Archive
Black History Month – February 28, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
On this last day of February, I invite you to join me in offering up the prayer below – a prayer of confession about racial justice.
Recommitting to Justice, Equity, and Peace
God of peace,
give us the courage, strength and perseverance needed,
to challenge the systems of racism,
so that we can clear a path for your justice, peace, and equity.
We believe racism is present
in our society and in our church,
and throughout time has manifested itself in many forms and in varying degrees.
We know racism is alive
in our language and in our structures,
and through our systems it actively works to deconstruct your glorious design,
blocking the path to justice, equity, and peace that Jesus brings.
Racism exists, and it challenges the gospel message that we cry.
We cry abundant life for all,
knowing that we are slowly being suffocated by the pervasive evil of racism:
some of us are choking;
some of us cannot breathe;
some of us are dead.
We cry peace,
knowing that we are the instruments of God’s peace
and that such peace cannot exist without justice, equity, compassion, and God’s grace.
We cry Emmanuel, God with us,
knowing that to God, every life matters—God is with all people—
even though as a community and as a society
we have stated through our actions that some lives matter more than others.
Compassionate One,
Help us to understand how racism finds life in our hearts and in our cries.
In this time of tense anticipation,
may we commit ourselves to be people of your way
crying and creating a path for justice, equity, and peace
for all people in this wilderness of hatred and racism.
Amen.
—Alydia Smith
Black History Month – February 24, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to learn more about The United Church of Canada’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist denomination. To view more information on this commitment and resources that speak to our progress to date, please click on https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism
Black History Month – February 17, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to read a blog posted authored by Rick Garland, an Administrative Associate at KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. In his post, titled “Why Did I Write a Worship Service for Black History Month?” Rick states “I believe deeply that White people need to take ownership of racism, in a way that people who have been victimized by racism don’t have the opportunity to avoid.”
To access the post, please click on https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/why-did-i-write-worship-service-black-history-month
Black History Month – February 14, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to read a blog post authored by Peter Haresnape titled “Allies Need to Show Up.” Peter is a member of Toronto United Mennonite Church, and since 2016 has worked with the Student Christian Movement of Canada. In the blog introduction he states “I have been urged to understand more how racism persists and perpetuates, and pass this challenge and knowledge on to others.”
To access the blog post, please click on https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/allies-need-show
Black History Month – February 10, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to read a blog post titled “Facing the Past, Transforming the Future.” The post was authored by Paul Douglas Walfall who is the ministry personnel in the Fort Saskatchewan Pastoral Charge in the Northern Spirit Regional Council.
To access the post, please click on https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/facing-past-transforming-future
Black History Month – February 7, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to read a blog post authored by Rev. B. Maya Douglas titled “As Purple to Lavender.” Rev. Douglas is the ministry personnel at Queensville Holland Landing United Church in the Shining Waters Regional Council.
To access the post, please click on https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/purple-lavender
Black History Month – February 3, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month began on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church are being shared on the SPUC blog page throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
Today I invite you to read a 2020 blog post from Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge, Vermilion-Mannville Pastoral Charge, Northern Spirit Regional Council, Alberta titled “Learning to Be Black.” As stated in the blog’s introduction “Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge writes that growing up in post-colonial Kenya, he did not know what it was to be a person of colour. It is in Canada that he is learning to be Black.”
To access the blog post, please click on https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/learning-be-black
Black History Month – February 1, 2021
Leave a CommentBlack History (or African Heritage) month begins on February 1st. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, Black History month has its origins in the 1920’s United States.
In the United Church of Canada we take time during this month to focus on the contributions and experiences of Black members of the Church. Stories from across the Church will be shared on the blog throughout the month and I encourage you to watch or read them and to do some exploring on your own. Black history is Canadian history and it’s something we all need to learn more about.
I invite you to view a video posted by the United Church of Canada a few years ago. As stated in the description, the video is “An introduction to the little-known history of Black peoples in The United Church of Canada, from 100 years of Union United in Montreal to the present day across Canada.”
To view the video, please click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubWH9RSGGmE
Pastoral Letter
Leave a CommentTo Members and Adherents of St. Paul’s United Church
September 27, 2020
Dear Friends,
As I write this, we are six months into the Covid-19 pandemic and quite likely at the start of the second wave. I am writing to let you know what you can expect from St. Paul’s in the next four months and to reflect a little on the challenges of these times.
