Welcome to Grace! We hope you will join us for IN-PERSON worship on Sunday at 10 am. If you cannot make it to the church, you can be online. Click here to join us live on Facebook. A recorded version of the service is publicly available on Facebook by noon each Sunday. Throughout this publication, you will see underlined items. These are all hyperlinks, taking you to a website, Facebook page, or email to contact for more information. Give one a try by clicking on one of them, like the donation link. A hard copy of this publication is available in the office. Grace depends on financial contributions. You can support fantastic programming by going to our webpage, http://www.graceunitedchurch.ca/donate, or filling out a pre-authorized remittance form, available from the office. Grace depends on financial contributions.
What’s Happening This Week
Feb 13
1:15 pm - 3:30 pm - Lake/Davidson UCW Meeting
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm - Meri-dian Ukuleles
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Handbells
6:00 pm - Soup Sistas
7:00 pm - Wilma Sharpe UCW Meeting
Feb 14
11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Thiessen Funeral
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Homework Program
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm - First Aid Training
Feb 15
10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Senior Luncheon
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Kidz Praize
4:30 pm - 8:00 - First Aid Training
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Jazz Night
Feb 16
9:00 am - 11:00 am - Worship Meeting
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Outreach Cupboard
4:00pm - 6:30 pm - Youth Nite
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Affirming Hours
7:15 pm - 8:15 pm - Community Choir
8:15 pm - 9:00 pm - Grace Choir
Feb 17
9:00 am - 11:45 am - Playschool Moms Group
Feb 19
10:00 am - Worship - Super Sunday - Shrove Tuesday Pancake lunch to follow service.
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned & fresh fruit
o Canned & fresh veggies
o Freezable meats
o Cereal
o Rice
o Peanut butter
o Kraft Dinner
o Crackers
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (ham, chicken, tuna)
o Instant oatmeal pkgs
o Toilet paper/Kleenex
o Shampoo, body wash, Deodorant, feminine hygiene products
o Instant coffee
o Powdered milk
ORDER OF WORSHIP – FEBRUARY 12, 2023
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Garnet Weaver and Marilyn Knowlson-Vermeulen
GOD INVITES US TO WORSHIP
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME
CANDLELIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Creation” Gladys Jack
“In the quiet stillness of creation, in the quiet stillness of home. In the quiet stillness of our being, God reminds us that we’re not alone”
CENTERING PRAYER
HYMN “Come in Come In and Sit Down” (vs. 1,2,4) VU #395
Words: James K. Manley, 1984 Music: James K. Manley, 1984; arr. Darryle Nixon, 1987
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
PRAYER OF HEALING
Loving God, you call us into community.
Teach us your ways and bless us with abundant life.
When we turn aside to follow other paths:
taking the easy way out,
listening to the world’s call rather than your call to commitment;
when we quarrel with one another, letting differences divide us;
when we cherish resentments,
shutting off our hearts from new beginnings and reconciliation;
when we cling to petty jealousies,
feeling we deserve more than we have.
Soften our hearts and our words,
as we pray to you for the times we have wandered from your loving ways.
(A time for silent prayer/meditation)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
God draws us into community with each other,
feeding us with the milk of grace, so we grow in faithfulness.
Thanks be to God for this constant nourishment and comfort. Amen.
HYMN “Jesus Came, a Child Like Me” VU #583
Words: Walter Farquharson, 1987 Music: Richard D. Hall, 1988
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM – Please see the screen for liturgy
Theodore Koopman – Born September 24, 2021, Lloydminster, Sask.
Parents are Adam & Maria Koopman (nee Schoettler)
Godparent – Ryan Schoettler (Uncle)
Haven Loretta Marshall – Born December 8, 2022, Lloydminster, Sask.
Parents are Sheyanna Rain Loyer & Eric Ryan Patrick Marshall
Godparents are Dean Roy and Christa Lafond
SONG “I Am a Child of God” MV #157
Words and Music: Cheryl and Bruce Harding, 2002
(Children will leave for Sunday school as we sing the last verse of this song)
THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO US
SCRIPTURE READING
Epistle – 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – Not ready for solid food
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC In the Bulb There is a Flower” GRACE CHOIR
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING HYMN “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” (vs. 4) VU #541
Words: Thomas Ken ca.1674 Music: Genevan Psalter, 1551
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Lord’s Prayer
WE GO FORTH IN FAITH
CLOSING HYMN “I Have Called You by Your Name” MV #161
Words and Music: Daniel Charles Damon, 1995
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Life and Work of the Church
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Take Up His Song of Love” MV #213
Words and Music: Laura A. Herman, 2005: arr. Robin King, 2006
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Choosing to be generous creates abundant life.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Feb. 19 – Transfiguration Sunday – Super Sunday – Pancake Lunch following church
Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday – Lenten Lunch, Community Connections and Sr. Lunch as well as sharing of ashes for Ash Wednesday, for those who would like to participate.
