► What you need to know this week

Announcements

• Easter Food Drive – On a recent grocery shopping trip, I came to realize that my dollar was not going as far as I wished. I was there to buy fresh vegetables, like broccoli, celery, lettuce, tomatoes etc. After a few tough weeks of grey skies, and alternating weather of rain, freezing rain and even snow flurries, I had become a ‘couch’ potato(or sloth), watching t.v. and over-snacking.
I decided to ‘get green’ and get healthier. My shopping experience was an eye-opener. If I bought all the vegetables I desired, I’d have to cut my meat budget in half (at least). I ended up buying a veggie platter with a variety of vegetables instead of my original list. I’m only buying for two right now, and I could manage that for now and reconsider for next time.
It made me think…how do families of four or more do this every week? Obviously, some can’t and have to make tough choices, harder than mine. They then consider going to a food bank to feed their families.
My plea today is for all of us to help those families making these tough choices every week for their families. By donating to the Fare Share Food Bank we can help stock the shelves so that these families can get the help they need. Of course, you can bring items to the church on Sunday or throughout the week or you can donate through your Walton envelopes. The money received can be used to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, cheese and milk to share with their clients on their next visit.
Every donation helps. Items needed most can be found on their website (www.oakvillefoodbank.com) Please donate throughout April and beyond.
On your behalf, Walton Outreach

• SPRUCE UP DAY – May 14th, 2022 – 8:30AM TO AFTERNOON  — We have a variety of jobs needing done around the church, basically involving: Cleaning, Painting, Repair, Gardening and General Arrangement. There’s room for any skill level on the day. If you can do 1-2 hours or the whole time, please contact the  Church Office or email office@waltonmemorial.com. See you there!

• VBS Volunteers Wanted – Calling all adults and university students! We need your help to make our VBS day camps the most fun and exciting week of the summer. We are looking to fill a few key roles on our camp leadership team. Volunteers for these positions should be able to commit to a full 5-day week from July 4-8 and/or July 11-15. Full days are ideal, but some roles can be divided into morning (8:30-12:30) and afternoon (12:30-4:30) shifts. Leaders will work with a team of helpers and will have detailed manuals, training, and support.

➤ Bible Study Leader – Leader delivers age-appropriate lessons and supporting activities based on the VBS theme of the day. Leader is responsible for preparing each day’s materials and supplies, setting up the Bible Study area before lessons and cleaning up after. Lesson plan outlines and suggested activities / games are provided.
➤ Snacktivity Leader – Leader plans, prepares, and serves healthy and fun snacks based around the VBS theme (2 per day). Leader is responsible for stocking and preparing ingredients and supplies needed each day, along with ensuring all snack items meet food allergy restrictions. Leaders should be familiar with safe food handling guidelines and kitchen hygiene and are responsible for set up and cleaning of the kitchen daily. A planning guide with suggested snack ideas is provided.
➤ Games Leaders – Games leaders plan and supervise a variety of high-energy, age-appropriate group games which can be enjoyed outdoors on the front lawn or in the mini gym. Leaders are responsible for preparing each day’s materials and supplies, and setting up and cleaning up the games area each day.
➤ Craft leader – Craft leaders are responsible for planning, preparing, and supervising 2 daily craft activities that fit the VBS theme. Leaders are responsible for sourcing and organizing all materials and supplies, and for daily set up and clean up of the craft area.

High school students and junior leaders stay tuned – we will have lots of volunteer opportunities for you as well!

• Ukraine Relief-Support for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine – If you would like to make a donation for relief for the people of Ukraine, you can do it through your givings account at Walton. No amount will be too small in such dire circumstances and we will be sure to direct your donation carefully through the Canadian Red Cross.

• To donate by credit card – You can click on this Walton link: https://waltonmemorial.churchcenter.com/giving/to/disaster-relief-outreach-ukraine
• You can also text a donation, by sending a text to 84321 with a dollar amount followed by “ukraine” e.g. “$25 ukraine”
• You can also drop a cheque made out to Walton Untied Church with “Ukraine” in the memo line, through the mailbox slot at Walton Church, or sent by Canada Post to Walton Memorial United Church, 2489 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville L6L 1H9. Any donation for Ukraine will be added to your annual givings and will be included in your end of 2022 official tax receipt from Walton.

Thank you in advance for anything you would like to donate. ~ The Walton Outreach Committee

• Gift Card Sale – Now’s your chance to “Shop ‘Til You Drop” and support Walton’s Ministry and Mission at the same time, with our Gift Card Sale.
Here’s how it works:
– Many generous businesses and individuals have donated gift cards to the church for local businesses, services, restaurants, and experiences. We have also received a number of discounted tickets for the Stratford Festival to sell as a fundraiser. The church office is selling these cards and tickets at face value, with all proceeds going to support our General Fund, on a first-come, first- served basis.
At each entrance/exit of Walton, there is a paper list of gift cards. Please pick up a copy and take it home if you wish. Read it at your leisure, and select the card(s) or tickets of your choice from the list and contact the church office, Tuesday through Friday to arrange payment and pickup/delivery time, office@waltonmemorial.com or 905-827-1643. It’s that easy! Thank you to our generous donors and purchasers for your support.

• Children and youth are invited to view this week’s virtual Sunday School lesson online. This week we’re talking about sin and we have some bad news and good news for everyone.

• Sam’s Lady Rose Relish and Sam’s Bread & Butter Pickles (a very limited quantity) are available for purchase at $5.00 each from the church office.

• Mike’s award-winning Marmalade is now available for purchase at $5.00 each from the church office.

• Walton’s prayer chain is open. Confidential prayers requests can be sent to office@waltonmemorial.com

• If you need Rev. Jim for a pastoral emergency, please email him directly at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com.