Balderson United Church

Message for Ash Wednesday Feb 17th. Did everyone enjoy your pancakes last night? On this beautiful sunny day we move into the season of Lent. Our Sessions have discussed the date for reopening the Churches, it was decided that we will open Sunday March 7th. This opening will include all of the previous Covid rules that were in place when we last worshiped. Rev Stiller will lead the service on the 7th. On this Ash Wednesday, we begin the forty day period of Lent, a period of t...ransformation and rebirth. The scripture passages are all about a "new" beginning of sorts. God makes a covenant with Noah in the sign of a rainbow, that was to be a reminder that God would never again destroy all living things with a flood. The Psalmist laments his past actions and God assures love and faithfulness in return - a new beginning. In 1 Peter there is reference to Noah and his new beginning and Christian baptism as a new beginning in Christ. The baptismal "new beginning' is reiterated in the focus scripture in Mark as Jesus begins his new ministry with baptism and forty days of temptation in the desert. How will you begin again during this 40 day season of Lent in 2021? What new beginning is God calling us to make? What does it mean to follow Jesus? Prayer: Faithful God, may we begin afresh our faith journey as we journey through Lent. Amen I was given this years ago, and thought I would pass it on. I always found it very interesting to the understanding of the structure of the bible. There are 66 books 39 in the Old Testament & 27 in New Testament If you split the bible in half you will be in the Psalms. Then half again you will be in the New Testament. I hope all are well. Patti

February 10, 2021 Good Morning everyone. Anyone else still writing 2020 and then wondering how we have made it to 2021. Don't blink it goes way to fast. I pray that all reading this will be able to enjoy the sunshine and find something about the day to bring a smile to your face. If you find it difficult, turn to a picture of your child or grandchild, pet or the tracks in the snow. A memory of a parent or a silly thing that comes to mind or a song.... as you can see if we try...Continue reading

Good Morning to all Transfiguration Sunday - Sunday February 7th, 2021 Doug & Nancy Mather would have been our greeters at the door today so if you see them give them a wave or shout hello. I'm sure we would all love some sort of interaction, even if driving by you honk your horn. Please keep in mind during this difficult time all those who are in need of a hug or two. Thank you for the prayers for my granddaughter Harper. She has been diagnosed with a rare syndrome ...Continue reading

Wednesday, February 3rd Good morning. So which groundhog critter are you going to believe? It will not matter as we will have 6 more weeks of winter weather regardless as this is only February. Please keep Rev. Shelley in your prayers as she faces this difficult period in her life. Also here is a purely selfish request please pray for my little granddaughter Harper who is only 15 months old, very sick and in CHEO and no one seems to know the cause. I am putting her in God's...Continue reading

Good Morning to all 'Fourth After Epiphany - Sunday January 31st, 2021 Alma Morris would have been our greeter at the door today so if you see Alma outside shoveling give her a wave or shout hello to her. I'm sure she would love the interaction. Please keep in mind during this difficult time all those who are in need of a hug or two. Also send a prayer for Rev. Shelley in the loss of husband Roger. Please pray for all who are suffering and in need. As it states in 1 Cor...Continue reading

Let’s Talk! Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day. A day we bring to the front of our conversations that mental health is important. If you are ‘experienced in life’ (ok let’s face it older) like myself you may think that ‘when we were kids and you were asked ‘how are you feeling?’, it never meant anything more than if you had a cold or the flu. There always seems to be a focus now of our mental health and how we are doing. And why not. Sometimes I think what does it matter how y...Continue reading

Today is a very special day! Today it is Rev Shelley’s final day with us at BUC! While we are sad to see her go, we know she is off to do more amazing things. Since we can not all gather on this day, some members of the congregation have sent in messages of best wishes and farewells to Shelley. Today we will be posting those kind messages. Thank you to all members who sent in a special message. Thank you Shelley for everything you have done for us. Enjoy retirement!

