Worship This Sunday
Our Ministry
Growing Gower’s Inclusivity: Are you excited about growing Gower’s capacity to be inclusive and welcoming to all? Gower has secured the necessary funding to renovate the washrooms and surrounding areas on the lower level of our building. We are looking for 4-6 volunteers to form a renovation project team. This is a short-term commitment (less than six months) to oversee the development of the renovation. Send us an email
(office@gowerunited.com) or call the church office (709-753-7286) by April 29, 2024 to get involved.
Terms of reference:
1. Define the project and team members’ responsibilities
2. Identify construction windows in consideration of congregation’s and tenants’ needs
3. Invite contractors to review the project and submit quotes.
4. Hire and work with the successful contractor
5. Oversee and coordinate activities during demolition and construction
6. Organize all documentation for the project, such as designs, quotes, progress reports, and other project information as required
7. Regularly report to and seek decisions from the Board on the project’s activities
A Gala Concert to celebrate The GYB/GCB 50th Anniversary featuring special guest Mike Herriott, trumpet 7:30 pm Saturday, May 11, 2024 D.F. Cook Hall, MUN School of Music $25 general; $20 students & seniors. For tickets, contact roncollins@bellaliant.net
Happy Passover to our Jewish friends and neighbours.
Passover is one of the important Jewish holidays. It is held in the spring on the 15 day of the month of Nissan which at present falls between March 26 th and April 25th of the Gregorian calendar. This year Passover began with sundown, April 22nd and ends with sundown, April 30th.
The Passover story is from the biblical book of Exodus, which commemorates the ancient Hebrews’ enslavement in Egypt and their exodus to freedom. It is the central story of the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible) and reflects some of the biggest themes in Jewish history: foreign oppression and the longing for freedom; the sense that Jews are a protected and resilient people who will survive any adversity; and the contrast between living outside of Israel (in what’s called the “diaspora”) and living in Israel. Those themes, and their contemporary resonance, are a big part of the Passover holiday today. This story of redemption from slavery is a story that has shaped Jewish consciousness and values.
Passover is celebrated in the home where there is a service in a specific order, or Seder, a festive meal, and concludes with continuation of the service and songs. It is meant to be joyful, with lots of laughter and meaningful discussion. The beginning of the Seder recounts the story of Hebrew slavery in Egypt and how Moses led them out of Egypt to freedom. After the meal, the Seder shifts to redemption and hope, opening the door for the prophet Elijah to enter and ending with “Next Year in Jerusalem”. This has been the Jewish prayer for centuries.
The Anchorman Barbershop Chorus invites you to "You're As Welcome As The Flowers In May, Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 in the Cook Hall at the MUN School of Music. Entertainers include the Anchorman Chorus, Holy Heart of Mary Low Notes, Close Quarters Women's Quartet and two Anchorman quartets. Doug Dunsmore (conductor) invites you all to join us in this family fun evening with songs from past to present. Tickets $25.00 are available at the door.
GIVING TO GOWER – HOW TO DONATE TO GOWER?
Ways to maintain your financial support of our church, there are a few options available:
- Sign up for PAR (Pre Authorized Contributions), or if you are already on PAR, then maybe consider increasing your contribution. This can be done by calling the office (709-753-7286) or by email (office@gowerunited.com)
- You can also click the donate button above
- We also accept e-transfer. Just send it to gsuc@nl.rogers.com
- You may also send a cheque via mail or drop it in the dropbox accessible to the right of the office entrance. Our mailing address is 99 Queens Road, St. John's, NL, A1C 6M6..
This Week At Gower
Office Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship:
April 28: Fifth Sunday of Easter, Baptism
May 5: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Weekly Activities:
Wednesday, May 1: Gower Community Band at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 2: Pause for Prayer online at 4:30 p.m.
Upcoming Youth Meetings and Events.
Youth Group Meetings:
The next meeting is Wednesday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m.
As we near summer, We share information about summer opportunities for Youth. With Rev. Rebecca we will start fundraising to cover the costs of those interested in any of these opportunities so please email here if your youth is interested in any of these and if they are which ones. Also feel free to reach out with any questions.
