UCC Moderator's Easter Message 2018

[transcript of video message]

Hallelujah, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, hallelujah! That is our Easter refrain—full of joy and conviction. But that sure wasn’t the response of Jesus’ disciples on that first Easter morning. The various gospel accounts show the disciples responding with awe, fear, incomprehension, doubt, terror, and amazement. Our response is born of hindsight. Knowing what we now know about how it all turned out, we think of Easter morning and we declare, “Hallelujah!” But when one is in the midst of resurrection, when it is happening to you or around you right now, it’s a very different experience: full of uncertainty, anxiety, dread, and disbelief. Resurrection is, by its very nature, unexpected and unimaginable. We cannot see it coming; we are never prepared for it. It is the revelation of new life where just moments ago there was nothing but the possibility of despair and loss. The hallelujahs we announce at Easter are our affirmation that despite whatever hopelessness threatens to overwhelm us, we trust in the power of God’s love to bring about resurrection within our lives. We don’t know when, we don’t know how, we don’t know what it will look like, and we will certainly be confused and confounded by it if it should happen. But today, our hallelujahs declare that we believe resurrection is possible. And so we do not lose hope, no matter how hopeless a situation appears. This Easter season, as you sing, shout, whisper, and proclaim “Hallelujah!” may it strengthen your faith in the power and possibility of new life for you, your church, and our world. May we truly be a resurrection people.

Good Friday at the Mission

What is so good about Good Friday?

At the bank there was a notice: closed for Good Friday. Please God, I would like to take that day off as well, and change the direction from passion and death to a ‘being anywhere else day’.  What is so good about Good Friday? it is the darkest day of the Christian year. Jesus dies, crucified.

Throughout the Lenten season the invitation to worship has resonated:

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,
It remains that and nothing more;
But if it dies it bears a rich harvest. John 12:24

Holy Week, with the turning of the cries of Hosanna to Crucify, is upon us.

The only way to arrive at the Easter Sunday shout of Alleluia is to follow Jesus through these dark days of betrayal, anguish, torture, tears and deep dispair. I am forced to face my own death, ponder the meaning of life and to question the darkness of the cry: Whay have you forsaken me?

Read the story in the Gospels, ponder the characters in the Passion. Where are you in the Passion story?

See Matthew 26-27: 66, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19.

Follow Jesus in his last days.

Experience the depth of emotions, absence and death.

A traditonal hymn and meditation for Good Friday is this one written by Paul Gerhardt in 1656 (Voices United 145, french words by Henri Capieu, 1974, Nos Voix Unies).

O Sacred head sore wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down;
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how art thou pale with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn;
how does that visage languish,
which once was bright as morn!

De l'humaine misère
tu t'es fait serviteur;
de chacun de tes frères,
tu portes la douleur.
Seigneur, de nos souffrances
et de nos lendemains,
garde notre espérance
en tes vivantes mains.

May the prayer of the brigand dying at Jesus’ side be ours:
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Luke 22: 42)

- Rev. David

The office will be closed, but as is our tradition, we will have a Good Friday service at the Mission at 11AM on March 30th. Stay afterwards for a simple community lunch. 631 Melrose. All are welcome.

Spring Youth Forum in Sherbrooke

What is Youth Forum?
It is a weekend retreat for high school and CEGEP youth organized by folks from the United Church of Canada (Quebec Presbytery). It is planned by youth, for youth. It has been going on in this region for more than 40 years!

What will we do there?
At Youth Forum you will play games, eat yummy food, make music, learn new things, meet new people, participate in Worship, explore and deepen spirituality and faith. Youth Forum is hard to explain, it is best lived!

Why should I go? I don't go to Church...
Everyone is welcome at Youth Forum. It is organized by a Protestant, Christian Church, however people of all faiths or no faith are always welcome. This is not an event to convert folks, but to explore meaningful relationships and new ideas. We are an open-minded and diverse community. 

The Theme of the upcoming Youth Forum in Sherbrooke in April is Healthy Relations. We will focus on a number of important topics facing our world and our youth today: navigating the tricky territory of relationships, sex, self esteem and consent. In the wake of #metoo it seems more relevant than ever to talk about healthy boundaries and how to create positive and loving friendships and romances. We will also explore how our ideas of sex and relationships have been shaped and affected by the Bible and modern religious culture. By creating a comfortable open and safe space to talk about these big issues, in the company of peers and role models, we can explore trickier topics. Adult leaders have experience working with youth and are all police-checked.

