MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
Advent is here! This Sunday, November 27th, is the first Sunday of Advent – the season we prepare to welcome the gift that is Christmas. The gift of Emmanuel; the promise that God is with us. There are a lot of different rituals that are special to us in Advent. And this year we’re bringing back one that we haven’t done in a while… The Jesse Tree!
Jesse was the father of David, the shepherd boy who would go on to be the greatest king of Israel. After that family line had come to an end, the prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s promise: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesus was a descendant of David. New life that grew out of this stump.
From medieval times, the Jesse Tree has been a symbol of God’s promise of new life. Hope in the face of hopelessness. Jesus, God’s promise of life, love, and presence, with us in and through all things.
So, starting this Sunday, there will be a Jesse Tree in the sanctuary. A stark tree of bare branches. You are invited to take one of the “leaves”, the green pieces of paper, and write a blessing, or a word or sentence that is a message or prayer of hope, growth, and new life. Then, hang it on the tree with one of the hooks provided. Add leaves of hope anytime during the season of Advent. The tree will be there until Christmas Eve.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
This Season…
November 27th – Advent One. A soup luncheon after the service.
December 4th – Advent Two. And Happy Hat Sunday (M&S Fund offering)
December 11th – Advent Three. Please bring gifts of non-perishable food, money, or mittens to share with the community.
December 18th – Advent Four. Communion.
December 18th – In the afternoon, a service of carols and readings, lead by our choir.
December 21st – Our Longest Night Service at 7:00 pm.
December 24th – Two Christmas Eve services: 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
December 25th – No service
January 1st – We will be hosting the annual West Island shared Christmas service.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022
11:00 a.m.
Hymns:
VU#1 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” verses 1,2,4,6,7
MV#158 “Dream a Dream”
VU#2 “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Scripture: Luke 1:68-79
Reflection: Marv
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 the previous service on YouTube as follows:
November 20 – https://youtu.be/t70u4HWq2t
ADVENT SOUP LUNCHEON
Sunday, November 27, join us in the South Wing for a lunch of soup, bread, sweets and fellowship. Suggested donation of $5 each or $15 for a family.
DECK THE HALLS – November 26, 2 PM
You are invited to help decorate the sanctuary for Christmas this Saturday, at 2 PM. All help welcomed. No experience necessary.
JINGLE BELL BAZAAR AND TEA ROOM
“I think the JINGLE BELL BAZAAR was a success thanks to a lot of hard work and dedication from church members! It was a lot of fun and so nice to see many old friends!!!” – Judy Griffiths
“The best!! What we didn’t make in money we definitely made in laughs!!”
– Fiona Wardrop
Thank you to all who made the Jingle Bell Bazaar and Tea Room a big success. It was the first time that Lakeshore Trinity and St. Edward had an opportunity to work together. It was a great community event and well supported. We raised just over $2600.
Check out our Lakeshore Trinity United FaceBook page for more photos.
Doris McConnell, Fiona Wardrop, Joan Pitcairn and Jane Giffen in Blitzen’s Balcony Boutique
Ye (only slightly) Olde Bethlehem Book Shoppe’s Amanda Watson, Kathy Palesch, Mark Watson, Sarah Pfeiffer and Paul Van Esbroeck
BATSHAW CHRISTMAS PRESENT DRIVE
Every year, during the holidays, there are kids who can’t go home because home isn’t safe for them. They are housed at Batshaw family services but this can leave them feeling isolated and alone. For the last 14 years we have provided Christmas presents for these kids. It is a small gift that can mean so much and help them not feel forgotten. Will you join us in bringing some light into their lives? We are looking for dolls, stuffed animals, fun clothing that is not too size dependent (like socks), coloring books, and games. All donations must be received by December 11th. Please contact Kathy Palesch for more information: 514-512-0635
The Mitten Tree is in the hall waiting for your gift of warm scarves, hats and mitts. Do not worry if you don’t knit, store bought items work just as well. These items will be delivered to Saint Columba House.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
Please complete the bulletin insert this Sunday or email the church office if you would like to place memorial flowers in the church at Christmas.
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
If you would like to make an extra gift to our missions, special Christmas Offering envelopes are in the pews. The proceeds will be divided equally among Saint Columba House, Montreal City Mission and food insecurity agencies.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Dear members of Lakeshore Trinity United Church,
I am very thrilled and honoured to invite you to a very special Christmas concert which will be on December 4th at 4 pm.
Earlier this month I met two young musicians that have recently arrived from Ukraine and reached to me for opportunity to perform. Right away the idea of Christmas spirit of helping each other came to my mind to organize this concert with violin, oboe, piano and voice. During the hour of performance you will hear famous composers such as Bach, Mozart, Liszt, Skoryk, Schuman and Lebrun. We are looking forward to see you in our audience.
Sincerely, Maryna Krejcarova
Tickets: Adults $25, Seniors $20, Children under 12 free.
Tickets are available at the door.
ADVENT AT THE BOOK NOOK
Once again items in our church mini-library relating to Advent/Christmas are out of their hideaway. These books are on display at the back of the sanctuary for you to browse through and borrow. Please also note, for you to take home, copies of Broadview magazine and the Gifts with Vision catalogue, put out by the United Church. “Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes.”
– Judy Lindsay
Scam alert: Recently someone using the email address lakeshoretrinityunited@hotmail.com attempted to obtain funds from the church. Be assured no money was sent. Members should pay attention to the domain name on any suspicious emails seeming to come from the church, the only email address for the church office is lakeshoretrinityunited@gmail.com. Please be aware that the church office never sends out emails soliciting funds.
Janet Hood-Morier, Treasurer
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