Ash Wednesday Worship Service 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Feb. 26 – Lent 1 - Communion
Mar. 5 – Lent 2
Mar. 12 – Lent 3 -Celebrating P.I.E. Day -Jenson Brown, Affirming Support Worker offering the message
Mar. 19 – Lent 4
Mar. 26 – Lent 5 – possible Grace United A.G.M. following worship
April 2 – Palm Sunday
Apr. 6 – Maundy Thursday – 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Foot Washing
April 7 – Good Friday – 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary
April 9 – Easter Sunday
COMMUNITY & GRACE CHOIR|THURSDAY |7:15 PM – 9:00 PM |GUC
Do you love to sing? If you do you would love our community choir. They meet every Thursday at
7:15 – 8:15 pm and Grace Choir meets from 8:15 – 9:00 pm here at Grace United Church. So, come on out, enjoy singing, fellowship, and some fun.
INTENSIVE LENT SMALL GROUP – MAR. 7 – MAY 2
TUESDAY’S 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM – LOUNGE
If you feel called to go deeper within during the weeks of Lent, consider joining the Companions in Christ, small group series, entitled, “The Way of Forgiveness.” Anyone who has completed the six-week introductory to spiritual formation - “Exploring the Way,” is welcome to participate in this eight-week intensive. We will examine shame, guilt, anger and how spiritual formation can help release these emotions so we can move toward wholeness. We will also deal with the topics of receiving God's forgiveness, forgiving others, and seeking reconciliation.
Please speak to Rev. Cathy to secure your participation, as there are only 11 spots available for this group.
LENT 2023 – LOOKIN’ FOR LOVE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES|FEB 24 – MAR 31|9:45 AM – 11:00 AM |LOUNGE
Our Lenten season worship time will invite all on a journey into love. It has been said,
each of us have a “God-shape” hole inside, a hole that we can spend a lifetime trying to fill.
We may try to fill it with possessions, food, chemicals, money, power, need for certainty,
fame and even with shame. None of these will completely fill a hole that is “God-shaped.”
Only God’s agape love can fill that hole.
During Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, we will go on a journey
“Looking for LOVE in all the Right Places.” This day will also be the first Wednesday Lenten Lunch offered at 11:30 a.m. with a brief time for those who would like to enter into the season of Lent with the marking of ashes on the forehead or hand. This action is a tradition originating in the 11th Century church which begins a season of self-reflection and discernment.
Senior Lunch and Community Connection folks, who will also be meeting in the hall for lunch,
will be invited and welcomed to participate as they like in the marking of ashes.
The break-out groups through Community Connections, funded through the Federal Government will begin shortly after lunch.
There will be a more formal Ash Wednesday service the same evening in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m., for those unable to come at lunch due to family, schooling or work commitments.
The scriptures through the weeks of Lent offer many images of where grace, forgiveness,
justice and healing – all “aspects of God’s agape love – can be found. It turns out,
as we will discover, that we don’t find these in the “usual” places.
The “usual places” don’t offer us the deep sense of wholeness and joy we seek,
for they offer only temporary good feelings and short-term satisfaction.
Lent is a wonderfully reflective time to assess where one can find meaning and purpose;
a time to revisit our priorities and commitments. We will move through some of the traditional Lenten scriptures and stories of Jesus to help us on our journey.
Rev. Cathy will be offering a come as you are visiting and reflecting time, for those who would like to dig deeper with the scripture stories of Lent.
This will take place Friday mornings throughout Lent in the Upper Room – Lounge,
beginning Friday February 24, from 9:45-11:00 a.m.
Make time to come along, go within and beyond, “Lookin for LOVE in all the Wrong Places,” oops, I mean, “all the Right Places!”
LEGACY GIFT FUND APPLICATION |
DEAD LINE: MAR 1ST
Just a reminder to everyone that the next deadline for applying for a grant is March 1, 2023.
Information on Legacy Gift Grants is available on the GUC website and also in the office. We look forward to receiving your grant applications.
CONNECTING COMMUNITY|FEB 22ND & MAR 1st |10:30 -2:00 PM|GUC
Reserve your ticket now by letting the office staff know you are planning to attend. Two dates coming up! All Seniors are invited!
OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR THE YEAR OF INTENTION| MARCH 7| 6:00 PM
This year, we’re challenging you to think about the meaning behind the I in PIE.
