What's Happening - Sunday, June 4, 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: “Three-in-One”
Perhaps the most mind-boggling and heart-twisting concept in Christian thought is the notion of God as Holy Trinity. A number of thinkers have attempted to help us grasp it. One theologian offered an aesthetic image: An artist (God), creates a work of art (Jesus) that has continuing impact (Holy Spirit) on all who view it or encounter it. That’s somewhat helpful though Jesus was not a static presence, but a mobile, dynamic one for a few years. So maybe it’s more like God is the creator/producer/director of a short documentary film (Jesus) that has ongoing impact and influence (Holy Spirit). More recent theological explanations have sought to demonstrate the convergence of scientific and religious thought by viewing the Holy Trinity as something like Energy Source, Strange Attractor, Magnetic Force Field. Not bad, if we’re trying to comprehend how God, the Divine operates and functions in the universe (creation). Falls short on the personal/relational presence; but maybe pulling us away from re-creating God in human images (anthropomorphism is the thousand-dollar word for it) isn’t a bad direction in which to shift our focus. However we seek to make sense out of a three-in-one God will likely ever remain elusive, bound up in Holy Mystery. Anglican theologian and Christian socialist, F. D. Maurice (1805-1872) captured that in a prayer he composed for Trinity Sunday:
“Most blessed and glorious Trinity, Three Persons in one God, teach us to worship and adore the perfect unity of your Divine Presence and Power. Help us to see all distinctions more clearly in the light of your everlasting love. Help us to recognize the truth of every effort to express something which passes knowledge. Help us to feel and confess the feebleness of our own efforts. So may your holy name embrace us more and more. So may all creatures in heaven and on earth find their way to glorify you throughout all the ages.” Amen.
Jun. 11 – Lakeshore’s 10th Anniversary Sunday service with Rev. Tom Dunbar
Jun. 11 – UCW free lunch after service
Jun. 13 – Stewardship 4:30 pm in Parlour
Jun. 21 – Council 7 pm in Parlour
Jun. 24 – Book study 9:30 am by Zoom
Jun. 24 – UCW Strawberry Social 2 pm Fellowship Hall
Jun. 25 – Service at Camp Menesetung
If you are able, ahead of time, please let Shirley in the office know you are coming and/or would like to share your gifts - but please feel free to join us - even at the last minute without an RSVP.
A newly drafted Lakeshore Vision Statement is being prepared for discussion. Three Talking Circles are planned. Come and ask your questions and join in the discussion about what it means to be affirming and to finalize the Vision Statement that will be put to a vote Oct 15th. Please consider taking part in one of the following:
• Following the Sunday service Oct 1st
• By Zoom Oct 3rd
• Wednesday evening in the Parlour at 7:30 Oct 4th
Thank you for your prayerful and kind consideration. As part of educating ourselves, there are many aspects of the understanding and language around sexuality and gender that may be new or confusing to most of us. The following link will take you to excellent PDFs provided by Huron County Pride that are easy to read and understand. https://www.huroncountypride.ca/awareness-knowledge (Paper copies are available in the Narthex and in the office.) ~ Lakeshore Outreach/Affirming Working Group
In the Community:
Perhaps the most mind-boggling and heart-twisting concept in Christian thought is the notion of God as Holy Trinity. A number of thinkers have attempted to help us grasp it. One theologian offered an aesthetic image: An artist (God), creates a work of art (Jesus) that has continuing impact (Holy Spirit) on all who view it or encounter it. That’s somewhat helpful though Jesus was not a static presence, but a mobile, dynamic one for a few years. So maybe it’s more like God is the creator/producer/director of a short documentary film (Jesus) that has ongoing impact and influence (Holy Spirit). More recent theological explanations have sought to demonstrate the convergence of scientific and religious thought by viewing the Holy Trinity as something like Energy Source, Strange Attractor, Magnetic Force Field. Not bad, if we’re trying to comprehend how God, the Divine operates and functions in the universe (creation). Falls short on the personal/relational presence; but maybe pulling us away from re-creating God in human images (anthropomorphism is the thousand-dollar word for it) isn’t a bad direction in which to shift our focus. However we seek to make sense out of a three-in-one God will likely ever remain elusive, bound up in Holy Mystery. Anglican theologian and Christian socialist, F. D. Maurice (1805-1872) captured that in a prayer he composed for Trinity Sunday:
“Most blessed and glorious Trinity, Three Persons in one God, teach us to worship and adore the perfect unity of your Divine Presence and Power. Help us to see all distinctions more clearly in the light of your everlasting love. Help us to recognize the truth of every effort to express something which passes knowledge. Help us to feel and confess the feebleness of our own efforts. So may your holy name embrace us more and more. So may all creatures in heaven and on earth find their way to glorify you throughout all the ages.” Amen.
