THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, 2010 - FYI - The first Olympic Winter Games were held in 1924, in Chamonix, France. Canada competed and won Canada's first gold medal. In it's first four hockey games, Canada beat Switzerland 33-0, Czechoslovakia 30-0, Sweden 22-0, Great Britain 19-2 before winning with a 6-1 victory over the U.S. in the final. The sport of bobsleigh didn't begin until the late 19th century when the Swiss attached a steering mechanism to a toboggan. The five Olympic rings represent the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Every national flag in the world includes at least one of the five colours, which are blue, yellow, black, green and red. The torch relay in 2010 is the longest relay in Olympic history.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, 2010 - Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Avenue, are hosting a Jazz Vespers Series. Vespers begin at 4:30 pm - the first one features the Malvern Dance Band.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 2010 - Join us for morning worship at 10:30 - Rev. Matt McKay leading. Following worship, do join us for our annual general meeting. This is an important meeting - we have some serious decisions to make about the future of our church. Bring a sandwich, grab a coffee and return to the sanctuary.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th, 2010 - St. Andrews, King Street - 7:00 pm - A jazz concert celebrating the music of Mardi Gras. As well as a contribution towards St. Andrew's "88 Keys" piano campaign, the profits from this event will be directed towards the Haitian Relief Fund of PWS&D. www.standrewstoronto.org/jazz

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2010 - To begin the season of Lent an Ash Wednesday quiet service of reflection - 7:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2010 - 12:00 noon - Begins the St. Andrew's, King Street, annual Lenten Meditation noonhour services. "24 hours that changed the world". Ash Wednesday Service. 12 noon Organ selections 12:15 Meditation, 12.45 lunch.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 2010 - 7:00 pm - Beaches Lent International Film Festival. Our first film is Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks and a volleyball! Join us for a relaxed fun evening.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, 2010 -To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church is hosting a Concert series which includes "Variations" featuring Michelle Kettrick, soprano, Tom Doherty, Tenor, Mark Ruhnke, baritone, Rick Humphrey, piano and tenor and Carmine Lappano, piano and tenor. Come and hear Bach's Concerto in D Minor played on two grand pianos. Part of the proceeds will go to support Inter-Christian Health Ministries. Tickets for individual concerts are $20.00 each or all four for $75.00. gcpc.50th.tickets@rogers.com

MISSION CAPSULES: Our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing ... help support West Shore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, B.C. This small congregation has a big heart and big ideas. Their blend of contemporary and traditional worship is currently held in a renovated house which can accommodate about 60 people, "if everyone holds their breath!". They are hoping to begin building a new church soon. The church minister in the community by conducting services at three seniors care facilities and collecting food items for the West Shore Food Bank. Let us pray for West Shore as it serves the needs of members, reaches out to the community and plans for a building of it's own.

NOTE: Caroline deKloet is part of a team from Toronto that is serving in Whistler for the Olympics. Susan McAlister's sister was one of the torch bearers in Alberta.


OXYMORONS:!!

Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?

Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?


Have a good week. MB