We are almost mid-way through the 12 months of 2020!!
This is one of those times in history about which people will ask, “Where were you March to June, 2020?” – to which people will respond “At home!”
As societies and countries move through various phases of ‘reopening’ we learn of continuing diagnosis of new cases of the coronavirus – reminding us to all remain vigilant and careful, continuing practices of frequent and thorough hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks.
We continue to also learn of some encouraging and inter-creational ‘new norms’. This past week a string quartet played a concert at the reopening of Barcelona’s Gran Teatro del Liceu Opera House.
Over 2,000 seats were filled – by potted plants. While humans were able to watch the concert via livestreaming, the only patrons present were plants that, following the concert, were donated to health care workers.
Eugenio Ampudia, one of the event’s organizing artists, explained the concept of the concert:
“At a time when an important part of humankind has shut itself up in enclosed spaces and been obliged to relinquish movement, nature has crept forward to occupy the spaces we have ceded…And it has done so at its own rhythm, according to its patient biological cycle. Can we broaden our empathy and bring it to bear on other species? Let’s start by using music and art and inviting nature into a great concert hall.” (as quoted in ‘The Guardian’)
My high school biology teacher frequently asked us, “Have you thanked a green plant today?”
As we continue this year of COVID, remember to thank the green plants…and maybe sing, hum, play a musical instrument or show a work of art to one of your neighbourhood trees, or lawns, or flowers, or birds.
Do so, remembering…WE LIVE IN GOD’S WORLD. THANKS BE TO GOD.
We continue to be so grateful for those who continue to financially support the ministry of TMUC, through your donations on PAR, through www.canadahelps.org and in cheques mailed to the church. You are making a difference. Thank you.
Even though we cannot be together in one place, let’s continue to be a community at prayer together. On Sunday at 10:00, let’s think about the gifts we have in our lives, and needs of our world, and then let’s all pray the Lord’s prayer (you can pray silently, or out loud).
And, sometime, when you want to have a longer worship time, we are including some words and videos for your use.
Once each week, the Prayer List will arrive in the ‘Inbox’ of those who want to read the names of those we know need and want our prayers. If you want to add a name to the weekly Prayer List, please do – ask for a person’s permission if you are adding their last name – and let us know by sending a note to tmuc@shaw.ca And, if you want to receive the list, please be in touch with that request as well. (People who subscribed to the Prayer List before the pandemic will continue to receive it.)
We are gathered for worship and work in Treaty One territory, which is the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dené peoples and the homeland of the Metis Nation. For thousands of years Indigenous Peoples walked this land and knew it to be the centre of their lives and their spirituality. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Worship for Sunday, June 28, 2020
We come to worship with ‘Spirit God, Be Our Breath’ (which is 150 in More Voices if you have a hymn book and want to sing along):
We gather together although we are apart.
We gather in community although we are alone.
We gather asking for God’s blessing on our lives, and on our world.
We gather knowing God is with us.
Opening Hymn : ‘Be Thou My Vision’
Jeff shares a ‘Story for All” about a dancing grocery store manager!
Printable Version
Story for All_June 28
This week’s scripture reading is Matthew 10:40-42:
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous:
and whoever gives even a cup of water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Jeff offers a reflection:
Printable Version
Reflection_June 28
Let us pray:
Welcoming God,
We welcome You
in Your creation, in our lives,
In the lives of others
We welcome you with water for our thirst,
food for our hunger,
healing for our divisiveness,
hope for our life’s sojourn.
God, continue to transform our minds, our hearts, our love
so that we may compassionately and courageously
share Your love
We pray, God, for all those who celebrate new beginnings.
We pray for all 2020 graduates:
while they must celebrate their achievement in creatively different ways this year,
may they still celebrate the friendships they share,
and the skills and vision they offer the world to help create a world of peace.
We pray, God, for those experiencing conflict and suffering in this world;
we pray for the people of Yemen in need of access to health care and clean water;
we pray for the people of Mali and an end to the violence in that country;
we pray for the countries of East Africa the threat of locusts and famine.
We pray for all who are victims of racism, sexism, homophobia,
those who are victims of physical and emotional violence.
We pray for healing of our hearts and our systems and structures that perpetuate fears,
divisions and prejudices.
We pray for all you live with challenges of illness, grief, depression, anxiety, economic stress, loneliness…
We pray that all might know your grace and peace with them,
and all might know the love of family, friends and caring communities.
God, help us to welcome you,
help us welcome everyone as we welcome you
and let the love of Christ be born anew within us
and within Your world.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN
Our closing hymn is ‘Take Up His Song’
God bless you and keep you.
God’s face shine upon.
God grant you peace and joy.
Be in the peace of Christ, this day and always. Amen
We keep you in our prayers,
Jeff (Carol is on vacation)