October 16, 2005 - Mission & Outreach Service

 

 

 

Junior Choir “Sing Unto the Lord”

 

Conversation Time

 

 

 

Message: “Crisis Assistance Network” Connie Dulle (Secretary: CAN; Business Manager – Salvation Army)

 

 

This Week at Westminster (October 16 - 22)

Sun.       Prairie Pride Chorus Concert    2:00 p.m.         Sanctuary

 

 

Board Summary – October 11, 2005 Meeting

There were 8 members and James & Jane in attendance

·         James gave a report about his sabbatical

·         Central Park School was given permission to use the Sanctuary and Hall for their Christmas Concert on December 14th.

·         New marriage policy was adopted – refer to insert.

·         In the spring, we will once again be having photographs taken for a new photodirectory – more information in 2006.

·         All committees need to have their 2006 budgets given to the treasurer (Al Pols) in the next two weeks.

 

Respectfully submitted, Stan Bohnet – Chair


 

Westminster United Church

Marriage Policy

The Board of Elders of Westminster United Church, in support of our National Church encouragement offered through our Moderator, The Right Reverend, Doctor Peter Short, who, in a letter to congregations dated June 28th, 2005, upheld the diversity of our Church's constituency and also supported the Government of Canada's timely adoption of Bill C-38, has covenanted to uphold this law believing "Freedom of religion does not trump equality, nor does equality trump freedom of religion; these rights must co-exist".1  We believe that through this supportive action "Marriage will be enhanced, not diminished, religious freedom will be protected, not threatened, and Canadian society will be strengthened, not weakened, as a result of this legislation". 1  The Board also believes that support for the Alberta Provincial Government's adherence following the proclamation of, and effective date for, the federal Civil Marriage Act of July 20, 2005 upholds the responsibility of our ministers to conduct marriage services for such persons as have valid Marriage Licenses issued by the province of Alberta exercising pastoral discretion as they see fit. In so doing we continue to exercise our common ministry within our congregation and before God.

 

 

 1(June 27th, Richard Chambers speaking on behalf of the Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit of the united church of Canada.)