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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 28, 2008 - 17 Outreach is key at Maple Grove United Church Continued from page 15 It also assisted orphanages in Romania and Peru. According to Murray-Hays about 1,000 people make their way through the church building weekly -- be they from the congregation or community. The church offers a daycare, hosts the 4th Trafalgar Scouts and Girl Guides, is the site of numerous music and dance classes for all ages, and hosts the East Oakville Community Seniors' group. Maple Grove United has people in its choirs from age three to 83. It boasts two children's choirs, and teen, adult and handbell choirs. Murray-Hays said handbells were used in England by bellringers to avoid pulling the huge cords of church tower bells during practices and became an art form of their own. Besides its annual picnic water balloon toss, Maple Grove United is known for its annual fertilizer sale, which marked its 48th edition this spring. Just as the sale has moved toward organics and green methods, so too will the church as it renovates its lobby and becomes wheelchair accessible in the near future. "We do a huge amount of outreach in the community. Outreach has really exploded in the last 15 years," said Murray-Hays. On Thursday, June 5, the church will host a two-week sculpture garden and the proceeds will benefit the Million or More Oakville campaign for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Here at home, the church supports Kerr Street Ministries, the Oakville Parent-Child Centre, Halton Women's Place and the Halton Children's Aid Society. Stepping out ahead is not new to Maple Grove or its progressive minister who was co-founder, and is executive secretary, of the Interfaith Council of Halton. When 9/11 occurred, it was not long after that Murray-Hays invited Muslim leader, Abdul Qayyum Mufti, who is co-chair of the Islamic Circle of North America, to speak to her congregation. The two spiritual leaders became friends and expanded the friendship to include a local rabbi. The council blossomed from making a mayor's address in the Rev. Morar Murray-Hays wake of 9/11 to fostering a festival among local youths. "It's a wonderful piece of work," said Murray-Hays of the council. "Here, we never say, `We don't do it that way.' Every challenge becomes an opportunity." Forging friendships and offering assistance to the church's various communities -- be it within the church, or its wider local, national and international communities -- takes many forms at Maple Grove United. From a beer fest that featured a master brewer teaching his craft, to fundraiser pub nights, the Maple Grove Rocks concert that featured The Supremes, Spice Girls and a senior Elvis tribute performances, the I'm Still Here presentation for Alzheimer patients' caregivers or the annual lectures on Great Books and world religions from former University of Toronto professor Peter Skilleter who is of the Jewish faith, Maple Grove gets involved and gets others involved. At Lent, a group of congregation members spend the time they would at Sunday service, visiting other churches of other faiths. "I've confirmed more than 400 young people since I've been here, and I remember most of their names," said MurrayHays, herself a mother of two grown daughters who also remain involved in the church. Her husband Canon Alan Hays is director of the Toronto School of Theology, but as Murray-Hays smiled, "He's Prince Phillip around here." "Part of our calling as Christians and particularly as Christians who are inclusive, by our mission statement, we need to be building peace and making peace and you can only do that if people are in relationship with one another," said Murray-Hays. One thing is sure. There is lots going on both inside and outside Maple Grove United at age 50, and perhaps that's why the birds chirp happily on its grounds. WITH LOTS OF PRIZES 1st PRIZE - A PAIR OF GOLD TORONTO MAPLE LEAF HOCKEY TICKETS TO A GAME IN 2008-2009 2nd PRIZE - $300 CINEPLEX GIFT CARD 3rd PRIZE - $200 CINEPLEX GIFT CARD 4th PRIZE - $100 CINEPLEX GIFT CARD ALL RIDES 1 Coupon Only COME ENJOY ALL THE FUN · · · · Ferris Wheel Scrambler Berry-Go-Round Merry-Go-Round RIDES INCLUDE · Fire Chief · Scooter Bumper Cars · Family Swinger · Bumble Bee Bob · Cliff Hanger · Orient Express (Coaster Ride) ALL THE FUN BEGINS MAY 23 TO JUNE 1, 2008 Pick up your ballot inside the SILVER CITY MISSISSAUGA OR AT THE CARNIVAL TICKET BOX Draw to be held JUNE 1, 2008 AT 4:00 P.M. no purchase necessary