Good morning all Please keep in your prayers Wendell Crosbie, Roger Roberts and their families. We keep Rev Shelley in mind today on her birthday. LANARK & BALDERSON COMMUNITY OF FAITH ...Continue reading

Message for the last of September. So this Sunday is it. Both churches will open their doors and deliver a Worship service that may look different but hopefully will bring people to a feeling of having 'Worshiped' If you are attending the service don't forget your mask. A reminder that you may not sit in the seat you are accustomed too. There will be music but no singing. And please keep your longer socializing to the outdoors. Please know that not everyone is comfortable wit...Continue reading

Good Morning. Can anyone believe that this is the last Sunday in September! If all stays as is next sunday our two churches will be open for a'different' type of service, but a service together non the less....Continue reading

September 23rd. A good fall morning from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark. Announcements: St. Andrews, Lanark and Balderson churches will open for worship on Oct. 4th, 2020 Balderson at 9:15 am and St. Andrews at 11:00 am All Covid restrictions will apply including having only 50 people for an inside gathering. You must wear a mask and there will be hand sanitizing. Seats will be blocked off, so you may not get the seat you have always been accust...Continue reading

Wednesday Sept. 16th message from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark With all the sad news in our world lets start today off with a little humor. A minister decided to do something a little different one Sunday morning. He said "Today, in church, I am going to say a single word and you are going to help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn that comes to your mind." The pastor shouted out "CROSS." Immediately the cong...Continue reading

Good Morning from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark Announcements: There will be a meeting of the Session & Stewarts at Balderson United Church on Tues. Sept. 15th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m with regards to opening our church again. Please try and attend and if unable to attend and have concerns please let your clerk of session know. Also please keep Wendell Crosbie in your prayers as he battles health issues....Continue reading

Wednesday Sept. 9th message from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain. Good morning everyone. Sad news to pass along as I am sure most know Paul Lattin, a member from Balderson United Church, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, Sept. 6th. Please keep his wife Sheila in your prayers. Also remember to be kind to all suffering from health problems and those finding...Continue reading

Greetings on this Sunday of the long weekend of September. I apologize for the late arrival of this email, but the sunshine kept me away longer for the weekend, I hurried back as soon as I could (well sort of). I'm sure so many minds are consumed with what is going to happen over the next couple of weeks for families with 'Back to School'. Let's all keep children, teachers, bus drivers and parents in our prayers as they take this next step. Also to families that are strugg...Continue reading

Message for August 30th . Good Morning. How do we comprehend sending out something for the end of August. I do hope people found ways to enjoy the summer months. The messages of Rev Stan Errett that we have been enjoying the last couple of Sundays is on a break this Sunday, we will return to it next Sunday....Continue reading

Good Morning everyone. Hope everyone is well today. The only news I have is that plans are in the making to open the church for Sunday Worship starting in October. We will see. Sometimes one of the many things that get passed around is worth repeating. Hope everyone is enjoying our last bit of August. Take care Patti...Continue reading

St. Andrews Lanark & Balderson United Church online message welcomes you People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Let us remember God and Jesus will always love us and to that end let us sing a familiar hymn but with different words VU # 365 - Jesus loves Me. ... "Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me": Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. (CHORUS) YES, JESUS LOVES ME. YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. (CHORUS) When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song.. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." (CHORUS) When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love. (CHORUS) I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. (CHORUS) (unknown author) Prayer of Affirmation: VU #607 O. Jesus, think on me, by anxious thoughts oppressed; let me your loving servant be and taste your promised rest. O Jesus think on me, nor let me go astray; through darkness and perplexity point out your chosen way. Again a big thank you goes out to Rev. Dr. Stan Errett for the second of his four messages RESILIENCE PART II WHY WE CAN BE RESILIENT SUNDAY, AUGUST 23RD, 2020 THE WORD: GENESIS 1:26-31 PSALM 124 ROMANS 12: 1-8 [ST. PAUL OFFERS HIS READERS A UNIQUE MODEL TO STRIVE FOR.] MATTHEW 16: 13-20 TEXT GENESIS 1:23 GOD CREATED MAN IN THE IMAGE OF HIMSELF, MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM. PERSONAL OR COLLECTIVE PRAYER: In the specialness of this time and place, I commit myself into your competent and compassionate Hands for the healing of whatever in me [or us] needs to be healed so that I [or we] as a complete person[s] might serve you and the cause of goodness and beauty and wisdom to the best of my [our] ability. Grant us the grace to focus the light of truth and wisdom into the dark corners of our world beginning in the backyard of our own minds and hearts. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Wednesday Aug. 19th message from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark It’s hard to believe I’m writing this in mid-August. Where has the summer gone? Before we know it, we’ll be gearing up for all sorts of new beginnings that the month of September always brings. This fall will be different and likely be clouded with uncertainty as we carefully plan our fall events during the ongoing pandemic. We pray for those who struggle. We pray for those who struggle...Continue reading

Welcome to our online United Church Message this Sunday Aug. 16th Hymn # 579 VU - The church is wherever God’s people are praising, Singing God’s goodness for joy on this day. The church is wherever disciples of Jesus...Continue reading

