AGM for CFRUC
will be held on Sunday, March 30.
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/82191407687?pwd=TXpuQmI4Z2JLNGVEUnprVVNxL0xoZz09
Cross Country Check-in Join us for another Cross-Country Check in on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. ET, for a live, insightful
conversation with General Secretary, Rev. Michael Blair, and General Council Executive guests. Following their final
meeting, we’ll dive into the key decisions and dialogues. Our previous Cross-Country Check In drew over 330
participants, and we’re eager to connect with you again! This is your chance to directly engage with leadership, whether
you’re listening or participating actively. The General Secretary and GCE members are ready to hear from you, live and in
real time. All are welcome. Register now on CHURCHx. The discussion will be facilitated by Treena Duncan, Regional
Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
“100 Project” – 1925 – 2025 – Celebrating the Centennial of the United Church of Canada. For the March “100
Project” We are supporting Rossbrook House. This is a neighbourhood drop-in centre with the mission “No child
who does not want to be alone, should ever have to be.” Doors are open every day and individuals ages 6–24 are
welcome. There are sports and recreational programs, Indigenous cultural activities, music and healthy daily meals.
Sherry Rasmussen, Harrow’s communications person, works at Rossbrook. There are a number of unhoused young
people, ages 18–24 who have been staying at Rossbrook on weekends and require a variety of hygiene items. The
list includes: socks, deodorants, body washes, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, lip balms,
hairbrushes, combs and, feminine hygiene products.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
• Sunday, March 23, 2025—THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT – Luke 13:6-9 (Parable of the fig tree) The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—can be where transformation begins. 10:00 a.m. Service at Crescent Fort Rouge, 525 Wardlaw Ave.; 11:00 a.m. at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey Ave.
• Sunday, March 30, 2025—THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT – Luke 15:1-7 (Parable of the Lost Sheep) Herding sheep is a never-ending task. As soon as one is found, another may go missing. Our lives have a similar ebb and flow—in one moment we might feel like we have it all together, and in the next, we’re struggling to survive. The promise of this parable is that no matter how “lost” we feel, the Good shepherd is by our side. 10:00 a.m. Service at Crescent Fort Rouge, 525 Wardlaw Ave.; 11:00 a.m. at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey Ave.
• Sunday, April 6, 2025—THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT – Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus greets Jesus) The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some. 10:00 a.m. Service at Crescent Fort Rouge, 525 Wardlaw Ave.; 11:00 a.m. at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey Ave.
• Sunday, April 13, 2025—PALM / PASSION SUNDAY – Luke 19:29-40 (Jesus enters Jerusalem) Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point— even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise. 10:00 a.m. Service at Crescent Fort Rouge, 525 Wardlaw Ave.; 11:00 a.m. at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey Ave.
• Thursday, April 17, 2025—MAUNDY THURSDAY – Luke 22:1-27 (Last Supper) In his final hours, Jesus redefines power through acts of humility, including sharing a final meal with his closest friends and those who will soon betray him. After breaking bread, the disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus tells them that the greatest must be the least and the leader must be the servant, turning their hierarchy on its head. According to Jesus, humility is powerful, and real power is shown through humility. Potluck Supper and worship beginning at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey.
• Friday, April 18, 2025—GOOD FRIDAY – Luke 23:32-49 (Jesus dies alongside a penitent thief) As Jesus dies on the cross, one thief resists him and the other accepts him as Messiah. Jesus resists the empire but accepts his fate. We also are called to resist systems of power and oppression, and yet we ultimately have to accept that Jesus dies—and one day we will too. We have to discern what to accept as given and what to resist, what is “God’s will” and what is the result of our own unquestioned systems. Lessons and Hymn service 10:00 a.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge “Messy Church” 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey.
