MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone. Welcome to Fall!
On Sunday, we are going to remember that Monday, September 30th, is National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is a time to remember the legacy and horror of the Canadian Indian residential school system, and honour the children who never returned home as well as the survivors of the residential schools. It is a public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and its ongoing impact.
It is also known as Orange Shirt Day, and we’ll talk about why it is on Sunday. You are encouraged to wear an orange shirt this Sunday.
The United Church of Canada is responsible for 15 residential schools operated between 1849 and 1969. In 1986 our moderator made a public apology in the presence of Indigenous leaders, as we began taking real steps to allow healing to happen. That was followed by a touching response two years later from the Indigenous communities, and a further apology from our UCC for its specific role in the residential schools. Our church has also been an active leader in our nation’s work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commision.
We continue to live into the promise to “walk together…in the Spirit of Christ so that our peoples may be blessed and God’s creation healed.”
Wear an orange shirt Sunday, if you can, and take some time to read more online Monday. Even if we know, we need to remember.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, September 29, 2024
11:00 AM
Worship Song: VU#381 “Spirit of Life”
Hymn: VU#238 “O Lord My God” (Verses 1 & 2)
Connections: Orange Shirt Day
Hymn: VU#229 “God of the Sparrow”
Scripture: Numbers 22:23-33
Reflection: Finding Good in Everything
Hymn: MV#30 “It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication
Hymn: VU#232 “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You”
You may join us 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
The service from September 15th may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/DIE3ECwfVA4
COMING UP
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon: Balcony Boutique and Book Sale
Sunday, October 6th, 11:00 a.m: Worldwide Communion (If you’re joining us on zoom that day, have something ready at home you can use during the sacrament as we share the bread and the cup.)
Happy Hat Sunday, for Mission and Service
Zoom coffee– every Wednesday morning, 10:00 a.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09 Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
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COMMUNITY APARTMENT PROGRAM: HELP REQUESTED
The West Island Citizen Advocacy (WICA) Community Apartment Program (CAP) has been operating since 1986 to provide permanent, subsidized housing for autonomous adults who suffer from mental illness. WICA manages 5 apartments and 2 houses on the West Island with a total of 27 residents. For more than 30 years, Dorval-Strathmore United has helped to support one of these apartments in Dorval. Lakeshore Trinity has now assumed that responsibility.
At present there are two men living in the apartment (a third has recently moved away, and WICA is actively seeking someone to take his place). Philippe and Coosu cook and clean for themselves, and they receive regular support and guidance from community and health care workers. They attend programs, and go on occasional organized outings, but their social contacts are limited. And social contact is a critical element in the development of social skills needed for independent living. That’s where the church comes in. For more than a year, Joan Murray has been visiting with Philippe and Coosu every other Tuesday, for about an hour. Sometimes they meet in a coffee shop, sometimes at the apartment. They chat, and maybe play cards (Joan reports that the card game rules can be a little unpredictable!). A weekly visit would be even better. Joan would welcome anyone interested in joining the group on these occasions, bringing friendship, and perhaps some fresh ideas.
The CAP apartment program is an important part of our ministry as a church community. It has also been a long tradition at St. John’s, which for many years was deeply involved in supporting three residents in what was then called the CARE apartment, in Pointe-Claire.
If you feel you can contribute to this much valued service, or for more information, please contact Joan Murray at (514) 631-8369.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS
This fall Rev. Steve Gillam marks 25 years of ministry at Dorval-Strathmore, St. John’s and Lakeshore Trinity. Rev. Steve has made us think, and reach always for a deeper understanding of our faith, he’s made us laugh, he’s made us care. He has been pastor, teacher and friend. Thank you, Steve! We are blessed by your presence among us.
BOOK NOOK
A note from Judy Lindsay and the Book Nook:
As we observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, the Book Nook will have out for borrowing at the back of the church, the Rev. Alf Dumont’s The Other Side of the River: From Church Pew to Sweat Lodge. This is a delightful, rewarding read, highly recommended by the United Church Bookstore.
FOOD COLLECTIONS
Thanks to Doris McConnell and Joan Pitcairn for delivering a load of food and school supplies to Dorval Community Aid this week. And thanks to our loyal contributors who regularly see the bins filled to overflowing. Your support is greatly appreciated. The next delivery will go to On Rock.
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A NEW LOOK FOR OUR BACK DOOR
Thanks to Rev. Steve for the beautiful, fresh new look at the back entry to the church! St. Edward’s had been asking how we might spruce up the parking lot entry to make it a little more attractive to people arriving at the church. Realizing that our intrepid Property Committee (Bert Patterson and Rod Troy) were fully occupied with other tasks (like installing screens on the sanctuary windows to discourage the birds), Steve set aside his sermon and took up the paintbrush. The result: a bright new welcome to our community.
Thanks, 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
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334
