MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone. And Happy Easter weekend.
On Friday, we end our Lenten journey as we come to the cross, then move to the tomb. And on Sunday… Resurrection! The stone to the tomb is blasted away. Life wins!
Easter morning we will share the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. Each of the four Gospels, of course, tell this remarkable story, each with slightly different and fascinating details. All begin with a group of women going to the tomb after the Sabbath with spices in order to care for the recently buried body of Jesus. In Mark, they see a young man in a white robe at the empty tomb and are told that Jesus is risen. Matthew, the Cecil B. DeMille of the gospel writers, adds a thundering earthquake, trembling guards, and a glowing angel who shares the news. John (which we’ll read together on Sunday) adds a touching story of Mary the Magdalene being the first to encounter the Risen Christ in a garden near the empty tomb.
But there is a moment in the story offered by Luke that always catches my attention. Again at early dawn the women arrive with spices to care for Jesus’ body. They see the stone is moved, the tomb is empty, and two dazzling beings say this to them: Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?
A bit cheeky, no? I mean, why do you think the women are there? To show respect and love. To honour a heart-felt tradition. To care for the body of a loved one. To grieve, and maybe find some closure. So what’s with the somewhat sassy question? Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?
It’s a simple straightforward question, though. Why? Think about it for a moment, and move beyond the literal. Think bigger than this story as it is. God’s living word invites us to delve into scripture and find our own spiritual story. So, what is the figurative, or spiritual story being told here?
When we are looking for life, for peace, for hope, for love, how often do we try to find it in things that don’t offer real answers. Looking for love in all the wrong places. Responding to life with fear, anger, hatred, regrets, grudges… while claiming to look for the answers. Turning to darkness, hoping to find the light. Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?
This Good Friday, take the time to let that which needs to be buried be put aside. Let it go. And then… be ready to welcome resurrection. Life. I mean, you could continue to moan and complain that everything sucks. And, for you, it will. Or, you can welcome God’s gift given in the resurrection of Christ, the gift that says that life wins. Be ready to embrace that life, that love. Let the waking world around you remind you to see the signs. Creation begins to sing with the birds, and buds and blossoms burst with colour in the crisp air. Let them call you to see that even in the face of this world’s horror, there are signs of love and justice and caring, and the wonder of the resilient human spirit. Resurrection is real.
I wish for you and yours all the blessings of this most Holy Season.
God bless.
Rev. Steve
Friday, March 29
7:00 P.M.
Good Friday
“Why Good Friday? And why is it good?”
Hymn: VU#278 “In the Quiet Curve of Evening”
“Love one another”
Hymn: VU#133 “Go to Dark Gethsemane” (verse 1)
Scripture: John 18:1 – 19:16a
Hymn: VU#144 “Were You There” (verses 1,2)
Scripture: John 19:16b – 37
Hymn: VU#144 “Were You There” (verses 3,4)
Scripture: John 19:38 – 42
Hymn: VU#144 “Were You There” (verse 5)
Good Friday Prayers and the Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: VU#135 “Beneath the Cross of Jesus (Verses 1,3)
Into the darkness…
Sunday, March 31, 2024
11:00 A.M.
Easter Sunday
Communion
Hymn: VU#155 “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
Confirmation: Charles Palin
Hymn: VU#644 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
Scripture: John 20:1-18
Reflection: Known
Hymn: VU#166 “Joy Comes with the Dawn” (Verses 2,3)
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#958 Hallelujah
Hymn: VU#477 “I Come with Joy” (Verses 1,4,5)
Sharing the Bread and The Cup
Hymn: VU#173 “Thine Is the Glory”
*a gluten free option will be available for the communion
You may join both services 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
Mark Watson says: “We’re back online!” The service from Palm Sunday, March 24th is available to view at: https://youtu.be/txLvcwAfeBE Thanks Mark!
In the Happenings off-weeks, you may find the order of service on the home page: just click the calendar date at the bottom of the home page.
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FOOD COLLECTIONS
Doris McConnell reports that donations to our food collection bins at the church have been very generous. Your ongoing efforts to be mindful of those in our community struggling with food insecurity are greatly appreciated.
Thanks to Rod and Lyne Troy, who drove a carload of collected food to Saint Columba House. The next delivery will go to Dorval Community Care.
COMING UP
March 31st, 7:00 a.m: West Island Easter Sunrise service at Windmill Point in front of St. Joachim. Donations of bread and canned goods for the West Island Mission welcomed.
The Balcony Boutique will be open on Saturday, April 13th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Zoom coffee. Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Just click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09 Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
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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
