Morning edition. March 18, 2018 Sunday News VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE

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1 March 18, 2018 Sunday News Morning edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE I came here almost three years ago because I knew as a transgender person I needed a community that understood and welcomed all of me. I was looking for a place to belong, make some friends and maybe meet someone. Little did I know how much my life would be transformed when I read the posting for a person to work with the Children and Family Ministry. It was the kind of work I did in the Presbyterian Church several years ago. I was suspicious: I was afraid of being rejected and could not risk being hurt again. However; God s Spirit persisted and I heard myself say yes. I was happy to be here on Sunday s and develop the Children and Family ministry, working at my other job during the week. Spirit pushed some more and my dream of being an Ordained Minister began to blossom. As a child one of my favourite things to do at church was to play in the pulpit. When no one was around I use to preach to the empty pews. My faith was formed in an Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Many a sermon was accompanied by fist pounding on the pulpit. And so many of my pretend sermons included a good fist pounding as I proclaimed to the empty pews the love of God. As I stand here today, preaching I can promise there will be no fist pounding. But there will be a proclamation of God s love for all. If my ministry had to be defined by one belief statement it would be this: I am convinced that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). It has been a long journey to get to this place. I am convinced. Andrew Holmes MCC Toronto

2 Offertory Julie Michels is a woman with a beautiful voice. She sings anything that catches her ear: jazz standards, rhythm and blues, Brazilian sambas, African chanting in a world full of music, it s a banquet of sound just too delicious to pass up! She has played with George Koller, Ottawa s Chelsea Bridge, Kevin Barrett and her bands Sutra and The Parley at many popular jazz venues including the Montreal Bistro, Canadian and European festivals and many more. Julie is a featured artist on The Choir s second CD, Connected: Songs for the Heart. Julie is also one third of the Broadsway trio: thebroadswayshow.com Music Director: Diane Leah Order of Service At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Welcome Lessons for Life: Shift Alt - Andrew Prelude Holmes (student clergy) We Are Not Alone Prayers of the Call To Worship People Processional Jesus Prayer Offertory Great Is Your Faithfulness What a Wonderful World Julie Michels Opening Prayer Gathering Our Gifts Anthem Sure On This Shining Night Time of Reconciliation Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing The God Of Second Chances Be Still My Soul Sacred Readings Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Holy Communion Give Us This Day There s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit Come Touch Our Hearts Breathe Benediction Closing Words Hand of Friendship Closing Song This Is The Day

3 Happening Today Children & Family Ministry 11:00 a.m. Room 109 & Triangle Room A Newcomer Nook 12:15 Sanctuary Meet the Deacon 12:15 Welcome Centre Soulful Worship & Praise meeting 12:30 Triangle Room A Drag & Angels Annual Meeting 2:00 Social Hall Jazz Vespers 4:00 Sanctuary Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary First Reading Meister Eckhart If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough Happening This Week Refugee Orientation Monday 3:00 p.m. Welcome Center Pride and Joy Monday 7:00 Sanctuary Meditation for Beginners Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Room 109 Hola Spanish Classes Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Tri. Rm A Expansive Spiritual Encounters Thursday 10:30 a.m Room 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 6:30 p.m. Social Hall SJN Movie Night Friday 6:00 Social Hall Second Reading Philippians 1:6 Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present.

4 Rise Again Campaign This is your chance to increase your giving! Over the next few weeks we will inspire you to deepen your financial commitment to MCC Toronto as our family continues to grow and flourish. For information contact Join us for our Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. Friday March 30 in the Sanctuary. Here at MCC Toronto, we always have a very moving Good Friday service. We'll hear the Passion story, share in silent Communion, and be graced by some moving music from the Choir and soloists. It's always a stirring moment when we strip the altar for our vigil as we await Easter morn. Easter is Sunday April 1! Easter, of course, is our highest-attended service of the year and we will have our usual services at 9, 10:50 and 7 PM AND we will also have a Spanish Service at 2:00 pm here in the Sanctuary. To start the day for all you early risers, we will be having a Sunrise Service at Ashbridges Bay please meet in the south parking lot at 5:45 AM!

5 Jeff Rock Answers Your Questions Every month we respond to Connection Card questions. Question: Hey, can we have a moment of silence or reflection after the sermon? Answer: Great idea! We are experimenting with more moments of silence in worship. - JR Question: I really miss the welcoming handshake/hug. I think it s a part of our core beliefs. Can we not have both, maybe? Answer: Great idea! - JR Take History Home! Furniture from Brent s office is available for free! Brent s desk and bookcase are displayed in the Social Hall and must go home Monday. Ask about delivery. Comment: The change in the Order of Service is refreshing. I think it flows well. Keep trying new stuff and see what blooms! Comment: I like Jeff s idea of the congregation coming in as individuals and leaving as one, so the new order of service is perfect. Comment: I like the new changes, they are excellent. Healing Racism The Healing Racism Initiative team is offering another workshop to fully engage our congregation in healing racism. You are invited to the next Healing Racism Initiative Leaders workshop. Date: Saturday, April 7th 2018 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteer Opportunities Our Giving team needs volunteers to help produce videos! This team will create videos that will tell the stories of our community members and how MCC Toronto has played a role in their personal and spiritual development. For more information contact Sahra Tulay: stulay@mcctoronto.com.

6 Connection Card Question Use the back of a blue Connection Card to respond to this simple poll: How many social events did you attend at MCC Toronto over the last three months? Circle your answer on the back of a Connection Card and write us a comment with your detailed feedback. We d love to know your thoughts! Social Justice Network Movie Night This month we are examining the issue of Poverty. Join the SJN for a justice screening of two films that take a closer look at this very real issue on the streets of Toronto and Edmonton. Lowdown Tracks is our feature film which is a celebration of street music and survival with those who choose to live on the outside and Pehonan is a short film that examines the racial disparity of homelessness in Edmonton. On March 23rd at 7:00pm we will take a closer look at an issue that is right in our own backyard. T.R.E.A.T. Bake Sale Today in the Social Hall after every service and Jazz Vespers

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