Happy Easter!
Welcome to our updated blog.
We are a small and faithful church community committed to sharing the love of Jesus.
We gather to celebrate every Sunday at 10:30.
New members are always welcome.
Come out if you are questioning your faith, just curious or want to know more.
We spend time in fellowship following our worship service.
Everyone is welcome!
April 20, 2017
December 15, 2010
Christmas Eve Candle light service
Everyone is invited to Riverview United to celebrate Christmas Eve with us at 7:00 on Friday, December 24th.
Christmas Wishes
The Christmas season comes at a unique time of year. On one hand, it the period of the longest nights – the long darkness allowing time for reflection; for looking back and considering the year behind us. But it is also the time of lengthening day, of the growing light in the world when we can look ahead with hope to the future ahead of us. It allows a special opportunity – a time to reflect on the past year to gather what is good and useful in our lives that we want to carry forward into that brightening future as well identifying the unnecessary burdens and cares in our lives that we can throw away and discard. Christmas marks a time of new beginning, new hope - a new birth of Christ into our lives.
The congregation of Riverview United Church wishes that all Atikokanites, both near and far; past and present, have a great Christmas. We invite you to take time this season to take a break from the busyness and excitement to think about what Christmas really means to you and prepare for this upcoming journey into the new year – a time to ready yourself for that new adventure, free from old worries and open to follow new directions with renewed hope. We hope that your family gatherings are full of joy, your times with friends are filled with good cheer , and that you wake up Christmas morning with your stocking overflowing. But even more, we wish that on this Christmas morning, and every morning after, your heart is filled with the gifts of God, the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love; the gifts that were delivered to us with the birth of a little child almost 2000 years ago.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The congregation of Riverview United Church wishes that all Atikokanites, both near and far; past and present, have a great Christmas. We invite you to take time this season to take a break from the busyness and excitement to think about what Christmas really means to you and prepare for this upcoming journey into the new year – a time to ready yourself for that new adventure, free from old worries and open to follow new directions with renewed hope. We hope that your family gatherings are full of joy, your times with friends are filled with good cheer , and that you wake up Christmas morning with your stocking overflowing. But even more, we wish that on this Christmas morning, and every morning after, your heart is filled with the gifts of God, the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love; the gifts that were delivered to us with the birth of a little child almost 2000 years ago.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
November 24, 2010
Advent Update
Although its been a while since the last update, life at Riverview continues on at a busy pace. We have been without a minister for a few months now, but the congregation has shown its usual spirit with lots of volunteers pitching in to keep the church vibrant and active both on Sundays and throughout the week in the community.
As we get prepared for the upcoming Advent season, we are pleased to have Rev. Frances Flook from Emo/Devlin leading worship on the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 28) which will also include a communion service. We look forward to the church school pagaent on White Gift Sunday/3rd Sunday of Advent on December 12. We will also be having our traditional candle light service on Christmas Eve.
As we get prepared for the upcoming Advent season, we are pleased to have Rev. Frances Flook from Emo/Devlin leading worship on the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 28) which will also include a communion service. We look forward to the church school pagaent on White Gift Sunday/3rd Sunday of Advent on December 12. We will also be having our traditional candle light service on Christmas Eve.
Advent marks the end of the church year and the beginning of the next – a time for new beginnings, new hope, a new birth of Christ in our lives. I invite you to look at this time as preparation for this new journey – a time that we can to reflect on the past year and take with us what is good and useful and discard all that is unnecessary burden. Prepare yourself to enter into this new season, free from the worries and open to follow our true ruler, Christ our Lord, who can lead us to places we might have never thought possible on our own.
June 21, 2010
Looking Ahead to June 27, 2010 -- 5th Sunday After Pentecost
This Sunday we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism as we welcome Ashley Joy into the family of God.
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon title is So Long, Farewell...
Early Thoughts: 9 years in, how do we say farewell?
There are a couple of quotes echoing in my mind as I prepare worship this week.
June 30, 2001 I arrived in your midst. And now, after 9 years of ministry together we bring this phase of our lives to a close. Over that time we have laughed together and wept together. We have shared moments of joy and of sorrow. We have shared hopes and fears. We have found solutions to life's problems--sometimes. We have lived out a covenant relationship of mutual support and challenge.
Now it is time to pass on the mantle of ministry to other people and other places. We do so in sorrow and in hope. We do so knowing that the bonds of care and love continue, even though the relationship changes. We do so knowing that we continue to be linked by the love that is God-Made-Manifest in our lives.
Our Scriptures this week speak of leavetaking and changes. They also speak of hope and promise. As we bring our covenant of ministry to a close may we remember the good times fondly, may we remember the challenges as times of learning, and may we all move forward with hope and trust.
I close my last "Looking Ahead" entry on this blog with words often used to close UCW meetings and church camps I have attended, words from the book of Genesis (never mind that in that context they are as much [or more] curse/warning than blessing), words that are echoed in our closing hymn this Sunday:
God's blessing and love on all of you today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
--Gord
The Scripture Readings this week are:
- From the Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1-7
- Psalm 77 (VU p.791)
- From the Letters of the Early Church: Philippians 2:12-18
- From the Jewish Scriptures: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
The Hymns this week are:
- #410 This Day God Gives Me (verses 1 – 3)
- #644 I Was There to Here Your Borning Cry
- #558 We Gather Here to Bid Farewell (tune #20)
- #422 God Be With You till We Meet Again
The Sermon title is So Long, Farewell...
Early Thoughts: 9 years in, how do we say farewell?
There are a couple of quotes echoing in my mind as I prepare worship this week.
