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
February 20
No playschool for the week
Souper 5 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
February 21
Community Connections Prep - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Staff Meeting - Yoga - 2:30 pm
Affirming Hours - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
February 22
Community Connections - 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Lenten Luncheon - 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Lenten Service - Ashes - 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
Kidz Praize - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Small Group - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Ash Wednesday Service - 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
February 23
Soup Trio - 12:30 pm
Outreach Cupboard - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Community Coffee - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Community Choir - 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Grace Choir - 8:15 pm - 9:00 pm
February 24
Bible Study - Come As You Are Reflection & Discussion Sunday’s Scriptures - 9:45 am - 11:00 am
February 26
Lent Service 1 - Communion
ORDER OF WORSHIP – FEBRUARY 19, 2023
TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY – SUPER SUNDAY
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD INVITES US TO WORSHIP
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME
GRACE UNITED PLAYSCHOOL SHARING
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 Let Us Sing” (vs. 1-3) VU #222
Words, Music, Arrangement: Jim Strathdee, 1976
CHILDREN’S TIME
HYMN “Come Let Us Sing” (vs. 4) VU #222
(Children will leave for Sunday school as we sing the last verse of this hymn)
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
PRAYER OF HEALING (Adapted with permission Gathering; A/C/E,2022, Pg 54; Robin Wardlaw, Toronto, Ontario)
O Spirit, breath among us here; inspire this time of worship.
Visit each of us with your amazing grace and peace.
We all want mountaintop experience with you:
a time of perfect awareness and goodness, a time of sacred communion with all life.
We want to know we are loved and how to love.
We want the light, the cloud of joy, the voice of reassurance which offers healing.
And yet we know we are imperfect in attention to your way of love.
We know we long to hold on to what needs to be released.
Heal and lighten our hearts with the prayers we offer now.
May our quiet lowered gaze of prayer,
allow time to sense your refreshment and renewal of Spirit.
(A time for silent prayer/meditation)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
Let’s receive the inspiration of God.
In your Spirit, O God, the ordinary is transformed into the holy;
all that is unworthy is left in the past;
the future is faced without fear;
we are comforted in knowing and feeling God’s grace.
Thanks be to God, Amen.
HYMN “As a Fire Is Meant for Burning” VU #578
Words: Ruth Duck, 1983 Music: Marty Haugen
THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO US
SCRIPTURE READING – Old Testament
Exodus 24:12-18 – God calls Moses up the mountain
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God
MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC “It Only Takes a Spark” VU #289
Words and Music: Kurt Kaiser, 1969
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING HYMN “What Can I Do?” MV #191
Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Michele McCarthy; arr Alan C. Whitmore, 2005
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Lord’s Prayer
WE GO FORTH IN FAITH
CLOSING SONG “Go Make a Difference” MV #209
Words and Music: Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, 1997
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
Recognizing the pull of social media and non-stop advertising, when we make faithful purchasing decisions, our identity changes from consumers to stewards.
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.
Feb. 22nd Evening - Ash Wednesday Worship Service; “Lookin’ for Love” 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Feb. 26 – Lent 1 – Communion – “Lookin’ for the Resister”
Mar. 5 – Lent 2 – “Lookin’ for the Helper”
Mar. 12 – Lent 3 – “Lookin’ for the Shepherd”
Celebrating P.I.E. Day – Jenson Brown, Affirming Support Worker offering the message
Mar. 19 – Lent 4 – “Lookin’ for the Thirst Quencher”
Mar. 26 – Lent 5 – “Lookin’ for the Liberator” - possible Grace United A.G.M. after worship
April 2 – Palm Sunday – “Lookin’ for the Unexpected”
Apr. 6 – Maundy Thursday – “Love Looks for Us” – A feast of love and service 6:45 pm – 7:30 pm
April 7 – Good Friday – 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary – “The Weeping Tree”
April 9 – Easter Sunday – “Love Wins”
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.
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.
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!”
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.
FAITHFUL FOOTPRINTS: NET ZERO WITH ZERO DOLLARS
Faith communities across the country are stepping up to take action against climate change. Inspired by a solar panel retrofit of Faithful Footprints Program Alumni Woodlawn United Church (Dartmouth, NS),Old Barns United Church took a leap of faith and retrofitted its own building, without spending a penny! To find out more, read "Inspired by Respect for Creation: Old Barns United has gone Net Zero with Zero Dollars." Sign up for the Faithful Footprints newsletter, and read the latest blogs published the
second Wednesday of every month.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Lent this year takes place from Wednesday, February 22nd to Thursday, April 6 with
Easter on Sunday, April 9th. Lent is a special time of waiting and remembering stories
about Jesus. Today, join us after worship for a special Shrove Tuesday pancake &
sausage celebration in the HALL. Also, don’t miss the infamous CAKE WALK. This
Super Sunday kicks off the Lenten unit for children in Sunday School. YAY GOD!
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER |MARCH 3|11:30 AM |ST. JOHN ANGLICAN CHURCH
World Day of Prayer 2023
When: March 3rd, 2023
Where: 4709 49th Ave, St. John Anglican Church
Time: 11:30 am doors open
Parking on the south side of the church
Taiwan “ I have heard about your faith”
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 │4:00 PM – 6:30 PM|
This week the Youth ventured out to the Mann Ranch for a sleigh ride. If you see any of them at service today, I’m sure they’d love to tell you how it was. Sleigh riding, hot dogs, hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire with a bunch of youth equals pure fun! Thanks to Morgan and Leah for hosting! AND to Border City Connects for the transportation!!!
NO YOUTH NITE- Thursday, Feb. 23rd - School Break 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.
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 let Ashley or Bev know. Thank-you
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.
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! Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
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
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 dhhowell@telus.net