The weather forecast for this weekend is so warm that some of the golf courses are re-opening for a bit!  It hardly seems like time for Christmas planning – but that is exactly what has been going on!  The Music Team met this week to select the hymns, carols, and special music for Advent and Christmas.  Choir is returning and the first gathering of the COVID Choir is on Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.

This week is Remembrance Sunday, and the recording that we made last year is still timely.

The in person Sunday service is at 10:00 a.m. and there is Sunday School available.  Everyone attending (unless under 12 years of age) must show proof of full vaccination or proof from the Government of Manitoba that there is a medical reason for the person not to receive a vaccine for COVID-19.  Please use the glass doors to enter the building.

Volunteers are essential to the ministry of the church, and this week, Bob Kirkhope, Chair of Building and Property, sent a special note of thanks to all those who were the TMUC ‘groundskeepers and grass-cutters’.

And, we know that every volunteer is appreciated!  Thanks also to those serving as Greeters (we need a few more! – please call Shelley Schau for details – 431-275-9169).

We continue to be so grateful for those who continue to financially support the ministry of TMUC.  Donations on PAR (note: the PAR program accepts monthly credit card donations as well as automatic monthly bank withdrawals), CanadaHelps, e-transfers to the church’s email address: tmuc@shaw.ca, and cheques mailed to the church 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, if you are not with us in the Sanctuary, 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.

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.

Cheryl and Crystal sing the Introit: “Lord, Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary”

Come, Holy Spirit!
Come to awaken our faith,
to inspire our hope
to embolden our love
and to let Christ live in us!
Come, Holy Spirit!

 

Our opening hymn is “Sleepers, Wake”

 

Esther and Emmett are thinking about the words of Jesus about long prayers —

Printable Version:
Esther and Emmett and Short Prayers

Psalm 146

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.

When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD!

Mark 12:38-44

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!

They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.

A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.

Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.

For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 

Carol offers a reflection:

Printable Version:
Carol Reflection – Nov 7

 

O Canada:

 

Let us pray:

God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come
We remember stories of life being created,
Stories of pilgrims following Your invitation to journey to a new place
Stories of liberation for those who were oppressed
Stories of loss, of exile, of struggle and conflict
Stories of returning home, of discovering Your grace in unlikely circumstances, of Your faithful love
Stories of angels, of healings, of meals shared, of strangers welcomed and of hope resurrected

We remember…

We remember the courage of those who seek a world of peace
We remember the hope of those who trust that healing, reconciliation and just relations are possible,
We remember the dedication of those who offer support and friendship and resources and life to others…

We remember…in silence we remember all we hold in our prayers….we remember the world we hold in our prayers….we remember ….

And we pray for Your love to be expressed through our living
We pray for the healing of this planet
We pray for all who hunger, thirst,
All who lack shelter, health care, loving community

We pray for your love, your compassion, your blessing to recreate this world

We pray, in the name and Spirit of Jesus the Christ. AMEN

 

Our closing hymn is “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

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