Always leave 'em wanting more --- Showbiz proverband some words of wisdom often shared among church staff (and campers and homeowners for that matter):
Leave a place in better shape than it was when you arrived.I sincerely hope I have done both because they are both gems of wisdom. Don't overstay your welcome, don't hang on too long. But while you are there, be present, be hopeful, work for the better, strive for mutual improvement and benefit.
June 30, 2001 I arrived in your midst. And now, after 9 years of ministry together we bring this phase of our lives to a close. Over that time we have laughed together and wept together. We have shared moments of joy and of sorrow. We have shared hopes and fears. We have found solutions to life's problems--sometimes. We have lived out a covenant relationship of mutual support and challenge.
Now it is time to pass on the mantle of ministry to other people and other places. We do so in sorrow and in hope. We do so knowing that the bonds of care and love continue, even though the relationship changes. We do so knowing that we continue to be linked by the love that is God-Made-Manifest in our lives.
Our Scriptures this week speak of leavetaking and changes. They also speak of hope and promise. As we bring our covenant of ministry to a close may we remember the good times fondly, may we remember the challenges as times of learning, and may we all move forward with hope and trust.
I close my last "Looking Ahead" entry on this blog with words often used to close UCW meetings and church camps I have attended, words from the book of Genesis (never mind that in that context they are as much [or more] curse/warning than blessing), words that are echoed in our closing hymn this Sunday:
May the Lord watch between me and thee; while we are absent one from another
God's blessing and love on all of you today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
--Gord
June 14, 2010
Looking Ahead to June 20, 2010 -- 4th Sunday After Pentecost
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon Title is Anchored or Adrift?
Early Thoughts: Two choices for any community or group (or even for us as individuals and families). Do we tie ourselves fast in place? Or do we sail madly wherever the wind takes us?
Some people and organizations have Will Your Anchor Hold as a theme hymn. They need and like the certainty of being grounded, of knowing where they stand. ANd there is good here. Being anchored and grounded means we know who and where we are. Being anchored allows us to plan carefully. But there is also a risk. We can become to firmly anchored, we can become stuck. We can think that this place where we are comfortable is where we always have to remain.
Some people and organizations have something more along the lines of I Feel the Winds of God Today as a theme hymn. They need and like the freedom to travel where the wind takes them, of being adaptive and changing with the world around them. And there is also good here. Moving with the wind allows us to meet emergent needs as they arise. We avoid becoming stuck and losing our relevancy. But of course there is also a risk here. We need a sense of who we are so that we can plan how to react to the winds. If we just fly free we can become really good at adapting but lose sight of why we are there in the first place.
In the end, most of us don't really live in either place most of the time. It is more helpful to envision a spectrum between those two points. And then we try to place ourselves along that line. Sometimes we are closer to the anchor, sometimes we are closer to the sail. Sometimes it depends where we are/what organization we are a part of/what our role in that place and time is. Because here is the secret. Any good ship needs both anchor and sail. Any good organization needs both as well. We need the benefits of being grounded and the freedom of coasting along.
Where are you on the spectrum? Where are the various communities and organizations of which you are a part?
--Gord
- From the Jewish Scriptures: 1 Kings 9:8-15
- Psalm 42 & 43 (VU p.768)
- From the Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
The Hymns this week are:
- #374 Come and Find the Quiet Centre
- #245 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet
- #660 How Firm a Foundation
- #649 Walk With Me
The Sermon Title is Anchored or Adrift?
Early Thoughts: Two choices for any community or group (or even for us as individuals and families). Do we tie ourselves fast in place? Or do we sail madly wherever the wind takes us?
Some people and organizations have Will Your Anchor Hold as a theme hymn. They need and like the certainty of being grounded, of knowing where they stand. ANd there is good here. Being anchored and grounded means we know who and where we are. Being anchored allows us to plan carefully. But there is also a risk. We can become to firmly anchored, we can become stuck. We can think that this place where we are comfortable is where we always have to remain.
Some people and organizations have something more along the lines of I Feel the Winds of God Today as a theme hymn. They need and like the freedom to travel where the wind takes them, of being adaptive and changing with the world around them. And there is also good here. Moving with the wind allows us to meet emergent needs as they arise. We avoid becoming stuck and losing our relevancy. But of course there is also a risk here. We need a sense of who we are so that we can plan how to react to the winds. If we just fly free we can become really good at adapting but lose sight of why we are there in the first place.
In the end, most of us don't really live in either place most of the time. It is more helpful to envision a spectrum between those two points. And then we try to place ourselves along that line. Sometimes we are closer to the anchor, sometimes we are closer to the sail. Sometimes it depends where we are/what organization we are a part of/what our role in that place and time is. Because here is the secret. Any good ship needs both anchor and sail. Any good organization needs both as well. We need the benefits of being grounded and the freedom of coasting along.
Where are you on the spectrum? Where are the various communities and organizations of which you are a part?
--Gord
June 08, 2010
Looking Ahead to June 13, 2010, 3rd Sunday Aftert Pentecost
The Scripture Readings this week are:
From the Letters of the Early Church: Galatians 2:15-21
Psalm 32 (VU p.759)
From the Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3
The Hymns this week are:
#395 Come In, Come In and Sit Down
#266 Amazing Grace
#271 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
#424 May the God of Hope Go With Us
The Sermon title is Welcomed and Accepted
Early Thoughts: What do you mean we are supposed to welcome people like that? What does it mean to describe our selves as inclusive? Are we aware how well we do that?? Of where we fall short??
