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
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.
Winnipeg Pride Parade – June 7th, 2026 – Thanks to Charleswood United Church for registering to walk in the parade, and for your willingness to have other United Church groups join you. As in the past, walkers can carry their church banners, pride flags, and signs of celebration and affirmation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The theme for this year’s pride festival is “Celebrate YOU!”
Rosalie (rep from Charleswood) would like others to step forward to join her in marshalling our now larger group. Please contact tmacnair@united-church.ca to be put in touch with Rosalie. Anyone who wishes to become more informed about the parade plans/process is welcome to attend the info session tonight (Wed, May 13) at 7:00 p.m. Click here to join. The info session is open to anyone, but it would be especially helpful if you are willing to be a marshal.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Service at 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Reflections on Pope Leo’s First Encyclical”—Bishop Mariann Budde
With the media coverage of Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnicifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in a Time of Artificial Intelligence, we might assume that we know what he says without reading the text ourselves. I confess to wondering if I had the energy to take it on, but the opening paragraph drew me in:
Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is todayfacing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together. Each generation inherits the task of shaping its own era, of guiding history to become a place where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible. Yet every era also runs the risk of creating an inhumane and more unjust world. Whenever humanity is in danger of marring its true identity, we Christians lift our eyes to the Incarnate God, knowing that it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of humanity truly becomes clear.
Papal encyclicals are extraordinary documents, worthy of the global attention they receive. In “How to Read an Encyclical and Why”, Brian Dikkema points out that they are written as exhortations to remember a repository of wisdom we’ve forgotten. “They take the time to pore both through the Scriptures and through the breadth of the Christian tradition to testify to the person of Christ in life right here, right now.” As Leo writes, “We wish to engage in dialogue with all men and women of our time, with whom we share in the events, questions, and aspirations of humanity.”
Pope Leo’s voice is worth listening to directly. From the Introduction:
If we focus only on contingencies, we risk letting the succession of emergencies dictate the direction of our path. We are living through a rapid phase of transition, a “change of era” in which—while some are vying for the future of new technologies and others dedicate themselves to reflecting on the matter—most people are watching and waiting, observing from afar and hoping for the best. For this very reason, crucial questions impose themselves on our conscience and can no longer be avoided: where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?
The Holy Spirit challenges us today regarding our relationship with technology and the ongoing digital revolution. Technology has the power to heal, connect, educate and protect our common home; but it can also divide, exclude and generate new forms of injustice. In the abstract, technology in and of itself is not a solution to humanity’s problems, just as it is not inherently evil. In practice, however, technology is never neutral, because it takes on the characteristics of those who devise, finance, regulate and use it.
In the era of artificial intelligence, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human. True progress always stems from a heart open to others, an intelligence willing to listen and a will that seeks what unites rather than what separates.
After the Introduction, there are five chapters. The first two provide Scriptural and historical context, establishing continuity with the long arc of Catholic Social Teaching. Chapters three through five address the heart of Pope Leo’s concerns:
Near the end, there is a section entitled “We Can All Do Our Part,” in which the Pope warns against the assumption that “the problems are too big and we are too small, and that our choices, therefore, cannot make a difference.”
This is a polite form of resignation, often disguised as realism. Certainly, not everyone has the same power to make a difference. Yet, no one is without responsibility… The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization.
These words have spoken to a tension that has lived in us all. The summons to engage is real, and I am grateful for those who are leading the way.
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
Wednesday mornings Marc conducts ‘Explorations’ by zoom. If you want to join or need more info, please conctact Marc.
From Words to Practice: Living Into the United Church’s 2S and LGBTQIA+ Apology, June 9, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CDT, 12:00-1:30 p.m. MDT/ CST. In this national United in Learning online session, participants will reflect on the 2S and
LGBTQIA+ apology the United Church offered last year at General Council, learn from communities already living into it, and explore practical ways to embody the apology in worship, community life, and public witness. You will hear from members of the Interim Working Group on the apology animation, share ideas with others across the church, and leave with concrete, context-appropriate next steps for your own ministry or community. Details are here, and the webinar will be offered via Church X, which requires a free account to join.
OTHER
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.
As we move into Spring, our 1JustCity partner 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.
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.
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.