This event costs 50$ - but please do not let that be a barrier, if you cannot afford the registration cost, just speak to Shannna and we can organize a solution.

Cet événement passera principalement en anglais, mais les francophones sont toujours les bienvenus, la plupart des participants sont bilingues et la traduction peut être arrangée.

When: April 13-15, 2018

Where: 
Église Unie Plymouth Trinity United Church
380 Dufferin, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4M7

Contact Shanna Bernier for more info  - shanna.bernier@gmail.com
819-791-1974  

Minister's Message: Thanks to Harvest Montreal

I wrote a thanks this week to Geverny Hajjar and the team at Harvest Montreal/ Moisson Montréal. Geverny coordinates our monthly pickup of donated food items. We benefit from partnership with this organisation that recovers many tons of food from across Montréal that would normally find its way into a garbage dump. Each month Darlene lends the 'Silver Bullet' to Frank and Léonore who load it to the brim with meat, non-perishable foods and fresh produce. I wrote a thank-you specifically because I saw many ways these donations touched individuals, groups and our community meals.

Kitchen Dream Team Welcome Wednesday

Since the food donations were brought back last Friday this is in part what I observed:

- Children of Breakfast Club loved the ham that was served one morning! 
- Community Celebration/Méli-mélo had an abundance of food prepared by our kitchen co-ordinator and the dream team in the kitchen. The grapes and tortilla chips were a hit.
- some food baskets were delivered to seniors.
- the 'Libre Frigo' was well stocked and many families enjoyed the bread and fresh produce.
- the lemons, sausages and brussels sprouts were being transformed into tasty elements of the upcoming Welcome Wednesday meal.

Wonderful sights and sounds!! 

I wrote: « Veuillez donner ce mot de gratitude à toute l’équipe de Moisson Montréal en notre nom. Merci! »

I remember the story of the child who shared his lunch with Jesus who then blessed it to nourish thousands (John 6:1-14). Generous giving should always be appreciated and a word of thanks in in order, to donors of all kinds and in varying quantities. "Thank-you" keeps the blessing moving along.

I want to gratefully acknowledge :
- a recent gift from the Teen Haven Foundation, Verdun.
- our local Legion # 4 that continues to donate dry goods for the pantry.
- SouthWest's food drive on the first Sunday of Lent of non-perishable food, shared between the Mission and Manna food bank.

Rev.David

Sharing the Loaves and Fishes

Sharing the loaves and fishes,
You gave us an image of solidarity with the hungry, O Lord.
Sharing yourself in the bread and wine,
You called all to the table, O Lord.
Give me the hunger to be a part of the feeding
And the healing of this world.
Nourish me with your Grace,
So I may work with joy to serve your children.
Open my eyes and my heart
To recognize those in poverty
And increase my awareness
Of the structures and systems
That need to be changed
So we may all break bread together.
In your name we pray for the end of hunger.

Education for Justice (internet resource)

An invitation from St. Columba House

Soul of the Community — Building Neighbourhoods of Hope — 2

You are cordially invited to a workshop. The primary goal of this workshop is to engage in interactive case studies involving faith communities. These faith communities are drawing a map of their neighbourhood in order to find new ways of being church in their neighbourhood.

In the afternoon, we will further explore how faith communities contribute to the common good. And we will examine some of the struggles that faith communities are facing.

Sharing of our own experiences, the exchange of ideas with experts, and the review of available resources, we will strengthen existing links and trust relationships within the Presbytery as a whole. In this way, together, we build neighbourhoods of hope.

Saturday, MARCH 17, 2018, 9:00—3:30 p.m.

At Saint Columba House
2365 Grand Trunk, Montreal

 All are welcome

 Lunch provided

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Patricia Lisson at 514-241-9036, 
or Lisa Byer-de Wever at 514-932-6202 ex.224

Sponsored by: JGER Committee, Vision and Transformation Committee, Saint Columba House, EDGE Network of the United Church of Canada.

L’Âme de nos communautés — Engendrer des quartiers riches d’espoir 2

Vous êtes cordialement invité à un atelier où l'objectif principal est de s'engager dans des études de cas interactives impliquant des communautés religieuses. Celles-ci dessinent une carte de leur environnement afin de trouver de nouvelles façons d'être l'église dans leur quartier.