As General Council met in Kelowna this past summer the members of the Arctic Commission had this motion on their list of work (it came from Saskatchewan Conference):
If passed this proposal would have authorized a poll of the church asking if we wanted to change our constitution to say that all congregations were required to ensure they were open and welcoming to all people, specifically that discrimination (intentional or accidental) was not allowed based on that list of criteria. In some ways this seems common sense -- certainly the church should be as open and welcoming as possible right? In some ways it would be a hard fight -- who is some office somewhere else to tell us how we should operate? ANd certainly it was a major change in how congregations operate.
This proposal would require that all church buildings were barrier-free, that people of any race were openly welcomed, that economic status wouldn't be an issue (this is one of the hidden forms of discrimination in many areas of our country), that your marital status (single, married, divorced, living together) would never be an issue, that newcomers were as important as lifelong residents, and that sexual orientation would not bar anyone from any part of church life--including marriage. It was actually suggesting that a great deal of congregational decision-making be taken away. Why would they make such a suggestion? To hear someone from Saskatchewan speak to that question check out this YouTube video.
One of the cherished self-definitions within the United Church of Canada is that we are an "inclusive" church. We like to claim that as some sort of banner or rallying cry. Personally I am not always sure we know what we mean by it. Certinly I think that in many places we do a relatively poor job of living it out. Because of course, it is hard being inclusive. Our old patterns of believing what is appropriate get in the way. The prejudices and biases that we absorb unconsciously get in the way. And in some cases the percieved costs of being truly inclusive scare us away (think of churches trying to become barrier-free for financial issues, or the social stigma suffered by many within the UCCan due to our stand on issues on sexual orientation over the last 20 years). But we are in good company. People have been wrestling with these questions for centuries.
Sometimes we are tempted to think that we are better than we are. Sometimes we look at others and (either secretly or openly) give thanks that we are not a "Bad off" as they are. Sometimes we are so assured in our "rightness" that we miss the point of what others are doing. SOmetimes we need to be brought up short. Jesus does this in the Gospel lesspn this week as he talks to the Pharisee. He points out that to live the life of the Reign of God means that we welcome everyone, even people like that. As I look at our attempts to live the life of the Reign of God I think we need to open ourselve to questions around how inclusive we are in practice as well as in rhetoric.
Maybe the proposal from Saskatchewan Conference is calling the people of the United Church to seriously consider how wide their field of view is. Maybe we are being urged to ask ourselves what we really mean when we claim to be an inclusive church. Maybe we are being challenged to find ways to ensure that all are welcome, truly welcome, in this place.
It is hard. I know of some congregations that delude themselves. I know that many places truly aren't aware how they exclude some people. I know that some have decided that the costs of change are too big. But we have to take the questions seriously. As it stands, every Pastoral Charge in this conference is now required to answer this question when they produce their Joint Needs Assessment Report when beginning the search for ministry personnel:
Oh and what happened with the proposal? Well you will have to come on Sunday to find out.
--Gord
From the Letters of the Early Church: Galatians 2:15-21
Psalm 32 (VU p.759)
From the Gospel: Luke 7:36-8:3
The Hymns this week are:
#395 Come In, Come In and Sit Down
#266 Amazing Grace
#271 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
#424 May the God of Hope Go With Us
The Sermon title is Welcomed and Accepted
Early Thoughts: What do you mean we are supposed to welcome people like that? What does it mean to describe our selves as inclusive? Are we aware how well we do that?? Of where we fall short??
As General Council met in Kelowna this past summer the members of the Arctic Commission had this motion on their list of work (it came from Saskatchewan Conference):
That the 40th General Council 2009 adopt a policy that the Session (or Church Board or Church Council), in the exercising its duty of oversight of the order of public worship under 5.10.1 of the Basis of Union, may not discriminate against any group of persons on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, disability or status as divorced persons to the fullest extent, subject only to the laws of Canada, its provinces and territories as may exist from time to time, especially those which protect the vulnerable; and authorize a remit to test the will of the church with respect to this policy.(There was also a list of "whereas" clauses-- arguments explaining why the proposal was made. You can read them on pages 10 & 11 of this {.pdf} document) So what does it mean?
If passed this proposal would have authorized a poll of the church asking if we wanted to change our constitution to say that all congregations were required to ensure they were open and welcoming to all people, specifically that discrimination (intentional or accidental) was not allowed based on that list of criteria. In some ways this seems common sense -- certainly the church should be as open and welcoming as possible right? In some ways it would be a hard fight -- who is some office somewhere else to tell us how we should operate? ANd certainly it was a major change in how congregations operate.
This proposal would require that all church buildings were barrier-free, that people of any race were openly welcomed, that economic status wouldn't be an issue (this is one of the hidden forms of discrimination in many areas of our country), that your marital status (single, married, divorced, living together) would never be an issue, that newcomers were as important as lifelong residents, and that sexual orientation would not bar anyone from any part of church life--including marriage. It was actually suggesting that a great deal of congregational decision-making be taken away. Why would they make such a suggestion? To hear someone from Saskatchewan speak to that question check out this YouTube video.
One of the cherished self-definitions within the United Church of Canada is that we are an "inclusive" church. We like to claim that as some sort of banner or rallying cry. Personally I am not always sure we know what we mean by it. Certinly I think that in many places we do a relatively poor job of living it out. Because of course, it is hard being inclusive. Our old patterns of believing what is appropriate get in the way. The prejudices and biases that we absorb unconsciously get in the way. And in some cases the percieved costs of being truly inclusive scare us away (think of churches trying to become barrier-free for financial issues, or the social stigma suffered by many within the UCCan due to our stand on issues on sexual orientation over the last 20 years). But we are in good company. People have been wrestling with these questions for centuries.
