What's Happening - March 22, 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:
Is there an actual travel guide for the journey of life? I don’t know. If it was a paper map, it would have to be a sizable one and wouldn’t be easy to carry around let alone unfold and refold. But nowadays perhaps we could call upon Waze or Google maps or a GPS system and see how AI might offer some guidance. On the other hand, we are people of faith who turn to God for a sense of direction in life. We get hints and flashes of insight from the One God sent to live a God-centred life in our midst, Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is our pioneer, our primary Indicator, or, some might say our North Star. Other citizens of planet earth also turn to God and follow other paths that give them some guidance. God’s pretty good at offering us that kind of assistance. It’s up to us to pay attention, to take note, to travel “the paths of righteousness” and right relationships as that come to our awareness.
The Gospel of John offers one portrait of Jesus that many find especially helpful. Among the key features of that gospel are several sayings of Jesus that begin with “I am ….” “I am the bread of life”. “I am the Good Shepherd”. “I am the true vine.” And, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life”. These are all metaphors with virtually inexhaustible meaning. That last one became embedded in a prayer for direction in life written by Dutch humanist, Desiderius Erasmus. (Incidentally, he was also the first modern translator of the New Testament). He lived from 1466 until 1536 CE. Here is his prayer:
“O Jesus Christ, our Sovereign, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We pray you allow us to never stray from you, who are the Way, nor distrust you, who are the Truth, nor to rest in any one other thing than you, who are the Life. Teach us, by your Holy Spirit, what to believe, what to do, and how to take our rest.” Amen
Apr. 4 – Bible study 10:00 am in Office
Apr. 4 – Bible study 6:30 pm by Zoom
In the Community:
Huron Hospice opened the residence in 2018, providing care to approximately 60 residents yearly, at no cost to the residents or their families. Unlike hospitals, hospices in Ontario receive only partial funding for operating expenses, creating a shortfall of approximately $1,000 a day. Events like this one will assist in raising the additional funds.
Participants can make a tax-deductible donation to light a candle in memory of a loved one. Memorial names will be read during the Dedication Ceremony at 8:00 PM, while walkers warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed until April 2nd. For more information or to donate, visit www.huronhospice.ca/events or call Roger Mather at 905-630-3571.
Minister Message:
Is there an actual travel guide for the journey of life? I don’t know. If it was a paper map, it would have to be a sizable one and wouldn’t be easy to carry around let alone unfold and refold. But nowadays perhaps we could call upon Waze or Google maps or a GPS system and see how AI might offer some guidance. On the other hand, we are people of faith who turn to God for a sense of direction in life. We get hints and flashes of insight from the One God sent to live a God-centred life in our midst, Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is our pioneer, our primary Indicator, or, some might say our North Star. Other citizens of planet earth also turn to God and follow other paths that give them some guidance. God’s pretty good at offering us that kind of assistance. It’s up to us to pay attention, to take note, to travel “the paths of righteousness” and right relationships as that come to our awareness.
The Gospel of John offers one portrait of Jesus that many find especially helpful. Among the key features of that gospel are several sayings of Jesus that begin with “I am ….” “I am the bread of life”. “I am the Good Shepherd”. “I am the true vine.” And, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life”. These are all metaphors with virtually inexhaustible meaning. That last one became embedded in a prayer for direction in life written by Dutch humanist, Desiderius Erasmus. (Incidentally, he was also the first modern translator of the New Testament). He lived from 1466 until 1536 CE. Here is his prayer:
“O Jesus Christ, our Sovereign, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We pray you allow us to never stray from you, who are the Way, nor distrust you, who are the Truth, nor to rest in any one other thing than you, who are the Life. Teach us, by your Holy Spirit, what to believe, what to do, and how to take our rest.” Amen
- Upcoming worship leader: Tina Oteka will lead worship Sunday, March 26th while Rev. Disher is away
- Upcoming meetings: Mar. 30 – UCW Exec 10:00 am in Office
Apr. 4 – Bible study 10:00 am in Office
Apr. 4 – Bible study 6:30 pm by Zoom
- Easter services: Apr. 2 – Palm/Passion Sunday 10:30am (with Communion)
- Apr. 7 – Good Friday 10:30am at Lakeshore UC
- Apr. 9 – Sunrise 7am at the Rock (N Harbour Rd) – weather permitting followed by breakfast at Lakeshore UC
- Apr. 9 – Easter 10:30am at Lakeshore UC
- Rev. Disher will be on vacation from March 20 through March 27. In case of a pastoral need or emergency please contact Rev. Cathy Larmond, Clinton United Church, 519-436-3428.
- Eastlink broadcast: For those of you who watch the services on Eastlink please be aware that on Sunday, March 26th our service broadcast will be pre-empted for curling. Services are available to watch on our church website at https://www.lakeshoreuc.org/ or YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lakeshoreunitedchurch6836
- Because it isn’t Christmas. The foodbank needs a constant supply of deposits. The community is very generous around Christmas. What about lent? Lakeshore Outreach is encouraging the congregation to make a special effort until April 2nd. Bring food and toiletry items into church on Sundays or to the office during business hours. We will provide a priority list of items later. Money donations made through the church for “foodbank” (make sure cheques are made out to Lakeshore United Church and foodbank is on the memo line only) can also be credited to your annual donation receipt. Can’t get out? Call the office and we will arrange a pickup. Let’s show the community how much Lakeshore cares!