Worship will continue to be held via Zoom until at least January 2021. The Worship & Music Committee and I had hoped to hold an outdoor service before the end of September, however the rise in case numbers makes that inadvisable at this time. Just this week the limit to personal gatherings was lowered across the province. Keeping everyone safe remains the priority for myself and the rest of the leadership team at St. Paul’s.
We are expanding the virtual programming that is available, with Choir and Bible Discussion resuming. The All Request Discussion Series has also started. If your group would like to gather using Zoom, please contact the church office.
I want to extend my thanks to all the volunteers who are helping to keep things running. I know it has been a learning curve and your efforts are appreciated.
Currently the church building remains closed. If you need to enter for any reason, please contact Catharine Ottaway 24 hours in advance. She can be reached via the church telephone number; 905 683 4740. Please do not email as she may not see the message in time for you to enter the church building. With the enhanced cleaning protocols in place this notice is extremely important.
There is no question that we are living through challenging times. It is easy to become discouraged, especially as winter closes in and we are experiencing a second wave of the virus.
It is important to know that feeling tired, discouraged, frustrated, sad or just generally more emotional than usual is totally normal in times like these. The fact that physical distancing is a necessary part of our collective safety only makes it more challenging.
As people of faith we are reminded that although we might be physically separated through the love of God and the action of the Holy Spirit we are never truly apart. Not from God and not from each other.
I encourage you to reach out as you are able. Call each other, send cards and letters, join in the virtual activities being offered by St. Paul’s.
If you are having trouble coping or just feel the need to talk, please reach out to me. Offering Pastoral Care is one of the most important parts of my work.
Be gentle with yourselves. In these hard times all our inner resources are taxed and even everyday activities require more energy.
Finally, keep tending to your faith. God has a wealth of strength and comfort to offer if we ask for it. Keep up your faith practices, whatever they are such as reading daily devotionals or scripture, praying, meditating, or reaching out to others; and in doing so draw closer to God.
Above all, know that you are loved by God, eternally and deeply, and draw strength from that knowledge.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Cordelia
SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, June 19, 2020
Leave a CommentAs we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below new and ongoing information on SPUC’s response:
NEW
- Please join us online for our June 21st Sunday Service. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. but the room will be “opened” at 10:15 a.m. for a time of fellowship and connection.
- Thank you to everyone who helped us mark Louise J’s 99th birthday on June 17th!!! A few photos from the day are posted to the SPUC Facebook group page. Please click on https://www.facebook.com/
groups/2355189071 to access the page or to request membership. - A reminder that at the present time it is the position of SPUC leadership that we will continue to meet using the Zoom platform until at least September. At that point we will re-evaluate. Your feedback is always welcome. Please contact Rev. Cordelia at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org with your thoughts and comments.
- Jean S has made and donated masks for distribution through the church and now Madeline O has very kindly made and donated reusable face masks to the church for anyone in need of them. If you would like a mask please contact the church office at 905 683 4740.
ONGOING
- To join the online service on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions. For best results, please load Zoom via a CHROME browser.
- Please note that, again for security reasons, you will be placed in a Waiting Room when you first log on and brought into the call as your identity is verified. The chat feature on the call has been disabled and the meeting locked after 10 minutes after the service starts. Latecomers will not be admitted.
- If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
- If you aren’t able to join in, the services will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
- Please ensure that you are using Zoom version 5.04 if you logon using a computer, tablet or iPad. The system should prompt you to do an automatic update if you log on using version 4.0. For more information on this updated version please visit the Zoom website at zoom.us.
- The bulletin for the service is attached to this email or can be found at https://stpaulsajax.org/
worship/ - SPUC Bible Studies are posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
- Please join Rev. Cordelia for a weekly drop in social time via Zoom every Friday between 1:30 and 2:30 pm. All welcome.
- To join the meeting please contact the church office to be sent the link.
- A reminder that the church building is CLOSED.
- If you need to enter the building, please call the church office 24 hours in advance and arrange a time so that we can ensure everyone’s safety by confirming that the building has been sanitized before you enter and after you leave.
- Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
- If you are not on PAR, you can mail in a cheque or drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
- Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
- This is a challenging time as we all continue to navigate our way through our shared response to the pandemic and the directions from health officials and the government. No one is alone in this struggle and resources are available if you need help. Please connect with Rev. Cordelia via the church office or click on any of the resources posted on the SPUC Staying Connected page found at https://stpaulsajax.org/covid-
19-staying-connected/