Weekly Update

****Note**** Palm Sunday Worship Service April 2, will be held via zoom due to a covid outbreak.

LENTEN MUSINGS …

From Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional, by Nicole Massie Martin

Because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

-2 Corinthians 4:18 

I’ll never forget the day the doctor told me that I needed glasses.

For years, I had prided myself on being the only one in my immediate family with perfect sight.

Yet, for a variety of reasons, I was forced into a new reality in which I would need assistance to see what I needed to see. 

It was a significant moment that required serious adjustment.

I had to change my routines and embrace a new normal.

Years later, I admit that I’m not always good about remembering my glasses, but I do whatever it takes because I want to see… 

Engaging on the journey with Christ can be like being prescribed new glasses. Crucifixion and resurrection can cause you to see life in a whole new way. Before Christ, life can look natural, material, and temporary. 

What you see is what you get.

But when we engage with God through the Holy Spirit, life begins to look less natural and more spiritual, less material and more immaterial, less temporary and more eternal. 

Our spiritual lenses enable us to see what the world cannot see and pursue an eternal goal that is beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. 

However, we’re not always good about seeing through spiritual eyes. 

When challenges arise, it’s easy to focus on what we see and forget the value of what is unseen.

But through the Passion Story, God invites us to put on our glasses again and see what must be seen. 

We must see Jesus crucified so that we can see our trials as temporary. 

We must see Christ buried so that we can see the truth about closed doors.

And by God’s grace, we must see the Savior resurrected so that we will see the promise of new life that awaits us. 

A SPECIAL INVITATION:

The Manitou Intentional Learning Community is excited to present “Listening for the Spirit: Reflections on Lent and Easter Scripture from an Indigenous Perspective” presented by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of United Church of Canada, TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

To register, please visit manitoulearningcommunity.com

SPAGHETTI SUPPER and Art Sale:

The big day has been postponed until April 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm

The price of admission is $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children six to ten.

Art by Linda Arseneau will be sold for $20 each, size 8 x 10 to 12 x 16.

If you would be willing to help out, please be in touch with Carol McLean or Monique Kerr.

LENTEN TAIZE SERVICE:
Our friends at St. Peter’s United would like to extend an invitation to join with them and others for a Lenten Taizé service on Sunday evening, (April 2) at St. Peter’s.

This Holy Week meditative service of sung prayer will be enriched by the opportunity to walk an indoor labyrinth.

The labyrinth will be open for prayer walks beginning at 6:30 pm and the candle-lit service of sung prayer, Scripture and silence will begin at 7:00 p.m.

For more information contact 1fmoffatt@sympatico.ca or dhallman@laurentian.ca

GOOD FRIDAY:

There will be an evening Good Friday service here at Grace, at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 7.

Everyone is welcome to attend this sombre and reflective worship experience.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION:

Our next Mindfulness and Meditation session will be held on Tuesday, April 4 from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.

Everyone is invited to log on!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP:

Our Study and Discussion group resumes on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 pm.

This month our conversation will focus on the concept of church as a place for “transforming lives”; (chapter fifteen in Diana Butler-Bass’s Christianity for the Rest of Us).

Looking forward to a great time of sharing and learning together!

EXPLORING OUR FAITH:

Our monthly delve into Broadview Magazine picks up again on Friday, April 28 at 11:00 am in the downstairs boardroom.

Stay tuned for details about this month’s focus article…

FLOWERS IN MEMORIUM:

Those who wish to have flowers placed on the chancel on Easter Sunday, in memory of loved ones who have passed away, are invited to purchase their favorite potted plant and bring it to church with them that day.

After they have adorned our sanctuary for worship, you will be invited to take your plants with you to enjoy at home. 

JoAnne will be preparing an In Memoriamlist.

Should you wish the name(s) of the person/persons to appear on that list, please email the names to her at joanneruthblackwell@icloud.com prior to April 1st.

CARE PROJECT:

Did you know that one in four Canadian women must choose between buying food or feminine hygiene products each month?

Tampon Tuesday is an initiative put on by United Way-Centraide North East Ontario, in partnership with the Sudbury & District Labour Council.

For the month of March, Grace will be collecting feminine products to contribute to this great cause.

The most requested products include pads, cloth pads, tampons, liners, diva cups, and period underwear.  

Donations of money are also very much appreciated.

THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY READINGS:

Matthew 21:1–11

Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29

The stone the builders rejected.

“SOUL CARE” FOR LENT

Lent offers us an invitation to take better care of our souls.

Here are three things to do this week, to help you deepen your spiritual life.

Make a list of those whom you may have hurt.

Consider taking responsibility and making apologies.

Commit to working to mend broken relationships.

Read Full Post »

Weekly Update

LENTEN MUSINGS …

From Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional, by Nicole Massie Martin

Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1) 

She was five cents short, but he paid for her entire meal.

She was at the airport going home and a good Samaritan came out of nowhere, handed his card to the cashier, and said that everything was on him.

On top of that, he gave her a few dollars to get an extra snack for her trip. 

She stretched out her hand to give everything back to him. “This is too much,” she said, not certain of what he would want in return for this unmerited kindness. “Please, take it,” he answered with a smile. “God’s been good to me this week.”

