Bloomfield-Musgravetown Pastoral Charge
Heritage United Church
33 Goose Bay Drive
PO Box 86
Musgravetown NL A0C 1Z0
Tel: (709) 467-2660
Email: heritageuc2016@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/heritageuc16/home
Minister: Rev. Stephanie McClellan
Newsletter - October, 2026
Minister’s Message
“The SLOW Kingdom??”
On Friday, the last of the three day Mental Health Summit, I took in a workshop called “Slow Kingdom Coming”. The premise was that
Jesus while alive on this earth and still today, teaches us to pray “thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”
Disciples have been praying those words FOREVER (it seems) and the kingdom has been SLOW in coming. The kingdom of God we pray for, sometimes by rote, some of us remembering the words better than others , means:
· justice for all
· daily sustenance for body and Spirit so everyone feels full and satisfied,
· forgiveness given and received and
· worship of our God who loves us enough to want all people to have the very best of everything in the here and now and in the kingdom to come.
And everyday we watch the news or doom scroll or talk with friends we seem to be slipping further and further from that kingdom we hope for.
BUT, the line that really struck me was the acknowledgment that “this slow kingdom comes at us pretty fast.” Can you relate? I sure can.
Our lives seem to speed up and out of control even though our goals seem to stretch beyond our grasp.
We wake up and hit the floor running with a to-do list that is longer at the end of the day than when we started.
The key to the Slow Kingdom Coming was to realize that in the rush, the hectic and the hurry, God is. God is still working out justice,
guiding us minute by minute and offering us strategies and rest to reboot for the long haul kingdom building offering us hope for our bodies and souls.
The workshop ended with Lectio Divina, a repeating of a few lines of scriptures to focus on as we seek what messages God might have for us. It is not scholarly. It is not Bible Study. It is not debate. We read so that we can see what God says to each of us, through those particular words.
The Bible verse they chose was Micah 6: 6-8. A very common
inspiration. And the word that stood out for me was “mortal” or “human one”. We are mortal. We are human meaning we come from the earth (humus) and we can be humble and forgiven for not
measuring up. It stood out for me because I sometimes need to remember that I am mortal. I am not God, nor am I expected to be, and neither are you, yet even through us, God works towards the kingdom we are building together.
So join me online on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm. Let’s take a SLOW MOMENT together for the benefit of our mind, body and soul.
Peace and Gratitude,
Rev. Steph
Church Life
Keep checking the church website/facebook
and bulletin for updates.
Prayer Shawl: Wednesdays at 11:00 am. in the CE Centre.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship: First Saturday of the month at 9:00am in the CE Centre.
Bible Study: Mondays, 7:00 pm at the Manse.
Sign Language: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm at the Manse.
We encourage you to take time to be nurtured in faith and fellowship through the activities our church provides. If you have any questions or suggestions, we invite you to share them with us. Worship services are held each Sunday at 11:00 am. Services are also held on/for special occasions. Please keep checking our website and facebook for updated information.
Church Website/Facebook
Stay connected to the life and work of our congregation by accessing the church website. Sunday bulletins, weekly meetings, donations and other announcements are regularly updated.
https://sites.google.com/site/heritageuc16/home
As well, we regularly post meeting updates, etc. and live-stream church services on our facebook page - ”Heritage United Church”
PAR or Pre-Authorized Remittance
PAR or Pre-Authorized Remittance, is a way of giving financially to support this Pastoral Charge. Being on PAR involves indicating the amount you want to have directly deposited to the church account from your personal account each month. Forms are
available. Please contact Ron Morgan for more information.
Church Finances
As with all organizations, your church is struggling with balancing expenses and income. It is always important that you give financially to your church on a regular basis. It is only by doing so that the church is able to keep its worthwhile ministry alive within our community. With all of the turmoil in our world, country, province and community, it is often the church that people turn to for support and reflection. With increasing costs, it is becoming more difficult to maintain our physical structures. It is also our goal to become even more involved with helping our neighbours as evidenced by our Christmas Hampers, our donation to the Fire Department and our collection of items for children at our local school. Remember, this is YOUR church and it exists for and
because of you. We don’t ask you to give beyond your means! Rather, give what you can with a cheerful heart!
50 km Yard Sale
Our church participated in the 50 km yard sale on Saturday, Sept 5th. Thank you to everyone for your support. We exceeded our expectations in raising almost $1,400.00 for the Church.
