MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
I am so grateful to be part of a faith family that cares about each other. That often means a lot of “how are you doing?” kind of questions. Again… grateful that people care. And as I’m going through a time of transition, people often ask how things are going. So, let me answer: Yes, I am looking forward to retirement. Yes, I will miss you all. And no, our house hasn’t sold. Yet.
The other day I got what might be my favourite question through all of this. “What have you learned throughout your ministry?” Isn’t that a great question? As I look back, what a great time to reflect on what I have learned. The simple answer is “lots!”. From theologians, colleagues, and especially from sharing life moments with faith-filled, compassionate lay people.
As I begin writing this message, I realize that it is May 27th. That means today is the 39th anniversary of my ordination. Which means that by the time you read this, I will be in my fortieth year of Reverendness. (Contrary to what spell check says, I’m sure that’s a word.) I have often talked about the number 40 in sacred story representing a time of discernment… figuring stuff out. So what have I figured out that might guide me on the next stage of my journey? (And might, hopefully, be inspiring to you?)
Firstly, don’t take yourself too seriously. When I first started, I taped a little card to the pulpit. On it was one little word: kiss. It was an anagram for Keep It Simple Stupid. I was called to preach God’s Word. Not my word. Don’t try so hard. Just root yourself in love and trust, and let God do what God needs to do. Good advice, I think, for life. Don’t let yourself get in the way, with your agendas or pride. Let God tell God’s story through you.
Secondly, laugh. For God’s sake (literally) laugh. I have a poster with a drawing of Jesus laughing. Full-on head-back laughing. It came out, I believe, in the 1970s and caused a bit of a stir. Did Jesus laugh? Well, of course. Laughter can be a prayer. It can be an expression of joy. And it can heal the spirit (see the first point). I’ve always been surprised at how often someone has visited whatever congregation I’ve been in, and they tell me how refreshing it was to laugh in church. I was never surprised that they found it refreshing, just surprised that they didn’t think that church was a place to laugh. Can you imagine? Of course not… you know that. You laugh. One of the many reasons I love y’all. Worship (and life) gives us time to cry. But don’t forget to laugh as well.
And finally, remember that you are not alone, and that you are part of the story of God’s work in our faith family and our communities. So are a lot of other people. I used to have a printed card in my office. (Another one!) It asked, “Who washed the dishes at the last supper?” Good question. And a good reminder that whoever is involved in the big story is supported by the hard work of a lot of other people. During a curtain call as an actor, I always carry in my heart a long list of the many people that it takes to put on a production. And when people talk about a church’s ministry and what the minister does, I remind them of all of the people who give so much of their time and talent to do the real work of the church. Like the people who washed the dishes at the last supper. And like you and all that you do.
A little bit of what I have learned. A little bit of what I will carry with me as I journey on. Thanks for teaching me that.
Peace.
Rev. Steve
Sunday, June 1, 2025
11:00 AM
Worship Song: VU#381 “Spirit of Life”
Hymn: VU#179 “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks”
Connections: Happy Hat
Hymn: VU#600 “When I Needed a Neighbour”
Scripture: Acts 1:1-10
Reflection: Eyes fixed on the sky?
Hymn: VU#649 “Walk with Me”
Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer (sung VU#959)
Offering and Sung Dedication: VU#958 “Halle, halle, hallelujah!”
Hymn: VU#660 “How Firm a Foundation”
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
It’s Happy Hat Sunday, time to bring your loose change for the Mission and Service Fund.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW MINISTER:
THE REVEREND DR. CHRISTINE MARIE GLADU
After much prayerful deliberation over the last six months, the Search Committee charged with the task of finding a new minister for Lakeshore Trinity United voted unanimously to issue a call to The Reverend Dr. Christine Marie Gladu as our minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care, beginning September 1, 2025. At a congregational meeting held on May 25th, the congregation voted to accept this recommendation.
We heartily welcome Rev. Christine, and we look forward to growing together as a family of faith.
