Photo above by Elizabeth French-Gibson from our Lakeshore United 10th Anniversary Coffeehouse, June 10, 2023 - a view from the stage of the audience
What's Happening - Sunday, April 7, 2023
The information below is from our weekly Lakeshore United email newsletter. If you would like to receive this in your inbox contact Shirley Rodger using our contact page.
Lakeshore United Church news and events:
Minister Message: “On the Way to Inclusiveness”
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male or female, for you are all one in Christ.” – Galatians 3:26
Saint Paul wrote those words to early Christian assemblies in Galatia he had founded that were experiencing some quarrelling and internal division. He wrote those words inviting them to take down the flimsy barriers they were using to justify practices of segregation. We have been endeavouring to remove similar and newer barriers in our day and age, not just by government legislation, but by actual practices, behaviours, and seeking to form inclusive communities.
This Sunday is a watershed event for Lakeshore United Church as she officially becomes an Affirming congregation within the United Church of Canada. It is a public, intentional, and explicit prayerful act on the way to being as fully inclusive as we can be as a community of faith. Such transitions don’t happen overnight, and they don’t happen without a lot of education, reflection, spiritual wrestling and pondering. A number of other United Church congregations have already made that move; more are considering it or in the process of making it. The process evolves and requires ongoing refinements and learnings.
A congregation in Eastern Ontario I once served became a community of contention in 1988 as they wrestled with the proposal to accept homosexual persons not only as members but also as spiritual leaders in ministry. There were some folks in that congregation who were in favour of that; there were others who were fearful of taking a stand one way or the other; and there were another group who actually picketed against such a possibility in the church parking lot during Sunday morning services of worship. When our General Council met later that year and decided in favour of such a proposal, a number of members of that congregation left. A few families were fractured. Distancing and fragmentation happened among a number of neighbours and friends. The congregation itself held together despite losing some members.
In the early 2000s, I served on the national committee for Theology and Faith. Rev. Wendy MacLean was also on that committee at that time, and we shared in the deliberations before us as colleagues. At that time, Wendy was serving congregations in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and then went on to serve on Conference staff. Currently, she ministers to that congregation in Eastern Ontario where I was serving in the 1980s. She corresponded with me five or six years ago to let me know that that congregation became an Affirming congregation in 2018. Whatever seeds were sown and planted in 1988, took thirty years to become fruitful. Wendy is a deeply soulful, caring, thoughtful, and imaginative person and also a published poet. Here is a prayer poem she composed that others have used or adapted when their community of faith becomes Affirming.
A Mother’s Prayer
When my son* told me he is gay he was afraid I would be angry.
My God, why would I be angry with this brave young man
bold enough to find his way on an unknown path?
But, to be honest, God, I had anger. Not at my son, but at a world
that makes our sexuality so complicated,
that makes it so hard to enjoy our bodies without guilt.
He is not alone in his struggles. I know well the fear and power of a woman’s body
in a world that crushes ecstasy with conformity.
Holy One, Creator of heaven and earth, bless my son*, bless us all
with the confidence that you made us with great care,
that we are made in your image, in love and beauty.
Our bodies are not separate from our spirits.
You live in us. Heaven and earth are in each moment.
Body and spirit are in each breath.
We are united, called, beloved: One. Amen
[Wendy MacLean, in Gathering, (Advent/Christmas/Epiphany) 2021-2022, pg. 84. Used with permission]
Apr. 14 – Affirm United service 10:30 am in LUC Sanctuary
Apr. 14 – coffee & cake 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall
Apr. 28 – Kincardine Brass Band concert 3 pm in Sanctuary
In the Community:
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male or female, for you are all one in Christ.” – Galatians 3:26
Saint Paul wrote those words to early Christian assemblies in Galatia he had founded that were experiencing some quarrelling and internal division. He wrote those words inviting them to take down the flimsy barriers they were using to justify practices of segregation. We have been endeavouring to remove similar and newer barriers in our day and age, not just by government legislation, but by actual practices, behaviours, and seeking to form inclusive communities.
This Sunday is a watershed event for Lakeshore United Church as she officially becomes an Affirming congregation within the United Church of Canada. It is a public, intentional, and explicit prayerful act on the way to being as fully inclusive as we can be as a community of faith. Such transitions don’t happen overnight, and they don’t happen without a lot of education, reflection, spiritual wrestling and pondering. A number of other United Church congregations have already made that move; more are considering it or in the process of making it. The process evolves and requires ongoing refinements and learnings.
A congregation in Eastern Ontario I once served became a community of contention in 1988 as they wrestled with the proposal to accept homosexual persons not only as members but also as spiritual leaders in ministry. There were some folks in that congregation who were in favour of that; there were others who were fearful of taking a stand one way or the other; and there were another group who actually picketed against such a possibility in the church parking lot during Sunday morning services of worship. When our General Council met later that year and decided in favour of such a proposal, a number of members of that congregation left. A few families were fractured. Distancing and fragmentation happened among a number of neighbours and friends. The congregation itself held together despite losing some members.
