The church is not a building. The church is the people!
We have often said these words, but since March 15 of 2020, we have been living these words!
While we look forward to sometime being able to gather again in our building on Yale Avenue West, we have, in the meantime, been thinking of one another, praying for one another, calling/texting/emailing/facetiming/zooming one another.
When some of us have joined in Zoom worship, we have been moved by the sense of people’s yearning to see one another, hear one another, and be touched again by this community we call church.
Many of us belong to a variety of ‘communities’ – family, friends, organizations, teams, work cohorts…
Church is one of those communities – unique in that church is the community that affirms our common identities as children of God, that tells us we are united by divine grace, that each of us is precious and wonderful.
We look forward to when we can again be the church gathered in a building, but we are blessed to be the church gathered in the love of God.
In the meantime we continue both to create online resources and to share resources from other sources.
Here is a link to worship resources related to Mark 1:1-11, provided by ‘illustrated Ministry’. Include are the scripture reading, accompanied by questions; a colouring page, an image of a dove that can be coloured, and a ‘dove prayer ritual’:
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 10, 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 “Come Seek the Way of Wisdom”
Esther and Emmett consider a sewing project!
Printable Version:
Esther and Emmett – Jan 10
Mark 1:1-11
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah:
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Jeff offers a reflection on this week’s gospel reading and Wednesday’s event in Washington:
Printable Version:
Reflection – Jan 10
Let us pray:
God, guide our way in this new year.
Give us compassion to be communities of caring.
Give us courage to change structures, systems and policies to create more compassionate, just and humane societies.
Give us courage to expose reject and resist those who oppress others and incite violence.
Give us peaceful spirits to quiet the voices of fear and anxiety.
God, we pray that 2021 be a year of new hope and new beginnings.
We pray for healing of creation, the healing of bodies, souls, and relationships.
We pray for a year of sharing of resources and opportunities.
We pray that all people be blessed with respect, love, forgiveness and friendship.
We pray for global peace and for the spirit of Christ to befriend us and transform us.
God, guide our way along the way of Love in this new year.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN
Our closing hymn is “When Jesus Came to be Baptized”
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