Knox Shuniah United Church

Scripture to Ponder for Sunday for May 23rd

Acts 2:1-21

“The coming of the Holy Spirit”

Ezekiel 37:1-14

“The valley of dry bones”

Psalm 104:24-35

“Wisdom was creating at God’s side.”

Romans 8:22-27

“The Spirit prays for us with sighs too deep for words.”

 John 15:26-27; 16:4-15

“Jesus will send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth.”

26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

4 But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

The Work of the Spirit

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Turning Hard Work into Hope Every Day: “Margaret’s Story”

Hard work doesn’t always pay off. Around the world, many people work hard and still can’t feed their families. Your gifts through Mission & Service turn hard work into true hope for the future. Thanks to your support, resourceful people like Margaret Kagundu don’t just survive but thrive.

Margaret and her children live in challenging conditions in Nyeri, Kenya. In an area of widespread poverty, families live in makeshift homes without running water and have very little access to healthcare. Disease is so rampant that the average woman like Margaret can expect to live just 30 years.

Margaret struggled to meet her family’s basic needs before she received a micro-loan from a lending program called Jamii Imara (pronounced Jam-ee EE-mara), which your gifts support.

Wanting to improve her life, Margaret applied for a small, interest-free loan from Jamii Imara to lift herself out of poverty. She used it to purchase a home to rent out. With the rental income, she paid back the loan and thenapplied for another. She has received and paid back many loans to date. Margaret now owns two rental homes and is a proud landlord. The income is helping her feed and educate her family.

Your support teamed up with Margaret’s hard work means that Margaret’s son is in high school today. Considering 90 percent of children living in poverty in Kenya don’t finish grade 8, that’s a remarkable achievement. “I was granted 10,000 shillings four times. I have even started keeping goats that reproduce. I have educated my children,” Margaret says.

The Jamii Imara project helps women like Margaret establish their businesses. Together, the businesswomen share best practices and help each other financially to survive difficult times.

“We help our fellow members. If one’s husband is ill, we continue to help her. If one’s child is ill, we contribute to help her,” says Margaret. “There are many women who want to join the group because they see that I have progressed a lot. I am no longer the way I was before.”

Supporting women like Margaret who are determined to change their lives is just one of the ways you are helping to turn hard work into hope every day. Make your Mission & Service gift today to help transform and save lives.

Listen

Matthew 6:19–21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflect

What’s the difference between storing up treasures on earth and storing up treasures in heaven?

What do you consider “treasure”?

Do you think it’s true that where your treasure is, your heart is? Where is your heart now?

Pray

At a Gathering

Our sacred scripture reminds us that our heart is where our treasure is. O God, let us examine our values as we gather. Move us to invest our resources in what matters most. Make our collective mission to live out your call drive our discussions and decisions. Orient our minds to your abundant blessings, and turn our hearts to hope. Amen.

For Personal Devotion

If I’m going to store up anything, my God, let it be memories of occasions when I’ve loved fully; let it be instances when I’ve forgiven or asked forgiveness; let it be good times with friends and generous times with strangers; let all that loving, forgiving, joyfulness, and generosity pile up; let the heap of it reach the heavens, and me with it. Amen.

Good News!!!

As the weather begins to warm up, many of us are recalling the days we were able to gather at the

church and enjoy coffee and conversation outside on the lawn. Watch this space to see when we are

going to start up again!!! We will probably still need to bring our chairs & coffee and keep our masks

handy. Looking forward to seeing everyone in person!!! (Courtesy of Ruth Kamo)

Hurray! What you have all been waiting for... Our Dulcimer Circle is preparing to play some music for the

service on April 18th. If you miss the service come back to the website to view under videos. We hope it

will be inspiring! (Courtesy of Ruth Kamo)

Ezbikenh’s Story … from “Your Generosity Matters”

We all have superpowers. Generosity is one of them. But did you know that the power of generosity through Mission & Service supports real-life superheroes?

Esbikenh was once a junior kindergarten teacher. While he grew up knowing his ancestral language, Anishinaabemowin (pronounced Ah-nish-nah-BEM-win), sadly the children he taught didn’t. “One day I turned on YouTube and saw superhero videos. I thought, ‘Why not make these videos and we will just have all the superheroes speak in Anishinaabemowin?’” says Esbikenh.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action include reclaiming, revitalizing, strengthening, and maintaining Indigenous languages. This is critical for cultural revitalization. It’s also important because when people are able to speak their ancestral language, self-understanding and self-esteem grows, health improves, and the sense of connection and relationships with others flourishes. Knowing how important learning Anishinaabemowin is to the children he once taught, Esbikenh applied for a project grant from the United Church.

The Healing Fund, which is nearly entirely funded through Mission & Service, addresses the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

With financial support secured, Esbikenh’s filming has begun. When the videos are finished, they will be used as an educational resource for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to learn the Anishinaabemowin language. Ashley Riley, the librarian and arts coordinator at Antler River Elementary School of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Ontario, plays a starring role in the films. She describes the systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada that results in the loss of language, among other things.

Ashley’s mother is a residential school survivor, and because she wasn’t allowed to speak her language at school Ashley didn’t learn it growing up. “We weren’t allowed to speak our own languages. We weren’t allowed to be who we were. We weren’t allowed to practise our own ceremonies. My mother grew up thinking the language wasn’t that important. She’s slowly learning now. She says a prayer every morning in her own language. I’m hoping the community will get involved in creating more language videos,” Ashley says.

Why did Ashley decide to participate in the video project? She believes each one of us has the power to make a difference. “Every single person is a superhero. Every single person has a gift to share with the world. I think the most important thing is realizing the gift you can bring to your community,” she says. Through Mission & Service, your generous gifts help repair harm and extend hope. Please support the vital, healing work we do together. We can do much more together than we ever could alone. Thank you!

