We will gather for worship this weekend on the first Sunday of Lent.
We gather in a world in which this week’s news headlines have contained stories of earthquakes and a cyclone, of Russia’s President suspending its participation in a nuclear arms control treaty, of Canadians wearing pink shirts as a sign of saying ‘no’ to bullying.
We gather, as we always gather, aware of the tragedies, the violence, the suffering experienced by so many people throughout this world.
And yet…we gather as people of hope. We gather to proclaim that God is still speaking. God is with us in all things.
We gather with hope that embraces us as we begin this Lenten journey with Jesus, as we sojourn with him towards Jerusalem.
Hope as Jesus heals the blind, as he speaks of loving enemies, as he speaks of thirst that is quenched, as he calls for Lazarus from a tomb, as he rides on a donkey into Jerusalem, as he breaks bread and shares it with his travelling companions…
…as he stands before accusers…
…as he dies on a cross………….
…as this story of God’s love in the world ends…
…AND THEN CONTINUES!!!
…with a stone that has been rolled away…with a tomb that is empty…with a wounded Christ who again greets us with “Peace, do be not afraid.”
We gather for worship to begin, with Jesus, this Lenten journey into the love of God!
We again invite you to in-person worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. If you cannot be present, you are invited to join in the livestream.
Here’s the ZOOM link for TMUC:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538449219
and, if you want to just listen, you can join by phone: 204-272-7920
Meeting ID: 753 844 9219
As part of our worship we will be reading Matthew 5:38-48 and the music includes:
“Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights” -Voices United #108
“We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” – More Voices #143
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” – Voices United #271
TMUC Church News:
Save the date! TMUC’s Annual Meeting is Sunday March 5th, following the morning service.
Here’s the Annual Report
As part of the Annual Meeting we will have a silent Cake Auction to raise money for Earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye through The United Church of Canada. Today, people need emergency shelter, blankets, mattresses, clean water, food, and hygiene items.
We join Mission & Service partners the Middle East Council of Churches, ACT Alliance, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and the Humanitarian Coalition to show tangible support for the people of Türkiye and Syria. Donations of cakes or other baking as well as ‘promises’ are welcome!
At the Annual Meeting, we will be presenting information regarding our Green Plan and presenting a motion to make some changes to the appearance of our building.
In July of 2022, the congregation agreed to take the next step in our Green Plan, approving the expenditure of up to $150,000 to upgrade the insulation in the roof of the east building. We have good news. Since that time, we have received additional grant money from the City of Winnipeg and have been approved for a grant from the Federal government. We will be able to do much more in support of our Green Plan, for about $50,000—a third of the amount previously approved.
Two of the additional things we plan to do are install solar panels on the roof of the east building and renew the stucco on the entire facility. This will give the building a bit of a different look, and we asking for congregational input. Renderings of the new look will be available to view before the meeting.
Children’s Palm Sunday Choir: Crystal Schau is directing a Children’s Choir that will sing during the Palm Sunday worship service. All children ages 5-12 years are welcome to sing in the choir. Practices are on Tuesdays from 6:15- 6:45 p.m..
TMUC’s Glenlea Greenhouse plant sale fundraiser is now available for online shopping until April 15, 2023. Get growing with us by supporting the online plant sale by clicking on the link and selecting Transcona Memorial United Church in the drop down menu at check out.
There are bedding plants, hanging baskets, hanging bags, vegetables, and herbs for sale with 20-25% of profits being returned to TMUC. The more we sell, the more we get back. Please see the link for more information.
https://www.glenleagreenhouses.com/collections/2023-spring-fundraiser-home-page
The plants will be delivered to TMUC on Friday May 12 and pick up starts at 3 pm. If you require delivery, please contact tmucflowers@gmail.com and we can make arrangements with you.
Office Hours Update: TMUC’s office will be open Tuesdays from 9 to 2 and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 to noon!
Food Bank Volunteers needed! The Food Bank needs some volunteers to help with clean up (putting away food and tables) on Food Bank mornings. Volunteers would arrive at 11:00 a.m. to help. (for about an hour). The next Food Bank is Thursday, March 16.
Come for conversation! Tuesdays from 1:15-2:15 and Thursdays from 6-7pm we welcome people to gather in conversation. Those learning English are eager to practice! Come and join us in the Multi-purpose room to chat! All are welcome!
Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support of TMUC’s ministry. Donations online can be made through CanadaHelps:
We are still collecting pop cans for recycling (so far we have raised $207.55) and partnering with TruEarth for fundraising:
Dinner Theatre News:
TMUC’s Caught in the Act Co.’s (CITAC) Dinner Theatre’s ‘Borrowed Time’ is April 20-23. Tickets are $50 each (purchasers receive a $20 donation receipt). Tickets are available through the office.
Many volunteers are needed to produce the Dinner Theatre. We have major roles associated with the production and all casting complete; we are now looking for someone to coordinate the serving staff. This person coordinates the many volunteer servers required to serve dinner and dessert to all the guests.
We have clear descriptions and instructions for this role. Please contact Kathy Antymis through tmuc@shaw.ca. if interested.
Prairie to Pine Regional News:
The Regional Annual Meeting will be held June 1-4 at the United Church in Meadowood. Details of volunteer opportunities have been circulated – please check previous messages for more details.
Community News:
365 Days Of Resistance #StandWithUkraine 6:00 today – Solidarity Rally at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights 7:00 Opening “Ukrainian Artists United Digital Display”
We keep you in our prayers,
Carol and Jeff