The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

Community World Day of Prayer Service is Friday, March 5th at 10:30 a.m. at Mount Carmel-Zion United Church - at the corner of Church & Victoria Streets in Morriston with Duff’s Presbyterian, Knox Crieff Presbyterian and Crieff Hills Retreat & Conference Centre also participating in the service. 

As some of you may already be aware, Five Oaks is going to be turning 60 years old in 2012. To commemorate this milestone Adam Mason and Debra Kigar are going to be compiling a book of stories about Five Oaks. They have asked me to send along to you information about this project as well as details of how stories can be submitted. I hope that many of you will feel called to share your experiences with Five Oaks and encourage you to please not feel that your stories are not important enough to be included.

Sunday, February 7, 7:00 pm
The River Run Centre
35 Woolwich St., Guelph, ON
Tickets $30 (reserved)
http://www.riverrun.ca 519-763-3000
Additional donations will be accepted at the event
River Run Centre facilities donated by the City of Guelph
All proceeds to Canadian Red Cross - All services donated

The nominating committee is still looking for people to be involved in our community.  We are looking for a Youth Group Leader, Youth Representative to Council and a Presbytery Alternative.  These and other positions are available.  Speak to Anita if you are interested in serving in some capacity in the work of our church.