Our Next Moderator

[the following is from the United Church of Canada E-ssentials newsletter]

On June 17 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, nominations closed for 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada. At that time there was only one nominee, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne. The United Church of Canada requires an election process for Moderator. That election will happen on July 23, and the individual elected at that time will be installed on August 7, 2022. Learn more about the nominee in this biographical statement.

At the close of the GC44 Discussion Sessions on June 19 the General Secretary outlined the process for the election, and a video of placing a stole on the moderatorial nominee was shown. 

Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne
Ordained Minister
Nominated by Pacific Mountain Regional Council
Read Carmen's profile [PDF]

Listen to a conversation with Carmen on the United Church "It's Your Call" podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify.

Trusting in the Wisdom of the Universe

I think we can all agree that leaving the comfort of what we have known is difficult. 

Southwest United (formerly Crawford Park United) has been a home away from home for so many years now.  Even though the original members may be living in the places of our hearts, the thought of losing that home is indeed difficult to face, let alone accept.

As your Pastor, my own future uncertain, I turned to a much-loved book and wish to share with you a story of what some of you might call blind faith.  But that faith is what keeps me going, especially in times of uncertainty. It has sustained me through many difficult times in my life, and I hope you too will see both the wisdom and the acceptance in what I am about to share.

Leaving the Nest*

The eagle pair had built their nest high on the mountain craigs. First they made a sturdy foundation of twigs and small branches on the bare rock.  Then they worked a more finely woven layer inside.  And then the mother laid her eggs, and brooded over them until they were ready to hatch.

When the tiny chicks hatched, they nestled in the warmth and the comfort of the feather-lined nest.  And time passed and they grew bigger, and were ready to leave the nest and learned to fly and make their own lives.

One by one the small eagles were persuaded to leave the nest.  But one was reluctant to go.  The nest was so comfortable and he really wanted to live there forever.

So, the parent eagles tried to persuade him to move out.  First, they removed the cosy layer of feathers.  But still, he would not leave.  Then, they removed the layer of fine grass and twigs.  But still, he would not leave.  And then, in desperation, they removed the entire outer nest, leaving him perched on the bare rock.  But still, he would not fly.

And finally, they took their fledging to the edge of the high craig and pushed him off….and then they flew close below him, to catch him, lest he fall.

It has always been my belief that when we are pushed to the edge and there is nothing else to hold on to, one of two things will happen, either there will be angels to catch us, or we will be given wings and taught how to fly.**

As we face the reality that we may have to leave the safety and comfort of the nest at SouthWest, I say to you brothers and sisters, do not fear, for “he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand”.***

 

Pastor Beryl, DLM 

*One Hundred More Wisdom Stories, Margaret Silf

** unknown

**8 Psalm 91, VU page 808

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Where Else Could Sabbath be so Sweet?

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As explained in an earlier newsletter, we are no longer able, as a congregation, to keep up with the bills, and the church property, including the manse, will be going on the market very soon.

It is a sad state of affairs for sure, but our best shot at staying together as a congregation lies in selling the property.

Many of you have gone through this before, some more than once. But you did get through it, and I hope you feel that you found a new home in SouthWest United, wherever you came from before. It is always sad to leave a church, but we must try to remember that a church is not the bricks and mortar; a church is the people who pray and sing and laugh and cry together.

Some may feel like turning away at this time. Not wanting to witness another church closing, the instinct may be to remove ourselves now, try to spare ourselves the pain. Instead, I hope each of us will ask ourselves what we get from being part of SouthWest United, what are the essential parts of the experience, and also, what might be let go? Because the one thing we know for sure is that we can’t continue on exactly as we are now, but if we can identify for ourselves what we get, and what we need from our church, that will make it easier to find those things again.

The pandemic showed us that a church community can exist even when in-person worship is not possible; but I think most of us would agree that meeting together in a space is an important part of our church life. So let’s assume we need to meet in a space: what kind of space? Is it important that it be a traditional church, with pews, stained glass and a high arched ceiling? Could we worship in a plainer setting and still feel close to God and our community?

And then there’s time. We are accustomed to meeting on Sunday mornings. At 10:00 to be precise, although many of us have worshipped at different times in the past. How much would our church experience be harmed by meeting at a different time, say in the afternoon? Or even on a different day of the week? I know it sounds radical but if God is wherever two or three are gathered, then surely that gathering can take place any day of the week, any time.

Do you ever look around your home and feel bogged down by stuff? A church can feel that way too. I love the sense of history in our church building, but I also know nobody gets through the eye of the needle with 20 centrepieces, 10 boxes of sheet music and a bunch of seat cushions in tow! Even if we weren’t selling, the church is in need of a good de-cluttering!

