Here is the short video to accompany this message: https://youtu.be/WhvktByZbks
Here are the readings for this Sunday October 4 and the one we’re focusing on is in bold: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
We are celebrating communion, this Sunday, October 4 during the recorded worship service. Bring a candle to light, a piece of bread (cracker, bun, something to eat) and something to drink (grape juice, orange, juice, water) and take part in communion even while we are apart.
Here is a reflection on communion by James Taylor, in An Everyday God (p.32):World(wide) Communion Sunday
Communion Keeps Getting Better (Excerpt)
My very first communion, I recall, was a disappointment…
I have shared in communion in a college chapel, served by students. I’ve had it in an isolated Indian fishing village on Canada’s west coast, and in a Newfoundland outport, where Atlantic surf smashed against the rocks only yards from the church’s steps…
I’ve received communion in other countries…
I remember especially communion in Africa…The singing, though magnificent, was all in the local dialect. I understood none of the hymns, none of the preaching.
Until the end of the service. When the minister stood, and raised the bread and broke it, I knew exactly what he was saying: “This is my body which was broken for you.” And when he held up the cup, I knew again what he was saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Drink this in remembrance of me.”
Until then, I had been feeling lost, lonely, a stranger in an alien land. Suddenly, I realized that though I was halfway around the world from my home, I was at home.
I was among fellow Christians, and part of a universal family. The words were different; the Word was the same.
What are your memories about communion? Can you recall your first one? One that was memorable?
Tomorrow is Orange Shirt Day to remember and honour Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools, usually around this date. Wear an orange shirt and tell others why this is important to you and to the United Church. “Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake in the Spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis Webstad’s account of losing her shiny new orange shirt on her first day at a residential school. She recalls her orange shirt being forcibly removed, never allowed to wear it again. This story is an opportunity to keep the conversation going with all aspects of residential schools and anti-racism in Canada; and to expand our understanding around the historical events that have impacted and continue to influence interactions between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples; and to recognize the experience of residential school survivors, to honour them, and to show a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters.This initiative calls for every Canadian to wear an orange shirt on September 30th in the spirit of healing and reconciliation”
Because of the Provincial Health order on Sept 25th, the Executive decided to postpone in person, indoor worship, and close the building to all user and church groups; staff will be in for specific tasks but mainly working from home
Items to note:
Bible Study: Monday evenings 7-8pm on zoom
The Big Question: Sunday Oct 4, 9:30-10:15am on zoom
Holy Yoga: Saturdays at 10am and Mondays at 3pm on zoom
Trinity Walkers: Come take a morning one hour walk with your friends from Trinity! Each Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am, we’ll choose a different walk in our area to explore. Both days are the same walk. Contact the office if you’d like to take part. We mourn the death and celebrate the life of Bernice Rudderham, a long time member of Trinity United. Many of you might remember Bernice’s lively announcements for South Side Seniors as she captured the life and vitality of that group! The family would like you to know that there is no service – this is what Bernice wanted – and a private, family internment will occur in the Ottawa area sometime in the future.
Scripture for the day: (Exodus 20:20) Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. God has come to test you and instill a deep and reverent awe within you so that you won’t sin.
Prayer for the week: Creating spirit, be with us in our new reality. We need you to be close by, encouraging and inspiring us to share your love with all we meet. We thank you for the different experiences we have moved through: some tricky and difficult; some joyful and affirming. In all areas of our life, help us to discover your spirit. 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 spirit of God is part of all our experiences! May we all remember God in a way that keeps us going and be strong and be kind, loving and compassionate.
Elizabeth
Trinity United Church 