Weekly Update

MUSINGS …

written by Liz Miller 

Then Jesus turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing.” 

– Luke 14:12-14

A man fell asleep on my front lawn.

At least, I hoped he was asleep.

I had just walked outside to see if the mail had come and while a glance told me the mailbox was still empty, it was more difficult to tell if the man was still breathing.

This was April 2020, the height of the Covid-19 lockdown.

My home felt like the only safe space left on earth, an illusion now burst by a stranger stretched out on his side under a towering pine tree.

Swallowing my anxiety and breaking the rules of social distancing, I approached him, asking, “Sir, are you okay?”

The man murmured and came to life.

“I’m sorry. I got tired but didn’t mean to fall asleep here.”

Relief startled me out of my unease.

We talked, exchanged stories, and he accepted my offer of food and water.

He looked through the hastily prepared bag and in gratitude gave me his own offering: a hug.

That was the last hug I shared outside my household for almost a year.

The food I offered likely only lasted a day or two, but the powerful feeling of physically connecting with someone I didn’t know stays with me still.

There are many ways this story could have gone.

I’m thankful that both of us accepted the invitation to connect and offer what we were able.

From the road to Damascus to our front lawns, may we recognize Christ in unexpected encounters.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER:

The NEW DATE for our Spring Spaghetti Supper is THIS Saturday, April 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Spread the word around!

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION:

Everyone is welcome to log on for a half-hour “retreat” for body, mind and spirit: Tuesday, May 2 from 7:30 to 8:00 pm

EXPLORING OUR FAITH:

Our monthly delve into Broadview Magazine picks up again on Friday, March 5 at 11:00 am in the downstairs boardroom.

Note the change of date.

This month our discussion will centre around themes raised in the article, “The Last Letters”, found on p 26 of the April/May issue.

Everyone is welcome!

WORLD LABYRINTH DAY:

Our friends at the Manitou Intentional Learning Community are offering a special event in honour of World Labyrinth Day.

The gathering will take place on Saturday, May 6 at 12:45 pm Lourdes Grotto Labyrinth.

Readings and songs will be followed by a “Walk as One at 1:00” with friends around the world.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Everyone is welcome!

SPRING FAIR PLANNING MEETING:

With Saturday, June 3 fast approaching, we need … YOU! … AND all your ideas, energy and enthusiasm to make this year’s Spring Fair FABULOUS!

Our Council Chair, Michelle, would love for us to get together over coffee after worship on May 7 to do some planning.

Everyone is welcome to get involved!

MEMBERSHIP PREPARATION:

An invitation to anyone in the faith family wishing to become a member of Grace United Church and the United Church of Canada:

A preparation session will be held on Sunday, May 14, following the post-worship fellowship time.

If you are already a member, and wish to attend “just because”, you also are most welcome 😊

FESTIVAL OF FAITH!:

Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the Canadore College Residence and Conference Centre in North Bay.

Featuring speakers, workshops, music and fellowship this three day networking and learning event will give participants the opportunity to grow in faith and connect with folks from across the Canadian Shield Region.

Registration is limited to 200 people, and is on a first come, first served basis; so don’t hesitate!

Visit www.canadianshieldrc.ca for more details.

CARE PROJECT:

For the month of May, we will be supporting the good work of the Elgin Street Soup Kitchen, as they seek to serve our neighbours in need.

Here are the items they particularly need:

Coffee (not instant or K cups)

Coffee Mate

White sugar

Cereal

Soup crackers

Mayonnaise

Canned pork and beans

Pasta sauce

Elbow pasta

Canned corn

Canned cream corn

Cartons of beef and chicken broth

Contributions can be brought to church and left in the “CARE bins” in the narthex!

THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY READINGS:

Acts 2:42–47

The believers share everything in common.

Psalm 23 (VU 749)

God is my shepherd.

1 Peter 2:19–25

Christ’s example in suffering.

John 10:1–10

Jesus the good shepherd and the gate.

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Weekly Update

LENTEN MUSINGS …

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

He said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not just a few.” -2 Kings 4:3

It’s easy to miss out on God’s blessing when we are not willing to ask for help. It may seem like a small thing, but admitting to a need can be a hurdle few are willing to jump.

Our false assumptions about how we’re supposed to live can prevent us from confessing when things are wrong. 

We rationalize our seclusion, thinking that we are adults, and adults are supposed to take care of themselves.

We are smart, and smart people should know better.

Or worse yet, we are Christians, and Christians are supposed to give charity, not receive it. 

In this beautiful story in 2 Kings, God connected the blessing to the woman’s willingness to ask those around her for help.

The only way to get empty vessels was to borrow them from the neighbors. This was a major risk.

Doing so meant confessing that she did not have what she was supposed to have.

But not asking could have cost her everything, including her children. 

Girded by the words of the prophet and propelled by her desire to live, the woman did what many of us struggle to do: she asked for help from those around her.

When she did, God provided for her in miraculous ways, giving her more than she ever imagined. 

Sometimes, dependence on God will require some dependence on people.

This kind of vulnerability can feel overwhelming, until we remember the vulnerability of Christ.

Throughout his life, Jesus allowed himself to receive support from others, even when there was a chance they’d let him down. 

If Christ lives in you, then you can be vulnerable too.

Who’s to say that there aren’t empty vessels waiting in the storehouses of people you know?

All you have to do is ask.

GOOD FRIDAY:

An invitation to gather for a Contemplative Good Friday Worship Experience this Friday, April 7 at 7:00 pm at the church.

If you would be kind enough to confirm your plan to attend, that would really help my planning of the service—thanks! 😊

EASTER WORSHIP:

We will gather in person for Easter worship at our regular time, on Sunday at 10:30 am at Grace.

If you have purchased Easter plants in memorium, please remember to bring them along.

He is risen … Let’s celebrate!

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…

SPAGHETTI SUPPER:

The NEW DATE for our Spring Spaghetti Supper will be Saturday, April 29.

All hands on deck to make this event a roaring success!

THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY READINGS:

Acts 10:34–43

Peter’s account of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24

God is my strength and my song.

Colossians 3:1–4

Set your mind on things above.

John 20:1–18

Mary and the empty tomb.

“SOUL CARE” FOR HOLY WEEK:

*Spend a little time each day listening to music that helps you slow down.

 It doesn’t matter what kind of music, as long as the listening helps you breathe more   

 slowly and go to a place deeper in your spirit.

*Prepare at least one simple meal with special care for the people in your home (or, if

 you live alone, for you and a guest or two), and make certain all of you sit down together  

 to eat it.

*Choose one of the Passion narratives—from any of the four Gospels—and read it aloud to

 yourself over the course of the week.

 Don’t try to learn anything new or have a profound experience; simply read the story,

 asking God to help this story live in you better this year than it ever has before.

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