Announcements for Sunday, February 4, 2024

MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam

Greetings, everyone.

Here we are at the beginning of February. How did that happen? Christmas seems like yesterday. And now it’s time to think about Lent. Lent?! Already?! Yup. Easter’s early this year, so Lent begins in two weeks, with Ash Wednesday landing on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. And with the next Happenings coming out on February 15th, I thought we’d spend some time together reflecting on Ash Wednesday now.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which includes the six Sundays leading up to Easter. It is a time of repentance and fasting… you know… all the fun stuff! But it is a deeply significant and spiritual time. I call it “spiritual spring cleaning”. More in the weeks to come. But for now, why Ash Wednesday?

I think this is one of the most interesting days on the liturgical calendar. A humble act of purging and letting go to make room for new life and love. The act of covering oneself in ashes and wearing sackcloth has deep roots in Biblical history. Although, our distribution of the ashes is a symbolic shape of the cross on our forehead. And we don’t have to do the sackcloth thing, which is good; sackcloth makes burlap feel like satin.

The ritual calls us into repentance, a confession of our sin and death to an old way of being. Finding the end in the ashes. Many people have told me that they find Ash Wednesday too depressing. It’s too hard. Well, yes… and it should be. But it’s so important, too. Think of work that you might have done during the lockdown: cleaning out closets, junk drawers, etc. My garage was never so clean. It was an act of purging what we didn’t need. And hopefully it led to new life, as items were donated to good will. So it is with Ash Wednesday: we let go of those things (resentments, hurtful behaviour, anger) that weigh us down, things that we don’t need on our spiritual journey. It’s hard work to turn our backs (repent) on familiar behaviour, even if we know it’s hurtful. But we need to do it.

Ash Wednesday is a safe place for us to do just that. While surrounded by a loving and supportive community, it’s a private time between us and God. The outward sign of the ashes reflects an inward action, or change of heart… and openness of the spirit.

Then, having done that, we can continue the Lenten journey that will take us to Good Friday and then to Easter; ready for newness, life, and renewed love. As David sang, “You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” (Psalms 30:11)

On February 13th we will gather with our siblings from St. Edward’s to begin this important journey. We’ll start with pancakes – always a good place to start! Shrove Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras) gives us an opportunity to clean-out the pantry; symbolically starting new and fresh. So, please join us on the 13th at 6:00 p.m. for supper. Then, we’ll move into the sanctuary at about 7:00 p.m. for a brief service together for communion and the distribution of ashes. Everyone is welcome. And I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity and be moved by everything that the Ash Wednesday ritual can mean for us.

Peace.
Rev. Steve

Sunday, February 4, 2024
11:00 A.M.

Worship Song: MV#82 “Bathe Me in Your Light”
Hymn: MV#71 “When the Wind of Winter Blows”
Connections: Happy Hat Sunday
Hymn: VU#93 “When Heaven’s Bright with Mystery”
Scripture: Mark 1:29-39
Reflection: Epiphany Wrap-up
Hymn: VU#82 “A Light is Gleaming”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#55 “In the Bleak Midwinter” Verse 4
Hymn: VU#258 “O World of God”

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
happy hat
*Remember your change for the Happy Hat, this Sunday, in support of the Mission and Service fund of the United Church of Canada.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6:00 PM
We are invited to join with our friends and neighbours at St. Edward for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 13th at 6:00 p.m. It will be followed at 7:00 p.m. by a short service of communion and distribution of ashes in the sanctuary.
There is a poster in the hall for you to sign up for the supper, also for opportunities to help in the production of the meal.

LENTEN STUDY GROUP
We have been invited to join our friends at Beaconsfield United for their upcoming Lenten Study Group. The study will be looking at the book, “The Last Week” by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. (BTW, Rev. Steve is a big fan of the work by these two theologians.) It’s a great book that explores the gospels’ account of the last week of Jesus’ life leading up to the Good Friday & Easter story from a non-conservative progressive view.
If interested, please see the contact info on the attached poster. There is a copy of the book in our Book Nook, and Rev. Steve also has a copy that can be borrowed.

It was a friendly, chatty crowd that gathered on January 21st for the Burns Day lunch. The baked potatoes and toppings, the delicious desserts, and of course, the haggis, were enjoyed by all. Thanks to Jack Fraser and his stirring address to the haggis, to Fiona Wardrop and her Welcome and Fellowship team, to the willing bakers, and to all who came out.

COMING IN APRIL: IT’S PLAY TIME!
Preparation is well underway for Lakeshore Trinity’s Murder Mystery Dinner Show. The dinner theatre will be replacing Spring Thing this year as our major fundraiser.

“A Dark and Stormy Knight” is written & directed by Steve Gillam:
King Arnold and Queen Jenny of Camelhump, invite you, honoured citizens of the realm, to join them for a feast to honour the recent tournament victories of the glorious Knights of the Brown Table. It will be an evening of good food and drink, much merriment, and – of course – a bit of murder.

Mark the dates on your calendar, and consider how you might be able to help out. Here are some ideas:

Sewing. Either creating a costume from a pattern or helping with smaller alterations. Speak to Steve.
Box office assistant. Helping to sell tickets on Sunday mornings to both St. Edwards and LTUC. Speak to Lisa at the church office.
Kitchen Crew. We will be preparing and serving a 3 course meal. We need people who can help prep before each night (on Friday), or work during the day of each Saturday show, or that evening during the show. Speak to the team managers, Fiona, Jane, and Pam.

We will also be looking for people who can help set-up on Fridays (tables, chairs, place settings), and help clean-up the kitchen after each show Saturday night. And of course we’ll be looking for people who can serve in the dining hall. More details soon. Speak to your family; pass the word and help us find helpers!

Box Office opens next week!

COMING UP
The next Balcony Boutique will be Saturday, February 10th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. There is large selection of gently used clothing in the boutique upstairs, and the coffee and sweet treats and conversation are always warm in the hall.

Zoom coffee continues. For a friendly morning social gathering from the warmth of your own home, join in! Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Just click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09 Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, with St Edward. Tuesday, February 13, 6:00 p.m.

FOOD COLLECTIONS
The four food banks that we support are all stretched thin at this time of year. They express their appreciation for the continuing generosity of our faithful food donors. Our thanks to Lyne and Rod Troy who recently delivered a carload of groceries to OnRock. The next collection will go to West Island Mission.

LAST CALL FOR CONFIRMATION!
Most of us are baptized when we’re babies. At that time our parents made a faith statement on our behalf. Confirmation is an opportunity for us, as young adults, to confirm those vows and make our faith statement ourselves. Are you ready?

If you are in high school and are interested in being confirmed this year, please contact Rev. Steve (email macduffsdad@hotmail.com). We’re looking at a ceremony on Palm Sunday, March 24th. We will meet 3 times as a group before then. Spread the word to members of your family!
Rev. Steve

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
website: www.lakeshoretrinityunited.ca
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334