Sometimes we are tempted to think that we are better than we are. Sometimes we look at others and (either secretly or openly) give thanks that we are not a "Bad off" as they are. Sometimes we are so assured in our "rightness" that we miss the point of what others are doing. SOmetimes we need to be brought up short. Jesus does this in the Gospel lesspn this week as he talks to the Pharisee. He points out that to live the life of the Reign of God means that we welcome everyone, even people like that. As I look at our attempts to live the life of the Reign of God I think we need to open ourselve to questions around how inclusive we are in practice as well as in rhetoric.
Maybe the proposal from Saskatchewan Conference is calling the people of the United Church to seriously consider how wide their field of view is. Maybe we are being urged to ask ourselves what we really mean when we claim to be an inclusive church. Maybe we are being challenged to find ways to ensure that all are welcome, truly welcome, in this place.
It is hard. I know of some congregations that delude themselves. I know that many places truly aren't aware how they exclude some people. I know that some have decided that the costs of change are too big. But we have to take the questions seriously. As it stands, every Pastoral Charge in this conference is now required to answer this question when they produce their Joint Needs Assessment Report when beginning the search for ministry personnel:
THe United church believes that God calls people of all races, ethnicities, abilities and orientations to ministry. Are there any theological or physical factors that would prevent you from welcoming any such persons to your Ministry site? Please specify and include your rationale.THis is a harder question than it seems. How would you answer it about the church you now attend? About other churches you have attended? How would you like to answer it? Inclsivity, to be meaningful, has to be shown in how we live and not just in words that we say. And yes, it is a hard thing to do at times.
Oh and what happened with the proposal? Well you will have to come on Sunday to find out.
--Gord
May 31, 2010
Looking Forward to June 6, 2010 -- 2nd Sunday After Pentecost
This Sunday we will be celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. As part of this Communion will be celebrated using the "Common Loaf" of the National Church.
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon Title is 85 and Going?????
Early Thoughts: From Hockey Arena in Toronto to the internet wired church. Where do we go from here? Where are we headed?
June 10, 1925. Representatives from the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist and Local Union Churches gathered in a Toronto Hockey Arena to mark the formation of a new, distinctly Canadian, denomination. Supported by an Act of Parliament (and various pieces of Provincial legislation), and after many years of negotiation, the United Church of Canada became a reality. At the time there were high hopes that this was but a beginning of becoming United. The hope was that more of the Protestant community would come to join in the Union.
85 years later, where do we find ourselves? Is there still a sense of hope for the future? I there still a sense of who we are as a denomination and what we have to share/offer?
To be honest, I am not really sure. There is a great deal of despair and pessimism in our midst. There are hard numerical realities that people have tried to avoid or ignore for decades that are becoming elephants in our midst. And there have been various responses, both by local congregations and by the national offices, that sometimes seem to be grasping at straws, even if the straws seem to have a good foundation.
The passage from Luke we read this Sunday tells of Jesus sending out the disciples. I think that there is a message for the Church in this. We need to become missional, we need to be more outward-focussed and do less navel gazing. But above all, it is my fear that we have lost our sense of identity and mission. We have lost our focus and raison d'etre. Unless we find that again, any changes (big or small) that we make will merely be shuffling deck chairs.
I do believe there is hope for the United Church. I do believe we have something vital to offer to our world. I also believe that it is time to look to a new way of being, not just re-organizing old ways. Where will we be in 2025 when we celebrate our centennial?
--Gord
PS> Click here for some information about where General COuncil Executive is steering this ship
The Scripture Readings this week are:
- From the Gospel: John 17:1-2, 6, 17-23
- From the Gospel: Luke 10:1-12
The Hymns this week are:
- 578 As a Fire is Meant for Burning (tune #374)
- 331 The Church’s One Foundation
- 601 The Church of Christ in Every Age (tune #20)
- 481 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
The Sermon Title is 85 and Going?????
Early Thoughts: From Hockey Arena in Toronto to the internet wired church. Where do we go from here? Where are we headed?
June 10, 1925. Representatives from the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist and Local Union Churches gathered in a Toronto Hockey Arena to mark the formation of a new, distinctly Canadian, denomination. Supported by an Act of Parliament (and various pieces of Provincial legislation), and after many years of negotiation, the United Church of Canada became a reality. At the time there were high hopes that this was but a beginning of becoming United. The hope was that more of the Protestant community would come to join in the Union.
85 years later, where do we find ourselves? Is there still a sense of hope for the future? I there still a sense of who we are as a denomination and what we have to share/offer?
To be honest, I am not really sure. There is a great deal of despair and pessimism in our midst. There are hard numerical realities that people have tried to avoid or ignore for decades that are becoming elephants in our midst. And there have been various responses, both by local congregations and by the national offices, that sometimes seem to be grasping at straws, even if the straws seem to have a good foundation.
The passage from Luke we read this Sunday tells of Jesus sending out the disciples. I think that there is a message for the Church in this. We need to become missional, we need to be more outward-focussed and do less navel gazing. But above all, it is my fear that we have lost our sense of identity and mission. We have lost our focus and raison d'etre. Unless we find that again, any changes (big or small) that we make will merely be shuffling deck chairs.
I do believe there is hope for the United Church. I do believe we have something vital to offer to our world. I also believe that it is time to look to a new way of being, not just re-organizing old ways. Where will we be in 2025 when we celebrate our centennial?
--Gord
PS> Click here for some information about where General COuncil Executive is steering this ship
May 25, 2010
Looking Forward to May 30, 2010 -- Trinity Sunday (1st After Pentecost)
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
Gord is off tending to new baby this week. Thanks to Brian for leading worship.
