Session and Board Précis - April 2017

On behalf of the Board and Session, Virginia and I hope that you have felt spiritual renewal during the season of Lent and as we begin the season of Easter. We feel so blessed for Sarina’s ministry!

Session met on April 4th, and the Board met on April 11th.

Though it seems that the AGM was years ago, Session expressed our enthusiasm for how enjoyable the event was. We recognized that the congregational discussion about the projected budget last November had been very helpful, and hope to do the same thing again this fall.

Musical ministry for children and youth is growing at Briarwood. Stevie has started a Kid’s Worship Band and Olivier plans to start a Choral Academy in September. Together, they have drafted an application for financial support from Canadian Ministries within the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Session was delighted with the initiative. Their application will go forward with strong endorsement from Session.

Session celebrated the names of individuals who wish to join Briarwood and who wish to have their children baptized. April 30th will be a blended service where we join as a family in welcoming all those who are able to be present on that date. Thanks to Donna and Joan for agreeing to organize a light lunch after the service to supplement our usual fellowship time! If you are able to bring sandwiches, let Joan know!

We were also thrilled to see the names of individuals nominated to be elders. Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations! We will hold a special congregational meeting between services on May 14th to elect new elders, and they will be ordained on Pentecost, at our June Blended Service and Picnic on June 4th.

Finally, both Board and Session formally approved the Latte and Muffin Campaign!

The concept is that just a small extra contribution per week by all adults between now and the end of the year would provide us with enough funds for our Children & Youth Director (CYD) for 2018. What is small? Well, we were imagining the cost of a latte and muffin (hence the name), or a Big Mac, or popcorn at a movie, or … something that might cost $5 or $10. We encourage everyone to consider the following questions:

• Do you agree that children and youth are central to the future of Briarwood?

• Would you like to see our initiatives for children and youth continue and grow?

• Can you visualize this as a priority for you?

Contributions can be made weekly, monthly, or on a few occasions that suit you best. You can mark the contribution on your envelop as OTHER - CYD. Or you could sign up for pre-authorized monthly bank withdrawals (PAR). That way you can be sure not to forget! If PAR might work for you, here is a PAR form. You can complete it and give it to Briarwood’s envelope secretary, Mary Ruth Michel, or mail it to her c/o Briarwood.

Finally, the Session and Board remind you of the Spring Clean-up on the morning of Saturday May 6th. All are welcome to join the fun.

The building will look especially sparkling when Spectrum Voices presents their Spring concerts on May 12th and 13th at Briarwood. This year, the proceeds are being donated to support life skills and work training for young adults with developmental delays. This program receives funding through the Pearson Education Foundation. Tickets are available from Nancy or Marilyn. We are also selling tickets online (see attached poster). With promotion through the LPB School Board, we are hoping to have a full house both evenings, so best to get your tickets in advance! (Hope this more personal note is OK!)[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v:path> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:286.8pt; height:381pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/BRIARW~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:href="cid:image004.png@01D2B823.FD722C90"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif]

Mark your calendars for the Clean-Up and for the concerts!

Marilyn E. Scott

Clerk of Session

Briarwood Presbyterian Church

70 Beaconsfield Blvd

Beaconsfield, QC H9W 3Z3

Church office: 514-695-1879

Email: marilyn.scott@mcgill.ca