“Trunk or Treat”
October 31st between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.
Trunk or Treat is the idea that a group of cars (and their drivers of course) with decorated trunks and cars gather on the manse parking lot, and kids go from car to car for treats, and other Halloween fun rather than going to individual homes. This is a great idea for people who purchase Halloween treats and have very few “trick or treaters”. Anyone wanting to participate, please contact Rev. Steph or Ron to reserve a spot. You do not have to belong to the United Church to participate!!!
Helping Hands Committee
The Helping Hands Committee will once again be collecting food items for Christmas hampers. We are providing a paper shopping bag for you to take home and fill with non-perishable items. A few items each week will quickly fill a bag. Please bring or drop off your food items by Dec 20th. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Suggested list of items:
Canned items such as bean/stew, sandwich meats, fruit, vegetables, pasta sauce, tomatoes, soup, milk, ravioli, spaghetti.
Bottled items such as peanut butter, jam, cheese whiz, pancake syrup, shampoo, juice, coffee, household cleaners, cooking oil, dish liquid.
Boxed/bagged items such as cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, crackers, tea bags, hot chocolate, pasta, mac & cheese, rice, jelly pudding mix, stuffing mix, cake mix.
Other items such as sugar, flour, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, baking items.
If you are aware of a family who could use some help this Christmas with a food hamper, please contact Ron or Lynda at 467-5737 or 427-7548. All names submitted will be kept confidential. Items will be distributed between Dec 20th - 22nd.
School Supplies
During the month of August, Heritage United Church collected
donations of school items such as book-bags, exercise books and
pencils for distribution to children who sometimes can't afford to purchase the items they need to make the school year less stressful. The items have been shared between Anthony Paddon Elementary and Heritage Collegiate. Thank you for supporting this important outreach of our church!
Advent and Christmas Services
Nov 29 Advent 1 - Hope
Morning Worship at 11:00 am.
Dec 6 Advent 2 - Peace
Sacrament of Communion at 11:00 a.m.
Blessing the Nativities Event at 5:00 p.m. All Ages Event for everyone. Come for supper together at the church and create a clay figure for the Nativity Scene and bring them forward as we read the story together. Bring your nativity scene from home for display and we will bless them as part of our short worship service.
Dec 13 Advent 3 - Joy
White Gift Service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Carol Sing at 7:00 p.m
Dec 20 Advent 4 - Love
Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
“Cake & Punch” Christmas Service at 7:00 p.m.
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00 p.m.
Golf Tournament
The Annual Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, October 3rd at Eagle Creek Golf Course (Terra Nova Park). The event raised
approximately $6,000.00 for Church Funds! The corporate
sponsors (donors of $250.00) this year were…
Fewers Funeral Home
Young’s Refrigeration
Musgravetown Pharmachoice
Nfld Hermetic
Ron & Lynda Morgan
Roger & Christine Howse
David & Cindy Stead - in memory of loved ones.
Claude, Lisa & Braden Chaffey - in memory of loved ones.
Joyce Dominey & Dave & Kay Pye – in memory of Ernie
Dominey and Dalman & Anetta Chaffey
Bursell, Collette, Hannah, Brittany Pitts and Macailyn,
Adelyn & Evie Keats - in memory of Loved Ones.
The Thomas Family (Lionel & Patricia, Carol, Sandra & Paul and Gertie) - in memory of Mother, Ella Thomas. (2 Holes)
Karen(Perry) & Ken Andrews – in memory of Loved Ones.
Sexton’s Lumber.
Musgravetown Denture Clinic – Susan Holloway.
J1 Construction.
Frank & Meta Brown - in memory of Parents, Lyman & Lavina Brown and Sidney & Chloe Wells.
Gertie, Angie & Jennifer Thomas (The Thomas Girls) - in
memory of Husband & father, Gerald Thomas and Father & Grandfather, Mark Dominey.
Edith, Florence, Eugene & Dean Stead and Deanne Ivany - in memory of Husband, Father & Grandfather, Alonso Stead.
Auto Experts (Paradise) - Scott & Wendy Diamond.
Christine & Jenna Blagdon and Lee Russell - in memory of Loved Ones.
Dave & Vi Parsons - in memory of Loved Ones.
Garry & Barbara Romaine; Christy, Olivia & Sophia Smith - in memory of Loved Ones.
