The United Nations has designated days throughout the year as days of remembrance and commemoration.
Some examples are: ‘World Day of Social Justice’ (Feb. 20)
‘International Women’s Day’ (March 8)
‘International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’ (March 21)
‘World Ocean Day’ (June 8))
Maybe, once the world has emerged from the restrictions of Covid-19, the UN should declare a ‘World Mask Day.’
On that day, people would be encouraged to wear a mask as a reminder of the impact a virus can have on humanity; as a reminder of the importance of regular health practices such as the frequent washing of hands; and as a reminder that we are one race – the human race – and we live in relationship with each other and must live in ways that are respectful, safe and caring of one another.
As TMUC continues the safe practice of not gathering for in-person worship or meetings, we also continue to be a community that cares for one another and for God’s creation.
We continue to be a worshipping community that both creates online resources and shares resources from other sources.
Here is a link to worship resources for this week form ‘Illustrated Ministry.’ These resources are based on Psalm 139. The resources include discussion questions, craft directions for making an ‘Affirmation Jar’, and a colouring page. https://illustratedmin.s3.amazonaws.com/free-resources/SecondSundayafterEpiphany.pdf?ck_subscriber_id=772607931
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.
The Prayer List is distributed separately and allows us to remember specific people with our prayers. If you want to receive the Prayer List, or add a name (with their permission), please be in touch.
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, January 17, 2021.
Introit: Prepare the Way of the Lord, sung by Cheryl and Crystal:
We come to worship to hear Good News,
We come to worship to know God’s love,
We are united in heart and in community,
And everywhere we are God’s people.
Our opening hymn is ‘Jesus Tempted in the Desert’
Jeff tells talks about the art of ‘doodling.’
Printable Version:
Doodling_Jan 17
Mark 1:12-13
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Jeff offers a reflection on this week’s gospel reading and on seeing God in times of chaos!
Printable Version:
Reflection_Jan 17
Let us pray:
God, you are the essence of all existence,
the Being-ness to which we all belong.
As we learn about the wonders of creation – the marvels of galaxies and of atoms – we realize that our knowledge encompasses a mere particle of all there is to be known!
We pray with a sense of awe, gratitude, thankfulness and wonder!
We pray with a sense of concern and a spirit of hope.
We pray for this world.
We pray for healing of deep wounds, long-held anger, and threatening conflicts.
We pray for the United States of America, for peace in the days to come.
We pray for people and places throughout the world facing times of conflict, violence and political turmoil. We pray for the people of Uganda, Nigeria and Mail.
We pray for all who experience a time of wilderness. May they see the angels who accompany them.
We pray for people and societies to engage the challenging spiritual work of repenting from racism and from all expressions of supremacy and oppression.
We pray for food for those who hunger. We pray for hope for those who despair. We pray for just and equitable economic systems. We pray for a spiritual rebirth that we become people of compassion and generosity and respect.
We pray for hearts and imaginations and sight grounded in faith in Jesus’ way of living in Your Spirit.
Bless us with Your peace and grace.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN
Our closing hymn is “Over My Head.”
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you.
May God grant you peace and joy.
Be in the peace of Christ, this day and always. Amen
We keep you in our prayers,
Carol and Jeff