Rev. Christine writes:
“My name is Christine Marie Gladu. I am a full time ordained Minister for the United Church of Canada. I have ministered to congregations in the Maritimes and headed back to the province of Quebec where I was born, in September of 2021. I am a graduate from the University of Montreal in the field of Process Theology and I have studied as well at the Claremont School of Theology Summer Institute in California with Dr. John Cobb Jr. and other professors. My PhD. thesis was on non-violence in a Process perspective. I am passionate about Process Theology and Open Relational Theology. Therefore, my ministry is Process-oriented and am eager to tell about it to anyone interested in it.
I am 59, born and raised catholic, enthusiastically involved at the congregational, regional and national levels of my Church. I committed myself into following Jesus Christ and bringing His message to whomever I encounter. I trust God to send me wherever God sees fit. I work for the coming of the
Kingdom of God, my theology is process, filled with the joy of knowing that Jesus is risen and that we are redeemed by His love.”
Welcome to Lakeshore Trinity United, Reverend Christine!
OUR THANKS TO THE SEARCH COMMITTEE:
We extend our deep thanks and appreciation to the members of the Search Committee for their dedication and diligent, prayerful discernment over the past six months:
Pam Fraser, Lynne Lesiak, Sheila Lindsay, Mafety Magas, Dale Palin (Chair), Paul Van Esbroeck, Bethan Wardrop, Fiona Wardrop, Rev. Darryl MacDonald (Regional Representative).
COMING UP
This Sunday, June 1st, we pass the Happy Hat for Mission and Service.
Zoom Coffee, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
To join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Sunday, June 8th: United Church 100th Anniversary Service and pot luck picnic lunch at Lakeshore Trinity. The West Island United Churches gather to celebrate 100 Years! See below for details.
Sunday, June 15th: Rev. Steve’s final service at Lakeshore Trinity Plan to stay following the service for lunch, and a celebration of the rich, inspiring relationship we have enjoyed with him over the years of his ministry with us.
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA: 100 YEARS
June 10, 2025 is the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada! Our West Island Cluster of United Churches is planning a joint service of celebration on Sunday, June 8th, at 11:00 AM, to be held right here at Lakeshore Trinity.
Following the service will be a pot luck picnic lunch. We of Lakeshore Trinity (and also of Merging Waters United) are asked to bring salads. Please bring your salad all ready to place on a table and serve. Watch for a sign-up sheet at church on Sunday.
If the weather is fine, feel free to bring a lawn chair. There will be the option of sitting outside.
Don’t miss this exciting occasion to celebrate our nationwide United Church of Canada, and to worship and eat together as a West Island faith family.
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REV. MAUREEN SCOTT KABWE: DIACONAL MINISTER
On Sunday, May 25th, at a service in Kahnawake United Church, surrounded by good friends and strong supporters, Maureen Scott Kabwe was commissioned by the National Indigenous Elders Council/United Church of Canada as a diaconal minister in the United Church of Canada. Maureen has been invited by Kahnawake United Church to serve for the next six months as a diaconal minister, appointed to a ministry of education, of pastoral care, and of spiritual energy.
Maureen’s connection with The United Church and its mission in the world has been lifelong (her parents, Audrey and Don Scott were active members of St. John’s United from 1972). For many years Maureen worked as an educator and resource person, in individual churches and then for The United Church of Canada. Her abiding drive has always been toward social justice. In 1993, after the Oka Crisis, she was invited by the congregation of Kahnawake United Church to serve as a lay minister and while there, she took community-based training in Native Ministry at the Francis Sandy Theological Center in Paris, Ontario (where Frank Giffen once served as a member of the board).
MSK commissioning
After she retired, she returned to Lakeshore Trinity, where she has been serving as Co-chair of our Church in the World Committee, and singing in the choir.
We rejoice with Maureen on the happy occasion of her commissioning, and we ask God’s blessing on her and on Kahnawake United Church as they embark on this journey together.
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
