Here is the short video to accompany this message: https://youtu.be/cIpQM3dfZbs
This Sunday Sept 13 at 10:45am we are having our first indoor service at Trinity since March. Please check the COVID-19 tab on our website (trinityunitedwinnipeg.com) or the letter from the Executive sent out last week for details and information. I’ve included another picture to remind us we are following all the provincial and Manitoba health and United Church of Canada guidelines for our building.
Here are the readings for this Sunday September 13th and the one we’re focusing on is in bold: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
A colleague of mine posted a reflection using the theme of hockey games as a metaphor for what we’re moving through these days; I thought it was appropriate for everyone and thought you might like it too. This is a little summary and perhaps some of note as we move into September:
As we prepare to go back to many of our fall routines, meetings, activities, school and work, we might look to hockey for some inspiration. Perhaps you’re not a hockey (or sports) person or you stopped watching when the Jets (and Leafs and Canucks lost) but you may have noticed that on any night, hockey playoffs are on TV – and have been for a while. And the concept of the “short shift” seems like a good way to go as we enter September. These very short times on the ice happen more in the third period or overtime because it allows the players to go out, give it all, then head to the bench before you collapse. You keep your shifts short. We can do this in our lives as well: go out and do the best we can, giving it everything we have and then head home. Don’t stay on too long and don’t be tempted to try to carry the play alone and be the hero. Don’t forget to trust your team mates and God, speaking in and through the world, each other, and yes, sometimes even hockey.
Scripture for the day: (Romans 14:7-8) We do not live for ourselves only, and we do not die for ourselves only. If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Prayer for the week: from the Moderator, Right Rev. Richard Bott as we begin worshipping indoors and reopening our buildings:
God of all places, God of all times, God of the certain and God of the paradox – help us to know that you are with us as we wander this circuitous path. Some of us will move through the doors to physical places of sanctuary, soon; to join with others in our community of faith, in prayer and praise, in song and celebration. Others of us will gather in virtual spaces,where our hearts reach out to one another, as we worship together, apart. However we come together tomorrow, it will be different. Perhaps because of the changes required for safety; perhaps because of the changes needed for this medium; things will be… different. Help us to see those changes as opportunity, as possibility, as wonder! Help us to touch lightly on each other’s grief, each other’s frustrations, not knowing what will be missed, one from another. And, help us, O God, to be people who take each other’s safety seriously, who act wisely and compassionately, guided by your Spirit. Where hands are washed, and smiles are seen in peoples whole being; where masks are worn, and we sing with our hearts; where physical distancing is practised, but, socially, we are never apart… and remind us, please, that where two or more are gathered in your Name, you are – bless us, we pray; bless our communities, we pray; bless your world, we pray. Alleluia, loving God! Alleluia, AMEN!
May blessing, peace and the knowledge that we are not alone on this journey; may God be a part of our week as we wander through our challenging days and evenings, knowing the winds of God’s spirit blow with us! May we all remember God in a way that keeps us going and be strong and be kind.
Elizabeth
Trinity United Church 