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Weekly Update

MUSINGS:

From: Focus Moments: Progressive Christian Devotional Readings from Along an Evolving Path by Preston Tama

 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.   — Romans 12:2

 

I remember going to second grade wearing a striped shirt, green corduroy pants and open-toed, leather-looking sandals.

Sure, it was the 70s, but I really don’t think that’s what everyone else was wearing in my school.

What I’m trying to say is that I’ve never had trouble being a nonconformist.

As much as I’d like to write about being a nonconformist, however, I suspect this passage is really about ordering our lives so that we can know more of what God wants for us.

How can we discern the will of God if we aren’t in a receptive, open, listening mode? So what’s do you have planned today?

I began my morning with a list of things I have to do.

It notes some calls I need to make—which I haven’t gotten around to doing yet—a couple of writing projects I need to work on, some theatre tickets I need to order. And it contains a little scribble reminding me to write this essay.

I’d never get any sleep if I didn’t close the workday by writing down what I’ve left undone.

The notes keeps my work life in order since my brain alone doesn’t always do that too well.

You know, however,I hope I go off-list for at least a little while today.

The universe is an enormous creation that I’m only beginning to understand the smallest amount about, and my goal is to find at least a little time in every day to get to know my God and perhaps even learn about the universe’s will for my life.

I admit that I don’t do a very good job of finding time for exploring God in my life.

I’m suggesting that you find time for God in yours, however, because I’m almost regretful sometimes when the sun goes down and the covers come up and I still haven’t talked with the presence that took the time to make me.

Learning about the will of the universe seems to be closely related to taking time to talk to and listen to God.

Forget your list for a few minutes, and see what you and God have to talk about today.

 

REVEREND ERIN’S TREASURE BOX!:

After a bit of a hiatus, Rev. Erin’s Treasure Box will be making a return to our Sunday Zoom worship!

You remember the Treasure Box; containing a different item each week, to help us learn about Jesus and how to walk in His way?

Here’s the thing though: the Treasure Box only comes out if there are KIDS to share it with… There weren’t any last Sunday; here’s hoping for this week!! (nudge, nudge; wink, wink!)

 

FALL LABYRINTH WALK:

Fall is a beautiful time of year for contemplation and for being in God’s good creation.

In conjunction with MILC, our friends at St. Peter’s have created a self-guided labyrinth walk, to be enjoyed individually; either using the Sudbury Labyrinth or in any other such setting.

I have attached it here in a separate document, with an invitation to download and experience this very meaningful spiritual practice.

 

FELLOWSHIP AND FUNDRAISING!:

A terrific opportunity for fellowship and fundraising, generously offered by our own Joanne Blackwell!

She writes:

Hi friends of Grace United Church.
As some of you know, I’m a consultant for a company called Norwex which sells cleaning and personal care products you use with only water, greatly reducing the amount of chemicals you use in your home, benefitting your health, the health of your family and of the planet.  

Their products also save you time and money.

I will be hosting a Norwex Zoom Party next Tuesday evening, September 29, at 7:00 with all proceeds going to the Grace United Church Rebuild Fund.  

Should you wish to join the Zoom Party, please email me at blackwell@isys.ca and I will send you the link.

In the meantime, here is a link to our catalogue and to two very short YouTube videos on Why Norwex and what makes our Microfiber so special.

 

https://norwex.biz/cms-media/media-manager/norwex-documents/20608_july_2020_catalog_cdn_lr_RRQeCI2.pdf

 

https://youtu.be/9efZfbYksaY

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGtJj11-TeU&feature=share

 

If you are unable to attend the Zoom Party, but wish to order, please just email me, or give me a call at (705)560-7431.

If you have friends who would be interested in joining us and supporting our fundraising efforts, please give them my email address or phone number and I will reach out to them.

Thanks so much for your support and hope to “zoom” with you soon 😊

 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

Listen. Learn. Act: Confronting Racism in our Community

The police killings of black and indigenous people and the protests that followed have received extensive media coverage.  

Many voices have joined the chorus to demand change. 

In order to bring about change, it is important to understand the roots of racism and the daily experience of individuals and communities affected by racism.

Please join MILC for a Zoom presentation with Carla John (Manager, Equity, Human Rights, and Accessibility at Cambrian College), and Kelly Lee Assinewe (Coordinator of the N’Swakamok Alternative School), who will speak about issues of racism in our area and how to work towards racial equity in our local context. 

This event to be held on Wednesday, September 30^th, 6:30 t0 8:00.

Registration required. Please contact gillian.schell@sympatico.ca

 

CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP:

Our once-a-month study and discussion group will resume on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 by Zoom.

For the next several sessions, we will be exploring Marcus Borg’s evocative book, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.

The book is widely available, new and used on many websites.

Everyone is warmly invited to join the conversation!

 

COMING SOON: “VIRTUAL” CRAFT SALE!

As the pandemic will prevent us from holding our annual Christmas Luncheon and Bazaar this year, we’re going to take the FUN-draising online with a craft sale on Facebook!

Details will follow in the coming weeks, but in the meantime you’re invited to get those sewing machines fired up and the knitting needles clacking (or whatever else it is that you do for crafting!) in support of our life and work at Grace!

 

WITH A PRAYER IN OUR HEARTS …

Compassionate God, our feet are dusty from travelling the road of our lives.

For gifts from the earth, we give thanks.

For lives of service and compassion, we give thanks.

For food to nourish our bodies and souls, we give thanks.

For Jesus Christ, his life among us, we give thanks. Amen.

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