- From the Jewish Scriptures: Proverbs 8:1-4, 2-31
- Psalm 8 (VU p.732)
- From the Letters of the Early Church: Romans 5:1-5
- From the Gospel: John 16:12-15
The Hymns this week are:
- 399 God, Whose Love is Reigning o’er Us
- 291 All Things Bright and Beautiful (refrain at beginning and end only)
- 232 Joyful Joyful We Adore You
- 624 Be Thou My Vision
Gord is off tending to new baby this week. Thanks to Brian for leading worship.
May 18, 2010
Looking Forward to May 23, 2010 -- Pentecost Sunday
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon Title is What Language
Early Thoughts: The church is born amongst noise and fire and excitement. How do we get to understand what that is all about? What do we hear?
In Genesis we find the story of how the peoples of the world got sundered and divided. They have pretensions of grandeur. And it appears the God feels threatened and so God confuses their language and scatters them.
And then, in the Acts passage the sundering is undone. The languages are brought back together in the name of the One who prayed "that all may be one". The people from "all over the world" (or at least all over the Eastern Mediterranean) are united in hearing the Good News shared.
So what language allows us to be brought together?
The question is misleading. It suggests that there is some spoken languge that accomplishes the task, that is the antidote for the confusion of Babel. But there isn't one spoken language that does that. Think metaphor. The language that brings us together is the language of the Spirit.
What does it mean to speak Spirit-language? In some traditions the practise of ecstatic speech, of speaking in tongues is raised up as SPirit language. So that is one possibility. But could Spirit language be something else? Could it be something more available and accessible to all of us?
I think so.
--Gord
- From the Jewish Scriptures: Genesis 11:1-9
- Psalm 104:24-35 (VU p.827 Part 2)
- From the Life of the Early Church: Acts 2:1-12
The Hymns this week are:
- 198 Come, O Spirit Dwell Among Us (tune 374)
- 375 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
- 202 O Breath of Life (tune #437)
- 427 To Show by Touch and Word
The Sermon Title is What Language
Early Thoughts: The church is born amongst noise and fire and excitement. How do we get to understand what that is all about? What do we hear?
In Genesis we find the story of how the peoples of the world got sundered and divided. They have pretensions of grandeur. And it appears the God feels threatened and so God confuses their language and scatters them.
And then, in the Acts passage the sundering is undone. The languages are brought back together in the name of the One who prayed "that all may be one". The people from "all over the world" (or at least all over the Eastern Mediterranean) are united in hearing the Good News shared.
So what language allows us to be brought together?
The question is misleading. It suggests that there is some spoken languge that accomplishes the task, that is the antidote for the confusion of Babel. But there isn't one spoken language that does that. Think metaphor. The language that brings us together is the language of the Spirit.
What does it mean to speak Spirit-language? In some traditions the practise of ecstatic speech, of speaking in tongues is raised up as SPirit language. So that is one possibility. But could Spirit language be something else? Could it be something more available and accessible to all of us?
I think so.
--Gord
May 11, 2010
Looking Ahead to May 16, 2010 -- 7th Sunday of Easter
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Sermon Title is The Prayer of Jesus
Early Thoughts: WHat is your prayer for your friends and community just before you leave?
It is likely that none of this Gospel passage was said by Jesus in this way. But the idea is intriguing.
Just before the PAssion story begins, John puts this prayer into Jesus' mouth and heart. It is a prayer for his friends and followers. It is a prayer that the be strengthened and protected.
It is also a pryre for those who will come later. And so it is a prayer for all who seek to follow The Way. It is a prayer that we be led to the truth. ANd it includes the line that became the motto for the United Church of Canada -- That all may be one.
Where does this prayer lead us in 2010? WHat comfort and challenge do we find in it? And even better, how do we pray for those from whom we are about to be separated?
--Gord
- Psalm 97 (VU p.817)
- From the Gospel: John 17:1-26
- #402 We Are One
- #579 The Church is Wherever God’s People
- #569 You Call Us Out
- #420 Go to the World
The Sermon Title is The Prayer of Jesus
Early Thoughts: WHat is your prayer for your friends and community just before you leave?
It is likely that none of this Gospel passage was said by Jesus in this way. But the idea is intriguing.
Just before the PAssion story begins, John puts this prayer into Jesus' mouth and heart. It is a prayer for his friends and followers. It is a prayer that the be strengthened and protected.
It is also a pryre for those who will come later. And so it is a prayer for all who seek to follow The Way. It is a prayer that we be led to the truth. ANd it includes the line that became the motto for the United Church of Canada -- That all may be one.
Where does this prayer lead us in 2010? WHat comfort and challenge do we find in it? And even better, how do we pray for those from whom we are about to be separated?
--Gord
May 04, 2010
Looking Ahead to May 9, 2010 -- 6th Sunday of Easter
The Scripture Readings this weeks are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon title is The City By the River
Early Thoughts: What do we hope for when the world is changed? What is the vision of the Reign that is to come?
Here in the climax of the book of Revelation we have a vision of the Reign. Interesting that it is a city. After all much Christian imagery focusses on the wilderness and the "pastoral" -- shepherds and gardens and hillsides. But the ministry of Jesus was largely in towns of varying sizes. And the ministry of the early church (as we have it described in Scripture) was almost exclusively in urban settings -- read the book of Acts if you don't believe me.
But this isn't just any city. This is a new Jerusalem, a new Zion. Zion is the home of God on earth within Jewish thought. This is the new beginning.
SO what is our new beginning? When we gather at the river that flows from the throne of God what do we hope to find? And do we see signs of it in the world around us?
