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, April 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (at Harrow United Church). 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 12, 2026—The 2nd Sunday of Easter; Acts 2:14, 36-41—the church welcomes 3000 new followers of the way; Luke 24:13-35—Jesus appears on the Road to Emmaus.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK—“To Conquer Death, You Only Have To Die”
John van de Laar (abridged)
When Jesus spoke about abundant life, he wasn’t speaking about individual comfort, fulfilment, and pleasure. He was speaking about building a world where everyone is able to live fully and freely.¹ And that world can only come about if we make the counterintuitive choice to live as people of self-giving instead of self-preservation. This is the ultimate choice that Jesus calls us to make. Which brings us to the conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate.
As Jesus stood before the Roman governor, it seemed on the surface that Pilate had all the power, and Jesus was on trial. But as the conversation continued, it increasingly looked like Pilate was on trial and Jesus was the one with the power—albeit a very different kind of power.² The primary difference was that Pilate was focused on self-preservation (as were the religious leaders who brought Jesus to Pilate, and Peter, who denied him). But Jesus wasn’t trying to protect himself or preserve his life. He was giving himself for the sake of love. He was embodying, in his own life, the values and priorities, the purposes and practices, of the abundant life he preached…
It’s hard to grasp, but in this journey to his death, Jesus was living more fully than most of us could in a hundred lifetimes. He was challenging the status quo that robs people of life. He was showing what true freedom looks like as he opted out of the fear-based, individualistic, and ironically socially-conforming way of self-interest. He was living authentically, loving even when loving seemed like the most foolish choice, and exposing the destructiveness of a world based on self-preservation…
Jesus is not calling us to lose our sense of self or disregard our safety. He stood against injustice. He protested when the soldiers hit him for no reason, defended his integrity, and challenged the false accusations levelled against him. He was strong in himself, he was clear about his values, and he was no one’s doormat. When put on trial, he claimed his authority and, without becoming vindictive or cruel, put his accusers on the defensive, forcing them to face what their self-preservation was doing to them, to him, and to their society.
Only those who have found themselves deeply—found their true selves—who value and love themselves healthily and strongly, can truly give themselves for others.⁶ When we learn to love ourselves well, we learn to love others better, because in respecting and valuing our own humanity, we become more aware of and respectful of the humanity of others. And we learn that we can only live fully and freely together—we cannot create our best lives alone. But the promise of Christ is also that this way of self-giving is not self-destructive. It is just one element of the life of God, which also includes resurrection.
When Jesus spoke about taking up our crosses (Matt. 16:24), this is what he was speaking about—the daily, moment-by-moment choice to give ourselves in love to others. Sometimes that will require acts of great sacrifice: civil disobedience, painful generosity, and self-denial for the sake of the greater good. Sometimes it will require small decisions to be kind even in our anger, to be generous even when we need generosity shown to us, to smile at strangers, to show support to someone who is vulnerable or needs a friend, to listen when we want to talk, and to balance our own needs with those of our loved ones and neighbours. Like Jesus, we may need to appear weak and to stay silent when we would want to cry out. But like Jesus, we can find strength, courage, and life in knowing that the powers of this world are always, ultimately overcome by self-giving love.
This ultimate choice isn’t easy. We won’t get it right all the time…But if we can learn to orient our lives more toward self-giving than self-preservation, when we love ourselves well enough and healthily enough that we can give ourselves generously and freely in love for others, we will discover not only that we bring life to those around us, but that our own lives become richer, deeper, and more vibrant. In a self-preserving, pain-avoiding, individuality-worshipping world, seeking life through great self-giving love is subversive, prophetic, and transformative. But it is the only way to know the connected, courageous, and creative life that Jesus offers. “To conquer death, you only have to die.”
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.
A Pause for Peace and Justice In these troubling times at home and in our world, let’s come together to hear words of hope, justice and empowerment, to be grounded in compassion and radical kindness. Join us at 8:00 p.m. (SK time) for 15 minutes through the month of March 2026 (every Monday to Friday) on this Zoom link. Everyone welcome. This is a community initiative of Grace-Westminster United Church in collaboration with the Oliver & Gruchy Learning Centre, St. Andrew’s College (Saskatoon)
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.
