Easter edition. April 1, 2018 Sunday News VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE

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1 April 1, 2018 Sunday News Easter edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE It s no April Fools when two worlds come together; Trans Day of Visibility on March 31 and Easter Sunday on April 1. The death of a loved one, moving on from a tragic incident, or remembering Jesus death and resurrection is a profoundly religious experience for some, or simply a day off for others. Connecting this meaningful religious experience at MCCT to a welcoming experience for isolated trans persons takes on special meaning this year when the trans visibility day occurs between the death and resurrection. Our connector it seems, is that death can be either literal or symbolic in representing the cycle of life, beginning with birth at Christmas, moving to death on Good Friday. The cycle continues with the resurrection on Easter Sunday, demonstrating a new beginning, a new life without the baggage of the past. Such is also the life of a trans person, who comes out, sometimes transitions, and starts fresh with a newfound joy and lust for life. We welcome you. We accept you. We love you. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. The Peace and Justice Strategy Team in partnership with TREAT (Trans Resource Education Advocacy Team) are hosting a film screening Belonging in the Body: Transgender Journeys of Faith by the Generous Space Ministries on Sunday April 8 at 4pm in Room 109 as part of our Trans Day of Visibility celebration. Susan Gapka, Peace & Justice Strategy Team MCC Toronto

2 Offertory Stephanie Martin is a bilingual Canadian singer, songwriter and performer having 30 years of national and international experience working in all areas of show business; in theatre, in film and television, radio and new media and the recording arts. She has held starring roles in theatrical productions across Europe and North America. She is a featured artist with symphony orchestras all over the world with Jeansn Classics. She has recorded for Disney records, EMI Broadway and Tremma records. She has written and released 3 solo recordings of original music which have garnered worldwide airplay. Her latest release April Snow ( Pure poetry Broadwayworld.com) is available on itunes and at stephaniemartin.ca Music Director: Diane Leah Order of Service At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Prelude Prayers of the People Were You There Jesus Prayer Reading Were You There Offertory Christ the Lord Is We Rise Again - Risen Today Stephanie Martin Opening Prayer Gathering Our Gifts Anthem Our Journey of Faith Gaelic Prayer Blessing of Gifts Time of Reconciliation Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing A Wonderful Saviour Amazing Grace Sacred Readings Lessons for Life: Transitions - Rev. Jeff Rock Holy Communion Give Us This Day Holy Ground Medley I Got Peace Like A River Breathe Benediction Closing Words Hand of Friendship Closing Song Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing

3 First Reading Mark 16:1-8 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb? When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you. So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

4 Second Reading Acts 10:34-43 Peter fairly exploded with his good news: It s God s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you re from - if you want God and are ready to do as God says, the door is open. The Message God sent to the children of Israel -that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again -well, he s doing it everywhere, among everyone. You know the story of what happened in Judea. It began in Galilee after John preached a total life-change. Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil. He was able to do all this because God was with him. And we saw it, saw it all, everything he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem where they killed him, hung him from a cross. But in three days God had him up, alive, and out where he could be seen. Not everyone saw him -he wasn t put on public display. Witnesses had been carefully handpicked by God beforehand - us! We were the ones, there to eat and drink with him after he came back from the dead. He commissioned us to announce this in public, to bear solemn witness that he is in fact the One whom God destined as Judge of the living and dead. But we re not alone in this. Our witness that he is the means to forgiveness of sins is backed up by the witness of all the prophets. Help for Pride We re looking for extraordinary individuals to lead the volunteer teams for our Pride Community Booth & Parade delegation! mpurcell@mcctoronto.com

5 MCC Toronto Dragon Boat MCCT Drag n Angels is a recreational coed dragon boat team consisting of a group of dedicated, This is your LGBTQ-positive chance to increase paddlers who are your committed giving and to working experience as a team a to paddle deeper for fellowship, connection fun and with fitness this while preparing to season compete of in renewal. regattas across southern Ontario. We practice Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, May 1 to August 7, All practices will be at the Sunnyside Paddling Club (Lakeshore & Parkside Drive, south of High Park). We have extended our $210 early bird discount up to May 1. For more information please to Kevin at dragnangels@gmail.com Can You Commit To More? Fill out a Rise Again card!

6 Easter Flower Dedications Karen Kelly Andrew Fleming & Roger Keglevich Michael Dolan Bradley Hickman Ron Kaake & Russ Fitzgerald Paul Melville-Gray Christine P. Leslie Mary Dayton Brian Strem Florence Gibbons Glenn Gebhardt David Rodrigues & Timothy Oakes Anne L. Brayley & Nanette Sanson Wanda Bussiere Terry Christiansen Ronald Beben & William Denison William Denison & Ronald Beben Caroline O Reilly & Shelly Morris In celebration of the life of Darlene McDougall In honour of our parents. In celebration of Family and Friends In celebration of Community In memory of Family and Friends In memory of Jim and Irene Melville-Gray In memory of Christopher, Leila, Michele, Angela Chong In celebration of my children: Martin, Laura & Adam In memory of Olga Strem & Olga Derii In memory of Barbara (Bobby) Sherwin In memory of Henry Gebhardt In honour of Ruth Robertson & Filomena Pinto In honour of our loving parents In memory of my dad Bill Bussiere In memory of David Duffield & John Christiansen In celebration of the lives of Leslie and Alice Denison and Frank & Mary Beben In honour of those tragically lost in our community In celebration of Alida's 5th birthday!