--Gord
- Psalm 67 (VU p.786)
- From the Writings of the Church: Revelation 21:1-22:5
The Hymns this week are:
- #710 Shall We Gather at the River
- #588 Many are the Lightbeams
- #713 I See a New Heaven
- #642 Be Thou My Vision
The Sermon title is The City By the River
Early Thoughts: What do we hope for when the world is changed? What is the vision of the Reign that is to come?
Here in the climax of the book of Revelation we have a vision of the Reign. Interesting that it is a city. After all much Christian imagery focusses on the wilderness and the "pastoral" -- shepherds and gardens and hillsides. But the ministry of Jesus was largely in towns of varying sizes. And the ministry of the early church (as we have it described in Scripture) was almost exclusively in urban settings -- read the book of Acts if you don't believe me.
But this isn't just any city. This is a new Jerusalem, a new Zion. Zion is the home of God on earth within Jewish thought. This is the new beginning.
SO what is our new beginning? When we gather at the river that flows from the throne of God what do we hope to find? And do we see signs of it in the world around us?
--Gord
Changes Afoot!
The General Council Executive met this past weekend. As a part of their meeting they were discussing some major changes for how we in the UCCan operate as a denomination. Expand for more....
From the news release on the NAtional WEbsite:
For those who like parliamentary language, here is the actual motion that was passed and here are some links to the report, some background, and some responses that were received.
What does this all mean? Only time will tell for sure but the hope is that it streamlines some of the bureaucratic side of church life. Real renewal for the church will not come from this though. Real renewal will come when we discover (or rediscover) a sense of mission, our raison d'etre, our purpose, a sense of who/how/where God is calling us to be.
FOr more discussion on this issue you can read through this thread
From the news release on the NAtional WEbsite:
After thoughtful and prayerful consideration, the Executive unanimously adopted key directions aimed at encouraging and revitalizing ministries and simplifying processes, including:
* focusing the work of the General Council Office on supporting denominational identity and connection
* clarifying and redefining the roles of the courts of the church and reducing the complexity and size of The Manual
* establishing a Network for Ministry Development to offer training and consultation on congregational and new ministry development, and a New Ministries Fund seeded with $1 million from United Church reserves to support new and innovative ministries
* giving high priority to using new technologies and new media to their full potential, recognizing that accommodations will be necessary due to limited access to these technologies in some parts of Canada
Many of these initiatives will be developed and implemented over the triennium. Other parts of the plan will require further development and, in some cases, the approval of the General Council, which is scheduled to meet next in 2012.
As the Executive’s decision is implemented and the church reorients itself toward the future, budget realities mean a number of less welcome transitions will take place. These include the loss of 15–20 staff positions at the General Council Office over the triennium, and reductions in grants to mission support, global partners, theological schools, and education centres.
The loss of valued colleagues, work, and support for partnerships will be difficult. In its extensive discussion and discernment, the Executive recognized that embracing this plan for the future will bring opportunities, as well as loss.
At the same time as these reductions are being implemented, the new directions and initiatives approved by the Executive will ensure the church continues to be relevant and faithful in a changing context.
For those who like parliamentary language, here is the actual motion that was passed and here are some links to the report, some background, and some responses that were received.
What does this all mean? Only time will tell for sure but the hope is that it streamlines some of the bureaucratic side of church life. Real renewal for the church will not come from this though. Real renewal will come when we discover (or rediscover) a sense of mission, our raison d'etre, our purpose, a sense of who/how/where God is calling us to be.
FOr more discussion on this issue you can read through this thread
April 26, 2010
Looking Ahead to May 2, 2010 -- 5th Sunday of Easter
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon title is Old Rules, New Twists
Early Thoughts: But that isn't how it is supposed to work!!! What happens when new interpretations of life and rules stare you full in the face?
To a certain extent that was a crucial question for the early Jesus-movement. As word of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus started to spread through Roman Palestine and beyond more people were drawn to the movement. But did non-Jews have to become Jews first? To answer that question meant looking at old rules. The answer that came to be used meant new twists on old thoughts.
Despite the fact that John's GOspel uses the phrase "a new commandment" the commandment to love your neighbour was not new. It is in fact found in the book of Leviticus (19:19). It is an old rule, one that all the Gospels agree Jesus gave a position of great prominence in Kingdom Life. The new twist was in the interpretaion of who was covered under the rule.
AS times change we need to keep evaluating our old rules. We need to be open to ask if they are still useful. We need to be ready for the possibility that God is throwing a new twist into life, one that may require a re-evaluation of the way we implement the rule (assumong that is that the old rule is still relevant and not in need of being discarded completely).
In your life today where do you find new twists staring you in the face? What old rules are you questioning????
--Gord
- From the Life of the Early Church: Acts 11:1-18
- Psalm 148 (VU p.871)
- From the Gospel: John 13:31-35
The Hymns this week are:
- #574 Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love
- #372 Though I May Speak
- #333 Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling
- #427 To Show by Touch and Word
The Sermon title is Old Rules, New Twists
Early Thoughts: But that isn't how it is supposed to work!!! What happens when new interpretations of life and rules stare you full in the face?
To a certain extent that was a crucial question for the early Jesus-movement. As word of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus started to spread through Roman Palestine and beyond more people were drawn to the movement. But did non-Jews have to become Jews first? To answer that question meant looking at old rules. The answer that came to be used meant new twists on old thoughts.
Despite the fact that John's GOspel uses the phrase "a new commandment" the commandment to love your neighbour was not new. It is in fact found in the book of Leviticus (19:19). It is an old rule, one that all the Gospels agree Jesus gave a position of great prominence in Kingdom Life. The new twist was in the interpretaion of who was covered under the rule.
