To watch via Twitch
https://twitch.tv/crescentfortrougelive
To watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_yu6hzsG1yoisFBHvGm5A?view_as=subscriber
To watch on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cfruc/
If you would like to join our pre-service Zoom conversation at 10:00 am go to link below. Contact Marc for a passcode please. marc.cfruc@mymts.net:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85184672753?pwd=FNTc0iEmoxKOQWt5bbfH7Ax9Hmkyw7.1
Towards 2035 Workshop—The third session of our Towards 2035 workshops will be held on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (location TBD). We will be reviewing some feedback from our last meetings, considering our own trajectory, and continuing to name our “Why” for being now and into the future.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Service at 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC
Sunday, April 26, 2026—The 4th Sunday of Easter; “Good Shepherd Sunday” Acts 2:42-47—believers share everything in common; John 10:1-10—Jesus as good Shepherd and gate. CFRUC 10:00 a.m.; Harrow AGM held as part of the worship service at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2026—The 5h Sunday of Easter; Earth Day (observed); 1 Peter 2:19-25—we are to be like “living stones”; John 14:1-14—Jesus as the way, truth and light; CFRUC at 10:00 a.m.; Harrow at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 10, 2026—The 6th Sunday of Easter; Christian Family Sunday; 1 Peter 3:13-22—do not repay evil for evil; John 14:15-21—Jesus promises the Spirit will be with his followers. CFRUC at 10:00 a.m.; Harrow at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 17, 2026—The 7th Sunday of Easter; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11—cast your cares on God, be alert; John 17:1-11—Jesus prays “that all may be one.” CFRUC at 10:00 a.m.; Harrow at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 24, 2026—Pentecost; Acts 2:1-21—coming of the Holy Spirit;1 Corinthians 12:3-13—1 Spirit, many gifts; John 20:19-23—Jesus appears behind locked doors; ArtFest Weekend; joint service with Harrow at 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC
Sunday, May 31, 2026—Trinity Sunday; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13—agree with one another; live in peace; Matthew 28:16-20—Jesus calls the apostles to “Go and make disciples” CFRUC at 10:00 a.m.; Harrow at 11:00 a.m.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK—Moral Authority
—Bishop Mariann Budde
During Holy Week, I was invited by NOTUS (News of the United States) to be one of sixteen public figures to answer the question: “Where should Washington look for moral authority in 2026?”
The timing seemed pointed. We’re living through a moment when the language of faith is used to justify harm, when the name of Jesus is invoked to bless policies that contradict nearly everything he taught. Religious leaders around the world, including Pope Leo XIV, are speaking up to counter this misappropriation of faith and to advocate for peace.
Moral authority cannot be bestowed, won in an election, or taken by force. It is earned slowly, through consistent ethical behavior and a refusal to lie.
When leaders claim moral authority while their actions contradict it, naming that contradiction isn’t a political attack. It’s an observation. Their behavior speaks for itself.
My answer was straightforward: Washington’s moral authority can be found where it has always been, in leaders whose work is rooted in integrity, dignity, and a commitment to the common good. There is no shortage of such leaders, but we often can’t hear them because other voices are louder, the ones that tell us what we want to hear, shift blame away from ourselves, and promise easy answers to complex problems.
I have served as bishop in Washington for nearly fifteen years. I am often inspired by the quiet moral seriousness of some of the leaders I have met. They work on both sides of the aisle. They disagree on policy. But their integrity is never in question.
Yet, as a whole, our government has lost its moral footing. That’s not one person’s fault, nor that of one political party. It didn’t happen overnight, although the accelerated decline in recent months has been excruciating to watch. The human cost is real and rising.
History offers precedent. Countries lose their way, and the fear that we are losing ours is not irrational. Far too many of us are allowing this to happen. But history also offers something else: evidence that moral leaders, and people working together, can set a new course…
There is more moral authority in this country than we realize. It lives in faith communities, in local organizations, and in people who refuse to give up hope. As its momentum builds, moral authority will return to Washington.
But collective moral courage doesn’t arise on its own. It begins because someone goes first.
Each of us can be that person. Whenever we tell the truth under pressure, look out for our neighbors, do something hard for love’s sake, forgive a mistake, choose dignity over contempt, and speak up when it would be safer to remain quiet, we make it easier for someone else to do the same.
On Easter Eve, we gather in darkness to proclaim the light of Christ. We light the Easter candle from a fire, and then share that light among us, one candle at a time. That’s how moral leadership works. Not one great illumination, but many small candles, each one lit from the source of light, each made possible by the one before it.
The world gets lighter that way. Not all at once, but one brave candle at a time.
UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT CRESCENT FORT ROUGE AND HARROW
Unpacking Matthew’s Gospel—The Gospel of Matthew can be read as both the most Jewish and the most antisemitic of the gospels. The Gospel serves as the source for this year’s Sunday lectionary readings, and raises as many questions as it seeks to answer. Matthew frames the events of Jesus’ life and ministry, and the meaning of his life from within the matrix of 1st century Judaism and can be misinterpreted by modern readers. Beginning on Thursday February 5, Marc will offer an exploration of this Gospel via Zoom from 7-8:30. If you have never tried Bible study, or have wanted to dig more deeply into the texts which structure our worship, this may be for you. Contact Marc for more information at marc.cfruc@mymts.net or call or text at 204-461-1767
We are continuing to collect non-perishable food stuffs for our 1JustCity partners.