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the villagers of Anatevka are forced to leave to escape the murderous pogroms. It’s a situation far more dire than ours, and one that mirrors the current displacement of Ukrainians and many other peoples all over the globe. Walking single file, carrying bags over their shoulders, pushing wooden carts, the villagers sing:

A little bit of this,
A little bit of that.

A pot
A pan
A broom
A hat.

A bench
A tree
So what’s a stove? Or a house?

A stick of wood, a piece of cloth.

What do we leave? Nothing much
Only Anatevka.

 Church is supposed to be the place we feel the closest to Creator, to Spirit. Maybe our attachment to objects – even beautiful ones like stained-glass windows and a wooden pipe organ – can get in the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as attached to those things as the next person, and maybe we will find a way to keep them in our lives. But even more importantly, we need to stick together.

The villagers in Fiddler on the Roof go on to sing:

Anatevka, Anatevka
Underfed, overworked Anatevka
Where else could Sabbath be so sweet?
Anatevka, Anatevka
Intimate, obstinate, Anatevka
Where I know everyone I meet…

Soon I’ll be a stranger in a strange new place.
Searching for an old familiar face…

This is worse than leaving stuff, even leaving a home: it is the loss of Community. We are lucky; we don’t need to let that happen to us.

We will need to be brave, and to accept that nothing stays the same, that change is a part of life, and that We are the Church.

The friendships that have been formed over the years, the hymns sung together innumerable times, the baptisms and funerals, the memories of good times and bad: this is the church. So let’s get ready to pick up what is essential and carry it forward, together.

 

Amy

 

 

 

Remembering Alberta Billy 

The following is from the United Church of Canada website, published June 13, 2022

Alberta Billy, the We Wai Kai Elder who in 1985 demanded that The United Church of Canada apologize for its role in colonization and the loss of Indigenous languages, culture, and spirituality, passed away on June 13, 2022. The Moderator and the General Secretary offer their deep condolences to Alberta’s husband Dan, their family, and their community.

Alberta’s actions and words on behalf of the Native Ministries Council at the March 1985 meeting of the General Council Executive both shocked and reverberated with those present, and ultimately led to the church’s first Apology to Indigenous Peoples(opens in a new tab) at the 31st General Council in August 1986. In 2016, Alberta, accompanied by one of her grandchildren, was present to mark the 30th anniversary of the Apology in Sudbury.

These actions began a process of deep change in the United Church. Moderator Richard Bott notes that “the whole of the church is deeply indebted to Alberta Billy for what she demanded of us and called us to do. We could not be the church we strive to be without her.”

Alberta, a long-time advocate of reconciliation, reminded those present at the 30th Anniversary that the Apology is not complete. It has been acknowledged but not accepted by the Indigenous Church, which continues to look to the United Church to concretely demonstrate its commitment to a nation-to-nation relationship rooted in mutuality and respect.

As the church seeks to truly honour the Indigenous Caretakers’ Calls to the Church(opens in a new tab), it would do well to remember Alberta’s faith and commitment to the Indigenous ways in which she was raised and lived, as well as to the church which she believed could always do better.

An interview featuring Alberta Billy(opens in a new tab) at the 30th Anniversary of the Apology can be viewed on the United Church YouTube channel.

Alberta Billy on the 30th anniversary of the Apology, in Sudbury, Ontario, in 2016.

Credit: Kelly Buehler

Let the Summer Begin! Pools and Beach Open in Verdun

Nouvelles d’Ici reports that both outdoor pools in Verdun (and two in Nun’s Island) will be open as of tomorrow, Saturday June 18th. Admission to all four is free as long as you have a library card (Acces Verdun). The public beach is also open, but you should always call ahead to make sure swimming is allowed. Sometimes weather conditions force the closing of the beach.

If you go to the Natatorium, on the waterfront near Stephens, I suggest wearing your bathing suit as it’s unclear whether the changing rooms will be open.

Nouvelles d’Ici is an online local newspaper for Lachine Lasalle and Verdun. It’s only in French for the moment, but that could change. Consult the swimming schedules for all three boroughs here.

Image credit: Karine Joly

Spring Regional Council Gathering Round-Up

The following is taken from the most recent Nakonha:ka newsletter. On June 4th, our Regional COuncil held their first live meeting in three years. n fact it was a hybrid gathering, with many from all over the region attending via Zoom. Pastor Beryl attended, as did Shirley Stark, who has faithfully represented our congregation for many years. There should be some familiar names in the following report:

“The day dawned bright and sunny as people from around the Regional Council gathered on Zoom and in person at Lakeshore Trinity United Church on Saturday, June 4, 2022. A renewed sense of connection after a long separation could be sensed in the animated conversations in person and online. Outgoing Regional Council President, Rev. Linda Buchanan, called the assembly to order just after 10 am. Following a welcome to the Mohawk Territory by Kanesatake Elder Satewas Gabriel (with an invitation to join the celebration scheduled for September 2023 for the completion of the Mohawk translation of the Bible), Susan Montour of Kahnawake offered the Thanksgiving Address (the words before all words), and Rev. Steve Gillam welcomed the gathering to Lakeshore Trinity United Church. The morning’s presentations focused on:  a deeper understanding of the nature of the treaties between indigenous nations and colonizers set in a biblical context (video with Adrian Jacobs, presented by Lisa Byer de Wever on behalf of the Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle)  life-threatening injustice and corruption related to the actions of mining companies and governments in the Philippines (presented by Patricia Lisson, DM, and Guy-Lin Beaudoin on behalf of the Beaconsfield Initiative and ICHRP-International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines), with special mention of the longstanding contributions of Rev. Shaun Fryday, and the ongoing support of Rev. Arlen Bonnar and the community of St. James United Church.  the new LGBTQ2+ Refugee initiative being created at Beaconsfield United Church in partnership between the BUC Refugee Integration and Support team and the West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre (presented by Bailey Eastwood, Adedeji Akintayo and David Hawkins). Gratitude for the continued inspiration and support offered by Rev. Shaun Fryday to all of these initiatives was expressed, as well as for the news of a recent grant from the Granting and Enabling Leadership Team to support this new initiative. The upcoming slate of the Executive Council was presented by Rev. Tami Spires (on behalf of the Nominations Leadership team) for a vote. Before the assembly dispersed for a lunch break, Rev. Dr. James Christie brought greetings from Wood Lake Press, highlighting the first of two publications dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the UCC (Keys to the Kindom), and distributing 10 complementary copies to those present. Throughout lunch time (and the rest of the day) many of those attending in person enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by the hospitality team at Lakeshore Trinity (not to mention Rev. Mead Baldwin’s famous cinnamon rolls!) The afternoon’s worship celebration included covenanting with the Executive, including incoming Regional Council President Marc Grenon, and members of leadership teams. Rev. Steve Gillam shared some of the ups and downs of the amalgamation journey of Dorval Strathmore United Church and St. John’s United Church as they worked together to become the new Lakeshore Trinity United Church. The contributions of retiring ministry personnel, Rev. Lee Ann Hogle, Rev. Shaun Fryday and Rev. David Fines were celebrated. Rev. Joelle Leduc offered a moving sermon on the topic of daring justice, with a reminder of the importance of opening our mouths to speak and our ears to hear uncomfortable truths that move us to action. We were also blessed by the musical leadership of Rafael de Castro throughout the day.”

Summer Solstice 2022

I have long held an interest in my Celtic roots and alternative forms of worship, from many traditions.

The Summer Solstice, an ancient Pagan celebration known as Beltane, is a day which is also celebrated by many who embrace the Christian tradition.

Should you wish to acknowledge the good earth and the changing of the seasons on June 21st, I offer prayers and readings which might speak to the Celt in you, and praise God for creation and all her gifts.

Light your favourite candle while you sit and spend a moment or two in quietness. Consider winter's chill when all was still, with seed and plant lying dormant, followed by the rising sun and warming air of Spring, green shoots emerging, leaves unfurling, blossom shouting its praise to the Creator. And now the beauty of a summer's day.

(Silent moment for reflection)

Prayer:

God of winter's cold, of clear sky and frozen river,
God of spring’s warmth, April showers, waking life,
God of summer pasture and mountain stream,
God of root and shoot, of harvest to come,
I praise your Holy name.

Creator God,

Forgive my moments of ingratitude,
the spiritual blindness that prevents me from appreciating the wonder that is this world the endless cycle of nature of life and death and rebirth.

Forgive me for taking without giving, reaping without sowing.
Open my eyes to see my lips to praise and my hands to share.
May my feet tread lightly on the path I tread and my footsteps be worthy of following for they lead to you.

(silent moment for reflection) 

The warmth of the sun's embrace, the gentle breeze swept in by incoming tide, the rhythm of seasons of new birth, death and recreation.
All these speak so clearly of your love, your power and your beauty.
All are expressions of your creativity and, more importantly, of yourself.
As an artist might share his personality within each brushstroke,
so within the myriad colours of a butterfly's wing you share the exuberance of your love.

(silent moment for reflection)

That I can glimpse you within creation is a beautiful thought
but also tells me that you desire to be seen to be found and known.
Open my eyes, Lord, as I walk through this world, feel the wind and sunshine
see the majesty of creation unfolding before my eyes.
Help me to see you

 Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

 (A time of intercession with The Lord’s Prayer)

God of renewal, of life and death, rebirth
God of promise, of all beginnings, and all endings
God of hope, of new growth and harvest
Renew my heart and mind

(silent moment for reflection)

 

Closing prayer:

I bless you,
God of Seed and Harvest
And I bless all people
That the beauty of this world
And the love that created it
Might be expressed though our lives
And be a blessing to others
Now and always
AMEN

 

 Pastor Beryl, DLM

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