“Chee meegweetch to everyone who donated to Mission & Service for making this possible.” (Esbikenh)

Listen

Mark 4:37–41

A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Reflect

What kind of “superpowers” did Jesus have, and how did he use them? What was the impact of Jesus’ healing, loving, and justice-seeking superpower?

What spiritual superpower do you have, and how can you use it to make a difference?

Pray

At a Gathering

Powerful God, everything is possible when we are grounded in your Spirit. We can take responsibility for our past actions and promote healing. We can take a stand against injustice and work toward the common good. We can use all of our gifts– our time, talent, and treasure–to help build a better world. Buoy us with your mighty grace as we come together today. Empower us to make a difference. Amen.

For Personal Devotion

O God, My thoughts have power. My words have power. My actions have power. My interactions have power. I have power, O God. Help me use it wisely. Amen

Harmony United Church

Telephone: 345-5065

email: [email protected]

web site: http://www.harmonyunited.webs.com

Easter Sunday Announcements

April 28th, 2021

Serving & Helping…

If you aware of anyone who is in hospital or requires a pastoral telephone call, please notify the Church Office.

Do you have a suggestion for any of our church committees? If so, please put it in our locked mailbox. The Committee Chair will be notified of your suggestion.

Harmony’s Facebook Page site administrators are Gary Pederson and Teri Lynch. Please share any ideas and words that may bring comfort or joy to members of our congregation, and pictures of what you are doing to keep busy during this challenging time. Teri and Gary can be contacted at [email protected] & [email protected]

Monthly GO Team Collection: 3rd Sunday of the Month. (April’s collection will benefit the “P.R.O. Kids Thunder Bay ”.)

Donations of Canadian Tire Money are gratefully appreciated to help offset our operating costs!

Lillian Gillson would welcome calls. She can be reached at 768-0589, or via the Glacier Ridge desk: 343-0242.

Events Happening at Harmony United…

FINALLY!!!!! You may now make out your cheques to Harmony United Church. Many thanks to those who have been dropping off giving envelopes and donations in the church’s locked mailbox!

Wednesday’s Coffee Drop In and “Home Group” are cancelled until further notice.

How to Worship from Home…

Streamed services from Trinity United Church: http://trinityunited.church/livestream/

Click on “TRINITY LIVE” to connect to live streaming shortly before, or during a service.

To watch a service at a later time, click on the small circle labelled “PREVIOUS BROADCASTS”. They will appear, with the most recent to the left.

You can also view the streamed services on Trinity’s Facebook page.

Worship Service Outline: For those of you who would like a copy of the service emailed out to you, before or after presentation, please contact me by email and I will send whatever is available each week. This may not always include the sermon. I'll send whatever I can. [email protected]

 Rev. Rob Smith is leading Virtual Lectionary Bible Study on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. through ZOOM. The participants explore the scriptures for the coming Sunday.   I hope you will join us.  We are averaging about 6 people.  We can always find another place at the table for you.  Here is the ZOOM invitation for the study:

Time: Mondays, @ 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada) ongoing throughout 2021.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84679577617?pwd=dnZja3hlWWgvRjNzV3Z1OTRMK2FyQT09

Meeting ID: 846 7957 7617

Passcode: 314924   

Sign In Clipboards

During our response to COVID-19, please ensure that you sign one of the three clipboards … in the foyer near Crittall Hall, on the table in Cameron Hall, and in the entrance to the Sanctuary. Please note your name, the date, time in, time out, and your telephone number.

Local United Church Activities:

St. Paul’s and Harmony – “Music, Meditation and Muffins” a YouTube service that will be ready to view every Wednesday morning. Call St. Paul’s for the link.

May 2nd – Fifth Sunday of Easter – Pinegrove will coordinate and Rev. Rob Smith will offer the meditation

   Church Office Hours

Patricia will attempt to come into the office as required until further notice.

If an emergency arises, please feel free to call her at home:

623-6821

You can also leave her a message, or send an email to:

 [email protected]

Humour – Courtesy of Ruth Kamo

A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his

father as to when they could discuss his use of the car. His father

said he'd make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades up from

a C to a B average, study your Bible, and get your hair cut.  Then

we'll talk about the car.” 

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for

the offer, and they agreed on it. 

After about six weeks his father said: “Son, you've brought your

grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your

Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut.” 

The boy said: “You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and

I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair,

John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair ~ and there's

even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”

You're going to love the Dad's reply:  “Did you also notice that they

all walked everywhere they went?”

On behalf of the entire Harmony United Church Family, a heartfelt

“THANK YOU” goes out to Betty Whittingham who has been tireless in

her dedication to bring a ray of sunshine into all of our lives.

During this past year of pandemic, Betty has selflessly prepared and

delivered greeting cards to all.

It has been a busy year for Betty with a variety of 42 cards, and 119

Christmas greetings, going out without cost to the church through her

own generosity. Her contribution to bringing joy to us all during this

difficult time must be recognized as a true Christian endeavour.

Betty, from all of your friends at Harmony, saying “THANK YOU” is

simply  not enough for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

(Submitted by Arlien Hall Wesa)

Rev. Rob Smith is leading Virtual Lectionary Bible Study on Mondays at

1:00 p.m. through ZOOM. The participants explore the scriptures for the

coming Sunday. The regional lectionary Bible study by ZOOM will start

again on Monday, January 11th  at 1 p.m.  I hope you will join us.  We are

averaging about 6 people.  We can always find another place at the table

for you.  Here is the ZOOM invitation for the study:

Time: Jan 11, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84679577617?

pwd=dnZja3hlWWgvRjNzV3Z1OTRMK2FyQT09

Meeting ID: 846 7957 7617