Kids & Youth

Lent IV – P.I.E. Sunday with Guest Preacher, Jordan Sullivan

March 25, 2021

March 14th (3.14) is Pie Day, and many people celebrate both math and pastry by eating pie! As an affirming congregation, we’re invited to use PIE day as an opportunity to reflect on our affirming commitment, and be Public, Intentional, and Explicit.

This morning we welcome guest preacher Jordan Sullivan. Jordan is a trans man who worked at the United Church of Canada’s General Council Office from 2000 to 2020, where his work included the work of LGBTQIA2S+ Justice. His sermon today is “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us.”

Jordan has also shared a document with Gender Identity Resources for anyone who would like to read and learn more about gender identity before or after the service. You can read this HERE.

The service today will be the same on Zoom and on YouTube. If you join by Zoom, you may want to return to the YouTube for the two virtual choir projects on YouTube, for better sound quality. Either way, be sure to join Zoom at 11:30am for conversation. You are invited to wear something colourful!

Today our virtual choir will be singing “O Love” with music by Elaine Hagenberg and words by George Matheson. Our first ever junior virtual choir will be singing “Our Love Colours Outside the Lines.” Today, we will also all have the opportunity to meet Rebecca, Children and Young Families Program Leader, during the service.

For today’s Stories and Crafts video you will need a paper plate, markers, a ruler, construction paper, scissors, and glue. Watch any time on YouTube or at 9:55am this morning.

Next Sunday
Our service “Waiting for the Spring” will include the hymn “I Feel the Winds of God Today,” our final Lenten hymn improvisations this year, and a visit from Robbie!

March 28
Palm Sunday we look forward to a live palm parade over Zoom, as well as another Pageant coordinated by Rosedale, which will be shared live over Zoom for the privacy of our children and youth. On YouTube, our service will include scripture, reflection, music, and prayer as we move into Holy Week.

LENT III – “When the Stars Begin to Fall” March 7, 2021 with Rev. Dr. Robert Oliphant

March 18, 2021
Photo by: Murray Fenner

This morning we welcome the Rev. Dr. Rob Oliphant as our guest preacher live on Zoom with his sermon “When the Stars Begin to Fall.”

Over Zoom and in our YouTube service we will be hearing Lenten organ improvisations on favourite hymns “Lord of the Dance,” “Amazing Grace” and “Here I am Lord.” We will also share a prayer using our bodies, as well as the Lord’s Prayer.

Then, after the service, stay for our short Annual General Meeting on Zoom at 11:30am.

Our Stories and Crafts program explores the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. Watch at 9:55am on Zoom, or any time on YouTube.

Next Sunday

We look forward to celebrating P.I.E. Sunday along with Affirm United. We will hear guest preacher Jordan Sullivan with his sermon “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us” as well as two different virtual choirs! Be sure to mark your calendar for this recognition of our commitment to be Public, Intentional, and Explicit in our commitment to being an Affirming congregation.

You may also want to wear rainbow colours while watching the service, and maybe even enjoy a slice of pie!

World Day of Prayer – Friday March 5, 2021

March 6, 2021

World Day of Prayer (WDP) has been happening in Canada for 99 years! The 2021 service was written by the WDP committee of Vanuatu inspired by the Biblical theme “Build on a Strong Foundation” (Matthew 7; 24-27).

World Day of Prayer has been an important ministry for women as they lead services within their communities for their own denominations and ecumenically year after year. In 2021, COVID-19 encouraged the production of a full-length World Day of Prayer video service by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, featuring participants from across Canada. 

This one-hour video can be viewed here:

Lent II – “On Eagle’s Wings” Sunday February 28th, 2021

March 6, 2021
Photo by: Murray Fenner

Today we hear and sing the words from Isaiah:

“those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Today is our final Sunday of Black History Month. Leadership throughout the service will be conducted by one of our families, from the Call to Worship to the Final Blessing. Thank you! They are sharing words from a UCC service by Charmain Bailey Foutner, “On Eagle’s Wings: A Service for Black History Month.”

For those joining us on Zoom, we will also be watching a short documentary “Secret Alberta: the Former Life of Amber Valley” that connects to the sermon, giving more of the history. If you’re not watching on Zoom, you can find this on YouTube as well.

Stories and Crafts will be at 9:55am, or any time on YouTube. This week the story we will hear is Jesus feeding a crowd.

Sunday March 7th
Next Sunday, we welcome Rev. Rob Oliphant who will be sharing his sermon live over Zoom. The YouTube service will include readings, prayer, organ improvisations, and the hymn Bless Now, O God, The Journey.

Then, come for the Annual General Meeting over Zoom at 11:30am.

Sunday March 14th
For P.I.E. Sunday, we welcome guest preacher Jordan Sullivan who will share his reflection “The Stranger Who Dwells Among Us.” There will be a few more sweet surprises as well!