- Broadview: It is time again to renew or start a Broadview subscription. If you renew (or start) your subscription through Lakeshore UC, the annual cost remains at $25 including tax. Copies are available for loan in the office if you wish to see what the magazine is like. Please let me know (Shirley) if you are renewing your subscription or would like to start one by calling 519-524-2103 Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The deadline for subscriptions is Wednesday, April 5th. Please bring in your money or cheque (made out to Lakeshore United Church – I send one payment for all our subscriptions so that we get the group rate) by the April 5th.
- New Members’ Sunday, April 16th: We will be formally receiving new members into our congregation during worship on this day. If you wish to become a member of Lakeshore United Church by transfer of membership from your previous congregation or by making a brief Affirmation of Faith, please contact Rev. Disher, 519-860-9198, to help prepare you for this occasion.
- Lakeshore women: As we seek to serve and share in our church and the wider community, the UCW need to fill some executive positions. (Vice President, Catering and Funeral lunch leaders, "Phoners" for food donations...cookies etc). If you are able to support our women's group with any of these positions, please contact UCW president Marilyn Elgie at 519 440 0019 or mpelgie30@hurontel.on.ca Watch for the Spring newsletter coming soon. ⚘⚘
- ADVANCE NOTICE! Lakeshore United Church is again co-sponsoring a jazz concert. The Noodle Factory Jazz Project will perform on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 pm. Proceeds will be split between the band and the church. Tickets are $25. Adult and $10. Student.
To volunteer as an usher or ticket taker contact Al Mullin at 519 524-1081. Tickets are available from the church office, Finchers, Ernie King Music, and Al Mullin.
In the Community:
- Huron Hospice Grief Recovery Support Groups: Free In-person groups for 18+ yrs. beginning Tues. March 28 in Wingham or Wed. April 5 in Goderich. To register or for more info call Sally at 519-525-6331 or email sally.brodie@hurontel.on.ca .
- 2nd Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk: On Sat. April 1 at 7:00pm. All proceeds to Huron Hospice. Along the Taylor Trail in Varna, volunteers of Bayfield Trails and Huron Hospice will have placed hundreds of candle-lit lanterns, lighting the pine forest path. This will create an enchanted setting, providing a thoughtful venue for participants to reflect on memories of loved ones during this peaceful one-kilometer self-guided walk.
Huron Hospice opened the residence in 2018, providing care to approximately 60 residents yearly, at no cost to the residents or their families. Unlike hospitals, hospices in Ontario receive only partial funding for operating expenses, creating a shortfall of approximately $1,000 a day. Events like this one will assist in raising the additional funds.
Participants can make a tax-deductible donation to light a candle in memory of a loved one. Memorial names will be read during the Dedication Ceremony at 8:00 PM, while walkers warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed until April 2nd. For more information or to donate, visit www.huronhospice.ca/events or call Roger Mather at 905-630-3571.
- For those who have lost someone to suicide: This program is designed to help the healing process for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. The death by suicide may be recent or many years ago. It may be the loss of someone very close to you or a more distant acquaintance. In the program, participants will share ideas and strategies on how to cope, learn how grief, due to suicide is unique and discuss and dispel myths and stigma associated with suicide. The program aims to help participants reengage in life in a meaningful and less painful way. This free 6-week session begins Thursday, April 13th until Thursday, May 18th, 7:00 to 8:00 pm via Zoom. To register, please contact Sally Brodie at sally.brodie@huronhospice.ca or 519-525-6331.
- Old Fashioned Hoedown: A family friendly, fun & fast-paced exciting show of championship fiddling, country music, award-winning step dancing & humour. Friday, Apr. 28th 7 pm at Northside United Church in Seaforth. Proceeds support Northside UC. Tickets $45 at Northside UC or cash only at Pete’s Office Pro or by calling Allan 519-522-0399 or Connie 519-955-6263. Order by credit card by calling The Scott Woods Band 1-855-726-8896 toll free.
- Lorne Dotterer Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was started 27 years ago to remember the long-time organist at Knox Church in Goderich, Lorne Dotterer. The award highlights proficiency in a musical field, preferably choral, organ, or piano, although past recipients include string players and wind instruments as well. While all will be considered, preference will be given to applicants who are planning a career in Church music. If you know of a student who is planning to continue their musical studies, please encourage them to apply for this scholarship. An application can be obtained from Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich. The phone number is: 519-524-7512; the email address is knoxgoderich@hurontel.on.ca or they can be obtained from the website: www.pccweb.ca/knox-goderich . Applications should be submitted before May 12, 2023, and the winner will be announced on June 4, 2023.
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 tendancy 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
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
I will add more links in the coming days. If you know of a good resource that impacted your learning, send me an email and I will add it to the list.
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
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
I will add more links in the coming days. If you know of a good resource that impacted your learning, send me an email and I will add it to the list.
