Service Time: 10:00 A.M.
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. [email protected]
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82191407687?pwd=TXpuQmI4Z2JLNGVEUnprVVNxL0xoZz09
Tuesday, January 21, 2025—Coffee and Conversation with Marc, 10:30 a.m.—noon. Because the timing of the worship services doesn’t often allow for Marc to be present after worship on Sunday, we are launching this opportunity for folks to gather informally with him for coffee and conversation. Frequency of future gatherings (and dates and time) will be determined.
“100 Project” – 1925 – 2025 – Celebrating the Centennial of the United Church of Canada. December project. In January, we are collecting items for Poseidon: hats (new) baseball hats & sunhats for warm weather outings; Items to be used for Bingo prizes such as: small toiletries, costume jewellery, especially bracelets ( no necklaces) and packaged candy and chocolate bars”
On January 12th, we distributed “Star Words” to those in attendance. Each person randomly selected a word which could serve as a prayer, reflection, or meditation prompt for the coming year. A complete list of words can be found here. https://mcusercontent.com/c84dd93d5746a814be1db5152/files/a0da5c16-27db-2fc0-ef7e-8740c7720d31/starwordslist_WFB_SA_1_.pdf
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK— “The Jesus Movement”
Retired Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry describes the early “Jesus Movement”:
Week of January 19, 2025
Jesus did not establish an institution, though institutions can serve his cause. He did not organize a political party, though his teachings have a profound impact on politics. Jesus did not even found a religion. No, Jesus began a movement, fueled by his Spirit, a movement whose purpose was and is to change the face of the earth from the nightmare it often is into the dream that God intends…
There’s no denying it: Jesus began a movement. That’s why his invitations to folk who joined him are filled with so many active verbs. In John 1:39 Jesus calls disciples with the words, “Come and see.” In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he asks
others to “Follow me.” And at the end of the Gospels, he sent his first disciples out with the word, “Go…” As in … “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
In Acts [1:8] he uses even more movement language: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” If you look at the Bible, listen to it, and watch how the Spirit of God unfolds in the sacred story, I think you’ll notice a pattern. You cannot help but notice that there really is a movement of God in the world.
Curry calls for a revitalization of the Jesus Movement in our time, offering farmer and theologian Clarence Jordan (1912– 1969) as a model of courage:
We need people who will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, who will love justice, live mercy, and walk humbly with God, just like Jesus.
Pastor and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan was one of those people. In 1942, he worked with a team to found Koinonia Farm in Georgia, welcoming people of different races to live and work together, caring for each other and for the land. They called it a “demonstration plot” for the God Movement…. Jordan kept his eye on “the God Movement, the stirring of [God’s] mighty Spirit of love, peace, humility, forgiveness, joy and reconciliation in the hearts of all of us.” [1]
Jordan once offered wise counsel to a young peace worker named Craig Peters. It is worth repeating today:
I am increasingly convinced that [Jesus] thought of his messages as not dead-ending in a static institution but as a mighty flow of spirit which would penetrate every nook and cranny of [human] personal and
social life…. I really don’t think we can ever renew the church until we stop thinking about it as an institution and start thinking of it as a movement. [2]
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday, January 19, 2025—The 2nd Sunday of Epiphany; Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11. The beginning of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Joint CFRUC and Harrow worship service at CFRUC at 10:00 a.m. We will reflect on Paul’s description of our “spiritual gifts” against the backdrop of the life and work of Jesus. After worship, the Collaborative Ministry Team will be leading us in a process to reflect on our experience with our ministry collaboration so far, as they prepare an interim report to the congregational leadership. A final report and recommendations will be brought to the respective congregations later this spring. A light lunch will be served. CFRUC will provide sandwiches and Harrow will provide cookies and dainties. Sign-up sheets are available.
Sunday, January 26, 2025—The 3rd Sunday of Epiphany; Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6; Psalm 19; 1 Cor. 12:12-31; Luke 4:14-21. We consider Paul’s metaphor for the church as the body of Christ, and Jesus’ declaration of his public ministry. At Harrow we will be celebrating the sacrament of infant baptism.
Sunday, February 2, 2025—The 4th Sunday of Epiphany; An interactive exploration of the story of Ruth and Naomi. Joint Harrow and CFRUC service at Harrow at 10:00 a.m.—noon. (Please note location and service time).
Former moderator and current regional Growth Animator, The Very Rev. Jordan Cantwell will be our guest and lead us through a process designed to help us think about ways we can support each other and strengthen our ministry, as we consider concrete ways of being church as we move forward into the future. Refreshments will be served.
Sunday, February 9, 2025—The 5th Sunday of Epiphany; Isaiah 6:1-13; Psalm 138; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11. We reflect on our won experience of Christ and our call to follow against the background of Jesus’ invitation to his first disciples.
Sunday, February 16, 2025—The 6th Sunday of Epiphany; Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Cor. 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26. Jesus presents a contrast between the blessings which are experienced by those who follow a path of compassion and justice, and the woes that will be experienced by those who but their own interests above those of others. The Harrow congregation will be worshipping at the Parkway.
Sunday, February 23, 2025—The 7th Sunday of Epiphany; Genesis 45:3-15; Psalm 37; 1 Cor. 15:35-50; Luke 6:27-38. Jesus speaks about forgiveness and resisting the temptation to judge.
Sunday, March 2, 2025—The Transfiguration of Jesus; Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, (37-43). Jesus’ closest companions see him in a new and powerful light. A Joint service at Harrow at 11:00 a.m. A pancake brunch fundraiser in support of 1JustCity will follow worship.
What else happens weekly?
Our virtual prayer and spirituality group, “Explorations” occurs on Wednesdays by Zoom. Contact Marc for the link. [email protected].
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 [email protected] for more information.
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. [email protected]
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. [email protected]
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