- Upcoming events & meetings:
Jun. 11 – Lakeshore’s 10th Anniversary Sunday service with Rev. Tom Dunbar
Jun. 11 – UCW free lunch after service
Jun. 13 – Stewardship 4:30 pm in Parlour
Jun. 21 – Council 7 pm in Parlour
Jun. 24 – Book study 9:30 am by Zoom
Jun. 24 – UCW Strawberry Social 2 pm Fellowship Hall
Jun. 25 – Service at Camp Menesetung
- 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.
- Thank you for your spare change! The loose change collected after the theme conversation during worship goes to support Camp Menesetung, Sleeping Children Around the World and our godchild Manuel Gil living at the NPH home in the Dominican Republic. Attached is a recent photo Manuel.
- Celebrate Lakeshore United's 10th Anniversary at our Open Mic and Coffee House! Saturday, June 10th at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Do you have a talent that you would like to share with your church family? Share a story? Sing a song? Do a dance? Or do you make a great audience member? Plan to attend this evening of fun. Bring a potluck snack item (sweet or savoury) to add to our refreshment table. Coffee, tea, and juice will be provided.
If you are able, ahead of time, please let Shirley in the office know you are coming and/or would like to share your gifts - but please feel free to join us - even at the last minute without an RSVP.
- Lakeshore United’s 10th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday, June 11th Guest Minister and Preacher: Rev. Tom Dunbar. Come worship with us on this special occasion.
- Anniversary lunch: The U.C.W. Spring Group will be serving a free lunch after church on Anniversary Sunday, June 11th. Menu: sandwiches, relishes, and dessert of anniversary cake with ice cream, tea, coffee, lemonade. Come and celebrate. Enjoy each other’s company. Please wear your blue LUC shirt if you have one!
- You're Invited to this Camp Menesetung Spring Community Event!
- Sunday, June 11th: Open House & Spaghetti/Salad Fundraiser Supper. Free Open House from 2-5 pm: Tours & activities, meet the staff! Spaghetti & Salad Supper from 5-7 pm: Always a hit! Same pricing as our pancake breakfast.
- I Am Awesome: Sat. June 17th 6-10 pm at Camp Menesetung. LGBTQ2S+ adults are invited to an evening of multi-generational community building at camp. Please see attached poster for more details.
- Book for Reading and Reflection: “This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel. Read the book and join in an online discussion/reflection time with Rev. Disher on Saturday, June 24th at 9:30 a.m. If you wish to participate in the discussion, make sure Rev. Disher has your email address.
- Pie Shoppe: Does anyone have extra rhubarb? We would like to make some rhubarb pies to sell. Please let Shirley in the office know if you can provide the pie ladies with some. Also, don’t forget that we still have some meat and fruit pies available during office hours. Call 519-524-2103 if you want to check what we have in stock. Thank you for helping with this fundraiser.
- Countdown: Lakeshore Affirming? Your Affirming Working Group is preparing for the vote to decide if Lakeshore will become an official Affirming Congregation. Voting day will be Oct 15th with a vote of 75% in favour to pass. This is a very important opportunity to publicly declare our support of inclusiveness and equality. Your vote will matter.
