MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Advent is about a week away. Already! Advent is the season before Christmas to spiritually prepare ourselves to be ready to receive the gift of incarnation, Emmanuel, God- with-us. “Let ev’ry heart prepare him room!” It comes from the Latin word “adventus”, meaning coming or arrival. Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so this year, Sunday, November 27th. Depending on which day of the week Christmas lands on, Advent can be anywhere from 21 to 28 days.
One of the special traditions of this season is the Advent Calendar. Many of them include little doors to open on each day during Advent. Inside are inspiring messages or perhaps a piece of chocolate. Because Advent can begin any day from November 27 to December 3, it’s hard to find an Advent Calendar that really matches-up with the season. Most just include the 24 days of December leading up to Christmas.
So, this year, I’m suggesting that you make your own Advent Calendar! That’s why I’m starting talking about Advent a week early. And please don’t give-up on this message thinking that you’re not “crafty”… this’ll be easy. Simply write one Advent activity on a little piece of paper. One for every day during Advent. (You’ll need 28 of them!) If you make this a family event, ask other family members for their suggestions. Or have them write their ideas and let it be a surprise. If you’re on your own, you might ask a friend to share the experience with you. You could each write 14 (a copy for each of you), and share. And don’t be afraid to repeat your favourite ones if you don’t come up with 28.
Put all the notes in a gift bag, or a bowl, or a basket, or even a Christmas stocking (it’ll be empty before Santa arrives!), and read one each day. It’ll give you something to look forward to every day, and help you get ready for the holiday. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
Inspiring:
Read the nativity story in the Bible. Luke 15-80 is about Elizabeth and Mary. Matthew 1:18-25 tells Joseph’s story. Luke 2:1-20 is the stable and shepherd story. That’s three days!
Sing a Christmas carol. With the family or just by yourself. Sing out!
Have a simple soup supper, and take a moment to be mindful of those who live with food insecurity.
Go for a walk outside.
Make a list of what you are grateful for.
Google/read about the Christmas traditions of other countries and cultures.
Go online to learn about the reindeer who live in the Northwest Territories.
Celebrating:
Put on some Christmas music and dance. That’s right… dance! (And seated dancing counts!!)
Watch a Christmas movie.
Read a Christmas story.
Treat yourself to holiday snack. Egg nog? Fruitcake?
Decorate. Share the stories or reflect on the people or events that your decorations remind you of.
Play Christmas charades. Charades, put with Christmas words and phrases.
Connecting:
Bake some Christmas cookies. And share!
Meet a friend for coffee.
Shop for non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.
Check-out the Eco Museum in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. Their website can help you learn more about the animals, let you plan a visit, or even give you the opportunity to sponsor an animal.
Share a random act of kindness with a neighbour. Shovel snow?
Write a letter to someone and say thanks.
Donate old towels to a local animal shelter.
That should get you started. You can also find more suggestions online. And use your imagination. Let the beauty of this special season touch you and fill you with hope, peace, joy, and love.
God bless.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
11:00 a.m.
Hymns:
VU#635 “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me”
VU#166 “Joy Comes with the Dawn”
VU#211 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Scripture: Luke 1:68-79
Reflection: Dawn
You may join the service via Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: 438-809-779
You may view previous services on YouTube as follows:
November 13 – https://youtu.be/AVtwYqbbX0o
November 6 – https://youtu.be/CB8PxUn3Rak
Thanks to Mark Watson for making these recordings available to us.
IT’S TIME FOR THE BAZAAR AND TEA ROOM
We welcome your donations of baking all through the day on Friday, November 18th. And we look forward to a wonderful time together on Saturday.
Jingle Jingle Bells!
ADVENT SOUP LUNCH
Sunday, November 27, after the service, join us in the South Wing for lunch: soup and bread and fellowship. What a pleasure to see the return of this beloved tradition, welcoming the season of Advent! Thanks to Fiona Wardrop and her loyal Welcome and Fellowship team, and to the soupmakers and dessert bakers.
COMING UP IN ADVENT
Here is what we are looking forward to this Advent season at Lakeshore Trinity:
November 27, Advent I, 11:00 a.m. – We light the candle of Hope.
Advent Soup lunch following the service.
December 4, Advent II, 11:00 a.m. – We light the candle of Peace. Collection of non-perishable food.
December 11, Advent III, 11:00 a.m. – We light the candle of Joy.
December 18, Advent IV,
11:00 a.m. – We light the candle of Love. Celebration of Communion, participation of our young people.
3:00 p.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols, with St. Edward.
Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. – The Longest Night service, with St. Edward.
December 24, Christmas Eve, 2 services:
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m., with special music by the choir.
Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day: no service.
Sunday, January 1, 2023, New Year’s Day: Joint service with other West Island churches.
CALLING YOUNG PEOPLE!
Our music director, Jan Krejcar, is inviting young people to take part in the service on December 18th at 11:00 a.m. They will meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. on that morning to prepare. Come on out and sing!
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR ADVENT CALENDARS!
Maureen Scott Kabwe suggests this Reverse Advent Calendar as a part of our observance the season. Adding an item of food to our “calendar” each day during advent keeps us mindful of the daily struggle of those living with food insecurity.
When your calendar is complete, you may take the items to the food bank of your choice, or bring them to the church and Doris McConnell will ensure that they are delivered to the food banks supported by Lakeshore Trinity.
The needs continue, through the season of Advent and Christmas, and beyond.
WE GIVE THANKS
The email address for e-transfer is: ltuc98givings@gmail.com. Please include your envelope number and indicate how you wish to have your offering divided. If not indicated, it will be designated as local offering.
Cheques should be made payable to Lakeshore Trinity United Church. They may be dropped in the mail slot at the church or sent by regular mail if you are not attending church in person.
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
The church office is open Tuesday to Friday mornings from 9 AM to noon.
email: lakeshoretrinityunited@gmail.com
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334