Good afternoon - may this message find you in good health and safe in God's love Wednesday Aug. 12th message from your United Church at Balderson and St. Andrews in Lanark It has been a sorrowful few days these past couple of weeks. May we keep Thorpe Moulton's and Harold Cameron's families in our thoughts and prayers as these two good solid men go on to a well deserved rest to dwell forever in the arms of God. May we also keep Georgina Kelford in our prayers and pray she has...Continue reading

Hello to everyone , crazy as I am, I'm heading to sleep in a tent for a couple of nights. So I am early sending out, but here is Sundays reflection. Enjoy Worship message for August 9, 2020 ...Continue reading

Worship Moment August 5, 2020 Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.... 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Reflection: This reflection was sent to me by a few of youthank you for sharing. A Lesson On Trusting God A while back I read a story of a visiting pastor who attended a men's breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area of the country. The group had asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast. "Lord, I hate buttermilk," the farmer began. The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going. The farmer loudly proclaimed, "Lord, I hate lard." Now the pastor was growing concerned. Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, "And Lord, you know I don't much care for raw white flour." The pastor once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn't the only one to feel uncomfortable. Then the farmer added, "But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits. So Lord, when things come up that we don't like, when life gets hard, when we don't understand what you're saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen." Within that prayer there is great wisdom for all when it comes to complicated situations like we are experiencing in the world today. Stay strong, my friends, because our LORD is mixing several things that we don't really care for, but something even better is going to come when HE is done with it. AMEN! Prayer God, we cannot know what today or tomorrow will bring. We CAN trust in your presence and your love through whatever may come. Help us to turn to you for strength and hope. Amen.

Worship moment for August 2, 2020 Good rainy morning to all. One of the few times we can all agree it’s wonderful to see the rain. Hope everyone is ok today in the middle of the long weekend. We have one announcement to pass on today....Continue reading

Hello everyone. 'They' said the month was coming to an end and here we are, 3 days till the first of August! What's with that? And I know we are suppose to be enjoying this heat.... but come on, a little break in the humidity would be nice. Take care Patti (from the office) Something to think about our Local Economy:...Continue reading

No church services yet so take your bible and read your favourite passages or pick up your hymn book and sing a few hymns. This piece has been sent in by Rev. Shelley from Nora Sanders who is General Secretary of The United Church of Canada This week’s lectionary passage from Matthew offers several different examples of what the kingdom of heaven is like. The tiny seed that grows into a tree. The yeast that expands the grain to create bread. The treasure in a field or the o...Continue reading

There were no upcoming events as most are cancelled although we are in Stage 3 re-opening now. Many persons are asking how we are doing in the search for a new Minister. If you have that question please contact any member of the M&P Committee as I do not have any info. The Balderson and St. Andrews Lanark Community of Faith hopes and prays all is well in your household. Here is our connecting message for this week. "As we live through this pandemic, let's remember....... The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race. " From Marjorie Montgomery A Prayer from the Bishop of Kigali, Anglican Church of Rwanda (this can apply to all churches and their communities) Heavenly Father, We thank you for your love and that it is your will that human kind should live together in peace and harmony, reflecting your loving nature. We humbly come before you praying for the church of Rwanda and the worldwide church, for wisdom, understanding, love and courage as we take part in the journey of eradicating sexual violence. We pray that the church may continue to be a safe place and shelter where survivors may find refuge and experience God’s love and healing in the midst of hurt and pain. We pray for the survivors of sexual violence all over the world, those who were raped, mistreated and abused in various ways, especially women and children. May your healing and comforting hand be upon them always. You are our hope, comforter, healer and redeemer and you never ignore the cry of your children. We pray for our leaders - from our President right to our local leaders, that you continue to give them wisdom and guidance, so that they continue to be your instruments of peace and justice in the work they do for our nation. We thank you for all that you are doing and what you are going to do. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen And finally from Cornelia Closs "A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset. When you wake up take a second to think about what a privilege it is. Simply be alive and healthy. The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, I assure you it will start to feel like one." Rosetta

Good morning - here is our United Church message from Rev. Dr. Stan Errett. Sunday Worship On-Line Message CALL TO WORSHIP:...Continue reading

Good morning from Balderson United Church and St. Andrews United Church, Lanark - lets stay connected over this time of self distancing "A positive thinker does not refuse to recognize the negative; he refuses to dwell on it. Positive thinking is a form of thought which habitually looks for the best results from the worst conditions. Norman Vincent Peale - sent in by Marjorie Montgomery Just incase you find yourself with nothing to do this summer here are some books that ma...Continue reading