Atlantic-Garden City United Church
725 Atlantic Avenue R2W 0S6 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I know we're tired of the restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 epidemic. Truly, I get it. I'm missing the face-to-face connections with people outside ...of my household. I'm missing singing in community. I'm missing feeling the wind on my face when I walk outside. (Yes, even as someone who sports a pretty full beard, I'm used to that sensation, especially in the fall and winter.) I want to leave my mask in the house, and head to church, knowing that a group of us will be going to a restaurant for lunch, later. Or to take a trip to see my family, back in Ontario. But the SARS-COV-2 virus is a constant factory, one that doesn't take a break, even though we're tired of it. For folks living in areas where there haven't been cases, my hope is that your community will be spared. I hope you'll keep listening to the health authorities, and following their guidance - doing all you can to keep your community safe. For those of us living in areas where infections are on the rise, it becomes even more important that we listen to the directives and the guidance given to us by our health authorities. Let's not try to figure out how to skirt the rules. Let's live into the spirit, as well as the letter, of the law. As researchers move closer to a vaccine, we need to keep working to support our neighbours, and keep our medical system from being overwhelmed. Let's take care of one another. Washing hands. Maintaining minimum 2 meters physical distance. Wearing masks as directed. Following the guidance of the public health authorities in our area on how we can (and cannot) gather. Loving our neighbours as we love ourselves.

Join us for worship this Remembrance Sunday as we reflect on hope offered by Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians and Jesus' parable ofthe wise and foolish bridesmaids in Matthew's gospel. We will observe a short service of remembrance and hear some bagpipes. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Our worship service from this morning will be posted in a couple days. Apologies for the delay!

Sometimes, what we need to hear, are just a few words of truth. So, these ones are for you.... You are wonderful, child of God. You are an amazing conglomeration of hopes and fears, of memories and dreams and possibilities. You are loved, by a Love that is so overwhelming I don't have words for it, a forever Love that reaches back before there was a beginning, and will continue long past the end. You are beloved. Never give up on that... because That will never, ever, give up on you. Alleluia!

Join us for worship this Peace Sunday as we reflect on the last days of Moses in Deuteronomy and Jesus offering us the Greatest Commandment in Matthew's gospel. We are also celebrating with Berna Walichnowski as she prepares to retire. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. We have again had technical difficulties this week so only the PowerPoint slides are available, not the video. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Congratulations to the Rev. Michael Blair, with whom GC43, on behalf of The United Church of Canada, covenanted as the church’s General Secretary.

Join us for worship this World Communion Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus and Jesus' parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

"We sing of a church seeking to continue the story of Jesus...a community of broken but hopeful believers...striving to be faithful servants of God in our time ...and place." (Song of Faith) The recalled 43rd General Council of The United Church of Canada will begin. It will be a historic meeting. The Council will be considering a proposal for the church becoming an anti-racist denomination. The Council will also be covenanting with me as I move into the role as General Secretary, General Council. I am grateful to be part of this important day in the life of the UCC. Grateful for all who have contributed to the life and witness of the church and humbled by the opportunity to be part of the ongoing story. " the church has no always lived up to its vision. It requires Spirit to reorient it...challenging it to live by grace rather than entitlement." Blessings on our discernment and decision making this afternoon

This Thanksgiving, make a gift through Mission & Service. Help transform and save lives, inspire meaning and purpose, and build a better world. http://united-church.ca/donate #UCCan #Thanksgiving #WeGiveThanks

Dear friends, please hold the folks of Wesley United on Saugeen First Nation in Ontario in your thoughts and prayers as they respond to this devastating occurence. May Creator surround them all with strength and courage.