Dans l'après-midi, nous explorerons davantage comment les communautés religieuses contribuent au bien commun. Et nous examinerons certaines des luttes auxquelles elles sont confrontées.

Partage de nos propres expériences, échange d'idées avec des experts et examen des ressources disponibles, nous renforcerons les liens existants et les relations de confiance au sein du Consistoire dans son ensemble. De cette façon, ensemble, nous construisons des quartiers d'espoir.

Samedi le 17 mars 2018 de 9 h à 15 h 30

à la Maison Saint Columba, 2365, rue Grand Trunk, Montréal

Tout le monde est bienvenu

Le lunch est fourni

Pour plus d'informations et pour confirmer votre présence contactez Patricia Lisson  514-241-9036 ou Lisa Byer-de Wever 514- 932-6202 ex 224

Parrainer par: Comité JGER, Comité  de la vision et transformation, La Maison  Saint Columba, Réseau Edge de l’église Unie du Canada.

Minister's message: Who is my mother, brother, sister?

Who is my mother, brother, sister?
« Just then his mother and brothers showed up. Standing outside, they relayed a message that they wanted a word with him. He was surrounded by the crowd when he was given the message, "Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside looking for you."
 Jesus responded, "Who do you think are my mother and brothers?" Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, "Right here, right in front of you—my mother and my brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God's will is my brother and sister and mother. »
(Mark 3: 31-35: The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

As a foster parent I know that parental love is not about biology. I have welcomed into my heart and my home many youth over the years whose names never matched mine. I have been transformed in these relationships that were based on love, fulfilling promises and commitment.
Jesus redefines family biology in this simple gospel story.
I imagine that he was used to his mother telling about the 'specialness' of his birth. Not again Mom, please, he may have said. At 30 years old, Jesus, the eldest, left home to live God’s call on his life. He had outgrown the birth story and was ready to concentrate all his energies living as an itinerant preacher, to be judged on his own merits. He leaves home never to return. Mary, who was left in the care of his siblings, comes to him expecting priority status. This visit is used to show a realignment in Jesus' changing sense of filial relationship. Even Mary will transition into a new relationship with her son when she becomes a follower of Jesus.
Nothing stays the same? It encourages me to know that people evolve and that it’s not our biological family alone that determines spiritual identity. As important as it is to recognise our children as belonging to the Christian family at birth (baptism), each person needs to name their personal allegiance to living Christ's way. Each one needs to become a follower of Jesus by choice.
God has no no grandchildren. Only sons and daughters.
We are invited into relationship with God and Jesus based not on bloodlines, family loyalties, tribe or even status but on obedience to God, living in the light and resisting evil and empire. Jesus is looking for brothers, sisters, mothers!
On this Lenten Journey 2018 we hear the stories of scriptures as we follow the Bible Reading Guide inviting us to reimagine all our relationships.
We are transformed from the inside out as we follow Jesus wherever he leads us.
Will you/I be a Jesus follower?
Rev. David

A Lenten Blessing:

May the blessing of God
Give us strength for the journey;
May the Spirit of wisdom
Give us vision for the road;
May the love of Christ
Make us caring companions;
As together
We go forth in the Lenten time.
Amen.

Une bénédiction

Que la grâce de Dieu
Nous donne de la force pour le chemin;
Que l’Esprit de sagesse
Nous donne une vision pour la route;
Que l’amour du Christ
Fasse de nous des compagnons compatissants;
Alors qu’ensemble
Nous avançons en ce temps de Carême.
Amen

SouthWest Outreach worship services

Did you know that SouthWest offers regular worship services at three local seniors’ residences? Worship and communion are made available once a month in these Outreach settings, led by Rev. David, and organized by volunteers from our InTouch Ministry. The volunteers arrive early to invite and accompany people to worship and also to listen and offer care as needed.

Eileen and Yvette from Les Floralies, LaSalle gave monies and canned goods for families in need at Christmas on behalf of the residents.

Our core team travels to the three services and their presence is much appreciated: Dorothy Brown, Anna Christe, Don Ross
In addition, we have helpers from within the residences:
Champlain Hospital: Pamela Manchel
Le Cavalier: Barbara Smith, Helen Kunz
Les Floralies: Marge Cooper, Lil Jones, Yvette Riba.

