MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
Here we go… Another “I remember when…” message from the ol’ minister.
Several years after I was ordained, I was hanging around after hours with some colleagues at Conference. The subject of the work of the Education and Students Committee came up, along with lots of stories about our experiences. Somehow the subject of yours truly was suddenly on the table. A colleague confessed that they weren’t sure at the time of my ordination if I was ready. My call wasn’t in question, but my readiness was. It was felt that I was a young, small-town boy who may not be ready to face the big bad world. And, I had somehow made it all the way through my training without ever having done a funeral.
I admitted that the idea of whether or not I was ready wasn’t news to me. It had in fact been discussed with me. But, thankfully, the decision was made to go ahead. I was ordained in 1986 at the age of 26.
On that night of confession and admission, I told this story. The first day I was on the job as a newly ordained and settled minister, I received a phone call from one of my new parishioners. First day, first phone call. Her father had committed suicide and they needed to make funeral arrangements.
Gulp. I have often said that I admire God’s sense of humour. Now, there was nothing funny about this situation, but it did seem like interesting timing for a young man who was told he may not be ready. Too late to worry about that now!
My pastoral relationship with this family turned into a warm friendship. And it was the beginning of a good relationship with that welcoming pastoral charge. And I have always believed, since then, that God never gives us more than we can handle. If we remember to breathe and trust, the Spirit is there with us. Not only that, we are surrounded by a community, a faith family, of wisdom and love. Things won’t always be easy – as we all know – but we will get through it. Thank God.
We are soon entering into the season of Advent; a time filled with stories of angels and surprise announcements. The angels almost always begin their message with “Don’t be afraid!” Fear and uncertainty are normal responses to what we sometimes face in life. But when we dwell in that fear we are unable to hear the angels’ message: you’re not alone. God is with you. Has been always. Will be always. Even through this time of change or uncertainty you are about to face.
So, today let’s give thanks for the gifts of trust, faith, and perseverance. We do face quick turns and sudden stops along our journeys. But we can get through them. That’s what this season of Emmanuel reminds us… God is with us. Phew! And Amen!
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, November 24, 2024
11:00 AM
Worship Song: VU#381 “Spirit of Life”
Hymn: VU#348 “O Love, How Deep” (verses 1, 2, 6, 7)
Connections: David danced
Hymn: VU#352 “I Danced in the Morning”
Scripture: John 18:33-38
Reflection: Truth
Hymn: VU#210 “You, Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd” (TUNE 325)
Prayers, a Moment of Silence, and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication
Hymn: VU#661 “Come to My Heart”
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 November 17th may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/tP5G4AdBe7M
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REMEMBERING FATHER MIKE SHAW
This Sunday, November 24, would have been Father Mike Shaw’s 81st birthday. St. Edward have invited us to join them for breakfast at 10 AM in the South Wing, as they remember and honour their beloved Father Mike.
COMING UP
Zoom Coffee: Wednesday Mornings at 10:00 AM. New members always welcome! Tune in at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09 Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
Balcony Boutique and Book Sale: this Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM- 12:00 Noon
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT
Sunday, December 1 – Advent 1
Living in Hope
Happy Hat Sunday
Advent Soup Lunch- Sunday, December 1. Plan to stay after the service for delicious soups and homemade desserts provided by our fine Lakeshore Trinity cooks. Bring a dessert to share, and enjoy a time of fellowship as we anticipate the season of advent.
Sunday, December 8 – Advent 2
Living in Peace
Giving Sunday: We share peace with others through our special seasonal gifts.
Sunday, December 15 – Advent 3
Living in Joy
Special music for the season prepared by Dr. Gohar Manvelyan and the choir. Sing, choir of angels!
Sunday, December 22 – Advent 4
Living in Love
11:00 AM Christmas Communion.
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
7:00 pm. We come together with joy on this Holy Night.
December 29 – We worship with other West Island congregations at Merging Waters United Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. There will be no service that day at Lakeshore Trinity.
DECK THE HALLS: 
Saturday, November 30, at 9:30 a.m.
It’s nearly time to pull out the wreaths and garlands, the bows and shiny balls. Anyone who would like to help decorate the church for the Christmas season is welcome.
Come on out and deck the halls!
THE MITTEN TREE is ready for your gifts of mitts, hats and scarves. Homemade or purchased items all are welcome.
They will be taken to our four food banks: West Island Mission, Dorval Community Aid, On Rock, and Saint Columba House, all of whom will welcome these cozy items to be distributed along with food donations.
Please bring in your contributions by December 8th
BATSHAW CHRISTMAS GIFT DRIVE
As part of our Giving Sunday on December 8th, we will be supporting the annual gift drive at Batshaw Youth and Family Services for the youth who have to stay at the Batshaw Center over the holidays. Kathy Palesch tells us:
We are looking to collect items to stuff stockings. Small toys, chocolates, candies, pens, pencils or small games. The kids range in age from 5 years to 17 years.
If you don’t have the time to shop yourself, we accept monetary donations and we will do the shopping for you.
You can bring your gifts/donations to church on Sunday, December 8, or you can contact us on our Facebook page at: Holiday Hope, to coordinate a donation drop-off.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Special Christmas Offering 
envelopes will be in the pews beginning this week. The proceeds will be used to purchase gift cards for grocery stores, as requested by, and to be distributed by Saint Columba House. Please return your envelopes to the church by December 8.
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 8.
UPDATE FROM OUR COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES
At the most recent meeting, because Rev. Steve has announced his intention to retire on June 30, 2025, our Council of Ministries passed a motion requesting that the Regional Council declare a vacancy at Lakeshore Trinity United Church as of July 1, 2025.
The Council also passed a motion naming an 10-member committee, charged with the search for a new minister.
We are happy to announce that the Regional Council has appointed the Rev. Darryl MacDonald from Roxboro United to act as a liaison to guide us through the search process.
We ask God’s blessing on the committee as they begin their work, and God’s blessing upon us all, as we draw toward the close of the wonderful pastoral relationship we enjoy with Rev. Steve.
CAP APARTMENT UPDATE
Maureen Scott Kabwe from Church in the World, reports that a third tenant has been found for the CAP apartment in Dorval. Ian has joined Coosu and Philippe. We wish them all well as they become acquainted as roommates.
West Island Citizen Advocacy (WICA) which manages the apartment program, has issued an appeal for items urgently needed for the apartment:
pants and jeans size 30, 32, 34
t-shirts and sweaters M, L, XL
underwear (only new) M, L, XL
winter boots size 10, 11
Dresser (3)
Bookshelf or shelf unit (tall, up to the ceiling)
Dining chairs (3)
If you have any of these items to donate, you may call Khrystyna Tipakova, community worker with the CAP program, at 514-694-5850 Ext. 28 to arrange for pick-up. Small items may be brought to the church, labeled for the CAP apartment.
Khrystyna is also looking for volunteers to help with the annual Christmas party in Dorval community centre on Friday, December 6th. She will be there from 9 am to 4 pm. The party is from 11 am to 2 pm.
If you are able to help with setting up or cleaning up or serving the lunch, please contact Khrystyna at 514-694-5850 Ext. 28. Shifts are 9-11, 11-2, 2-4.
FOOD COLLECTIONS – CHURCH IN SOCIETY
The latest food delivery from our ongoing food collection goes this week to West Island Mission. The next delivery will go to Saint Columba House.
Doris McConnell reports that she counted 75 pairs of new socks in our Sock-It-To-Me-Montreal collection box! She delivered them to the collection point in Valois Village where they were received with delight. Thank you to our generous donors. Socks will be collected during the month of November.
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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