As she held the money in her hand and waited for her food, she was overcome with the weight of her unworthiness. 

Unearned generosity can make us feel deeply unworthy.

We’ve bought into a culture of reciprocity that can make us feel awful when we cannot participate in equal exchange.

We know that it is better to give than to receive, but life is easier when our giving stays in stride with our receiving. 

When we commence the journey of life with God, we enter a life of 

unparalleled generosity.

Nothing that we give to God even comes close to what God gives to us.

What do you need to release in order to lean into the generosity of God’s love?

Right now, God offers access to those who can’t afford entry and allows us to purchase what we need without spending a dime.

So do not waste another moment. Come now and enjoy the bountiful love of our gracious God. 

COUNCIL MEETING:

Council will meet THIS EVENING at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

All members, please plan to attend.

LENTEN MINI-RETREAT:

An invitation to gather for an evening of retreat and reflection on TOMORROW from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Grace.

Looking forward to sharing this time together as we explore The Landscapes of the Soul.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take place THIS Sunday, March 26 immediately after morning worship.

All members and adherents are strongly encouraged to take part in this important event in our life and work!

A SPECIAL INVITATION:

The Manitou Intentional Learning Community is excited to present “Listening for the Spirit: Reflections on Lent and Easter Scripture from an Indigenous Perspective” presented by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of United Church of Canada, on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

To register, please visit manitoulearningcommunity.com

SPAGHETTI SUPPER:

Bringing back a Grace tradition!

Our FABULOUS Spring Spaghetti Supper will be held on Saturday, April 1 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

The price of admission is $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children six to ten.

If you would be willing to help out, please be in touch with Carol McLean or Monique Kerr.

LENTEN TAIZE SERVICE:
Our friends at St. Peter’s United would like to extend an invitation to join with them and others for a Lenten Taizé service on Sunday evening, April 2 at St. Peter’s.

This Holy Week meditative service of sung prayer will be enriched by the opportunity to walk an indoor labyrinth.

The labyrinth will be open for prayer walks beginning at 6:30 pm and the candle-lit service of sung prayer, Scripture and silence will begin at 7:00 p.m.

For more information contact 1fmoffatt@sympatico.ca or dhallman@laurentian.ca

GOOD FRIDAY:

There will be an evening Good Friday service here at Grace, at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 7.

Everyone is welcome to attend this sombre and reflective worship experience.

FLOWERS IN MEMORIUM:

Those who wish to have flowers placed on the chancel on Easter Sunday, in memory of loved ones who have passed away, are invited to purchase their favorite potted plant and bring it to church with them that day.

After they have adorned our sanctuary for worship, you will be invited to take your plants with you to enjoy at home. 

JoAnne will be preparing an In Memoriamlist.

Should you wish the name(s) of the person/persons to appear on that list, please email the names to her at joanneruthblackwell@icloud.com prior to April 1st.

CARE PROJECT:

Did you know that one in four Canadian women must choose between buying food or feminine hygiene products each month?

Tampon Tuesday is an initiative put on by United Way-Centraide North East Ontario, in partnership with the Sudbury & District Labour Council.

For the month of March, Grace will be collecting feminine products to contribute to this great cause.

The most requested products include pads, cloth pads, tampons, liners, diva cups, and period underwear.  

Donations of money are also very much appreciated.

FROM OUR ENVELOP SECRETARY:

Your offerings are very important to the continued work of our church and are very appreciated. 

Unlike other non profit organizations, we don’t receive government support or grants to continue our operation. 

We rely on our congregation, fundraising events and hall rentals to pay the bills, including our ministers salary. 

With costs continuing to rise, your support is more important than ever.

You can help support the church financially by:

*Signing up for Preauthorized Payments – tax deductible receipt

*E-transfers to Laurie Aubertin (our Treasurer) – tax deductible receipt

*Having a box of envelopes with an assigned envelope number to put on the offering plate on Sundays – tax deductible receipt

*Our online payment option through Canada Helps (you can find the link on our Website or Facebook page). – tax deductible receipt

*Putting loose money on the offering plate on Sunday – no tax deductible receipt

The benefit of the first three options is a tax deductible receipt at the end of the year. 

Canada Helps donators will be issued a printable tax deductible receipt at the time of donation. 

Signing up for PAR will help our council budget for the coming year.

If you would like a box of envelopes with an assigned number, please speak with Linda Arseneau linda_arseneau@hotmail.com, the ushers, or simply drop a note on the offering plate requesting envelopes.

THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY READINGS:

Ezekiel 37:1–14

The valley of dry bones.

Psalm 130 (VU pp. 852–853)

Out of the depths I cry to God.

Romans 8:6–11

The Spirit is life, not death.

John 11:1–45

The raising of Lazarus.

“SOUL CARE” FOR LENT

Lent offers us an invitation to take better care of our souls.

Here are three things to do this week, to help you deepen your spiritual life.

*Consider how your work can be more like a ministry, day in and day out

*Do less or do more, to achieve better balance in your life

*Resolve to spend time with people who may help you to become the person   

 God intends you to be.

