MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
Happy May Day!
May Day, celebrated on the 1st, is an ancient, and still popular, celebration welcoming summer. As it is mainly celebrated in Europe, its traditions may be unfamiliar to many of us. The event honours the world around us by sharing flowers in baskets and garlands, and dancing and singing around a May Pole. Too bad it never really caught-on here. Pagan festivals have a way of connecting to and honouring the world around us, celebrating life and beauty with gratitude and respect. So, may I suggest that today you find a way to express gratitude for the wonders of nature. We give the Creator thanks for the buds and blossoms, for the greening of the earth, and for bird song and gentle sustaining rainfall.
May 1st is also known as International Workers Day in most of the world. (In North America – and Australia, I believe – we replaced this day of recognition with September’s Labour Day.) Its origins are rooted in the late 1800s when labourers fought for an 8-hour work day. It continues to be a day to honour workers and craftspeople. In the 1950s, the Roman Catholic Church moved St. Joseph’s Day (honouring a worker, a carpenter) to May 1st to counteract what was seen as a Communist/Marxist movement.
Which got me thinking, again, about lessons learned on my ministry journey. Long ago I learned that although The Minister is out front most of the time pulling focus, the real work of the ministry of the church is done by many other people working, serving, doing their bit to make a difference and to usher-in the realm of God. So, on this May Day, I want to take a moment to honour, celebrate, and give thanks for all of you, and all of those I have served along side with for so long.
It is a beautifully long list of those people we see and know and appreciate, like Council members, Elders, committee workers, and worship leaders. And the list also includes servants, healers, nurturers, teachers… Everyday people doing their part: caring for gardens, removing snow, painting, cleaning, repairing, feeding us and others. People working in administration; contributing, organizing, delivering, and sharing food with the community; washing up, hosting, serving, listening. People who take our ministry out in the world, volunteering with other organizations, and offering support and care to neighbours, family, and strangers.
I have had friends tell me, especially recently, that they are not looking forward to retirement because they don’t know what they will do with themselves. I am grateful to have had so many role models who have shown me how to live active and caring lives. I am not only grateful for all that you do, but grateful as well for inspiring me.
So, on this May Day, (1) give thanks for the beauty and wonder of God’s world, (2) show appreciation to those who work hard to make our community happen, and (3) know that you are seen, loved, and appreciated.
Blessings.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, May 4, 2025
11:00 AM
Worship Song: MV#115 “Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New”
Hymn: VU#158 “Christ is Alive” (verses 1,3,5)
Connections: Happy Hat
Hymn: MV#165 “There is a Time” (Verses 1,3,4,5)
Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6, 9-13
Reflection: So be it.
Hymn: VU#664 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#958 Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Hymn: VU#661 “Come to My Heart”
You may join us via Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197
797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: 438-809-7799
This morning we pass the Happy Hat for Mission and Service.
COMING UP
Happy Hat: this Sunday, May 4. Please remember to bring your loose change to feed the Happy Hat for the United Church Mission and Service Fund.
Spring Sale meeting: May 4, 12:00 noon, in the South Wing
Balcony Boutique: next Saturday, May 10, 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
SPRING SALE
Efforts are underway to organize a Spring Sale, to take place on Saturday, May 24. We expect to have sections for Balcony Boutique, books and videos, plants, probably a white elephant table, maybe a bake table.
There will be a brief meeting with Mark Watson after church this Sunday, May 4th. All volunteers welcome. Bring your coffee and join us in the South Wing!
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FOOD COLLECTIONS
NEW: ON ROCK GROCERY MART
On Rock Community Services has changed the operation of their food bank. With the help of many local businesses, they have built and opened up their own food market. This facility allows clients to shop for their groceries as would anyone in a grocery store, selecting items based on their own needs and preferences, instead of being handed a pre-prepared box of food. The two hundred and forty families who depend on help from On Rock are universally enthusiastic about the change. One can only imagine how much more dignity and respect this affords to those struggling to feed their families!
On Rock’s shelves are often bare these days, as we all face rising food prices. They rely on the generosity of donors like the people of Lakeshore Trinity to continue their service. Doris McConnell and Joan Pitcairn have just delivered food from our bins to Dorval Community Aid. The next delivery will go to On Rock.
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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
website: www.lakeshoretrinityunited.ca
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334