Worship and Spiritual Growth

Rev. Marc Whitehead blessing the pets

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

On October 25th, Rev. Whitehead is away on planned leave. We will have a service with a bit of a different segment. It is an interactive segment in which we ask for small group discussion on what is church for you and what could church be? All are welcome and this includes visitors!

UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES

NOTE: Nov 8th there is a joint service (CFRUC and Harrow) at 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC, 525 Wardlaw Ave.

Sunday, October 25, 2026—22nd Sunday after Pentecost–Deuteronomy 34:1–12 Moses dies and is buried in Moab. Psalm 90:1–6, 13–17 O God, our help in ages past. 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 We care for you like a nurse tenderly cares for her own children. Matthew 22:34–46 Love God; love your neighbour as yourself. Our “neighbours” are not only those who are around us today; our love of neighbour must include caring for the earth we leave behind for those who are yet to come. 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC. 11:00 a.m. Harrow.

Sunday, November 1, 2026–All Saints’ Day–Revelation 7:9–17 They will hunger no more and thirst no more. Psalm 34:1–10, 22 Taste and see that God is good. 1 John 3:1–3 What we will be has not yet been revealed. Matthew 5:1–12 The Beatitudes. Even when this realm of existence reaches its conclusion, the gifts of Creation do not end. The saints wave palm branches, arrive at springs of water, and rest among fruit-filled trees. 10 am at CFRUC. 11 am Harrow.

Sunday, November 8, 2026—Remembrance Sabbath–Joshua 24:1–3a, 14–25 Joshua challenges the people to choose God. Psalm 78:1–7 We will teach the next generation. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 God will raise the dead. Matthew 25:1–13 Parable of the 10 bridesmaids and the lamps. Psalm 78 is about teaching the next generation. How can we remember the stories of our ancestors and make better choices, being grateful and preserving the land for those to come? It may seem overwhelming, but if each person makes some changes, a new beginning is made. Joint Service at CFRUC at 10:00 a.m. There will be no service at Harrow.

Sunday, November 15, 2026—25th after Pentecost–Judges 4:1–7 The judge Deborah speaks to Barak. Psalm 123 (VU p. 847) We lift our eyes to you, O God. 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 The day of God will come as a thief in the night. Matthew 25:14–30 The parable of the talents. The gospel invites us to use but not exploit Creation. In what ways might we, or do we, “live with respect in Creation” as A New Creed declares? 10:00 a.m. at CFRUC. 11:00 a.m. Harrow.

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Empire and Christianity” Belonging in God’s Kin-dom—Kat Armas

Theologian Kat Armas celebrates how early Christians would have heard the gospel call to dignity and belonging, in contrast to the empire’s insistence on conquerors and those conquered:

In the empire’s world, belonging was a double-edged blade. To be counted, to have a name that meant anything beyond yourself, you had to be willing to shed your own skin, to carve yourself into a shape that mirrored the empire’s desires.

Conformity to the empire’s will was a way of survival, a bitter peace won through the erasure of identity. There was no space for wild diversity, no room for the vast and beautiful spectrum of human existence.

But then this voice, this gospel, cuts through the air: “There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free …” (Colossians 3:11). These labels—Greek, Jew, slave, free—were more than words; they were walls built around souls, barriers defining who could rise, who was condemned to serve. But with Colossians’ bold proclamation, the empire’s iron categories tremble. In Christ, even the outsider is welcomed. No longer must anyone bow to belong; this new kin-dom dismantles the lie that peace requires our silence….

The way of Jesus stands in stark contrast. This gospel takes the empire’s most despised and remakes them, offering not only belonging but belovedness. The reach of Christ’s love goes to the most forsaken corners of the imagination and brings forth kin. Here, we find a love that turns the feared into family.

In this new kin-dom, there is no lower rank, no conquest hiding under the guise of unity. Jew and Greek, slave and free, barbarian and Scythian all gather at the same table, each honored as they are.

Armas emphasizes how this movement of God supported both diversity and belonging:

When Colossians speaks of putting off the old self, of shedding the garments of empire, it calls us into a transformation that is not about adornment but about a fundamental rebirth. In Roman triumphs, victors would strip away their old clothes and don the robes of victory in a ceremony that celebrated the rule of the conqueror. In the empire, proper dress symbolized civilization itself. To be Roman was to be clothed rightly, while those deemed “barbarians” were marked by their supposed lack of refinement, cast as outsiders not just by geography but by appearance, by dress, by body. This belief endured through European colonization and still lingers into our modern minds. To belong in the empire is to dress the part. But the gospel invites us to clothe ourselves instead in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all love. This love is no shallow thing—it binds us, mends us, forms a communion where there were once only categories. In this kin-dom, power falls away, and what’s left is a peace so deep that it becomes home, a place where difference can finally breathe. A place of communion, solidarity, and friendship.

UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT CRESCENT FORT ROUGE AND HARROW

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.

We are continuing to collect non-perishable food stuffs for our 1JustCity partners.  Hygiene Items for shower (soap, any size shampoo), coffee, white sugar, white flour and cooking oil.  Items can be left at CFRUC on Friday mornings when Terry is in the office.  Look for the Blue Box marked “1 Just City”.  Please note:  bottled water and sunscreen are not needed as the City of Winnipeg has supplied them. 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.

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.