| CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM REV. STEVE GILLAM (and links for our Christmas Services!) I imagine that this doesn’t surprise you, but I love Christmas movies. From the traditional, like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” (George C. Scott is my favourite Scrooge), to lesser-known ones like “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945 with the amazing Barbara Stanwick). I love it when Linus takes center stage and recites the nativity passage from Luke’s gospel, and when Rudolph and Hermie make Santa realize that the misfit toys also have love to give. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is not one of my favourites. But, it’s a wonderful moment near the end when, after the Grinch has stolen all the gifts and decorations, everyone in Whoville gathers outside on Christmas morning to sing and welcome Christmas. (Sorry if I ruined the ending for anyone, but hey, it’s from 1966!) All of the stuff of Christmas is beautiful and wonderful and festive and meaningful: decorations, gifts, traditions, and most of all gatherings with loved ones. But without them, Christmas still happens. It’s a tough year again. Gatherings cancelled. Plans changed. The list goes on. And singing “Baby it’s covid outside” doesn’t cut it. So, where do we find Christmas? When we read the nativity story in Luke, I think we’re influenced by the joyful children’s pageants, and the idyllic carols where animals are peaceful and even the baby doesn’t cry. Read it again. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary make the trip from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Joseph’s family is from. First, they have to go in order to register for the census, no doubt in preparation for a tax increase imposed on them by a foreign empire. Secondly, that’s about a 97 kilometer (or 60 mile) trip. I always thought it was funny that they “went up” out of Nazareth to Bethlehem; the trip would take them south. Up south? But, Bethlehem is in the hills, and the last part of the trip would have them climbing 30.5 kilometers (or 100 feet). On foot, it would be a 3 day (or 3 day) trip. Not pleasant. Thirdly, when they arrive, there is no room. Merry First Christmas. We might ask, where is God in all of this? Well… God is right there, in every step of the long journey, in every birthing tear from Mary, the baby, and perhaps even Joseph. In every moment. Into the dark, the pain, the fear, the uncertainty, comes a new life. Promise. The one who would bring love to the most hurting places and people. This Christmas won’t be perfect. Neither was the first one. But love was there. And here. In each moment. Especially in those moments shared with another. Don’t look for what isn’t there. Let love in. Let Christmas happen in you. May all of God’s gifts of love, peace, understanding, and hope bless you and yours at Christmas and always. Peace. Rev. Steve |
| CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Join us in worship on Christmas Eve. The service is on video again this year to keep us all safe. Watch it with your family and friends from near and far, at whatever time is most convenient. The link for the video is https://youtu.be/BjERY7F83VA and will be active as of 9 AM on December 24th. |
| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 11 AMA CHRISTMAS “PYJAMAS AND COCOA” ZOOM SERVICE Hymn VU60 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vs. 1, 3, 5)Hymn VU71 “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” (vs. 1-2) Hymn VU75 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” (vs. 1, 6)Hymn VU76 “See Amid the Winter’s Snow” (vs. 1, 3)Hymn VU74 “What Child Is This” (vs. 1,3)Hymn VU59 “Joy to the World” (vs. 1-4) The link to participate in the service is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4038061844?pwd=eTNVNVpOODV4UDNMTTZNb3RNWkVGdz09. Although it is best viewed online, you can listen to the service by phone. Dial 1-647-558-0588. The meeting ID is: 403 806 1844, passcode 1960 |
| WEST ISLAND ECUMENICAL WORSHIP January 2nd, 2022 As we gather with our neighbours in worship from home to pray, listen to the Word, and reflect together, we know that we are not alone. As a community who believes in the presence of the Divine Spirit in the world and in one another we take this time to be in community even as we are physically apart. We hope that this online worship service will help to break your sense of isolation and remind us all that there are always possibilities. This service will be held online only due to the ongoing spread of the Omicron variant we take this action as an act of love for all. This worship brought to you by Riverside, Summerlea, Roxboro, Lakeshore Trinity, Cedar Park, and Beaconsfield United Churches, St. Columba by-the-Lake Presbyterian Church, and Merging Waters Pastoral Charge. It will premier on YouTube at 10 am Sunday, Jan 2nd 2022 at the following link: https://youtu.be/9GFHEkmU1m4 Included in worship this service: • Time for reflection• Lighting the Christ Candle • We share song and story to inspire our hearts, souls, and actions • Musical reflection and hymns led by members and Music Ministry of West Island Churches • The opportunity to make offerings to support the ongoing mission and relationships of local congregations as we seek to live a Christian example of love and justice in the world. |
| LAKESHORE TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, JANUARY 9, 2022, 11 AM We will worship together as Lakeshore Trinity United Church: Epiphany… celebrating the light guiding our journey, and giving thanks for where we’ve come from and where we’re going. We expect that we will be back to zoom services on the 9th. More to come. |
| BLUE CHRISTMAS The Blue Christmas Service video is still available to watch, even if it isn’t the longest night of the year. The link is https://youtu.be/oja1DLJgxFk |
| WE GIVE THANKS Even though our churches are closed due to covid, you can still drop a cheque in the mail slot at your church with your year-end offering. St. John’s members can also send their offering by e-transfer. The e-transfer method is outlined in the Happenings email. Don’t forget to include your envelope number and indicate how you wish to have your offering divided. If not indicated, it will be designated as local offering. For the month of January 2022: Everyone who writes a cheque for their offering should make the cheque payable to St. John’s United Church. There will be no change for people who use PAR for the moment. People who use e-transfer should continue to use stjohnsunited98@gmail. Any changes for the month of February will be announced in due course. |
| Rev. Steve Gillam can be reached by phone or text at (514)235-9383 or by email at macduffsdad@hotmail.com. Dorval-Strathmore United Church 310 Brookhaven Dorval, QC, H9S 2N7 (514)631-6171 email: dsuc@bellnet.ca. website: https://dorvalstrathmoreunited.weebly.com/ St. John’s United Church 98 Aurora Ave. Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 3G7 (514)697-6459 email: sjuc@sympatico.ca |
| We wish you a Merry Christmas and Peace, Love and Joy into the New Year! |
