MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER
Greetings, everyone.
During this time of the year, mid to late February, many of us start to experience “cabin fever”… an irritability, listlessness, itchiness, that is the result of a long confinement or sense of isolation from being indoors during winter. Add the fact that this is our third spring (well, almost spring) living in the covid pandemic, and… well, is there such a thing a uber cabin fever?
We must remember to take care of ourselves – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Experts tell us that it’s important to get outside, if we are able. Or sit by a sunlit window. Keep engaged: read, do puzzles, explore hobbies. Adopt a regular schedule that includes regular sleep, exercise, and remembering to eat well. Cabin fever sounds kinda cute and Canadian, but the frustration and feelings of loneliness or helplessness are real. Take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to reach out… we’re all in the same boat. Or should I say, all in the same stuffy cabin.
Remember to keep a balance. In this prickly time between winter and spring, running down the snowy street in bare feet may be liberating for the spirit, but not so good for the toes. And as covid restrictions loosen, find that balance between liberation and respect. Continue to take care, and be tolerant and patient with those finding it hard to find that balance.
I love the line we sing in “Spirit of Life.” Roots hold me close; wings set me free. Wise words for living.
We’ll be together (in the same room!) again very soon. Continue to stay grounded in wisdom and patience, and feel the joy and relief with gratitude.
See you soon.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
WE GATHER IN PERSON AGAIN!
We are now permitted to resume in-person worship, and so, with great joy, we invite you to join us for worship at 98 Aurora this Sunday, February 20, at 11:00AM. The service will also be available on Zoom.
For now, regulations still require us to:
•wear a mask
•distance from others (please sit behind the green tape on the pew backs)
•remain seated and masked while singing
•present a vaccine passport.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022, 11 AM IN-PERSON AT LAKESHORE TRINITY UNITED
Greetings and Announcements
Prelude: Voluntary on St. Peter…. M. Bradshaw
Call to Worship and Lighting of Christ Candle
Sung Response
Prayer
Hymn: VU#560 “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”
Scripture: Luke 6:39-49
Reflection: “What Our Hearts Are Full Of”
Hymn: MV#79 “Spirit, Open My Heart”
Prayers The Lord’s Prayer (Sung VU959)
Offering: Dedication, doxology (VU541), The Creed
Hymn: VU#660 “ How Firm a Foundation”
Blessing
Choral Amen: VU#974 (Jim Strathdee)
Postlude: Toccata in C -J. Pachelbel
Sunday we welcome Maureen Scott Kabwe to share some reflections in recognition of Black History Month. Maureen is co-chair of our Church in the World Committee. She was for many years minister of Kahnawake United Church.
You may also join the service by Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321
Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: (438) 809-7799
To see recorded videos of the latest services, follow the link to Lakeshore Trinity’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ESwAcMObqU_y_8VLd8ouQ
Also on the YouTube channel, you will find a playlist, including all the old services from the past 2 years.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022
The first Annual General Meeting of Lakeshore Trinity United Church will be held next Sunday, February 27, 2022, immediately following the worship.
Both the service and the meeting will be held via Zoom.
For this Sunday only, we will not meet in-person.
You may join at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321
Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: (438) 809-7799
MOVING TIME
Moving house is never a simple process, but moving church is especially complex. A dedicated crew have been working for months in the Dorval Strathmore building on Brookhaven, sorting out the accumulated mementos of many rich years of congregational life. Boxes and boxes of treasures have been moved over to Lakeshore Trinity on Aurora, while new homes have been found for other things. The baptismal font is being welcomed by Cedar Park United, two candelabra are going to Mount Royal United. We owe a great vote of thanks to all those who have helped, and Rev. Steve has acknowledged many of them in his annual report, including Mark, Kathy, Sean, and Amanda Watson, Glenn Schroder, Lisa O’Brien, Helen Pitre, Joan Murray, Debbie Jeffries, May Tsunokawa, and Anna Kelly.
The process has not gone without complication however. A malfunction in the heating system combined with the deep cold resulted in burst pipes and a basement flood in late January. Dorval-Strathmore’s stalwart Chair of Property, Kathy Palesch-Watson, (so diligent in her role over the years that she has been seen mowing the church lawn) has spent untold hours dealing with plumbers and other repair contractors. Bert Patterson and Rod Troy arrived with water pumps from St. John’s, the building on Aurora being no stranger to unwanted water, since the organ pit floods regularly in the spring thaw.
This mammoth task is nearing its conclusion. Rev. Steve assures us that there are truly no more boxes lurking in deep corners. To all who have worked so hard to bring us to this point, thank you.
Our thanks also to Morgan Bird for her lovely drawings of our church homes.
UCC VIRTUAL GENERAL COUNCIL 2022
For the first time ever, the General Council of The United Church of Canada will meet entirely online. A delegation of close to 30 global and ecumenical partners will join in the virtual proceedings of General Council 44 over the next six months, based on the theme, “Who do you say I am?”.
The opening took place on February 13, in a session that the General Secretary the Rev. Michael Blair describes as “bathed in worship”. A recording of the opening is available on the UCC Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF6O_GrP4ak
WE GIVE THANKS
- The e-transfer procedure 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 it payable to St. John’s United Church. Even though the church is closed due to COVID, you can still drop your offering cheque in the mail slot.
- For the moment there will be no change for people who use PAR*.Â
. *Pre-authorized remittance (PAR) is a way to donate to the church through automatic withdrawals from a bank account or charges to a credit card (the latter not recommended as the service fee to the church is higher). Many of our Dorval-Strathmore friends use this easy method and changes can be made anytime. If anyone is interested in signing up or getting more information, please contact Joan LeVasseur at (514) 631-4455 or jblev@ca.inter.net
Rev. Steve Gillam can be reached by phone or text at (514) 235-9383 or by email at macduffsdad@hotmail.com.
Lakeshore Trinity United Church
98 Aurora Ave.
Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 3G7
(514) 697-6459
email: lakeshoretrinityunited@gmail.com
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334
