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100+ Years and counting...
Hi everyone
Peace. Almost three months ago when this isolation time started, we thought these weekly newsletters would be enough. And I've enjoyed connecting with you in this way, and appreciate the comments you share. But, it feels like it is time for more. So, we're hoping to start next week with online gatherings for our congregation - a short worship time followed by a chat where we can all catch-up with each other. More on that very soon. This week... happy birthday! On June 10th, our United Church of Canada celebrates the 95th anniversary of its inaugural service. This special occasion, and given what's going on in the world around us, invites us to take a moment to honour and celebrate our identity as Protestants. I begin by giving thanks for the life and ministry of our sisters and brothers of other denominations and faiths. I am often (and especially during this difficult time) touched and inspired by leaders, teachers, and everyday people from other churches and religious groups. Every day we learn more about what it means to share our faith, our calling, our life together. But today, let's take a moment to reflect on who we are as protestants. It's more than just remembering our history rooted in the actions of Martin Luther and the reformers. It's about remembering our call to be the faithful; examining our actions, making changes, and - as we say in our Creed - seeking justice and resisting evil. A protestant, of course, is one who protests. Sometimes protests have a negative feel: declarations of objection or disapproval. And, often, rightly so. But its Latin roots give us a more positive understanding: it's about going forth and declaring publicly... testify and bear witness. Stories on the news this week have been disturbing. Fear, violence, hatred. Acts of murder committed by agents of so-called peace and justice. Horrible reflections of the inequality and intolerance that are still embedded in the underlying thoughts of our society. And in the center of it all, the American president-for-now attacking peaceful protesters and journalists, holding up someone else's Bible for a re-election photo-op. It reminds me of the statues of Caesar that were forcibly placed in the temple during Jesus' time: idols of oppression in places of peace. No matter what he, or anyone else says, protest is not illegal. There is no place for senseless violence, destruction, and looting. But a protest for change, for truth, for justice is not illegal. It is a right. It is a calling. It is a must. Along with these painful stories we have also seen acts of love and bravery. The power of people standing together. Seeds sown as we dialogue, listen, support. Say a prayer for all of those who stand-up. Those who speak with silent voices. Those who shout in righteous anger. Those who speak for the ones made voiceless. Those who examine their own hearts and actions. Those motivated by love to make a difference. Those who protest. If you haven't seen it already, I urge you to check-out the video of a young man named Keedron Bryant singing "I just want to live". It is a voice that must be heard, in many ways. It is in these times when we feel helpless or afraid that we are reminded who we are... people of faith. Not just the faith that comforts us and tells us that it will be okay because we are in God's hands, but the faith that challenges us to be the people we are called to be. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and gives light to all in the house" (Matthew 5:14-15 NRSV). And it is in the darkest moments that light - just one little light - makes the biggest difference. So protest. You don't have to march: you may be called to be a presence of light while sitting around the dining room table, or standing at the office water cooler, or from across a card table, or in a locker room or store aisle. In the face of injustice, bigotry, and hate, you are called to shine... to speak up and speak out... with love, but with a voice that is loud and clear. Justice and peace don't just happen. How interesting that in this first week of Pentecost, a liturgical season celebrating the gift of spirit and breath, the words "I can't breathe" echo in our very souls. Let the spirit in. Shine. Love. Protest. God bless us all. Rev. Steve 
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What We Believe:
"We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Church Service Sundays at 9:30am - Please note there is no service on Sunday, March 15th
Choir Rehearsal Thursdays at 7:00pm. If you can sing and would like to join our choir, contact Gordon at 514-794-9879.
Church office open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00am until Noon.
Choir Rehearsal Thursdays at 7:00pm. If you can sing and would like to join our choir, contact Gordon at 514-794-9879.
Church office open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00am until Noon.