In the early 2000s, I served on the national committee for Theology and Faith. Rev. Wendy MacLean was also on that committee at that time, and we shared in the deliberations before us as colleagues. At that time, Wendy was serving congregations in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and then went on to serve on Conference staff. Currently, she ministers to that congregation in Eastern Ontario where I was serving in the 1980s. She corresponded with me five or six years ago to let me know that that congregation became an Affirming congregation in 2018. Whatever seeds were sown and planted in 1988, took thirty years to become fruitful. Wendy is a deeply soulful, caring, thoughtful, and imaginative person and also a published poet. Here is a prayer poem she composed that others have used or adapted when their community of faith becomes Affirming.
A Mother’s Prayer
When my son* told me he is gay he was afraid I would be angry.
My God, why would I be angry with this brave young man
bold enough to find his way on an unknown path?
But, to be honest, God, I had anger. Not at my son, but at a world
that makes our sexuality so complicated,
that makes it so hard to enjoy our bodies without guilt.
He is not alone in his struggles. I know well the fear and power of a woman’s body
in a world that crushes ecstasy with conformity.
Holy One, Creator of heaven and earth, bless my son*, bless us all
with the confidence that you made us with great care,
that we are made in your image, in love and beauty.
Our bodies are not separate from our spirits.
You live in us. Heaven and earth are in each moment.
Body and spirit are in each breath.
We are united, called, beloved: One. Amen
[Wendy MacLean, in Gathering, (Advent/Christmas/Epiphany) 2021-2022, pg. 84. Used with permission]
- Upcoming events & meetings at Lakeshore UC:
Apr. 14 – Affirm United service 10:30 am in LUC Sanctuary
Apr. 14 – coffee & cake 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall
Apr. 28 – Kincardine Brass Band concert 3 pm in Sanctuary
- Words of welcome: If you’ve not yet shared your words of welcome, whether it’s one word or a welcome message, that will be strung throughout the sanctuary as part of a welcome flay during the celebration, please send words by tomorrow, Friday, Apr. 12th via the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAEEP0Guz01Ga5gMlagl3rbNkBbhwJR0glDAbNuIKXLp4H_A/viewform
- Let’s make service colourful: As part of our Affirm United celebration on Sunday, April 14th, we encourage worshippers to wear colours of the pride flag, as we seek to make our celebration a colourful one filled with music, food, and good cheer. Coffee and cake to follow as we celebrate our journey to become publicly, intentionally, and explicitly welcoming of people of all sexual orientation, and gender expression.
- Spring Cleaning Saturday April 13th: 9 am to noon. Come out with your own duster and cleaning products and help make our church shine. Hunt down some dust bunnies and clean your favourite corners. Can’t clean? Bring some cookies or doughnuts or make some coffee and tea. We will need a coffee break at 10:30 am.
- Every Other Sunday School: begins on Sunday, April 14th and continues until Sunday, June 23rd. The dates for Sunday school are: April 14th, April 28th, May 12th, May 26th, June 9th & June 23rd. On alternate Sundays, families can enjoy the tables at the back and if desired, snacks and toys downstairs.
- Looking for tablecloths: If members of the congregation have a tablecloth in one of the colours within the pride flag, we would be most appreciative if we could please use this during the coffee hour following worship on Sunday April 14th. Please let Mandy Sinclair know if you have one we could borrow by emailing: mandyjsinclair@gmail.com .
- 80th birthday celebration : Celebrate with Marilyn Elgie at Beach Street Station, on April 20th, 1:30 to 4:30 pm. A "Come and Go" gathering. No gifts, donation to the food bank gratefully accepted. Marilyn says: “Love to have you join me.”
- UCW of WOW Annual General Meeting: Saturday, April 20th. Please see the attached poster. Please direct any questions or comments to Laura Forbes at lmforbes@sympatico.ca
- New Members’ Sunday: Sunday, April 28th, we will be receiving new members into our congregation either by transfer from their previous congregation or by re-affirmation of faith. If you are interested in this opportunity, let Rev. Disher know.
- Scripture Reading and Story-Telling Workshops: Those who have volunteered to read Scripture during worship and anyone else interested is invited to a Scripture Reading Workshop, Saturday, May 4th from 9 am to 10 :30 am. It will be followed by Biblical Story-telling 101, an introduction to the practice of biblical story-telling from 10:30 to noon. Rev. Disher will lead both workshops.
- Noodle Factory Jazz! Love is in the Air. Friday, May 10th 7:30 pm at Lakeshore United Church. Tickets $25 or students $10 available at Ernie King Music, Fincher’s or Lakeshore United Church.