On Saturday, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the General Council will meet for the GC43 Annual Meeting. The meeting will be livestreamed via the church's YouTube... channel; you are welcome to tune in and watch the proceedings. This meeting will include a farewell to outgoing General Secretary Nora Sanders and the covenanting of incoming General Secretary the Rev. Michael Blair. The General Council will also receive a proposal and report about becoming an anti-racist denomination. Livestream: https://youtu.be/CZMAmXZCmQ4 [Photo: GC43 in Oshawa, 2018. Credit: The United Church of Canada]

Join us for worship this 17th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the people of Israel thirsty in the wilderness in Exodus and the question of Jesus' authority in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, who has been named to the 2020 Order of Ottawa. Rev. Dr. Bailey is the Coordinating Minister of Parkdale United ...Church in Ottawa’s central-west end, serving his congregation and the wider community in that capacity for the past 21 years. The Order of Ottawa recognizes exceptional residents who have made a significant contribution in a professional capacity in many areas of city life, including arts and culture, business, community service, education, entrepreneurship, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports and entertainment, or other fields that benefit the residents of Ottawa. Read more: http://ow.ly/kFgI50C1bMf [Photo: Richard C. Choe] #UCCan #Ottawa

As the Mental Health Working Group meets, we light candles to shine a light on poverty. #UCCanliveableincome, #uccan, #guararnteedbasicincome

Join us in passing the peace...

"How We Are Re-opening Our Church": Daniel Benson shares that returning to in-person worship with the extended church family is like coming home. http://ow.ly/9E0z50BysXU #UCCan #UCCanCOVID19

Join us for worship this World Food Sunday as we reflect on Moses pleading with God in Exodus and Jesus' verbal sparring with th Pharisees and Herodians in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

More photos from the Toronto vigil today at Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland's office to call for a Guaranteed Livable Income program. Find out how you can participate: https://www.united-church.ca//create-universal-basic-incom #UCCanLivableIncome #GuaranteedLivableIncome #UCCan

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it." - Psalm 96:11-12 #UCCan [Photo by Dan Stark on Unsplash]

Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto supports The United Church of Canada today who are asking Canadians across the country to light a candle in support of a guaran...teed livable annual income; often referred to as the guaranteed basic income...This is a unique opportunity to make an important policy change to ensure greater income security for all Canadians. #UCCanlivableincome #guaranteedlivableincome

Join us for worship this 16th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the people of Israel hungry in the wilderness in Exodus and Jesus' parable of the labourers in the vineyard in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Join us for worship as we celebrate the sacrament of baptism. This is our first attempt at hosting in-person and online worship. We will learn from it as we continue to serve God in Christ.

Moderator Richard Bott shares why NOW is the time to call on our government to roll out a guaranteed livable income program. Such a program would enable all peo...ple to live with dignity, regardless of work status. Contact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland today. On Tuesday, September 22 at 12:30 p.m. local time, join this nation-wide effort by taking part at a small, socially distanced vigil in Ottawa, Toronto, or Vancouver. Or, share a picture of a candle at that time on your social media networks to spread light about the importance of a guaranteed livable income. Now is the time to make history! Find out more about how you can join the call for a guaranteed livable income program: http://ow.ly/9UaU50BsWCS #UCCan #UCCanLivableIncome #BasicIncome #Dignity #guaranteedlivableincome

We Are One World, One Family: A Prayer for a Guaranteed Livable Income God of all peoples, Creator of a grand cosmos and tiny infants Source of nurture and cre...ation, You call us into relationship with each other. We stand in our own judgement when we turn away from those who suffer. In the midst of affluence and pandemic we hear the cries of those who struggle to survive. Open our ears to those voices, and our hearts to your persuasive Spirit. May we see the needs of our neighbours and advocate for the fair distribution of resources. May we learn the politics of justice and adequacy that we may act with justice, love kindness and walk with humility. Today we remember all who struggle to survive. We specifically hold in our hearts low-income racialized communities who have experienced the most challenges with COVID. We pray for our political leaders that they act with compassion as they are asked to give leadership to implement a guaranteed livable income. Remind us, Holy Wisdom, that through your love, we encounter in each person, friend or stranger, Christ’s light and love in the world. Grant that we may promote the justice and acceptance that enables peace, a true shalom. Help us to remember that we are one world and one family. Amen Rev. Susan Eagle, Chair, Shining Waters Social and Ecological Justice Commission, with Barry Rieder, Jane Finch Community Ministry. This prayer lifts up the call for a guaranteed livable income program. Find out how you can participate in our vigil on Tuesday, September 22 at 12:30 p.m. local time: http://ow.ly/69Ir50BtJba Shine your light for dignity for all. [Photo: Image by acky24 from Pixabay] #UCCan #UCCanLivableIncome #BasicIncome #Dignity #guaranteedlivableincome

Every time we break bread, every time we drink from a cup; every time we give help, every time that we receive; every time we are in community,... every time we are alone; every up, every down; every question, every answer; every moment that was, is, or will be is a commemoration and celebration. God is here. Every time. Alleluia!