Read Full Post »

Weekly Update

LENTEN MUSINGS …

From Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional, by Nicole Massie Martin

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? -Psalm 27:1 

It’s been said that “fear not” is the most repeated command in the Bible.

It’s also said that fear and anxiety are among the top causes of stress for Americans today.

The combination of both creates a wonderful ebb and flow of complexity and grace. 

On the one hand, we have so many reasons to fear.

Having lived through recession, we fear the loss of jobs and financial instability.
With so much violence in the world, we fear tragedies that can strike at any time.

The uncertainty of relationships creates fear in our marriages, and the fragility of life makes us fear sickness that leads to death. 

On the other hand, David declared prophetically that we have nothing to fear. Were things easier for him?

Sure, he may not have had the exact pressures we have, but his story indicates that he, too, had good reason to fear.

His enemies were real.

His family experienced conflict and broken relationships.

He witnessed and experienced the effects of sickness and pain. 

But David allowed the reality of God to supersede his fear.

His problems and enemies were real, but he understood God to be bigger. 

David demonstrated how we can rise above our fears by leaning into God as our light, salvation, and strength.

By seeking the Lord and dwelling in the temple, his faith grew in spite of his fears… 

What would it look like for your faith to grow in spite of your fears? 

With the confidence of David and the gift of God’s promises, we can rest in knowing that the love of God for us is greater than anything against us. 

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION:

As we journey through this holy season, it’s important to still our hearts and minds and listen for the still, small voice of God.

Please plan to log on for a special Lenten Mindfulness and Meditation: Tuesday, March 14 at 7:30 pm via Zoom.

Everyone is welcome!

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM:

On Sunday, March 19, as part of our regular morning worship service, we will be welcoming four new members into the Grace faith family, through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Please plan to be present for this joyful celebration!

COUNCIL MEETING:

Council will meet on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

All members, please plan to attend.

LENTEN MINI-RETREAT:

An invitation to gather for an evening of retreat and reflection on Thursday, March 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Grace.

Looking forward to sharing this time together!

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, March 26 immediately after morning worship.

All members and adherents are strongly encouraged to take part in this important event in our life and work!

SPAGHETTI SUPPER:

Bringing back a Grace tradition!

Our FABULOUS Spring Spaghetti Supper will be held on Saturday, April 1; (details to follow).

If you would be willing to help out, please be in touch with Carol McLean or Monique Kerr.

FLOWERS IN MEMORIUM:

Those who wish to have flowers placed on the chancel on Easter Sunday, in memory of loved ones who have passed away, are invited to purchase their favorite potted plant and bring it to church with them that day.

After they have adorned our sanctuary for worship, you will be invited to take your plants with you to enjoy at home. 

JoAnne will be preparing an In Memoriamlist.

Should you wish the name(s) of the person/persons to appear on that list, please email the names to her at joanneruthblackwell@icloud.com prior to April 1st.

CARE PROJECT:

Did you know that one in four Canadian women must choose between buying food or feminine hygiene products each month?

Tampon Tuesday is an initiative put on by United Way-Centraide North East Ontario, in partnership with the Sudbury & District Labour Council.

For the month of March, Grace will be collecting feminine products to contribute to this great cause.

The most requested products include pads, cloth pads, tampons, liners, diva cups, and period underwear.  

Donations of money are also very much appreciated.

FROM OUR ENVELOP SECRETARY:

Your offerings are very important to the continued work of our church and are very appreciated. 

Unlike other non profit organizations, we don’t receive government support or grants to continue our operation. 

We rely on our congregation, fundraising events and hall rentals to pay the bills, including our ministers salary. 

With costs continuing to rise, your support is more important than ever.

You can help support the church financially by:

*Signing up for Preauthorized Payments – tax deductible receipt

*E-transfers to Laurie Aubertin (our Treasurer) – tax deductible receipt

*Having a box of envelopes with an assigned envelope number to put on the offering plate on Sundays – tax deductible receipt

*Our online payment option through Canada Helps (you can find the link on our Website or Facebook page). – tax deductible receipt

*Putting loose money on the offering plate on Sunday – no tax deductible receipt

The benefit of the first three options is a tax deductible receipt at the end of the year. 

Canada Helps donators will be issued a printable tax deductible receipt at the time of donation. 

Signing up for PAR will help our council budget for the coming year.

If you would like a box of envelopes with an assigned number, please speak with Linda Arseneau linda_arseneau@hotmail.com, the ushers, or simply drop a note on the offering plate requesting envelopes.

THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY READINGS:

Exodus 17:1–7

Water from the rock.

Psalm 95 (VU pp. 814–815)

Let us shout to the rock of our salvation.

Romans 5:1–11

Hope in God does not disappoint us.

John 4:5–42

Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

“SOUL CARE” FOR LENT

Lent offers us an invitation to take better care of our souls.

Here are three things to do this week, to help you deepen your spiritual life.

1. Clean out your closets and get rid of the unwanted stuff in your life.
2. Write a letter to a person who has wronged you, and then throw it away.
3. Make a list of five year, ten year, and twenty year goals for your life.

Read Full Post »