AS times change we need to keep evaluating our old rules. We need to be open to ask if they are still useful. We need to be ready for the possibility that God is throwing a new twist into life, one that may require a re-evaluation of the way we implement the rule (assumong that is that the old rule is still relevant and not in need of being discarded completely).
In your life today where do you find new twists staring you in the face? What old rules are you questioning????
--Gord
April 19, 2010
Biker Coming to Town
REcently the Church office received word that "Gary Jones, a member of Trinity United Church in Timberlea, Nova Scotia is cycling across cancer to raise funds and increase awareness of thyroid cancer, which he was successfully treated for a few years ago." Gary will be arriving in Atikokan on June 3 and we will be looking for a billet for him. Contact Gord for more information. A story about Gary and his ride is available if you expand the post
Gary Jones passed the test of a lifetime when he underwent surgery for thyroid cancer in December, 1997. Now the long-time trucker and resident of the Bay Road in Timberlea is going to test himself -and his bicycle- on a 4,500 mile ride across Canada to raise money for thyroid cancer this spring..
He’s hoping to meet as many United Church folks as possible in his journey across the country – and is eager to talk to anyone who could put him up for a night along the way.
The ride isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a spiritual one, according to the bearded, muscular truck driver who has been planning the trip ever since he got a clean bill of health from his doctor in 1998. Now that he’s retired after 38 years on the road, it’s time to hit the blacktop again.
“My life journey has been on wheels”, he says with an infectious grin. “I started with 18 wheels, graduated to 22 and drove from east to west.”
“My mission within my new journey starting in May is to bike west to east on two wheels hauling hope, faith and attitude”.
He’s scheduled to dip his wheel in the Pacific Ocean May 15 and will set an ambitious target of crossing the country in 45 days.
Gary’s attitude is well known in his home congregation where he has done everything from acting in plays to pouring concrete and heading up the church’s famous trucker’s breakfasts where diners are treated to heaped plates of beans and eggs and bacon topped off with pancakes. He’s also renowned for his energetic and enthusiastic speeches to the congregation either celebrating the last church event or advertising the next one.
That energy has also been evident in his fund-raising effort for thyroid cancer – so far he has raised over $9,000 and his goal is $20,000. But Gary is not a man who limits himself in anything.
He’s delighted with the generosity of the local community – businesses and individuals.
There is a long list of supporters on his website garybiking.blogspot.com and it grows every day that he is on the road with his passionate story about the need for cancer research funding.
“Word is starting to spread. Every day for the past two weeks somebody has come up to me and given me $20 or more- every day that happens”, Gary said.
He’s training every day for the journey and wants to get started – and to make friends along the way by billeting at homes along the route.
“I’m anxious to get on with this amazing adventure of crossing Canada by bike and fund-raising because I am a survivor of thyroid cancer,” he said.
So in the meantime it’s hammer down as Gary continues to train on roads around Timberlea, logging the miles to get ready for the big trip.
“My strength and my attitude come from enjoying life. Every day is a holiday,” he said.
“It’s all about smiling.”
Gary invites anyone who would like to support him to visit the garybiking.blogspot.com website for more information. Donations can be made to “Bank of Nova Scotia Cancer Research” or contact Gary at 876- 2415 or at ganmdfjones@ns.sympatico.ca.
Making COnnections Part 2
We now know who our partners for Making Connections (see previous post) are...
Riverview's contact information was given to Bissell Memorial United in Spiritwood Saskatchewan. The paid minister there is Rev. Leigh Sinclair who writes in an e-mail:
Riverview has been given the contact info for Parkwoods Pastoral Charch in Don Mills Ontario. They can be found at their website.
Gord has e-mailed them saying:
So what should we send Parkwoods to help them learn who we are?????
Riverview's contact information was given to Bissell Memorial United in Spiritwood Saskatchewan. The paid minister there is Rev. Leigh Sinclair who writes in an e-mail:
Hello from Bissell Memorial United Church in Spiritwood Saskatchewan! I am writing on behalf of everyone here to say hello and introduce our selves as we have been given your name as one of our partners in the 85th anniversary celebrations.
Though we were matched "randomly" it is a very small world this United Church of ours and we have a few things in common. I know your ministry Gord from the youth ministry world and we are both in the midst of pastoral relationship changes. I will also be going to Alberta (though not as far north as Gord) and the congregation here has completed their Joint Needs Assessement and is in the midst of their search.
We are a shared ministry congregation doing everything together with Trinity Lutheran congregation. Thus we have become Trinity Bissell Memorial. We share a building, worship, leadership, youth group etc. etc. We all live in or around the small town of Spiritwood (about 1000 folks) where farming, health care and teaching are central vocations. The closest cities to us are Prince Albert, Saskatoon and North Battleford.
We will be sending you a package in the mail with pictures etc. and will be praying for you in your time of transition. We are honoured to be match with you all!
Riverview has been given the contact info for Parkwoods Pastoral Charch in Don Mills Ontario. They can be found at their website.
Gord has e-mailed them saying:
Blessings and greetings on behalf of Riverview United Church in Atikokan Ontario.
We are a part of Cambrian Presbytery, located just over 2 hours West-Southwest of Thunder Bay. Atikokan is a town of about 3000 folks and Riverview is a congregation that averages 40 folks on a Sunday morning.
We will be sending you some more information about our life as a faith community but we wanted to greet you as soon as possible. In the meantime please feel free to check out our blog at http://riverviewrollson.blogspot.com
Peace and Blessings as together we celebrate the 85th anniversary of this United Church of ours!
So what should we send Parkwoods to help them learn who we are?????