A newly drafted Lakeshore Vision Statement is being prepared for discussion. Three Talking Circles are planned. Come and ask your questions and join in the discussion about what it means to be affirming and to finalize the Vision Statement that will be put to a vote Oct 15th. Please consider taking part in one of the following:
• Following the Sunday service Oct 1st
• By Zoom Oct 3rd
• Wednesday evening in the Parlour at 7:30 Oct 4th
Thank you for your prayerful and kind consideration. As part of educating ourselves, there are many aspects of the understanding and language around sexuality and gender that may be new or confusing to most of us. The following link will take you to excellent PDFs provided by Huron County Pride that are easy to read and understand. https://www.huroncountypride.ca/awareness-knowledge (Paper copies are available in the Narthex and in the office.) ~ Lakeshore Outreach/Affirming Working Group
- Fishes & Loaves: As the demand from the community continues to grow, our Fishes and Loaves teams need to grow too. If you have a few hours to spare on the first Tuesday of the month (morning and afternoon shifts available), please kindly contact Mandy Sinclair at mandyjsinclair@gmail.com . Students who may wish to get involved throughout the summer months are welcome to join and count their contribution toward their required volunteer hours.
- Right Relations and Reconciliation: Calendar Events:
- Month of June: National Indigenous History Month
- July 16th: Sunday service focusing on Right Relations and Reconciliation. Come enjoy our guest speaker Rev. Rodney Smith-Merkley.
- Oct 1st: Orange Shirt Sunday: Orange Shirt Day, Sept 30th, is the National Truth and Reconciliation Day commemorating the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. You may already have an orange shirt with a logo purchased at Atlohsa in 2022 or other retailer, or an orange shirt in your closet. Wear your orange shirt on Sept 30th and to Sunday service Oct. 1st to acknowledge your support for First Nation peoples.
In the Community:
- Want some House Guests? The County of Huron is looking for people to host Ukrainian refugees for at least 3 months. Hosts need to be able to provide a private bedroom and a bathroom for their guests and provide some transportation. If this call inspires you, please see the County’s webpage at https://connectedcountyofhuron.ca/support-for-ukrainian-newcomers or call Mark Nonkes at 519-524-0296.
- Shop for Seniors: During June participating businesses in Huron & Perth counties will donate a portion of their proceeds to One Care in celebration of Seniors Month. Check out One Care’s website at https://www.onecaresupport.ca/shop-for-seniors/ to see which businesses are participating and when during the month. Shop local and help One Care help seniors.
- Camp Bimini Open House: Sunday, June 4th 2-4 pm. This is a great time to take a tour of the camp, meet some of the staff and ask all of your questions. It is a great opportunity for new campers to check out the camping site and for former campers to visit their favourite summer spot and see what’s new!
- Sounds of Goderich: Sun. June 4th at 3 pm in Sanctuary at Lakeshore. See the attached poster.
- Goderich Blood Donation Event: Thursday, June 8th from 1 pm to 7 pm at the Goderich Knights of Columbus Hall. By appointment. Book now by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) / www.blood.ca / GiveBlood App
- Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre golf: HCFBDC's 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be on Saturday June 10th at the Seaforth Golf & Country Club starting at 1 pm. New this year is a Hole-In-One contest for $25,000.00 (funded by an insurance policy). Cost is $150 per person for 18 holes with cart, light lunch, dinner to follow & $50 tax receipt. Register online at 2023 Golf Tournament Registration
- BBQ Pork Chop Dinner: Brucefield Community United Church is having a Drive By/Take Home BBQ Pork Chop Dinner Wednesday June 21st 4:30 -6:30 pm. Advanced tickets only $25 each. For tickets call Deb 519-233-9153, Willi 519-482-9265, or Brenda 519-263-6078
- Accompanist needed: MacKay Choristers are looking for an accompanist for a 30-person adult choir on Tuesday afternoons. This paid position lasts for two hours of practice starting September 2023. The season runs September to December and February to June, with a concert at the end of each session as well as occasional performances at local senior centres. If interested in further details, please contact Marjorie Duizer (519-441-8420) or Sandra Bilson (519-524-2390).
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
