MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
We’re about to move into three wonderful seasons in our faith life. This Sunday begins the season of Advent, a time of preparation and anticipation. Advent comes from an Old English word rooted in Latin meaning “to come”. During this time, we not only get ready for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, but also prepare ourselves to receive light and peace into our lives and our world – readying ourselves for what is to come.
Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day, which this year means this upcoming Sunday, December 3rd. This season of waiting takes us to sundown on the 24th, when we welcome the twelve days of Christmas.
One of the big traditions during Advent is lighting the candles of the wreath. We do it together here Sunday mornings, but perhaps it’s something you might like to do at home as well. If you are joining us for worship on zoom, maybe you could light your own candle along with us. Or even if you’ll be worshipping onsite, why not have your own Advent wreath and candles at home. It can be a special moment if you’re on your own, or invite a friend to join you. Perhaps it’s something the whole family can do together. You can make a wreath if you want, or keep it simple. All you need is 5 candles. We use four blue candles, one for each Sunday, and then a white one for Christmas Eve. The old tradition uses 3 purple and one pink. Also a good choice; we switched colours years ago to make Advent different from Lent. Or mix it up! Use whatever coloured candles mean something to you. We light one each week, letting-in the light of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Looking forward to sharing this blessed season with you all.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, December 3, 2023
11:00 A.M.
ADVENT I
Candle Lighting Song: VU#6 “A Candle is Burning” Verse 1
Hymn: VU#1 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Connections: Happy Hat Sunday
Hymn: MV#158 “Dream a Dream”
Scripture: Luke 1:5-24a
Reflection: “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls,
and tenement halls, and whispered in the sounds of silence.”
Hymn: VU#5 “All Earth is Waiting”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: MV#11 “Come, Come Emmanuel”
Hymn: VU#18 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness”
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: 438-809-7799
*Remember your loose change for the Mission and Service Happy Hat*
DECK THE HALLS
It’s time to pull out the wreaths and garlands, the bows and shiny balls. Anyone who would like to help decorate the church in its Christmas finery is welcome this Saturday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m. Come on out and deck the halls!
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ADVENT AT LAKESHORE TRINITY
December 3, Advent I:
11:00 a.m.: We light the Candle of Hope
Happy Hat Sunday
December 10, Advent II:
11:00 a.m.: We light the Candle of Peace
A celebration in music and story, with lots of participation by the choir.
December 17, Advent III:
11:00 a.m.: We light the Candle of Joy
We are all invited to take part in the nativity pageant! Come in a costume of your choice.
This is Giving Sunday, the joy of sharing with others through the Mitten Tree, food banks, White Gifts.
December 24, Advent IV:
11:00 a.m. We light the Candle of Love
A communion service of celebration and love.
7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve
We come together with joy on this Holy night.
December 31, 2023
10:30 a.m. at Roxboro United. We worship together with the West Island Cluster.
THE BOOK NOOK AT CHRISTMAS
Advent/Christmas items from our mini-library are once again out from hibernation, ready for borrowing. You’ll see the display at the back of the church during the next four Sundays.
Among the variety of choices are two Christmas CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL books- the one “for kids” is apt for all! These easily consumed brief tales offer a quick portal to the spirit of the season. To be noted as well are ACTIVITY/CRAFT ideas galore. Also there are many colourful books for THE LITTLE CHILDREN with whom some of you will be spending time.
Also to be highlighted are the GIFTS WITH VISION catalogue, full of inspiring suggestions, and the December issue of BROADVIEW, our United Church magazine.
Please do borrow from this mix (the sign-out book is alongside). Despite chilly weather may this month be a warm-in-heart time for you all.
Judy Lindsay
THE MITTEN TREE
Bring in your gifts of mittens, hats and scarves for the mitten tree in the church hallway. Homemade or purchased items all are welcome. They will delivered to Saint Columba House where they will be warmly welcomed as winter weather approaches.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Special Christmas Offering envelopes are placed in the pews for extra gifts to our missions. The proceeds will be divided equally among Saint Columba House, Montreal City Mission and food insecurity agencies. Please return your envelopes to the church by December 10.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
If you wish to place memorial flowers in the church this Christmas season, you may email the church, or complete the form available at the back of the church on Sunday morning. Please submit your request by December 10.
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
