What do we think about when we look at the stars in the sky? Do we experience wonder? Awe? Does observing the heavens lift our spirits? Or is the vast expanse of space with its billions of stars disturbing in some ways? When we scan the stars, we are engaged in an ancient activity. Humans have been studying the sky from time immemorial – discerning patterns in the stars and telling stories about these star patterns. Spirit Alive on February 12 (10:30 am on Zoom) will consider the familiar activity of “stargazing”. David Phillips will lead the discussion, starting with a brief presentation about some famous stargazers. We will then discuss our various experiences with stargazing and the emotions we feel when looking up at the stars.
For further information, please contact Ross or Bea Lawford.
Today our worship will be livestreamed to YouTube and shared on Zoom, starting shortly before 10:30am. Following the service, join (or stay on) Zoom for a time of conversation.
Get ready to sing this morning by watching Matt and our leads teach our Introit and Blessing for this month:
Today we mark the beginning of Black History Month with a music celebration including two anthems – “How can I keep from singing?” sung live with by leads and the wonderful virtual choir project “Hymn to Freedom.”
Today we hear about Jesus calling his first disciples, we continue with our Small Spiritual Practices, and watch a short video about the new United Church mission statement.
Today’s service draws on a service shared by the United Church for Black History Month created by Charmain Bailey. You might like to hear the sermon she recorded that accompanies the Call to Worship and prayers we share today, “Fishing so others may share a meal” (10 minutes):
Next Sunday On February 13 our service “Words from a Level Place” will reflect on Luke 6:17-26. Our closing hymn will be the energetic “I’m gonna live so God can use me.”
Then, on February 20th we will share another service shared by the larger United Church: Black Experiences in Canadian Churches, created by 6 Millenials and Gen Zs.
YouTube Playlists We have updated our Small Spiritual Practices playlist with all of our small spiritual practices this month: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfuCu94bEGC5eCVktVqxmrnx1E_jmeTLc I invite you to see if you can think of one person who might appreciate one of these practices, and share it with them. Our most popular so far was shared Jan. 16: Intention and Attention.
Join us on Wednesday February 23rd at 10:30am on Zoom for a special Meet U @ The Zoom Room speaker event hosted by the Leaside United Affirming Team featuring dynamic speaker, Cheri DiNovo.
More about Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, C.M. Performed first legalized same sex marriage in Canada. Passed more LGBTQ Bills into law than anyone in Canadian history as MPP in Ontario 2006-2017. Order of Canada winner and of many other Awards including the Lambda In Washington DC for her first book “Qu(e)erying Evangelism” . Author of two books, her latest “The Queer Evangelist” Now Minister at Trinity St Paul’s Centre for Faith Justice and the Arts
Her recent book The Queer Evangelist is available from https://anotherstory.ca/ Another Story Bookshop.
This year’s Lenten book is full of reflections on how to wend your way through the dilemmas of every day living. It’s good to read by itself; it’s even more exciting to read together with others! Join us!
Lesser Evils: Daily Reflections on Seeking Wisdom explores everyday dilemmas of seeking the good while choosing the lesser evil from a Christian perspective. The diverse group of contributors reflect on how their faith informs their daily choices, from “Do I take this parking space?” to “Do I wear this mask?” to “Do I choose to forgive you?”
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