FDEE Regional Youth Forum
June 7th -9th at Memorial University
Grades 6 to 12
Cost $100.00
Registration is now open and closes May 17th
Register here
Audacious Hope
Event for Youth, Young Adults and Those Who Lead Them, July 3-6, 2024, Brock University, St. Catherines, ON. UCC and the Presbyterian Church of Canada\
$425.00 April 15 – May 15 and $500 May 15 -May 31 (does not include flights)
Formally Rendezvous – National UCC Youth, Young Adult Gathering.
Youth entering grade 9 in September 2024 and older
Learn more here
The Go Project
Youth ages 12-16
Two locations: July 6 -14 Kingston Road United Church, Toronto, ON and July 27 – August 4 at Gower Street United Church, St. John’s, NL
9-day overnight camp with mission and discernment experience with international living in the community of faith.
Cost $499.00 (does not include flights)
Happening in various forms since 2007, with a break due to COVID
Registration Now Open
Learn more Here
2024 Indigenous-Racialized Youth Retreat
This event will occur at Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba, August 26–30, 2024, for young people between 16-25. In forming a youth-oriented community of faith, eight (8) Indigenous and eight (8) Racialized youth applicants will be selected to create a space where they can demonstrate how racial equity can lead toward affirming different cultural and spiritual heritages as a worshipping youth community within the United Church. This retreat-event will also contribute to the commitment of The United Church of Canada toward becoming an anti-racist denomination. Learn more about the Retreat and how to apply here: https://united-church.ca/opportunities/indigenous-and-racialized-youth-retreat-sandy-saulteaux-spiritual-centre-2024
Gower Learners:
Gower Learners begins Sunday's at 10:40 a.m.
Family Events:
Stay Tuned!
Gower Young Peoples Choir:
Weekly during 11:00 a.m. worship
Gower Handbell Choir:
Taking a break until May 15th.
Our Community
The Cormiers in Concert at Topsail United Church, Featuring Gordon & Loretta, the Country Duets Show, Your Favorites Songs from Johnny & June, Conway & Loretta, George & Tammy, Porter and Dolly, and so many more many more, On Friday April 26, Showtime 7 p.m., Tickets $25, available by calling the church office at 709-834-4567, Monday thru Friday from 9 until 12, leave a message or e mail office@topsailunited.ca
Cowan Heights United Church Spring Craft Fair: Cowan Heights United Church is having a Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, April 27th, from 10am–4pm. We will be featuring local vendors selling loom knit stuffed animals, crochet plushies, adults & kid’s jewelry, RUMMOLI pots, Christmas spiders, cupcakes and cake pops, Olaf's Kitchen, and much more.
Topsail United Church will host an Afternoon Tea Party and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 4, from 2 until 4 P.M., with Special Musical Guests Avalonia. Tickets are $ 12 for Adults and children under 12-$6. Please remember your Fascinator. To reserve your tickets, please call the church office at 709-834-4567. No Tickets at the Door.
BRIDGES TO HOPE FOOD DRIVE AT FIRST UNITED: We are planning a food drive in the parking lot of First United Church on Saturday, May 4th from 9:30 am to 1 pm. Please mark the date on your calendar. All donations are greatly appreciated! Help us feed the hungry!
Change to Wesley Flipper Dinner: The Fall Fair Committee Flipper Dinner on Thursday, May 9th will ***NOW BE AN EAT IN MEAL *** although takeouts will still be available. Tickets are $30 and should be paid for and picked up before or on Friday May 3rd between 11 am and 1 pm. Eat in dinners will be served at 6:00 pm and takeouts should be picked up between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm on May 9th. To order tickets call Marvin at 709-579-7900, Pheobe at 709-726-1689 or the church office at 709-579-3682.
First United Church Women Morning Coffee and Cake Walk: The UCW of First United are sponsoring a Morning Coffee Saturday, May 11th in Trinity Hall from 10:00 - 12 noon with the doors opening at 9:30. Tickets will be $8 each and are available through UCW members, and at the Church Office (709-368-2194) weekdays Wednesday - Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 noon until May 8. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door so please purchase them by May 8th. Come sit, have a cup of coffee or tea and of course a sweet or two with your family and friends and participate in our Cake Walk which will take place during the Morning Coffee. Bring along a few toonies for your chance to get a wonderful cake!
