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
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Feb 15th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at harrow united church (joint service)
- February 15, 2026—Transfiguration— Exodus 24:12-18—God calls Moses up mount; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21—star rises in our hearts; Matthew 17:1-9—Jesus is transfigured We will be worshipping at Harrow United Church. Please note that the service will begin at 11 pm. A fundraising pancake brunch in support of “Just A Warm Sleep” will be held following worship.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK—We Pray For Tumbler Ridge
The United Church of Canada laments the tragic violence in Tumbler Ridge and holds in prayer the families, loved ones, and entire community who are now living with shock, trauma, and profound loss. With deep compassion, we stand alongside the community of Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians, praying for peace and healing, and affirming with clarity and conviction that violence is unspeakably wrong. It is in moments such as this, we are reminded of our deepest calling as followers of Jesus: to care for one another, to protect the vulnerable, and to seek justice rooted in compassion.
As more information becomes public, including details about the young person responsible, we recognize that such information can quickly become a source of fear or blame. We urge our communities to resist narratives that target entire groups of people.
Every person is a child of God, carrying inherent dignity that cannot be diminished by the actions of another. Violence is never who we are called to be. Community care is always the work that heals and rebuilds. In this painful time, we invite people across the country to act with tenderness and courage.
In the wake of this tragedy, The United Church of Canada affirms a simple but essential truth: one person’s actions never define an entire community or identity group. At a time when fear and suspicion can take hold, we call on all people of faith and goodwill to let love, compassion, and our shared humanity lead the way. No community should be judged by
the actions of an individual, and no moment of violence should be used to create division or deepen stigma.
As a church, we affirm that building safe communities requires shared commitment and concrete action. This includes creating conditions where young people of every identity are supported, not isolated; where no child is left alone with
despair or harmful influences; and where access to weapons is carefully and responsibly regulated to prevent irreversible harm.
We also affirm clearly and without hesitation: trans and nonbinary people and all those who identify as genderqueer and gender-fluid are beloved members of our churches, our families, and our communities. All people deserve safety, dignity, and inclusion—not suspicion or stigma. The United Church of Canada has long upheld the sacred worth of all people and continues to work toward communities marked by compassion, justice, and mutual care. That work is especially urgent now.
As we mourn, we also recommit ourselves to fostering spaces where every person can live in safety, hope, and belonging. You are not alone. Help is available. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to local emergency services or dial 211 to be connected to a list of community and social services in Canada. You can also contact: Trans Lifeline (Canada): 8773306366 and LGBT National Help Centre: 1-888-843-4564.
May God’s healing presence surround all who are grieving, and may our shared humanity guide us towards compassion, justice, and peace.
Providing God,
With people across the country and around the world, we seek your care as we bear witness to the mass shooting in the community of Tumbler Ridge.
Provide solace for all affected.
Provide comfort to those overwhelmed by grief.
Provide compassionate strength to those who are providing support to the broken-hearted.
Providing God, guide us, as we continue to the build the world you have imagined:
A world where a child’s right to learn, laugh, love and live is cherished and protected in every village – everywhere;
A world without violence;
A world where the most vulnerable among us feel safe, cherished and protected, always.
For the sake of Christ who entrusted us to each other, may it be so.
Amen.
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.
Help out infants this Christmas! We couldn’t bring gifts to baby Jesus himself, but we can support and care for other babies in our community. Harrow is sponsoring a “diaper drive” throughout the Advent season. After the joint service at Harrow on December 28, our donations will be given to Harvest Manitoba who will distribute them to families in need. Look for the collection box in the Narthex. Given the high cost of diapers, we are also accepting cash donations of any amount, so boxes of diapers can be purchased. Thanks for your support.
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.
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.