- Casual Crafters: If you have stayed away from the Casual Crafters gatherings because you didn’t want to knit the toque that Nancy Ross was kindly and patiently showing us how to knit, here’s some good news for you. You are welcome to come join us again (or for the first time) with any knitting, crochet, or other type of craft (like hooking) that you would like to work on. Work on your craft while enjoying conversation & laughter with other crafters. You may even get some useful instructions or a chance to share your knowledge with someone else! We meet on Thursday afternoons starting at 1 pm at the church.
- Going to be in hospital? Or know someone who is in hospital? Please let Rev. Disher know so that a pastoral visit can be arranged – 519-860-9198.
In the Community:
- Strings in Harmony: a fundraising concert featuring The Hometown Harpist and Jellybean Blue at Main Street United Church 133 Ontario Road, Mitchell Ontario on Sunday, Apr. 14th at 2 pm. Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students.
- Our Classic Country Roots: Northside United Church in Seaforth is hosting an afternoon of music on Sunday, Apr. 14th 2:00 pm starring Roy LeBlanc and Mary Skelton and featuring The Royal Tribute Band. They will be remembering great male and female songs of country singers. Tickets are $35 each (incl HST) and are available from Allan-519-522-0399, Connie-519-955-6263 or by calling Northside UC 519-527-1449 and leave a message. If you have any questions, please contact Allan Carter at 519-522-0399.
- Camp Bimini Clean-up day: Sat. April 20th 9:00am- 12:30pm. Bring your rakes, gloves, and cleaning supplies! Lunch served at 11:45 am.
- Friendship is Brewing: Coffee & friendship morning 10 am Sat. April 20th at St. George’s Church community hall. Everyone welcome. Free will offering. Special guest speaker Bernice Glenn.
- North Huron Congregational Cluster: Participants in United Church congregations in North Huron, including Lakeshore United, Goderich will gather at Clinton United Church, Clinton on Tuesday, April 30th at 7 pm till around 9 pm. We will spend time sharing stories of what’s happening in our communities of faith and begin conversations about what we might share in co-operatively together in the future. Anyone wishing to attend this event, please let Rev. Disher know so he can register our group from Lakeshore United ahead of time.
- Watoto Children’s Choir: Come join the Watoto Children’s Choir for a powerful time of worship as the children bring the sounds of Africa to you and share their personal stories of hope. This is a free concert and a fundraising event hosted at Trinity Church. Mark your calendars for Tuesday April 23rd at 6:30pm and invite your friends to witness the power of God’s love and the transformation Watoto is making in people's lives across the world. More information and FREE tickets are available on the event page or email office@trinitychurchgoderich.com
- April Show(ers): The Kincardine Brass Band presents a concert featuring The MacKay Choristers and the unusual musical duo of Mary & Clayton. Sunday, April 28th 3 pm at Lakeshore United Church. See attached poster.
- Goderich Blood Donation Event: Thursday, May 2nd from 1 pm to 7 pm at Goderich Knights of Columbus Hall. By appointment. Book now by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App
- Bimini Bowl-a-thon: Fri. May 3rd, 6-8 pm A fun team building evening of bowling while helping Camp Bimini. Followed by a social time at St. Mary’s United Church. There will be prizes! Sign up a team with a maximum of 6 players. Cost: a minimum pledge of $50. For more information email Mary Taylor taylorm0175@gmail.com or Susan Campbell treasurer@campbimini.ca
- Spring Hike, Plant & Compost Sale: Sat. May 11th 10 am to 2 pm at Columbus Centre parking lot, Parson’s Court. Plants for all gardens including native plants for your pollinator friendly gardens. Come chat about your plants and garden ideas. There will be a free family friendly guided hike in the Maitland Woods at 1 pm. For more information contact Susan at 519-524-2804.
Resources on Privilege, Anti-Racism
This is a time to listen. Listen to the voices of those with lived experience of racism. Listening to their voices so that our actions will be thoughtful, appropriate and helpful. When we are moved, we all have a tendency to want to rush out an do something. As a congregation of mostly white, middle class people - it is time for us to listen, learn and examine our own privilege.
Here are some resources to do that.
The United Church of Canada has resources: https://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism
The United Church also has resources for exploring healing and reconciliation with Indigeneous Communities.
Here is a place to start: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/reconciliation-and-indigenous-justice
CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), has some good resources.
This link takes you to good movies to watch, most of which can be watched for free:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/what-to-watch-black-stories-1.5600291
Ted Talks are an excellent way to explore topics.
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=Racism+
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=white+privilege
Here are some resources to do that.
The United Church of Canada has resources: https://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism
The United Church also has resources for exploring healing and reconciliation with Indigeneous Communities.
Here is a place to start: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/reconciliation-and-indigenous-justice
CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), has some good resources.
This link takes you to good movies to watch, most of which can be watched for free:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/what-to-watch-black-stories-1.5600291
Ted Talks are an excellent way to explore topics.
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=Racism+
https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=white+privilege