April 22, 2018 Sunday News Morning edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE Growing up, I attended Catholic schools. My brothers were altar boys but altar girls were never allowed. I often felt excluded in Catholicism. I moved to Toronto in the mid- 1970s, discovering MCC soon after, and met a young Brent Hawkes. Over the years, I attended MCC Toronto services on and off. I was an active volunteer in the LGBTQ community in the 1980s in the Toronto Gay Patrol, Lesbian & Gay Pride Day and The AIDS Memorial Committee. My wife and I were one of four couples to challenge and change the law to allow same-sex partners to adopt our own children. Our son was baptized here by Brent 26 years ago. I attended the first Creating A Life That Matters course and became an Anointer/Server and then a Lector. Rev. Jo Bell married my wife and I in our home. Last summer, Brent asked if I would lead the Altar Guild ministry. I knew little about this team but because Brent asked, I said I would try. Altar Guild mostly happens behind the scenes: we re here early to set up the altar and communion stations and we stay after the 11:00 a.m. service to clean up. You likely don t notice our part of the service because we take such great care. This ministry attracts the most fabulous volunteers. Come join us, it could change your life! Chris Higgins MCC Toronto Team Lead, Altar Guild Check out our new Volunteer Board in the Social Hall
Offertory Performer Women s Voices of The Choir. Our choir boasts an eclectic combination of singers, a true community of diverse individuals, whose love of music brings them together every week for rehearsals and services. Under the outstanding leadership of Diane Leah, The Choir is an integral part of Sunday morning worship. Members are fully dedicated to the Music Ministry, donating over a thousand volunteer hours in an average month, singing within the church walls and outside them: highlights include appearances at Pride s Church on Church Street, Christmas Eve at Roy Thomson Hall, the Olympic Torch Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square, and 98.1 CHFI. The Choir has recorded three CDs that are available on itunes. Music Director: Diane Leah Order of Service At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Welcome Prelude This Love Never Fails Processional Hymn We Are Called Opening Prayer Anthem Stayed On Jesus Time of Reconciliation Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing Amazing Grace Breathe On Me Breath of God Sacred Readings Lessons for Life: Reel Theology - Rev. Jeff Rock Prayers of the People Jesus Prayer Offertory For The Beauty of The Earth Gathering Our Gifts Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Holy Communion Give Us This Day On Eagles Wings As The Deer Pants Hallelujah (Cohen) Because You Live Benediction Closing Words Closing Song I Can See Clearly Now Don t miss Soulful Worship And Praise on April 29 at 2:00 p.m.
. Matthew 5: 28-47 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to God. But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is God s footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you Sacred Reading cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be Yes, Yes or No, No ; anything more than this comes from the evil one. You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of God in heaven; for God makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? May 23 event postponed read more on our website.
Grant deadline Our Community Outreach Partnership grant supports community groups that are championing local issues. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded biannually to organizations whose vision and mission are closely aligned with our own. Application deadline is May 15. Details and application form: www.mcctoronto.com/cop Pride Volunteers Needed Are you an enthusiastic, passionate person who loves interacting with people and are looking for a way to give back to the LGBTQ+ community? Here is your chance to do just that. For this year s Toronto Pride, we re looking for extraordinary individuals to lead the volunteer teams for our Pride Day Community Booth & Parade! Email: mpurcell@mcctoronto.com
Food For Friends On Sunday, April 29 we will be collecting donations of nonperishable food items to support the People With AIDS Foundation of Toronto. For those in our community who rely on social assistance, months which have five weeks between cheques places an extra strain on finances. We invite you to bring a food item to Sunday service on April 29 to donate to Food For Friends. Loblaw cards In January we encouraged everyone to sign up for Loblaw s $25 grocery card compensation program. We also encouraged everyone to donate their cards to our Refugee Ministry and the Triangle lunch program. Please note that Loblaw has started mailing out these cards to participants. If you registered for a $25 grocery card, remember to donate it with your offering next time you re at church.
Spring Sermon Series A sermon series based on the themes in popular movies. Watch the film screening, then join us on Sunday to hear the sermon! All movies will be shown in the Social Hall at MCC Toronto. Admission for all movies is free but we are happy to accept your generous offering. Lady Bird (R) The Post (PG-13) Black Panther (PG-13) Reel Theology Movies APRIL 28 7:00 p.m.
MAY 4 7:00 p.m. Reel Theology Movies MAY 11 7:00 p.m.
Happening Today Happening This Week Children & Family Ministry 11:00 a.m. Rm 109 & Triangle A HOLA Rehearsals 12:30 p.m. Room 109 Refugee Peer Support 12:45 p.m. Sanctuary Jazz Vespers 4:00 p.m. Sanctuary Evening Service 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 3:30 p.m. Room 109 Healing Racism Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Room 109 Jesus Fatwah Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Room 109 Ever Wonder? Thursday 10:30 a.m. Room 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 6:30 p.m. Social Hall SJN Movie Night Friday 7:00 p.m. Social Hall Reel Theology film: Lady Bird Saturday 7:00 p.m. Social Hall Men s Retreat Weekend May 11-13, 2018 Everyone who self-identifies as male is welcome. The retreat involves a combination of short presentations, personal reflections and group participation. This process has long been used to provide a safe, respectful space for reflection and group sharing that is completely invitational. Participation is at an individual s comfort level. Theme: The Return of the Prodigal Son Facilitator: Reverend Jeff Rock This Make is your new chance friends to increase your Enjoy giving the and Niagara experience Region a deeper Relax connection and nurture with your this spirit Enjoy season quiet of time renewal. and reflection Join together in Sunday Worship Enjoy great accommodations Jericho House has a country setting, outdoor labyrinth, and hiking trails. To register online, visit www.mcctoronto.com/men
Spring 2018 Life Long Learning Courses Turn the page on the next chapter in your life! Life Long Learning all Spring at MCC Toronto Visit our website for more details and registration information. 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 Date: Tuesday May 1, 2018 Time: 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Location: Social Hall Cost: Free Questions about Life Long Learning? aholmes@mcctoronto.com
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: April 18 May 16 (Except May 9) Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Room 109 Cost: $50.00 Bursaries are available. Meditation 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. New members welcome. Facilitator: Barb McIntosh Date: April 2 May 29 Time: 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Location: Room 109 Cost: $10.00 per session Registration: learning.mcctoronto.com
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples on Pentecost day to spread the love of God to all nations, starting with their own. And so, on this Pentecost Day, we want to do the same. After decorating our Sanctuary on May 20, each Pentecost flower purchased with your gift will be given to a household in our neighbourhood with a card expressing love and kindness. We ll take pictures and send them to YOU who made it all possible. I/We wish to make a gift of: $30 or $ Name(s) Address Phone Email Please share that this gift is: (we ll print this in Sunday News on Pentecost) a) In honour of: b) In celebration of: c) In memory of: Method of payment: Credit Card Cash or Cheque Card number: Expiry: / Name on card: Signature: Fax to 416.466.5207 or email to stulay@mcctoronto.com