Join us for worship this 15th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the people of Isreal journeying to freedom through the Red Sea in Exodus and Jesus talking forgiveness in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Join us for worship this 14th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the the the origins of Passover in Exodus and Jesus talking about conflict resolution in Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united-/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

I was asked by a chaplain if there was a version of my "Prayer for Masking" (https://www.facebook.com/ModeratorRichardBott/posts/3443694935674496) that could be... offered in a multi-faith or interfaith setting. Here's what I was able to offer: May I see the holy moment in the wearing of this cloth - a sign to the world that I care - a tangible and visible way of living love for my neighbours, as I love myself. Since my lips will be covered, may I uncover my heart, that people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes. Since my voice may be muffled, may I speak clearly, not only with my words, but with my actions. As the elastic touches my ears, may I listen carefully - may I be full of care - for all those I meet. May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner, and each breath that it holds, be filled with divine love. By all I hold sacred, by the love that is intended, I say these things, I take this action. May it be so. May it be so. [Adapted for interfaith sharing by Richard Bott, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, from a prayer he had previously written. Feel free to share (CC-by/nc), but please make sure to keep the attribution attached.]

Join us for worship this 13th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the the call to Moses in Exodus and the Peter's challenge to think divinely vs humanly from Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.

The United Church of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Michael Blair as its new General Secretary beginning November 1, 2020. The role o...f General Secretary, General Council is a permanent position, providing leadership in the direction, management, and coordination of the affairs of the church working in close collaboration with the Moderator, who is elected every three years as the church’s spiritual leader and spokesperson. Find out more: http://ow.ly/8xg750BbIP0 #UCCan

Join us for worship this 12th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on the heroic midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, in Exodus and the question of who Jesus is from Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing. Please note that there was a technical glitch that caused the video to freeze in the Minute for Mission for about 30 seconds. This happens at about 32:30. If you wish to see the complete Miniute for Mission please click on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWJhDh2ZoDM.

Hi, God... it's not too long before my daughter heads back to school, alongside of other children, teens, and young adults, in so many communities.... And, to be honest, I'm worried. Not just for her, but for every single student - from the youngest to the eldest; and for every single teacher, and support person, every one of the support staff, and the administrators - the people we trust to not only help our children learn, but learn in an environment where they are safe, cared about, and respected; where their whole person is taken into account, as they live and learn and grow! But... I'm worried. I'm worried about their health, in the face of Covid-19. I'm worried about the resources we've set aside, not just to ensure their learning, but their learning in safety. And it's not just the ones who will participate in learning at the school building - I'm worried about the ones who will be learning from home, the ones who will be sitting in front of their screens, connecting with the lessons, the teachers, and their peers there. And I'm worried about the students who won't have what they need - technologically, or people-wise - to experience the schooling we understand they need. So, I'm praying. I'm praying that our decision-makers: listen to the science, make sure the resources are there, do all they can to help the children who will be in schoolrooms and at home; I'm praying for the health of our children, and all those who support them; I'm praying that we all work together, in equity and in hope, to ensure that every student has what they need, to be the learner that they are. And I continue to pray for all of our health-care workers, and those researching therapies and vaccines, that we might be able to respond to Covid-19, and have the health to work on the rest of what needs to be done. Help me to trust that we are doing all that we can for all of our children. Help me to trust that we will do even more than we think we are able, for every child, everywhere. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

Join us for worship this 11th Sunday after Pentecost as we reflect on Joseph's reunion with his brothers in Genesis and Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman from Matthew's gospel. Please take time to connect with us, reflect on scripture, to sing and praise God. You are blessed. If you wish to donate you may do so via e-transfer to [email protected], through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org//atlantic-garden-city-united/, or by dropping off your donation at the church. Be blessed and be a blessing.