Rick Stead, Kirk Stead & Gail Griffiths - in memory of Loved Ones.
Triple G Farms - Fraser Greening
Michael, Jean, Holly & Mark Butt – in memory of Loved Ones.
Ray & Cheryl Little and Family - in memory of loved ones.
Bob & Fern Holloway –in memory of Daughter, Kimberley
Holloway.
Gordie & Cassie Young - in memory of John & Vera Young
Golf Tournament PRIZE Sponsors 2026
Auto Experts (Paradise) - Scott & Wendy Diamond
Mary Kay Products - Elaine Maeland
Around The Bay Fragrance - Lauren Chatman
Holloway’s Valu Grocer - Paul & Denise Holloway
Wingin It
Riverbend Farms
Greenwood Building Supplies
Clarenville COOP
Eastern Hyundai
UCW Legacy Continues
A couple of weeks ago, The women of the UCW (United Church Women) voted to disband and step out of the structure and governance of the UCW on a congregational, District and National level. However, we have not stepped away from Women’s Ministry. We have broadened the reach to women in the church and community in fresh new ways. We did not fold the group’s mission, we unfolded a legacy.
The UCW has enlivened, encouraged and supported women for generations who have lived up to this purpose:
To unite women of the congregation for the total mission of the church, and to provide a medium through which we may express our loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship and service.
It has leaned hard into service and fundraising over the years, but has had a great deal of fun and fellowship along the way making lifelong friendship and faith tangible.
We are going to celebrate the UCW’s women, their ministry and their legacy on November 1, All Saints Day at the 11:00 am. morning service. Couldn’t think of a more appropriate Sunday.
If you have memorabilia, photos or stories about a specific, beloved member, or a Mug Up they did that made you roll with laughter or the lunch these women served to your family after a funeral (the list goes on) please bring it with you and join us for a small lunch after church. It will be a wonderful time of fellowship to honour the women who have served God and God’s people their whole lives long. It is time for everyone to rejoice in the memories and dream for the future. Everyone is welcome. It is not limited to the women. It is a celebration of the women throughout the generations and in the here and now! It is open to all!
If you wouldn’t mind, please let me know if you think you are coming, (Rev. Steph 709-541-2756). It would help me know how many egg salad sandwiches to prepare! Not a church lunch without them!
If you would like to make a donation to the church to honour the legacy of women you know who have served God and the work of the church through the UCW, please contact a UCW member, Ron Morgan or place your donation in a clearly marked envelope with your regular Sunday offering.
Stella’s Circle Wishlist
(Items requested for White Gift Sunday)
Household Items Personal Care Items (for all adults)
Dishes Shampoo & conditioner (in one)
Pot & pans Shampoo
Forks, knives, spoons Deodorant
Utensils Conditioner
Cutting board Hairbrushes, combs, elastics
Kettle Hair spray and gels
Toaster Razors
Plastic mixing bowls Shaving creams and gels
Electric mixer Toothbrush and toothpaste
Dish cloths & pot cloths Soap
Single sheets Body wash
(twin, double & queen) Moisturizer and hand lotion
Cups, mugs and glasses Nail care items (clipper, nail file, etc.)
Pie Plates, cake plates, etc Feminine hygiene products
Baking sheets (especially tampons)
Can openers Dental floss
Colander Hairspray
Blankets & pillows Face cleanser (such as Cetaphil)
Dish racks Make up wipes
Casserole dishes (Note: some unscented toiletries would be helpful)
Bath towels, hand towels & face cloths
Frying pans (non-stick) Other Helpful Items (for all adults)
Mops, buckets, brooms Playing cards, Games
Basic household cleaners Socks
Laundry detergent Underwear (all sizes up to and incl. 5X)
Dish liquid Night Shirts
Light bulbs Pajamas and pajama bottoms
Reusable water bottles Slippers
Throw blankets Night wear sizes Large-5x
Alarm clocks Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves
Lysol wipes Winter wear (Coats, Jackets)
Paper towels Footwear (In & Out, esp. for winter)
Hand Sanitizer Movie Passes
Toilet paper Gift cards valued at $5 & $10 (ex. Subway, Tim Hortons, Sobeys, Walmart, etc.)
Adult colouring or doodling books & colouring leads.
Gifts should be new & remain unwrapped. Donations of personal care items and personal clothing (ex. socks, underwear, pajamas) can only be accepted if new and in their original packaging.