MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
This week, let’s all share love and prayers with the members of our Search Committee as they go about the work of finding a new minister. There are plans for a gathering with the congregation very soon to discuss ideas and share thoughts. More news to come.
I was talking to a couple members from this committee this week. Keeping my nose out of their business, so to speak, of course, but offering support and encouragement. Please do the same. (The part about offering support and encouragement, not keeping your nose out.)
That got me thinking about my two Search experiences with the founding congregations of our faith family. I’d like to share what I learned. Let’s start with Dorval Strathmore. It’s hard to believe, but it was almost twenty-six years ago! As I said last time, it came after a few years of some struggle. Juggling a half-time ministry with part-time substitute teaching was tiring. And while my memory of that time is filled with wonderful experiences with some great people in Lachine, there were behind the scenes leadership challenges that led to many pulling-my-hair-out moments.
It was a time when I struggled with my faith a bit, and also questioned my place in ministry. Thankfully, as I said last time, I was blessed to discover a new language, as I call it, to express what I so strongly believe. The Spirit guided me to a healthy place, in my head, my heart, my being, my ministry. I decided it was time to return to full-time ministry.
At the time, three local congregations were searching for new ministers. One I knew well. One looked like it would be a challenge. And one, quite frankly, didn’t look that exciting on paper. That last one was Dorval Strathmore. Boy, was I about to be surprised!
I went to the interview and immediately felt at home. I started laughing in the doorway! Stuffed into a relatively small room were 18 people. Have you ever gone to a job interview and faced 18 people?! And not just passive witnesses, but active participants, each armed with – I would soon discover – two questions.
They pointed to the empty chair, calling it the “hot seat”, and they laughed. I sat, and looked around the room and, again, laughed. I recognized six of them. They had recently “visited” the church in Lachine, coming over 3 weeks in teams of two. They had arrived at each service at the last minute (so no one could talk to them), and tried to leave before I even got to the back so as not to leave any hint as to why they were there. At the interview that night, their Canadian “sorry about that” sheepish grins set the mood for a gracious, humble, joyful evening.
Well, we know what happened… But I wanted to share what happened later that evening. On my way home, I stopped at a depanneur and bought a bottle of wine. At home, I poured two glasses and Glenn and I sat on our little NDG apartment balcony on a warm late spring evening and I said this as a half-toast half-prayer: whatever was to happen next after that interview, I knew for certain that I was called to serve the church. A place filled with dedicated, welcoming people. The church was where I belonged. It is family.
So, what’s this week’s take away? Be grateful for our faith family. We aren’t always perfect (what family is?!), but we are a community of hope and love. When we come together, we offer each other strength and acceptance. And if you’re not feeling it, maybe you need to engage a little bit more. Take the step. Get to know someone new. Be at home. It’s worth it.
DSUC, thanks for bringing me home.
Blessings.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, February 9, 2025
11:00 AM
Worship Song: VU#585 “Jesus Bids Us Shine” Verse 1
Hymn: MV#145 “Draw the Circle Wide”
Connections: Wider Still
Hymn: VU#563 “Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore”
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
Reflection: Grace
Hymn: VU#701 “What Does the Lord Require of You”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#958 (Halle, halle, hallelujah!)
Hymn: VU#507 “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”
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
VALENTINE BRUNCH: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 10:00 AM
Come for Valentine brunch with St. Ed’s on February 16th, at 10:00 AM. There will be fresh bagels, cream cheese and fruit and, as always, good company, together as one community of faith.
COMING UP
PLEASE NOTE: The Balcony Boutique scheduled for this Saturday, February 8th, will be cancelled to allow for the Memorial Service for Mary Callaghan of St. Edward the Confessor.
The Balcony Boutique will return on Saturday, February 22.
Valentine Brunch: Sunday, February 16th, 10:00 a.m.
Remember Fundscrip fundraiser gift cards are available from Lynne Lesiak. Please see Lynne after church on Sunday or email her at mark.lesiak@sympatico.ca
Zoom Coffee, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. For some warm conversation from the cozy comfort of your home, tune in at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Shrove Tuesday pancake and sausage dinner, Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 pm. We are invited once again to join with the people of St. Edward for their annual pre-Lent supper in the south wing. Please bring your own dishes, cups and cutlery. Following the dinner there will be a service of ashes in the sanctuary, led this year by Rev. Steve.
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WE GIVE THANKS
The email address for e-transfer is: ltuc98givings@gmail.com. Please 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
