our Moderator, Mardi Tindal.

Our pastoral charge has been offered the name and contact information of two other Canadian congregations, one in Sarnia and one in Cape Breton. In the interest of making connections with these two sister churches, we are invited to share some of the life and work of our church with them. The Reverend Carol Ferguson of High Park United Church, Sarnia, has already made email and phone contact with our charge office, and we are in the midst of collecting some photos and past copies of newsletters to send to that congregation. This is a year-long celebration, so the hope is our contact will be ongoing in 2010-11. Rev. Lynda would welcome other ideas from you, or contact Linda Brown 374-9990.

BOOK REVIEW

PATHS OF GLORY

By Jeffrey Archer 2009

Review by Doug MacIntyre

George Mallory is a name that should have appeared in our history books. He was born with the ability to be the greatest mountain climber. From lofty peak to even loftier peaks he climbed until at last - Mount Everest. But did he beat those who followed him?

Only after you have turned the last page of this extraordinary novel, inspired by a true story, will be you able to decide if George Mallory’s name should be added to the list of legends.

Jeffrey Archer’s book is the story of such a man. The reading of this easy-to-read book sees the pages flip by at break neck speed.

WRITERS WRITE & REPORTERS REPORT

“The Bridge” newsletter got off to a good start back in 2006 with lots of enthusiasm and energy – and lots of willing writers/reporters. Alas, our numbers have dwindled and we are in need of a second writer/reporter from St. Paul’s, for sure, and maybe one more from Trinity if anyone is interested.

We work hard four times a year. Articles for each issue are seriously discussed, mixed with a few laughs and a little gossiping!

Would you like to join us? Excellent writing skills are not a requirement. Call Rev. Lynda at 613-766-0619 or Doug MacIntyre at 613-374-5282.

“MY HOLIDAY”

Perhaps you were away on a holiday that was so fantastic or memorable that you wanted to share your experience with us. Drop us a line telling us your story and we’ll see if we can publish it.

HEAVENLY HUMOUR

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside.

'That laundry is not very clean.' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:
'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'

PIE “CHART”

Once again, our Mother's Day pie sale at Trinity was sold out by 11 am and netted a profit of about $550. A special thanks to all our pie makers and to those who helped with this event.

Let this be a lesson to you who came later!!!! Oh well - do not despair - the week before Thanksgiving will be another pie sale, apple this time. We plan to make 100 pies (all must be pre-ordered), info to follow in September. If you think it's too early to talk about an October pie sale, you should know that some have ALREADY BEEN ORDERED!!!

HOW COME THE WAITRESS GETS 15% AND GOD ONLY GETS 10%?

UPCOMING EVENTS

Watch for these Upcoming Events:

Sunday, June 6 - Dedication of stained-

glass window at Trinity in memory of Lionel and Viola Leslie

Oct. 3 – Worldwide Communion Sunday

Oct. 10 – Thanksgiving

Oct. 17 – St. Paul’s anniversary

Oct. 31 – 5^th Sunday combined worship at

Trinity

· When everything seems to go wrong --- Just P.U.S.H.

· When the job gets you down --- Just P.U.S.H.

· When people don't do as you think they should --- Just P.U.S.H.

· When your money is 'gone' and the bills are due --- Just P.U.S.H.

· When people don't understand you --- Just P.U.S.H.

   P = Pray
   U = Until
   S = Something
   H = Happens

GARDENING TIPS

► Mosquito Spray - spray the lawn and deck floor with Listerine. Also at picnics, children’s play areas and standing water.

► Zany containers - plant plants in an old running shoe, a child's lunch pail, a decorative gift box, an old purse, a broken wicker basket. Just line the inside with plastic first. Also, cowboy boots, rain boots, kid's toy box, baby buggy, kid's dump truck, an old kettle, or an aquarium.

► To make planters lighter, and reduce the use of soil, put old paperbacks or Styrofoam “peanuts” in the bottom. They conserve water.

► Paper bags from stores like Tim Horton’s can be used to store bulbs in the fall.

► Heavy paper pet food bag can be used to store rose pruning. They'll decompose right in the bag.

► Squirrel Away! - to keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

MEMBERS

Rev. Lynda Price - 372-2525 (766-0619)

St. Paul’s – Sheila Anthony - 376-6164

Trinity – Don Coleman – 374-2445

Trinity - Doug MacIntyre - 374-5282

email - douglasmacintyre@hotmail.com

DEADLINE for the next Newsletter is:-

September 20, 2010

Sunday, Sept. 12 – New worship times:

9:15 a.m. – St. Paul’s

11:00 a.m. – Trinity

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

- (F) Fellowship Sunday (every third Sunday)

Date/Designation	St. Paul’s	Trinity	Lay Readers
May 28-30	Lynda at annual Bay of Quinte Conf., Brockville
Sat., May 29	10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Open House at the Manse “Whale of a Sale” at Trinity
Sun., May 30	11:00 a.m. - 5^th Sunday combined worship service at St. Paul’s led by Grandmothers by the Lake		SP – Gayle Robertson
Tues., June 1		7:00 p.m. – Session and Stewards meet
Sun., June 6	Report to congregations re Visioning	Report to congregations re Visioning.	SP – Robert Galbraith TR – Carl Turner
Tues., June 8	7:00 p.m. – Council meets
Sat., June 12		7:30 pm “Black Tie and Blue Jeans Concert
Sun., June 13	11:00 a.m. – Trinity Anniversary Service. Guest preacher – Rev. Chris Walker		SP – Sheila Anthony TR – Darlene Nicol
June 19 – 21	Lynda at More Franchises Conference in Toronto. Pastoral care coverage by Rev. Stephen Ambury.
Sun., June 20 (F)	Guest preacher will be Mary Whitney	Guest preacher will be Mary Whitney	SP – Eileen van der Zwan TR – Ralph McInnes
Sat. June 26	4:30 – 6:30 - Turkey and strawberry supper
Sun., June 27 Father’s Day	Sacrament of Holy Communion - Reception of new member	Sacrament of Holy Communion	SP – Brenda Crawford TR – Dianne Vickery
Sun., July 4			SP – Elaine Lazier TR – Doug MacIntyre
Sun., July 11			SP – Gayle Robertson TR – Sharon Sole
Sat., July 17		Summer picnic at the Adamson’s
Sun., July 18 (F)			SP – Nancy Moore-Carr TR – John McDougall
Sun., July 25			SP – Robert Galbraith TR – Glenda Turner
St. Paul’s will be closed for the month of August. Please join us for worship at 9:15 am at Trinity.
Sun., Aug. 1			TR – Carl Sole
Sun., Aug. 8			TR - Dianne Vickery
Sun., Aug. 15 (F)			TR – Carl Turner
Sun., Aug. 22			TR – Linda Brown
Sun., Aug. 29	Combined worship service at Desert Lake Resort		Ralph McInnes
Sun., Sept. 5			SP – Sheila Anthony TR – Jennifer Bennett
Sun., Sept. 12			SP – Eileen van der Zwan TR – Doug MacIntyre
Sun., Sept. 19 (F)			SP – Brenda Crawford TR – Lynda Boulter
Sun., Sept. 26			SP – Elaine Lazier TR – Carl Sole