February 21, 2024
Lenten Musings
Throughout the Lenten season, I will be sharing excerpts from Tsh Oxenreider’s Lenten devotional guide, Bitter and Sweet.
To read more about Tsh Oxenreider, visit her website: http://www.tshoxenreider.com
When Christ walked on earth, he embodied poverty.
Saints Matthew and Luke both record in the New Testament these words of Jesus when he spoke to a scribe, who was likely a wealthy citizen: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
Even woodland animals had more creature comforts than the Son of God.
By all accounts, Jesus and his apostles were functionally homeless, dependent on the goodwill of others to provide for their physical needs.
Because Jesus could have provided whatever he and his followers temporarily needed, it stands to reason that he saw fit for them to do without. Living with less was a baseline price to pay in choosing to follow his dusty footsteps as a disciple.
That they were not overflowing with wealth was good and purposeful.
If we are asked to model our life after Christ’s life on earth, it follows that it is also good for us to live, either by choice or by circumstances, with less. This doesn’t mean possessions are evil—after all, Jesus had sandals and a robe—but perhaps we miss opportunities to hear God with more clarity when we crowd the corners of our lives with temporary stuff.
Jesus’s call to the scribe was clear: It is good to follow me, but the rewards for doing so aren’t of this world.
God has indeed promised to provide for our needs, but our needs might very well be fewer than we realize.
Over these next few weeks of Lent, listen to how God might use your fast to let you experience life with less.
Notice how, in doing so, you walk as Jesus did—poor yet never in need.
Coldest Night of the Year
A message from the Team Grace leads:
Hello church family!
The Coldest Night of the Year event is fast approaching.
We walk THIS SATURDAY, February 24th in support of the Samaritan Center (Elgin Street Mission).
Many thanks to all of you who have joined the team or made a donation.
If you haven’t yet made a pledge, please visit https://cnoy.org/donate.
Lenten Mini Retreat
The season of Lent is upon us: a time to retreat and reflect more deeply on our faith journey.
To that end, an invitation to gather at Grace on February 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for our Lenten Mini Retreat.
Our time together will afford opportunities for both conversation and contemplation. Please plan to attend!
Right Around the Corner!
Our hardworking Fundraising and Fellowship Team Leads, Sarah and Leona, are getting all revved up for our annual Spring Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, April 20.
A small team is needed to plan the event.
If you could lend some time and energy to that effort, please see Sarah or Leona to volunteer.
Let’s pull together to make this FUN-raiser fantastic!
Membership
Rev. Erin will be offering an Adult Membership Preparation Program in March for those of our faith family who would like to become full members of Grace United and the United Church of Canada.
The program will consist of two hour-long sessions, held on Sunday, March 17 and Sunday, March 24 after worship in the boardroom.
For more information, and to express your interest, please speak to Rev. Erin
Small Things Count!
The donations are flowing in for Small Things Cat Shelter!
Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to this “MEOW-velous” cause.
Please note that this will be the last week to bring in your donations of:
Food – dry or wet, any kind other than “Meow Mix”
Litter – any type
Treats – any type, but Temptations are the best.
Toys – any type
Old Towel
Cat Beds
Monetary Donations
From Our Fundraising and Fellowship Team
Our FunScrip Program is an on-going fundraising program that runs at Grace.
We all seem to purchase gift cards, and this program lets the church benefit from earning a percentage from each gift card purchased.
Please feel free to email Laurie at laubertin86@gmail.com or call her cell at 705-618-3256 if you need assistance or would like her to order for you.
This month’s specials are as follows:
Banana Republic: 9%
Fresh Co: 5%
Chocolate Ravoris: 9%
Foodland: 5%
GAP: 9%
IGA: 5%
Old Navy: 9%
Rachelle Bery: 5%
Safeway: 5%
Sobeys: 5%
Thrifty Foods: 5%
From Our Property and Finance Team
More than ever, your financial support is needed in order for our church and its ministry to survive and thrive.
You are invited to give as you are able 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
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 Lessons
Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
The covenant between Abram, Sarai, and God.
Psalm 22:23–31 (VU p. 746 Part Three and Four)
You have not hidden your face, O God.
Romans 4:13–25
God’s promise rests on grace and faith.
Mark 8:31–38
Those who lose their life for the gospel will save it.
Grace United Church Sudbury 