MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Happy Easter, Everyone!
This weekend defines us as people of faith. We are an Easter people. Through Christ’s resurrection, we are invited into relationship with God. As Paul wrote, now, with Jesus conquering death, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. Easter reminds us that Life wins. Light wins. Love wins.
However, it can be a confusing time for some of us, spiritually speaking. We might have questions about the sacred story that make us wonder or even doubt in our believing. So, let me offer what may be an alternative way of understanding the beauty of this sacred story.
Traditionally, on Good Friday we talk about Jesus being sent by God to be a sacrifice necessary to wipe-out human sin. As John reminds us, it was all done in love (“For God so loved the world…”). It is the predominant language in the newer testament and throughout the years of the Church’s teachings. And there was a time when this sacrificial language made sense to everyone. It was something they were familiar with. But with today’s sensibilities, a sacrificial theology doesn’t always resonate with everyone.
I see the cross (and the whole Good Friday story) as an example and reminder of the worst that we can do to each other. It represents greed, corruption, fear, and execution. And then I look at the cross again… empty… and I’m reminded of God’s love. In the face of the worst we can do, God never gives up on us. God has the last word. And that word is love. Christ’s presence is our strength and our promise.
Likewise, some of us wonder if Jesus’ resurrection could have really happened as the stories tell. It seems a little far-fetched. They go through the motions of Easter (it is a really joyful and colourful day) but never fully engage. Like sitting by the pool, without ever taking the plunge. And I understand that. But don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. If believing in the 3-day physical resurrection isn’t your thing, you’re not alone. Since the beginning, many have embraced the beauty of the story as a spiritual journey. Beyond the literal reading of what happened or didn’t happen, is the reality of a spiritual resurrection that did happen and continues to happen within us and around us.
Both ways of approaching the story are as old as the story itself. There is no judgement: if you relate to one way of understanding over the other (or move somewhere between the two), what matters is that you find space for resurrection and new life to make its home in you. Again, God never gives up on us. God has the last word. And that word is love.
I hope to see you this weekend, as we celebrate Easter and welcome hope and new life into our lives and into the world.
May God continue to bless you and yours in this Easter season.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, April 20, 2025
11:00 AM
Easter Sunday
Hymn: VU#155 “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
Hymn: VU#644 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
Reflection: “…but instead we see New Life!”
Hymn: VU#166 “Joy Comes with the Dawn” (Verses 2 and 3)
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#958 Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Hymn: VU#477 “I Come with Joy” (Verses 1, 4, 5)
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Consecration, The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Sharing the Bread and The Cup
Hymn: VU#173 “Thine Is the Glory”
If you are joining us via zoom for this morning’s Easter Communion, we invite you to prepare your own elements at home, so that we may share the sacrament together.
You may join us via Zoom on Good Friday Evening and Easter Sunday at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: 438-809-7799
GOOD FRIDAY: April 17, 7:00 PM
On Friday, April 17 at 7:00 PM, together with our brothers and sisters of St. Edward the Confessor, we will meet for a service of readings and prayer, led by Reverend Steve. Join us on this holy night.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
West Island Christians will welcome Easter morning at an ecumenical bilingual sunrise service on Windmill Point in front of Paroisse St. Joachim at 7:00 AM this Easter Sunday, April 20th.
EASTER SUNDAY COMMUNION
Join us on Easter Sunday April 20 at 11:AM for Holy Communion, as we welcome the Risen Christ with Joy and Hallelujahs.
COMING UP
Balcony Boutique: next Saturday, April 26, 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Gently used fashions upstairs, books, coffee and conversation in the hall.
Zoom Coffee, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
To join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
FEDERAL ELECTION: ADVANCE POLLING AT THE CHURCH
Elections Canada will be using our building as an advance polling station this coming weekend. Our regular entrance door (from the parking lot) will be used by voters to enter and exit the building.
Elections Canada are aware that we are holding church services on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Worshippers will be permitted access through our regular parking lot entrance, bypassing any lineup for voters. Please be aware that the front door on Aurora will likely remain locked.
FOOD COLLECTIONS
The next food delivery from our collection bins will go to Dorval Community Aid. When you are dropping off your food contributions, take a moment to check the bulletin board above the food bins. There is a lovely thank you note received from Dorval Community Aid after Christmas, thanking us for our donations at Christmastime. Doris McConnell notes that the food banks are always very warm in their thanks to the drivers who bring deliveries.
CANTABILE CHORALE
Sheila Lindsay invites us to hear her sing with the Cantabile Chorale and Orchestra as they perform the Mozart Requiem, as well as compositions by chorale director, Peter Willsher, Sunday, April 27th, 2:30 PM at Église Ste. Geneviève, 16037 boul. Gouin ouest. For information and tickets you may contact Sheila at sheilamarj@gmail.com, or by phone at 514-291-9780.
PULL OUT YOUR EASTER BONNETS!
Joan Levasseur and Irene Kristensen and Judy Lindsay were recalling the days when the ladies wore their best Easter hats to church on Easter Sunday morning, and what a happy celebration that was. And so they are issuing an invitation to us all. Pull out your finest hats, everyone! Men included!
Joan has a collection of hats and she plans to bring them to church on Sunday for anyone who would like to borrow one for the occasion. Thanks, Joan!
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