• Sunday, April 20, 2025—EASTER SUNDAY – Luke 24:1-12 (The women grieve and Peter runs to the tomb) Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet, the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning. The other disciples don’t believe the women’s message, but Peter, living in the in-between of grief and hope, runs to the tomb to see for himself. Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are deep in grief. Joint Communion Service at 10:00 a.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge, 525 Wardlaw Ave.; Easter Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 9:00 a.m.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“ST PATRICK”—Diana Butler Bass
On this day, Christians (and lots of others, too) celebrate a popular figure — Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
There are lots of legends regarding Patrick, but his real story is more inspiring — and important — than the less-believable
tales.
Patrick grew up in a Roman British family who were Christians. But he didn’t share their faith. As a boy, he was kidnapped
and sold into slavery in Ireland where he toiled as a shepherd. There, while in captivity, he recalled his parents’ faith, heard
the Spirit, and converted to Christianity. Eventually, he was returned to his home in western Britain, but he had no peace
until he followed a call to return to Ireland and witness and serve among those who had enslaved him. He dedicated the
rest of his life to Ireland — where he worked as a missionary and eventually became a bishop.
His is a story of enslavement, unwanted exile, forced labor, and isolation — and how the wrongs done to him turned into
a passionate belief that even those who committed such evils could be redeemed by God’s love.
Here are the concluding paragraphs of his confession, in Patrick’s own words. They reveal an old man’s embrace of God’s
love, his life’s suffering, and a profound conviction of hope:
If I have ever imitated anything good for the sake of my God whom I love, I ask that he grant me to be able to shed
my blood with these converts and captives – even were I to lack a grave for burial, or my dead body were to be
miserably torn apart limb from limb by dogs or wild beasts, or were the birds of heaven to devour it. I declare with
certainty that if this were to happen, I would have gained both my soul and my body. There is no doubt whatever
that we will rise on the appointed day in the brightness of the sun, that is, in the glory of Christ Jesus our redeemer.
We shall be like children of the living God and co-heirs of Christ and to be fashioned in his image, since it is from
him and through him and in him that we are to reign. The sun which we see rising for us each day at his command,
that sun will never reign nor will its splendour continue forever; and all those who adore that sun will come to a
bad, miserable penalty. We, however, believe in and adore the true sun, that is, Christ, who will never perish. Nor
will they perish who do his will but they will abide forever just as Christ will abide forever. He lives with God the
Father almighty and with the Holy Spirit before the ages began, and now, and for all the ages of ages. Amen.
Patrick is believed to have died on March 17, the day on which he is still remembered. It is also a day to remember all those
people in history taken from their families and homes against their will and enslaved to enrich or serve others.
May the tragedy of human slavery end forever — may God’s love embrace the enslaved and enslavers — and all captives
set free.
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. The books we have chosen for this reading season are:
February 26, 2025 – The Other Side of the River: From Church Pew to … by Alf Dumont Presenter: Gaye P.
March 26, 2025 – Akin by Emma Donaghue Presenter: Dianne B.
April 30, 2025 – My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s … by Jill Bolte Taylor Presenter: Roberta P. &/or Cecile L.
May 28, 2025 – The Strangers by Katherena Vermette Presenter: Shirley M.
June 25, 2025 – Windup Dinner at 6:00 p.m. with book recommendations for the next reading season
mmm… Manitoba: the Stories Behind the Foods We Eat by Kimberley Moore & Janis Thiessen
Presenter: Dorothy F.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY! PLACING OURSELVES IN COLONIALISM PART TWO In 2023, Indigenous Ministries and Justice collaborated with the Anti-Racism and Equity program to offer a webinar series for settlers and newcomers called “Placing Ourselves in Colonialism.” This impactful series explored the deep roots of colonialism in North America. We invite you to continue this important journey of reflection and understanding through “Placing Ourselves in Colonialism: Part Two.” This four-session workshop will provide a space for settlers and newcomers to: Explore personal and collective histories; Engage in theological reflection; Learn from diverse perspectives; Contribute to a more just and equitable future. For more information and to register, visit 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.
Looking for a few resources for children?
25 Easy Sunday School Crafts
https://www.signupgenius.com/church/sunday-school-crafts.cfm
49 Outstanding Christian Craft Ideas for Kids
https://wehavekids.com/education/all-christian-crafts