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
There will be a joint service with Harrow UC (at Harrow United Church) on Sunday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. Because of the Manitoba Marathon, there will be road closures and restrictions. So plan your route and leave a bit earlier. (see below)
POSTPONED – MORE SOON. 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
Churcho’rama kicks off on Sunday, June 28 at Westminster UC. All Churcho’rama services will start at 10:30 a.m. See the link below for the summer schedule and your Churcho’rama passport is now available.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“A Movement That Continues”
Brian McLaren
Brian McLaren shows how Jesus and his followers embodied a communal, public way of life representing a social movement:
On page after page [of the Gospels], Jesus and his disciples practiced movement dynamics in Galilee, Judea, and Samaria. Jesus seized the opportunity for change created by unrest in Galilee … by the injustices of the Roman occupation, and by corruption among the religious elite. He framed his message through a powerful central image (kingdom of God), a unique art form (parables), and through powerful slogans (“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand,”… “Love your enemies,” “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me,” for example). He developed a protest and messaging strategy that included public teach-ins (the Sermon on the Mount), demonstrations (healings, exorcisms, feeding of the five thousand), guerrilla theater (his triumphal entry into Jerusalem), and advanced action-reflection leadership training (deployments and retreats with disciples).
His mobilizing structures included the three, the twelve, the seventy, and special two-by-two initiatives. In addition, he taught his disciples to build allies among “people of peace,” and to be willing to let people walk away if they were not ready for the demands of movement involvement. He developed rituals of initiation (baptism) and renewal (Eucharist), calling people to initial commitment and strengthening them for the long haul. His movement culture was unique and distinctive, characterized by feasts, parties, joyful processions, and outdoor festivals at which usually stigmatized and outcast people were warmly welcomed. He gave women an unprecedented level of responsibility in his movement, and among his inner circle he included people of diverse gifts and temperaments, from a poet like John to an activist like Simon the Zealot to a steady pillar like Peter (at his best). His movement culture also emphasized the value of contemplative solitude and withdrawal to nourish the inner life and sustain the struggle over the long haul… Their lives in the movement were characterized by great joy, great sorrow, and great love.
I could see these same dynamics at work in Paul and his colleagues around the Mediterranean, as the “kingdom of God” movement expanded to the far corners of the earth. And I could see similar patterns re-emerging throughout Christian history—in the desert fathers and mothers, in Saint Patrick and the Celts, in Saint Francis and Saint Clare, in the Wesleys and the early Pentecostals, in Dr. King and Desmond Tutu, in Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero. Since its earliest and most dynamic centuries, Christianity has been most vital when it has been energized by movements of self-organizing—or perhaps we should say “Spirit-organizing”—cells. These cells have taken root and grown like seeds in communities and institutions. There they have grown, multiplied, and borne fruit—fruit in just and vibrant institutions, fruit in thriving, peaceful, joyful communities.
UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT CRESCENT FORT ROUGE AND HARROW
New Blog! Becoming an Intercultural Church: Learning to Stay with One Another. Many communities of faith are living in an “in-between” time—marked by change, uncertainty, and grief. In a new blog, Rev. Hyuk Cho invites us to see this moment not as a problem to fix, but as a season of transformation. Drawing from his upcoming book, Cho explores intercultural becoming—a way of life rooted in companionship, honesty, and a willingness to be changed through relationship. Read the full blog and learn more about the upcoming Becoming an Intercultural Church course on CHURCHx
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
OTHER
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.
The 2026 Urban Retreat Garden Tour – Last year, 1JustCity’s Urban Retreats Garden Tour raised nearly $35,000. All of which supports the work of brightening the lives of vulnerable people in our City. Good News: Spring is on its way and so is something beautiful. The 2026 Urban Retreat Garden Tour in the delightful gardens of Norword. Save the Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026. The Tea, Craft and Plant Sale will take place in the Norwood Community Centre, 87 Walmer Street.
We are continuing to collect non-perishable food stuffs for our 1JustCity partners. Pimicikamak Wellness Centre is most in need of three items: Coffee, Pasta Sauce, and Bottled Water. House Group 6 invites you to focus on donating these 3 items from Sunday, May 17 to Sunday, June 21. Of course, socks and underwear are also always needed.
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!
Take action for Guaranteed Livable Income – Everyone deserves to live with dignity. Across the country, people are struggling to afford basic necessities. That’s why the United Church is calling on the federal government to create a Guaranteed Livable Income program. It’s a practical, compassionate solution that would help ensure no one is left behind. By providing a consistent income floor, it can reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and give people the stability they need to thrive.
You can help make this change happen. We’ve made it easy to contact the Senate Committee that is reviewing Bill S-206 for the creation of a Guaranteed Livable Income. Add your voice today with just a few clicks: https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/create-guaranteed-livable-income-program
Together, our voices can help build a more just and compassionate Canada.
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.
Prairie Pilgrimage 2026: “Seeking the Extra in Ordinary” July 27 – 31 in and around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Treaty Six Territory. Join pilgrimage guides Carolyn & Blaine Woodall and GreenSpirit Chaplain Shawn Sanford Beck, in partnership with the Oliver & Gruchy Learning Centre at St. Andrew’s College, for a five-day spiritual exploration of Saskatoon, its beautiful river, and its surrounding lands. Space is limited to nine pilgrims, who are also eligible to earn a Certificate in Spiritual Exploration through St. Andrew’s College if so desired. The cost of the pilgrimage is $1000, which includes food, lodging, program, and internal transportation when needed. Registration deadline is June 1, so sign up soon! Please click here for more information.
New Blog! Becoming an Intercultural Church: Learning to Stay with One Another. Many communities of faith are living in an “in-between” time—marked by change, uncertainty, and grief. In a new blog, Rev. Hyuk Cho invites us to see this moment not as a problem to fix, but as a season of transformation. Drawing from his upcoming book, Cho explores intercultural becoming—a way of life rooted in companionship, honesty, and a willingness to be changed through relationship. Read the full blog and learn more about the upcoming Becoming an Intercultural Church course 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.
