MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Greetings, everyone.
We’ve kicked off the season of Advent! And Christmas is less than three weeks away. I hope that news doesn’t stress you out. I really do. I know that many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed at this time of year. So much to do. So many expectations.
Some of that is thrust upon us, or out of our control: loss of loved ones, loss of health, loss of job; worry about money or about things going on in our own lives and in the world. And it’s okay. All of that can be part of our Christmas experience. The sacred story is full of pain and worry. But it’s about presence. Emmanuel. God is with us. Through all things. The hope, peace, joy, and love we talk about in this season aren’t empty platitudes. They’re not shiny gifts that only appear when everything is perfect.
They are our strength. God’s blessings that help us carry on. We’re not alone.
Sometimes the stress we feel is self inflicted, however. We think we have to do everything. Well… we don’t. I love Christmas. All of it. The sacred story, the music, the food, the movies. Decorating the house, inside and out, from top to bottom. Sharing with family, friends, and community. But I’ve learned over the years that I can’t do everything. Nor – and most importantly – do I have to.
The other day I was thinking back to Christmas ’86. I was newly ordained, which also meant that it was my first Christmas with a pay cheque. I shopped like crazy for my family (which included a 6 month old nephew!) A few days before Christmas, I hosted an open house at the manse for about 200 people. Did all the cooking and baking. In the afternoon of Christmas Eve I did two weddings, then two services that evening. Following the last service I joined one of the families for some holiday cheer, then packed up the car, and my 9 month old German Shepherd puppy Bailey and I took the two hour drive to my parents’ place, arriving about 2:00 in the morning.
I woke up the next morning sick. Spent the next three days on my parents’ sofa. Ho ho ho.
Since then, I’ve learned to manage my expectations. I still love it all, but I don’t have to do it all. As a wise woman once told me, “No” is a complete sentence.
Enjoy the season. Do what you can, what you want to do. Be with people who love you. Let joy tickle your being. Let peace comfort your despair. Let light shine in your darkness. Let love embrace you.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, December 8, 2024
11:00 AM
Advent 2
Advent Wreath and Candle Lighting: Peace
Candle Lighting Song: VU#7 “Hope Is a Star” verse 2
Hymn: VU#4 “God of All Places”
Connections: Turn around
Hymn: VU#18 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness”
Scripture: Luke 1:57-79
Reflection: “Guide our steps into the path of peace”
Hymn: MV#173 “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”
Prayers, and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#55 “In the Bleak Midwinter” Verse 4
Hymn: VU#44 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
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
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 – ADVENT 2
This is Giving Sunday. The needs in our community are always pressing, but especially at this season, and especially in these trying times. There are many opportunities to help, honouring the traditions of the two congregations who now have become one community of faith here at Lakeshore Trinity:
Special Christmas Offering envelopes– proceeds will be divided among Saint Columba House, Montreal City Mission, West Island Mission, Dorval Community Aid and On Rock Community Services.
As requested by Saint Columba House, their share of the special offering will be used to purchase gift cards to Maxi and Super C grocery stores.
Batshaw Youth and Family Services Christmas Gift Drive– for youth staying at the Batshaw Centre over the holidays.
Small items to stuff stockings are requested- Small toys, chocolates, candies, pens, pencils or small games. The youth range in age from 5 years to 17 years.
Monetary contributions are also welcome.
These gifts may be left beneath the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.
The Mitten Tree– the cozy mittens, hats and scarves adorning the Mitten Tree will be distributed, Along with food donations, to our four food banks: West Island Mission, Dorval Community Aid, On Rock, and Saint Columba House.
Saint Columba House has recently told us that they would appreciate donations of art supplies for their after-school program. These may be left beneath the sanctuary Christmas tree.
We ask that all of your gifts and donations be brought to the church by this Sunday, December 8th, so that they may be delivered to their designated recipients in time for Christmas.
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 this Sunday, December 8.
ADVENT AT LAKESHORE TRINITY
Sunday, December 15 – Advent 3
Living in Joy
11:00 AM A service featuring 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
10:30 AM at Merging Waters United Church (24 Maple, Ste. Anne de Bellevue). There will be no service that day at Lakeshore Trinity.
FOOD COLLECTIONS
Our food collection bins are overflowing, thanks to your generous support. Lyne and Rod Troy will be taking a delivery to Saint Columba House this week. The next collection, in early January will go to Dorval Community Aid.
Special thanks to Doris McConnell, who keeps us focused on the needs of others, particularly at this time of year.
REMINDER
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
Next Balcony Boutique and Book Sale: Saturday, December 14, 9:00 AM- 12:00 Noon
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GIFTS WITH VISION
Consider Gifts with Vision as an alternative way of gift-giving this Christmas. Gifts With Vision is a catalogue developed by The United Church of Canada in response to requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that directly support projects developed by the church’s Mission and Service partners. You can choose from a large selection of gifts listed in the catalogue, and have them donated in the name of your loved one. For more information, visit: https://giftswithvision.ca/
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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
