Stewardship

Today is our first story during Lent, and we hear of Jesus being tested in the wilderness. What insight might this story offer us during our own wilderness times right now? Just one of the things I talk about is community even in wilderness times. When Jesus begins his ministry, he speaks to groups not individuals, and invites us to respond together. Jesus’ time in the wilderness harks back to the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness, a community together facing dangerous times. Even Jesus does not encounter the wilderness alone.

At Leaside this past year, even while we have been apart we have not been alone. Worship, groups during the week, and events have all offered ways to be connected with one another. Our virtual choir projects have connected people across the country and even around the world. During Lent this year we now have over 90 people reading the daily Lent emails, many from Leaside and many more from other churches, family and friends (email emily@leasideuc.com to be added to the list). Even though not all in the same place, we are on this journey connected with one another through music, art, reflection, poetry, and prayer. We work together as a community in so many ways during these COVID times.

Where will Lent take us this year? Let’s find out together.

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Our service today will include the first of Matt’s Lenten organ improvisations, and an opening prayer that celebrates diversity. For those joining over Zoom, we will take time to light candles for joys and sorrows together as we mark the beginning of Lent, and a short United Church video “The Journeys of Black Peoples.” Either way you join in worship, join on Zoom at 11:20am for a time of conversation together.

Our Stories and Crafts program will explore the story of when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman. For today’s activity, we will be using things you might find in your kitchen, such as tea leaves, coffee grounds, and hot chocolate… Watch at 9:55am on Zoom, or any time on YouTube.

Looking Ahead
Next Sunday, we will draw on the service “On Eagle’s Wings: a service for Black History Month” and hear the reflection written by Charmain Bailey Foutner read as a part of it.

Then, we look forward to two weeks with guest preachers. Rob Oliphant will join us preaching live on Zoom on March 7th and for P.I.E. Sunday on March 14th we will welcome Jordan Sullivan with the sermon “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us.”