September 16, 2018 Sunday News Morning edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE At the end of January, tragic news broke about some of the missing people from our Village community: their remains had been found at a house on Mallory Crescent, victims of a serial killer. Shock, horror and grief enveloped our city. In response, MCC Toronto held a candlelight vigil on Sunday, February 3rd. We lit a candle for each of the five men identified at that point Majeed Kayhan, Andrew Kinsman, Selim Esen, Dean Lisowick, and Sorush Mahmudi. A sixth candle was lit for the victims yet to be named. Eventually, three more men were identified: Skandaraj Navaratnam, Abdulbasir Faizi, and Kirushna Kanagaratnam. Sitting in the congregation that evening were the homeowners of the house on Mallory Crescent. They were so moved that they painted their home with words from a song we sang that night, the same song Alison is singing today. Alan Brody is a volunteer with our Facilities team. Alan was struck with a good idea. He brought it to church staff and, during the Labour Day weekend, a group of volunteers went to that house to beautify the grounds. Leah Uchida donated her landscaping skills. Rev. Warren Schell donated stew and lasagna. Church volunteers donated their manual labour. A group of us came together in love and kindness, and it was truly holy ground.
Offertory Performer Order of Service Alison J Palmer is a proud member of The Choir of MCC Toronto for over four years and is honoured to be singing today. This past spring/ summer she worked at the Neptune Theatre (Halifax). She won critical acclaim playing Tanya in their hit production of Mamma Mia! Alison is also an occasional high school teacher with TDSB, proud mom of Grant and Clark, and the grateful wife of best friend/partner, Alan. She has appeared in The Expanse, Designated Survivor, Imposters, Mayday, in the film Downsizing, and on theatre stages from Vancouver to Halifax. Thank you to all who attend the 9 a.m. Sunday Services it is a vital part of my week. Music Director: Diane Leah At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Welcome Hand of Friendship Prelude Open The Door Moment of Silence Processional Hymn All Are Welcome Opening Prayer Anthem The Majesty and Glory Of Your Name Time of Reconciliation Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing Holy Ground Medley Here I Am, Lord Sacred Readings Philippians 1:16-11 Brené Brown Quote Lesson for Life On Marshmallows - Rev. Rock Prayers of the People Jesus Prayer Offertory Together We Are One - Alison Palmer Gathering Our Gifts Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Holy Communion Give Us This Day I ve Got Peace Like A River All That We Have Alleluia Because You Live Benediction Closing Words Closing Song Celebrate! Questions? Email office@mcctoronto.com
Happening Today Children & Family Ministry 11:00 a.m. Rooms 109 & 111 Thrift Shop All morning Upstairs Social Hall Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Fall Community Guide Pick up our free Community Guide for details about all our activities until the end of the year. Happening This Week Refugee Orientation Monday 1:00 p.m. Room 109 Refugee Info Session Wednesday 3:30 p.m. Room 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 7:00 p.m. Social Hall Volunteer Orientation Come to our volunteer orientation session on Sunday September 23 from 12:30 to 1:00 in Room 109. A Peek in the Purse Updated statistics as of September 15, 2018, January to August.
Philippians 1:6-11 Sacred Readings Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Brené Brown The difficult thing is that vulnerability is the first thing I look for in you and the last thing I m willing to show you. In you, it s courage and daring. In me, it s weakness. Register at www.mcctoronto.com/enews
Thanksgiving Dinner On Monday, October 8, we will again be holding a Thanksgiving Day celebration in the Social Hall. The organizers will soon be gathering another team of people to prepare a festive feast and an afternoon of entertainment. There'll be plenty of opportunities to volunteer with the team and contribute in some way. More details next week. The day is especially intended for those who may not have family to dine with, but all are welcome, even those who may just not want to cook a meal themselves this year. Dinner will be served at 2 pm. Please spread the word and start inviting anyone you think might enjoy joining us. Visit www.mcctoronto.com for news and events
MOVIE NIGHT Join us for the documentary film: Just ahead of our Bridges to Hope and Freedom fundraiser celebrating the MCC Toronto Refugee Ministry in October... Explore the truth of the LGBTQ Refugee experience in Canada. Join the Social Justice Network in the Social Hall September 28 at 7:00 p.m. for the stories of five asylum seekers who flee their native countries to escape homophobic violence. They face hurdles integrating into Canada and anxiously await a decision that will change their lives forever. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Admission is a suggested $10 donation, however, even if you can't donate, please join us. See you at the movies!
Celebrating our Refugee Ministry Our vision is to build bridges that transform lives and transform the world. Our refugee programs provide services and hope to LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We receive hundreds of pleas for help from people all over the world seeking to be sponsored and resettled in Canada. Thousands of refugees have already made their way to Toronto and they need our help now. To date, we have sponsored 29 refugees from abroad and we have registered over 2,400 in-land refugees in our peer support program. Wednesday, October 10 6:00 p.m. Reception 7:00 p.m. Program Tickets are $50.00 each at www.mcctoronto.com/bridges 2018 Event Sponsors MUSIC PATRON Battista Smith Migration Law Group Monte-Lisi & Smith