Valerie Nickson is a Licensed Lay Worship Leader who serves both St Andrew's Delson and Centenary United. She participated in two of our Outreach services February 21, 2018 and shared this prayer she composed.
There were a total of 42 residents attending this week’s services.

Gracious God, we ask you to bless especially your children who have grown old.
When they can no longer care for themselves, send them loving caretakers who appreciate their wisdom and the richness of their experiences.
Send your angels to keep them safe as long as they live and to lead them home to you when their work is done.
Bless the families of the elderly with insight and good judgement.
Send your Holy Spirit to help them make wise decisions, and grant them the patience to care for those who once cared for them
We pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen

Minister's Message: Ash Wednesday and Valentine Love

As part of the 2018 Lenten Covenant I commit to this spiritual practice: following the Bible Reading Guide and prayer, everyday. This simple routine during the 40 days of Lent is meant to groove a positive practice in my life and create a shared experience with my brothers and sisters on this journey towards Good Friday and Easter life.

As followers of Jesus we need to root ourselves in relationship like he did, with God, ourselves and others. How many times in the Gospels do we read that Jesus took time alone to pray? This spiritual practice gave him the strength to face the challenges of each day, the words that would cut across religious observance and the courage to live God's way: in Light and Justice! No matter the cost.

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day were on the same day this year. Some might say: discordant celebrations. The daily reading was that most lovely text of 1 Corinthians 13. For me it linked the celebration of Love and the Ashes that show a commitment to follow Jesus' way. It held up Love as the highest ideal, one that calls us to follow Jesus' teachings and practice.

Here is our Lenten call from Paul’s writings to the Corinthian faith community (from The Message translation, verses 4-8a).

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Is this how you will love? 

Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 

Is this how you will love? 

Love puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”

Is this how you will love?

I say: YES!!
We say: YES!!
This is how we will live this Lenten journey, together!

Rev. David

- Please let an elder or Rev David know if you are committing to the practice of daily bible reading and prayer this Lenten Season. The coupon on the bottom of the Lenten Covenant 2018 can also be placed in the offering plate.

- Ashes will be available during this Sunday's Communion service.

A Lenten Covenant 2018

Renewing  God, we seek the presence of your Spirit.
Be our Guide and Companion as we walk with Christ this Lenten Season.  Amen.

Covenant fills the pages of scripture; God inviting our forefathers and mothers of faith into committed relationship: Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Barak and Deborah, Mary and Joseph, and so many more. Covenant is the bedrock of faith, the unshakeable promises that we can trust and believe in. Isaiah 43:1b-5 captures its essence:

I have called you by name – you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you;
your troubles will not overwhelm you.
When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt;
the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
Because you are precious to me
and because I love you and give you honour,
Do not be afraid – I am with you!

Lent is an ancient tradition that dates back to the third century CE starting with Ash Wednesday through to Holy Week and ending in Easter celebration. Many have given up various things during this period, and contrition, fasting, almsgiving are often part of a Lenten experience. I would like to make a promise this year: to root my life in daily spiritual practice that includes prayer and scripture reading. I want to invite you into this Lenten Covenant.

The scriptures, following the Canadian Bible Society’s Daily Reading Guide 2018, are available online or in paper copies in English and French, at SouthWest Church or Mission. They can be read each day at a convenient and quiet time, with a prayerful beginning, and ending with Intercessions and the Lord’s Prayer (see reverse).

For those willing to make this covenant I would ask you to let me know via email, text, face to face or by signing the attached sheet and placing it on the offering plate during worship. I would be interested in discussing the experience with participants as it goes along. If you are too, let’s find a time to share as a small group.

As we live this lenten journey together may God lead us to new wisdom and growth. May we hold precious the gift of travelling companions and know that grace that we are never alone. May we as a community of faith discern together where God is leading us. And as we follow Jesus, may we too have the courage to live God’s way no matter the risk or where covenant leads us.

Rev. David

A LENTEN SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

1)Opening my Heart

God of call, God of transformation,
God of the Lenten journey;
help us to discern your still, small voice.
Open us to change and growth
that we may walk with Christ.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

2)Scripture Readings:  https://biblesociety.ca/daily-bible-reading

 3)Quiet Listening

4) Intercessions and Thanks (personal, congregation, neighbours, wider world), Lord’s Prayer

 5)Closing Prayer

 Gracious God,
bless and transform all that we offer:
our faltering steps,
our brokenness,
our hope, our risking, our hearts,
that your covenant may be written on our hearts
and we may be a blessed and transformed covenant people.
In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Une alliance pour le Carême 2018

Dieu de renouveau, nous demandons la présence de ton Esprit.
Sois notre guide, notre compagnon, pour marcher avec Christ en ce temps de Carême. Amen.