Friday Mama Bear Clan Walk – A few of us have experienced walking with the Mama Bear Clan this Fall enjoying the milder weather. As well as the sandwiches that are made on site, we have had extra muffins and cookies to offer. When the word “homemade” is mentioned, eyes light up. Last Friday was chillier and we had many requests for mittens. We don’t have room for a mitten tree, but there will be a turquoise box at the back of the Sanctuary to hold donated mittens or gloves. New, gently used, adult or kid-sized, all are welcome. Thank you!
What else happens weekly?
Our virtual prayer and spirituality group, “Explorations” occurs on Wednesdays by Zoom. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Marc at marc.cfruc@mymts.net or 204-461-1767
Choir Rehearsal — is every Friday at 10 am. New members are welcome. If you are interested in singing with our choir, even occasionally, and Friday morning rehearsals present a barrier, other arrangements are possible. Contact Michael Cutler at organmike@gmail.com for more information.
Our Faithful Readers Book Discussion Group is open to everyone, and we usually meet the last Wednesday of the month via Zoom, except for the movies and our windup dinner. If you are interested, please contact the office for the Link. Pick up a Bookmark at Harrow for times, etc.
Composting is an act of faith. It requires trust in the hidden work of bugs, microbes and the natural processes of decay to convert old food into nourishment for new life. Lent is a time of preparing ourselves for the new life God offers at Easter. We are invited to look at our lives and communities of faith and ask – What needs to be composted so that we are ready for resurrection? Click here to read this article by our Growth Animator, Jordan Cantwell.
Be Part of the Migrant Justice Network!
The United Church of Canada Migrant Justice Network will meet both during the day and in the evening over the next five months, to try to ensure as many people as possible can participate. Are you passionate about supporting migrant justice and improving living conditions for migrants in Canada? The United Church of Canada’s Migrant Justice Network invites you to be a part of our collective efforts to advocate for international students, refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and migrant workers. We welcome anyone aligned with the concerns of (im)migrants in Canada and globally. Learn more, and register on CHURCHx.
What is Spirituality?
“Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than [one]self, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.
“Spirituality means knowing that our lives have significance in a context beyond a mundane everyday existence at the level of biological needs that drive selfishness and aggression. It means knowing that we are a significant part of a purposeful unfolding of Life in our universe.
“Spirituality involves exploring certain universal themes – love, compassion, altruism, life after death, wisdom and truth, with the knowledge that some people such as saints or enlightened individuals have achieved and manifested higher levels of development than the ordinary person. Aspiring to manifest the attributes of such inspirational examples often becomes an important part of the journey through life for spiritually inclined people.”
What happens at Sunday morning Worship? Lots!
Sunday morning worship at Crescent Fort Rouge generally follows a predictable pattern of gathering in God’s name; hearing and reflecting on the intersection between the ancient faith story and the story of our own lives and time; responding to what has been heard; and going out with a commission to be actively engaged in the world.
Our worship respects the rich heritage and traditions of the Christian faith, while holding up a progressive and contemporary theology. Our worship is designed to actively engage all of the senses, and welcome the participation of all. We come together around the Lord’s Table through the sacrament of communion six or seven times a year.
Music is an integral part of our worship life, and we offer music in a wide range of styles and genres. Worship allows us to enact through ritual, story-telling, music and prayer our core belief in a God of peace, justice, compassion, healing and hope who invites us to practice the same things.
Why Worship? Worship reminds us of who we are and whose we are. Worship helps reinforce a rhythm for our lives. Worship offers a chance to connect with others and to feel that connection and engagement. Friendships are formed!
Occasional Services
In addition to regular Sunday morning worship, we also offer worship experiences at other times to mark special days or occasions. These include such things as Pet Blessings, Blue Christmas services, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Services for Life Transitions
CFRUC provides opportunities to recognize significant life passages with ritual and celebration such as Baptism, Confirmation, Weddings and Funerals.
Services to Recognize Other Life Transitions
We also work with individuals to create meaningful rituals to mark significant life passages such as moving to a new home, divorce, miscarriage, adopting a child, or seeking healing after trauma or violence.
Please contact our minister if you would like to explore some of the possibilities. cfruc@mymts.net
Daily Prayer Resources
In many faith traditions, it is customary to pray at specific times of day. The discipline of morning prayer allows one to start a day grounded in God, and the intention to be mindful of God’s presence in all that unfolds.
Prayer of Examen
The prayer of examen, is a traditional form of “end of day prayer” which invites reflection on the day that is past, an expression of gratitude for what has been experienced, and an opportunity to explore in greater depth God’s presence in our lives. Our friends at The Work of The People https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/ have created a contemporary expression of this ancient form of prayer. For a version of the Examen, please click here.
Frederick Buechner
www.frederickbuechner.com
The Center for Contemplation and Action
cac.org
Sacredise
Sacredise.com
One time tested way of nurturing the spirit is to maintain the disciple of keeping a journal. During this time of self-isolation we invite you to join others in a 28 day journaling challenge. Click here for a list of daily prompts. Self-Isolation Challenge
Looking for more intentional study?
A variety of online programs and webinars are available through:
The Abbey of the Arts
https://abbeyofthearts.com/
The United Church of Canada
https://www.united-church.ca/
We encourage you to contact Crescent Fort Rouge and receive our weekly newsletter which offers many opportunities. cfruc@mymts.net
Looking for an experience on Sunday for children (ages 3 to 12)?
Children are encouraged to begin their Sunday morning church experience with the gathered community in worship. This time with adults includes a theme conversation with one of the ministers and introduces children to the concept of worship.
Following this time, the children participate in age appropriate activities designed to introduce them to faithful living. We make use of a variety of teaching activities: drama, music, cooking, art, science, games and more. Parents and guardians of very young children are welcome to attend this program with their young ones until the children feel comfortable enough to attend the class on their own.