How intentional are you in the welcome you extend to 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized folks?
And more importantly, are your intentions pointing you in the direction of action. Click here for full details and registration.
UNITED AGAINST HATE|FEB 15TH |6:00 PM
Join Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble and Affirming Connections to learn about the malicious misinformation campaign and threats that have been launched against the drag and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada-and what you can do.
Our speakers will:
- address some of the dangerous myths circulating around drag, trans and other queer identities;
- look at recent Canadian online and in-person instances of anti 2SLGBTQ+ hate, some of which include Christian groups;
- explain how these connect to wider hate, racist, and extremist anti-vaccination movements.
Then together we’ll plan what you and your community of faith can do to bring a faithful public response in your context, as well as support and care for those who need it. More information on resource people to come- please hold the date and join us!
Program Format: Zoom Session: 1.5 hours – Free Event
TAX RECEIPTS OF 2022
We have your 2022 tax receipt in the office, please come to the office to pick them up. If you are unable to pick up your receipt please call the office and ley Ashley or Bev know. Thank-you
SUPER SUNDAY |FEB 19|11:30 AM|GUC HALL
It’s Shrove Tuesday on a Sunday, and we will be gathering in the Hall for yummy pancakes & sausage after service to kick off the Lenten season. Dig out your Mardi Gras costume and be ready for the CAKE WALK. Here are some flashbacks of the past.
1 more week before we begin our Lenten Series in Sunday School. These past weeks the children have reflected on all of the blessings in their life. There are great lessons in STOPPING and thinking about all we are grateful for.
YAY GOD!
ON THE DOORSTEP OF GRACE
The theme for the February issue of On the Doorstep of Grace is Reflection. We want to hear from our readers! Reflect on some of our last few topics: hobbies & interests, looking at things from a new perspective, nurturing the spirit, or turning everyday life into an adventure.
Have you explored any of these ideas? If so, which ones?
What have you learned through your exploration, your successes, or your failures?
Reflect in writing and submit your reflections to the church office, in person to Brenda or Alison, or through email. We look forward to your responses!
Submit to brenda.ellison36@gmail.com or to agweaver@hmsinet.ca
YOUTH NITES │ FEB 9th │4:00 PM – 6:30 PM| MANN RANCH
This week the youth hand delivered chocolates to the seniors at the Hearthstone and Hemstock. What a gift to be able to spend time playing games and learning from each other! This upcoming week, YOUTH go sleigh riding, weather permitting. Youth will congregate at the Church for a 4:00 departure out to the Mann Ranch. After an enjoyable winter sleigh ride the kids will gather for hot dogs and hot chocolate around the fire. Thanks to Border City Connects for providing transportation. Parents are to pick up youth at 6:30 at the Church. If there are any questions about YOUTH NITES, our youth nite worker Ashley Holman can be reached at ash.holman77@gmail.com or 306 307 5735. Here is the link to register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VOAh7wV2q97BCm2NCXO65bi2gVi3lcasajp5IRfNAww/edit
NO YOUTH NITE- Thursday, Feb. 23rd - School Break
HOMEWORK│TUESDAYS │4:00 PM – 5:30 PM │GUC
Homework Club is for students grade 7-12. Students from all schools are welcome and they are provided with a warm meal. We are looking for teachers or people interested in tutoring to help with the students. If you have any questions please call the office.
As beloved children of God, all are included in the life and ministry of
the Grace Family where diversity is celebrated.
Grace remembers, as we celebrate God’s presence in worship,
that Grace United Church gathers on Treaty 6 land,
the traditional territory of the Plains, Wood Cree,
Assiniboine and Métis peoples. As Treaty people,
we seek to live with respect on this land and live in peace and friendship with all our relations.
Minister- Rev. Cathy Kinsman - 1-204-294-2142 gucminister@telus.net
Executive Director - Bev Thurlow 780-875-8959 gucbevthurlow@gmail.com
Administrative Support - Ashley Barber 780-875-8959 gucoffice22@gmail.com
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 blbcampbell@gmail.com
Bookkeeper - Wendy Walker - 780-875-8959 guctreasurer@telusplanet.net
Family Support Worker - Lana Lane - 1-403-901-8385 lanalanegraceu@gmail.com
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth - 780-808-0959 dannyandlori@telus.net
Choir Director - Karen Fawcett - 780-875-4642 karenfawcett@hotmail.com
Affirming Support Worker - Jenson Brown - 780-875-8959 gucjensonbrown@gmail.com
Board Chair - Darrel Howell - 780-870-1671 hhowell@telus.net