Social Justice

In the Wild and The Wounded Christ

June 19, 2022

There will be two times of worship this Sunday:

At 9:15am on the church lawn join us for our April In the Wild gathering, as we plant seeds together, and then take them home. All ages and levels of gardening interest welcome!

At 10:30am join us in-person, on Zoom, or on YouTube as we continue our Healing Series during the Season of Easter.

Today we continue our last Sunday of the month Healing Series with the theme “Wounded Christ” as we hear the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples staying in a locked room after his death. The story draws attention to Jesus’ wounds as a part of his resurrection. How might this story change how we think about our wounds and scars? Could this story bring new insight to the idea of healing?

We will be lighting candles for joys and sorrows as we have been doing throughout this Healing Series. If you have any candles you would like lit, please email Emily at emily@leasideuc.com (and include any words you would like spoken) by Saturday evening, or write them down as you arrive if attending in-person.

Our music includes the beautiful anthem “I Choose Love,” which will be sung live during the service, as well as the sung blessing “A Celtic Prayer.”

Once again, we will have colouring pages that connect to the story, for anyone who is young, young at heart, and/or finds colouring and movement a meaningful part of your spirituality.

Looking Ahead

On Sunday, May 1 will be our Annual General Meeting Sunday. We will begin with a Community Breakfast on the church lawn at 10am, with the opportunity to share in conversation and activities from reflecting on future directions, to signing cards, to create some sidewalk chalk art. The service will begin at 10:45am and will be followed by a short meeting. The morning will conclude with desserts.

Sunday, May 8 will be our first Story Time at 9:30am on the church lawn. There are some beautiful picture books that can be enjoyed for both their art and their message by all ages. Come for this all ages gathering before out 10:30am Mother’s Day service.

In the Wild & Love My Enemy? – Sunday February 20, 2022

February 20, 2022

In the Wild Gathering
Celebrating Snow
9am Sunday on the Church Lawn
Wear masks and dress for the weather!

Then, at 10:30am join us in-person, on Zoom, or on YouTube for our weekly Sunday morning worship.

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Black History Month

Love My Enemy?

This week we are pleased to add an in-person worship option once again! Please read further in the email for Covid protocols in-person. If you are worshiping online, join us on Zoom following the service for a time of conversation.

Our music this Sunday includes the anthem “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and the hymn “For the Healing of the Nations.” You will also want to arrive in time for the piano prelude “Hymn to Freedom.”

This week our theme will be “Love my enemy?” as we continue reading Luke’s gospel with Jesus’ words from a level place. The Bible speaks about many forms of love – love of God, of self, of neighbour, of stranger, and of enemy. What does loving our enemy mean in practical terms? Can we really love our enemies?

Looking Ahead
On February 27 we will continue our healing series (the last Sunday of every month). We hear a short opening prayer en français, sing Shall We Gather at the River and I’ve Got Peace Like a River, and light candles for joys and sorrows.

Then, on Wednesday, March 2 we will share a short (15 minute) Ash Wednesday time of worship online only.

On Sunday, March 6 we mark the first Sunday during the season of Lent by welcoming guest preacher the Rev. Dr. John Young, Interim Principal at Emmanuel College.

Words from a Level Place – Sunday February 13, 2022

February 13, 2022

WORSHIP WITH LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH
February 13, 2022

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Black History Month

Words from a Level Place

Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus teaches his disciples and the crowds gathered about him from a level place – and his words that we hear in this service are also about a kind of leveling. How might we work towards level places in our own lives and in our wider world? Where is leveling needed?

As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day on Monday – and this year to Broken Hearts Day on Tuesday, we remember that we respond to the words of Jesus from our hearts first rather than our minds. Our small spiritual practice this week is also about paying attention to our hearts.

Our service music this week include the anthem Abendfeier in Venedig by Clara Schumann and the closing hymn “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me.”

Whether you worship on Zoom or YouTube, join us on Zoom following the service for a time of conversation.

Next Sunday
On February 20 we will share another service from the larger United Church: Black Experiences in Canadian Churches, created by 6 Millenials and Gen Zs.

Also, our monthly In the Wild gathering will be at 9am on February 20th on the church lawn. Wear a mask and come dressed and ready to Celebrate Snow!