100th Gift Bags – Port Dover Woodhouse PC

Just thought that I’d share another anniversary project on the go here at Port Dover-Woodhouse PC.

These churches always have a combined outdoor service and potluck lunch at the end of June each year.  This year it is on the 22nd.  One of the things we are doing is giving out lightweight 100th anniversary souvenir bags that we are making.  Fabric was donated.  2 volunteers cut out the pieces for 100 bags.  14 other volunteers are sewing them together.  1 volunteer is printing and ironing on logos.

As you can see, the bags are reversible with the logo being on the solid coloured side.  We are making 20 each of red, yellow, purple, green, and blue.  Unfortunately “orange” was not available in the fabric at the time.  I was really hoping to have all six of the M&S colours but working on a tight budget meant going with this fabric. Each household at the joint service will be given one in the colour that they choose.  

The bags will include gifts from the churches and a different anonymous donor:  

• a copy of the anniversary edition of Broadview magazine (from donor)
• laminated bookmark made by Woodhouse congregational member
• the Anniversary hymn
• the Woodhouse 225 anniversary hymn
• hopefully a letter from the co-chairs of the Pastoral Charge Board
• hopefully some historical anecdotes from each church 

         … and the committees are still coming up with ideas

Some of the sewers have finished their share.  I have attached a picture of the yellow and purple ones and the iron-on that we have made.  The transfer includes “United Church of Canada” and the names of the 2 churches – “Woodhouse and Grace United Churches”.

I enjoy sharing the enthusiasm of these churches with all of you.

Together in faith
Kathryn Vance

Kumbaya

Prayer for Peace – Tune of Kum ba Yah

Kumbaya

Made popular by  Peter, Paul & Mary

Alternate words:  Kathryn Vance  2025

Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya

People crying Lord, guns won’t cease

Bombs of war destroy homes and peace

Children dying Lord, fam’lies flee

Oh Lord, kumbaya

Creation’s crying Lord, rivers black

Birds and fish are gone, can’t come back

People starving Lord, crushing fact

Oh Lord, kumbaya

Guide us now, O Lord, may we know

How to plant your love, seeds that grow

Hope and peace, O Lord, we shall sow

Oh Lord, kumbaya

Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya

Oh Lord, kumbaya

100th Anniversary Song – We Celebrate 100 years

Lyrics by: Rev. Kathryn Vance, retired DM, VAM Port Dover-Woodhouse Pastoral Charge

Music – AZMON 8686   Charles Gotthelf Glaser  1829
(tune of “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”)

We Celebrate 100 Years

We celebrate 100 years
United to give praise
We came together to be one
And follow Jesus’ Ways.

Presbyterian Churches joined
With Methodist that day
The Congregationalist, too
All gathered there to pray.

They sang some hymns of long ago
Recited Creed and Psalm
Each offered their inheritance
To make the Union strong.

Then came the bread and wine for all
To share communion and
The sacredness of God’s great love
That all may understand.

Still Word and Sacraments are shared
With all who enter in
Safety amidst God’s faithful ones
True justice here begins.

Let it be known to all around
United we remain
In Canada we grow in love
In sunshine, snow, and rain.

We teach of Jesus’ life and death
Support the broken ones
Give hope and peace and joy and love
Our mission’s just begun.

“Look Up Child” VIDEO from Stamford Lane United Church

This year marks 100 years of the United Church of Canada, and also 100 years of Stamford Lane United Church.

Our kids music ministry has recorded “Look Up Child” as a gift for you to share with your friends.

National resources

There are many!
It’s well worth signing up for this Centennial newsletter, which will keep you up to date on emerging resources and events, the monthly themes, and more, and more.
Click here for the main website for all things centennial.
Click here for related grants.
Clarity on 100th anniversary package sent to communities of faith

Design materials: Click here to access lots of free visual tools, such as the Centennial logos, a PowerPoint template; banners you can have printed locally.

Worship: Several national livestreamed worship services are planned.
Click here for the June 2024 YouTube video of the national service celebrating our 99^th!