La notion d’alliance est présente tout au long des Écritures, alors que Dieu appelle à une relation engagée nos ancêtres dans la foi : Noé, Abraham et Sarah, Moïse et Miriam, Barak et Deborah, Marie et Joseph, et tant d’autres. L’alliance est le fondement de la foi, les promesses indéfectibles auxquelles nous pouvons croire. Les versets d’Ésaïe (43, 1b-5) en traduisent l’essentiel :

Je t’ai appelé par ton nom – tu es à moi.
Si tu traverses les eaux, je serai avec toi;
si tu passes les fleuves, ils ne t’emporteront pas;
si tu marches dans le feu, tu ne te brûleras pas,
et les flammes ne te dévoreront pas.
du fait que tu as du prix à mes yeux,
du fait que tu es glorifié et que je t’aime.
Naie pas peur – car je suis avec toi.

Le Carême est une ancienne tradition qui remonte au troisième siècle de l’ère chrétienne. Il débute par le Mercredi des Cendres et se poursuit jusqu’à la Semaine sainte pour se terminer avec la célébration de Pâques. Plusieurs personnes soulignent cette période de diverses manières; ainsi la repentance, le jeûne et l’aumône font souvent partie de l’expérience du Carême.

J’aimerais faire une promesse cette année : celle d’enraciner ma vie dans une pratique spirituelle quotidienne incluant la prière et la lecture de la bible. Et j’aimerais vous inviter à vous engager vous aussi dans cette alliance pour le temps du Carême.

Vous pouvez vous procurer les textes du Carême en suivant le Guide 2018 de lectures bibliques quotidiennes de la Société biblique canadienne. Ces textes sont accessibles en ligne ou en copies papier (en français et en anglais) à l’Église ou à la Mission du Sud-Ouest. Vous pouvez les lire tous les jours au moment de tranquilité qui vous convient. Commencez par la prière, et terminez par une intercession et par la prière du Seigneur (verso).

Si vous désirez vous engager dans cette alliance, j’aimerais que vous me le fassiez savoir par courriel, par texto, en personne, ou en signant la feuille ci-jointe et en la déposant dans le plateau d’offrande au cours du culte. J’aimerais discuter de cette expérience avec vous tout au long du processus. Si vous êtes intéressés, trouvons du temps pour constituer un petit groupe de discussion.

Que Dieu nous apporte sagesse et croissance au cours de ce voyage du Carême que nous entreprenons ensemble. Ayons à cœur d’apprécier le don de nos compagnons et compagnes de voyage, en sachant que nous bénéficions de la grâce de n’être jamais seuls. Que nous puissions discerner comme communauté de foi la destination vers laquelle Dieu nous guide. Et qu’en suivant Jésus nous ayons le courage de vivre selon ce que Dieu attend de nous, qu’importe le risque que nous fait vivre cette alliance.

Pasteur David

PRATIQUE SPIRITUELLE DU CARÊME

1)    Ouvrir mon coeur

Dieu qui nous appelle à nous transformer,
Dieu du voyage qu’est le Carême,
aide-nous à discerner ta voix, aussi calme et subtile soit-elle.
Ouvre-nous au changement et à la croissance
afin que nous puissions marcher avec Christ.
Au nom de Jésus, nous te prions. Amen.

 2)    Lectures bibliques : https://biblesociety.ca/fr/guide-de-lectures-bibliques-quotidiennes

 3)    Écoute attentive

 4)    Prières d’intercession et de gratitude (personnelles, pour la paroisse, pour nos voisins et connaissances, pour le monde), La Prière du Seigneur

5)    Prière de clôture

 Dieu bienveillant,
bénis et transforme tout ce que nous t’offrons :
nos pas hésitants,
nos blessures,
nos espoirs, nos tentatives et nos efforts,
afin que ton alliance s’inscrive en nos cœurs
et que nous puissions devenir un peuple d’alliance béni et transformé.
Au nom de Jésus, nous te le demandons. Amen