Cowan Heights Men’s Club Draw: Cowan Heights United Church Men’s Club are selling tickets on a beautiful Hand-Built Newfoundland Rodney (Rowboat), Hand-Crafted by a congregation member-Retail Value: $2,000. Tickets are $5 each and the draw will take place on July 7, 2024. If you would like to help sell tickets you can pick them up at the church office. Thanks in advance for your support!
Atlantic String Quartet – In Concert: The award-winning Atlantic String Quartet of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of beautiful string music. The concert includes String Quartet no. 3 by R. Murray Schafer, Entr’acte by Caroline Shaw and String Quartet no. 14 in G major, K. 387 by Mozart. Recital 4 will take place at 8pm on Sunday April 28, 2024 at the Anglican Cathedral (16 Church Hill, St. John’s). Tickets are available at www.artsandculturecentre.com 709-729-3900 or at the door.
The People of the Sea Service: For 60 years George Street United Church in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, had held a special annual service called "The People of the Sea Service". Initially the tradition was actually tied to the blessing of the fleet in St. John's Harbour as the sealers headed out to the ice for the seal hunt. For over a hundred years, prior to departure the sealers and their families in most Outport communities would gather in their respective churches where prayers were offered for their success and safe return home. The tradition was revived again by Rev. Naboth Winsor with the first "Sealers'Service" at George Street United Church on March 3, 1963. Gradually it grew to include all people who make their living on or from the sea, those whose work took them on the ocean and those whose work is to study and preserve our ocean and sea environment and marine life. Sadly George Street United Church closed down last year, 2023.
Memorial United Church in Portugal Cove felt this service was indeed an important part of our heritage and an intregal part of the "sea culture" of our province as well as our call to be good stewards of our oceans and seas. Consequently we worked with George Street United Church in planning a transition of this service so that it would continue in a new venue but with all of the same heartfelt heritage, history and links to the past. We have committed to continuing this service annually as a part of the "Legacy of George Street United Church".
On behalf of Memorial United Church, it is our pleasure to invite you all to this special service that began 61 years ago. This year's service will be held on Sunday, April 28th, 2024 at 2:00pm. If possible please RSVP by calling the Chair of the Board, Sid Woolfrey, at 709-770-1245 or via email: sidwoolfrey@gmail.com. If you do not get a chance to RSVP we would love to have you join us anyway.
We look forward to your attendance at this special service celebrating the lives of those whose work is focused on the sea. A reception will follow the service.
Cowan Heights Hot Turkey Dinners: The Men’s Club are holding their Take-out Hot Turkey Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, May 25th. Pick up your meal between 4:30 and 5:30pm. Your meal includes fresh Turkey (White and Dark meat), Dressing, Potatoes, Carrot, Turnip, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Roll and Butter Pattie, and of course, dessert! Only $25.00 each! Deadline to order: Tuesday, May 20th. To place your order, contact the church office at 709-745-2871 or by email at office@cowanheightsunited.ca.
Revival at Cowan Heights: Join us for a Live inspirational performance on Sunday May 26th at 7pm under the direction of Jason March. Also presenting a solo performance by Tyler Young. Serving tea/coffee after the show. All proceeds are in support of Cowan Heights United Church. Tickets are $20.00 each. If you’re interested in attending the Concert, please contact the Church office at 745-2871 or Ros at 745-1345.
World Labyrinth Day (WLD), May 4, comes just a month after the installation of a new labyrinth, dedicated to Ocean Health which been laid in the South Transept of the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. We invite you to join us on May 4th, World Labyrinth Day (WLD), for our first public event. You'll have the opportunity to walk our new labyrinth in the South Transept. If the weather permits, we also hope to have our outdoor labyrinth open. This natural garden labyrinth, located just outside the crypt and east of the greenhouse, offers a unique experience and is visible from the parking lot. So whether you choose to explore the indoor or outdoor labyrinth, World Labyrinth Day at the Cathedral will be a memorable experience for all. Saturday May 4 Time: 1:00pm – 3:30 pm Enter through the stone porch doors off Gower St.
Special Events
The Service and Social Club of Gower Street United Church will hold a Flea Market and Jumble Sale on Saturday, April 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Chalet on Mayor Avenue. Admission is $1.00. All are welcome!
In partnership with the GSSC, the UCW will participate in the Flea market on April 27th at the Lions Chalet. They will be providing a bake table and a jewelry table.
