MacNeill Baptist Church
News and Notes
Church Moderator: Sonia Rogers
Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care: The Rev. Dr. Susan St John
Director of Music: Monica Admiral
Custodian: Sandy Palin
Associate Ministers in Spiritual Care: Garry Blinch, Robert Bond, Claire Gosselin, David Jones, Felida Toledo
Pastoral Care: When you would like someone to pray with, to request a pastoral visit, or to publish a prayer request please contact
Susan St John at 905-512-9897 or sstjohn.macneill@gmail.com
Pastoral Care Team: Heather Hobbs, David Jones, Bruce Papky, Feli Toledo and Beverly Woods.
Your continued financial support of our congregation is appreciated. Donations can be mailed to the church, or made through e-transfer at donations@macneillbaptist.ca, or from the Donate Now link our website. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Key Change!
The King St doors have now been harmonized so that the inner door key also opens the outer door lock.
A Message from Management
“Miracles do happen… the Bell Tower roof is now repaired and presumably leak-free. The cost is approximately $25,000 including tax. Any donations to help meet this expense will be greatly appreciated.” Your beloved Board of Management.
Let’s Celebrate!
On Sunday May 24, you are invited to partake in cake in the parlour to celebrate Susan’s achievement of a Doctorate of Ministry.
Thrive Youth Retreat- Friday June 5- Sunday June 7
Camp Hermosa is organizing a weekend retreat for youth in Grades 7-12 (though they are flexible).
It will be a fun and relaxed weekend for youth to hang out with each other, do some fun activities (swimming, BMXing, axe throwing, hiking, campfires, etc), grow in their faith (with input by Marguerite Campbell, a social justice and equity educator), and enjoy the outdoors (forest, river, lake front, and beautiful sunsets off the escarpment).
All food and accommodations are provided. The cost is $150 each for the weekend. I’ve had some people reach out about joining us just for the day on the Saturday, and the cost for that would be $75 each. For more information, see camphermosa.org or contact Camp Manager Luke Hill at manager@campehrmosa.org
Sign-up deadline is June 1.
Ecumenical Brainstorming
We have begun a conversation to explore how our four churches (MacNeill, St.Paul, St. Cuthbert, Westdale United) might join together in some form of activity, yet to be defined. As an oft explored topic, we are staying very broad and without resolution yet. We begin with having conversation about Mission and the needs of our congregations. Please consider adding your voice to this conversation on the third Thursday of the month (May 21) at noon here at MacNeill. Come in the front door, please. Your voice is welcome.
Mother’s Day For Phoenix Place
Outreach and Service is collecting donations for mothers residing at Phoenix Place. The next few Sundays there will be baskets in the narthex and at the front of the sanctuary for donations.
Staff at Phoenix Place have given us some suggestions:
- Baby items (baby carrier, breast pump, etc)
- Self-care items (bath items, nail polish/remover, etc)
- Black hair care products (Garnier)
- Towels, Slippers, Grocery gift cards, Chocolate
- Bus tickets/prepaid presto cards
Memorial Service for Cheryl Stovell
Cheryl Stovell’s Memorial Service will be held on June 20, 2026 at Circle of Life, 100 King Street East, Dundas, Ontario. Visitation from 1-4 p.m., Service at 2 p.m.
Women of MacNeill
The Women of MacNeill will meet on Saturday May 9th at 2:30pm in the church parlour. Programme is “My Mother Lois” with Jean Wilson. Please join us for friendly conversation and refreshments.
Camperships
Once again Christian Education is offering sponsorships to children going to summer camps. They can apply to any member of our board, Anne Blinch, Lynn Bond, Jean Wilson, Jessica Purdy or Susan Guichelaar Gesch.
MacNeill Council Meeting Dates– Please take note.
Council: April 15, Sept 23, Nov 25. Semi-Annual Meeting: June 7.
Monumental Statements- Friday May 8 at 7:30 pm
Sinfonia Ancaster presents a concert that is a true celebration of the scale and emotion that only an orchestra can provide. It features Elgar’s Cello Concerto, with cellist Amber Ghent, and Saint-Saёns’ Symphony No. 3, with organist Ian Sadler. Tickets are available at the door or at https://www.sinfoniaancaster.com/monumental-statements/
(Garth plays in this orchestra)
Prayer Group
A small but faithful group at St. Cuthbert’s, with folk from St. Paul’s, have been praying together every Monday morning at 6.30 for the past 3 years using the Common Prayer liturgy. This liturgy is roughly based on Anglican matins liturgy and is largely sung or chanted. We at MacNeill are invited to join. For more information please contact Scott Innes, (905)527-8455.
The Niagara Hamilton Association AGM will take place on Saturday May 23 at North Burlington Church. MacNeill is permitted three delegates.
Advance Notice: PEACE CAMP
The Summer Conference of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America is coming to Canada this summer! It will be held on the campus of the University of Guelph, July 13 to 18, 2026. This is BIG news! Follow the URL for early bird registration by Feb 28. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350288&id=11
CBOQ Assembly 2026- June 4-6
Registration for CBOQ Assembly is open! We’re excited to gather again at Brock University to worship, learn, and pray together as a family of churches. Please note that early bird registration is available until April 17 and the last day to register is May 5. Please speak to Sonia for more info if you are interested.