Making Connections
The United Church of Canada turns 85 this year! One of the projects to celebrate this even is called Making Connections Expand the post to read more about it (from the National Website)
Celebrating an anniversary is often an opportunity to make connections, renew friendships, and sometimes even build new relationships.
How many times have you attended family gatherings where distant relatives met for the first time and discovered a shared history? The bonds become stronger when we celebrate and honour our interconnectedness.
This is also true for the family we call The United Church of Canada. Congregations and diverse community ministries span this country from coast to coast to coast. Our global partners and overseas personnel extend our family ties around the world. From urban centres to small towns to rural and remote communities, we are all connected.
This June 10, The United Church of Canada’s 85th Anniversary is a time to remember, renew, rejoice—and make new connections!
Beginning in March we will be inviting you to participate in a special anniversary initiative called Making Connections. Our hope is that you will use the time leading up to Anniversary Sunday on June 6 to initiate and nurture a new relationship with a “distant relative” in the United Church.
To do this we will randomly pair United Church pastoral charges, community ministries, global partners, and overseas personnel with one another. This means each pastoral charge, community ministry, global partner, and overseas personnel will have the potential to begin two new relationships: one with the ministry you are invited to connect with, and the other with the ministry that has been invited to connect with you.
Celebrating an anniversary is often an opportunity to make connections, renew friendships, and sometimes even build new relationships.
How many times have you attended family gatherings where distant relatives met for the first time and discovered a shared history? The bonds become stronger when we celebrate and honour our interconnectedness.
This is also true for the family we call The United Church of Canada. Congregations and diverse community ministries span this country from coast to coast to coast. Our global partners and overseas personnel extend our family ties around the world. From urban centres to small towns to rural and remote communities, we are all connected.
This June 10, The United Church of Canada’s 85th Anniversary is a time to remember, renew, rejoice—and make new connections!
Beginning in March we will be inviting you to participate in a special anniversary initiative called Making Connections. Our hope is that you will use the time leading up to Anniversary Sunday on June 6 to initiate and nurture a new relationship with a “distant relative” in the United Church.
To do this we will randomly pair United Church pastoral charges, community ministries, global partners, and overseas personnel with one another. This means each pastoral charge, community ministry, global partner, and overseas personnel will have the potential to begin two new relationships: one with the ministry you are invited to connect with, and the other with the ministry that has been invited to connect with you.
Looking ahead to April 25, 2010 -- 4th Sunday of Easter
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
Gord is away this week and so we offer a great big thank-you to Elvin for leading worship.
- From the Life of the Early Church: Acts 9:36-43
- Psalm 23 (VU p.749)
- From the Writings of the Early Church: Revelation 7:9-17
- From the Gospel: John 10:22-30
The Hymns this week are:
- #217 All Creature of Our God and King
- #747 The Lord’s My Shepherd
- #337 Blessed Assurance
- #424 May the God of Hope Go With Us
Gord is away this week and so we offer a great big thank-you to Elvin for leading worship.
April 16, 2010
Does this Speak to you? What Does it Say?
This ad comes from our brothers and sisters in the United Church of Christ in the US:
April 12, 2010
Looking Ahead to April 18, 2010 -- 3rd Sunday of Easter
The Scripture Readings this week are:
The Hymns this week are:
The Sermon Title is 180°
Early Thoughts: What does it take to make us turn and go in a new direction? Can we turn our backs on where we were and go the other way?
Paul was, by his own account, a persecuter of the early church. In Acts Luke makes it clear that this persecution was potentially fatal. And yet when he experiences the Risen Christ, when he runs into the reality of Easter, Paul's life and perspective are wholly changed.
Peter was afraid. In the chaos after the arrest of Jesus and the fear that Jesus' followers would be the next to be put into chains Peter vehemently denies that he even knew the man -- much less was one of the most trusted and favoured followers. And yet out of his experience of the Risen Christ he becomes the first leader of the movement that becomes known as the Christian church.
There is something about the resurrection experience that leads people to turn and go in the opposite direction. But maybe that is less than surprising after all. In resurrection we are reminded that anything is possible. In meeting the resurrection truth we are pushed to let go of death.
Many of us find ourelves going the wrong way at times. What would it take for us to be convinced that we need to turn around? More importantly, what would it take for us to actually do it?
--Gord
- From the Gospel: John 21:15-17
- Psalm 30 (VU p.757)
- From the Life of the Early Church: Acts 9:1-20
The Hymns this week are:
- #409 Morning Has Broken
- #183 We Meet You, O Christ
- #626 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
- #232 Joyful, Joyful We Adore You
The Sermon Title is 180°
Early Thoughts: What does it take to make us turn and go in a new direction? Can we turn our backs on where we were and go the other way?
Paul was, by his own account, a persecuter of the early church. In Acts Luke makes it clear that this persecution was potentially fatal. And yet when he experiences the Risen Christ, when he runs into the reality of Easter, Paul's life and perspective are wholly changed.
Peter was afraid. In the chaos after the arrest of Jesus and the fear that Jesus' followers would be the next to be put into chains Peter vehemently denies that he even knew the man -- much less was one of the most trusted and favoured followers. And yet out of his experience of the Risen Christ he becomes the first leader of the movement that becomes known as the Christian church.
There is something about the resurrection experience that leads people to turn and go in the opposite direction. But maybe that is less than surprising after all. In resurrection we are reminded that anything is possible. In meeting the resurrection truth we are pushed to let go of death.
Many of us find ourelves going the wrong way at times. What would it take for us to be convinced that we need to turn around? More importantly, what would it take for us to actually do it?
--Gord
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