7 Easter Flower Dedications Leighton (Leigh) Sayers Robert & John Pisano-Thomsen Doug Kerr Frances Grant & Maggie Heiman Sheryl Pollock Gary Pyper In honour of my friend Farhat A. Khalid In memory of Dawne Thomsen, Billy Miller, Howard Halstead Jr., Micheal & Gertrade Pisano, Al & Rose Zanazzi In memory of Isabelle Ritchie In celebration of our 27 years together In celebration of Paul MacDonald Rev. Deana Dudley In memory of mothers, Pearl Fitzsimmons and & Janet Fitzsimmons Alliegene Dudley James Macdonald Paul Brunelle Diana Howe & Melanie Howe John Maedel Martin s Family Simon Lysnes Brad Morrison Joe Jamieson Greg Gregorovich Greg Gregorovich Rev. Sam Morris Anonymous In memory of Doreen & Walter Macdonald In memory of Anna Klapchuk & Mary Brunelle- Osbourne, grandmothers. In memory of Joanne & Doug Howe, beloved & missed parents. In memory of Gerald Arsenault In celebration of Martin Patrick Maher In honour of the Lysnes Family In memory of, and gratitude for, Mom and Dad. In memory of Ron Steen In honour of the brilliant Robin Fern In celebration of Shifra, Lyla and Zach. In memory of Gwennie

8 Happening Today Healing Racism Children & Family Ministry 11:00 a.m. Rm 109 & Triangle A Soulful Worship & Praise meeting 12:30 p.m. Room 109 Spanish Easter Service 2:00 p.m. Sanctuary Evening Service Road To Emmaus 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Happening This Week Refugee Orientation Monday 1:00 p.m. Welcome Centre Meditation for All Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Room 109 HOLA Spanish Classes Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Triangle A Refugee Info Session Wednesday 3:00 p.m. Social Hall Seder Supper Wednesday 4:00 p.m. Social Hall Ever Wonder? Thursday 10:30 a.m. Room 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 6:30 p.m. Social Hall Healing Racism Initiative Saturday 10:00 a.m. Tri Room A The Healing Racism Initiative team is offering another workshop to fully engage our congregation in healing racism. You are invited! HealingRacism@mcctoronto.com Date: Saturday, April 7th 2018 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Good News from our Refugee Ministry The Government of Canada has renewed a cost-sharing agreement with Rainbow Refugee Society until March 31, As of today, additional funding of $100,000 will be made available to support the programs and to increase awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ refugees amongst Canadian sponsors, and to strengthen overall sponsorship of this vulnerable group. The Government will collaborate with Rainbow Refugee Society, which includes our Refugee Ministry, to increase the resettlement of LGBTQ+ refugees in Canada and develop a longerterm strategy to support this vulnerable group.

9 Upcoming Events Tickets: give2.mcctoronto.com A fundraiser for MCC Toronto!

10 Spring 2018 Life Long Learning Courses Homosexuality and the Bible The Bible has brought comfort, hope, and healing to many people in so many places. Sadly, it has also been used as a weapon to inflict pain and cause separation. Rev. Jeff Rock talks about popular misconceptions about the Bible and homosexuality and explains an inclusive interpretation of Scripture as it applies to homosexuality. Facilitator: Rev. Jeff Rock Tuesday May 1, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Social Hall Cost: Free Jesus Fatwah: Love Your (Muslim) Neighbour as Yourself In The Jesus Fatwah, Islamic and Christian scholars offer reliable information about what Muslims believe, how they live out their faith, and how we all can be about building relationships across the lines of faith. Facilitator: Rev. Deana Dudley Date: Wednesday April 18 to Wednesday May 16, 2018 (Excluding May 9) Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Room 109 Cost: $50.00 Bursaries are available. Meditation Practices for Spiritual Growth If you are looking to explore and grow in your spiritual life, to connect more deeply with your body, mind, soul and heart, this course will help you discover the tools and practices that work best for you. Come learn the art and gift of meditation and mindfulness. Leave with the possibility of connecting practices to your own inner spiritual life. Come and connect with others, yourself and God. "New members welcome. No experience required." Tuesdays only. Facilitator: Barb McIntosh Time: 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. April 2 May 29 Location: Room 109 Cost: $10.00 per session Registration: learning.mcctoronto.com

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