April 5, 2020

WELCOME

Windermere United Church (1912-) 356 Windermere Avenue, T.O. M6S 3L3

Ministers: All of Us Minister, Rev. Alexa Gilmour, minister@windermerechurch.ca

Parish Nurse, Anne Marie Mohler, parishnurse@windermerechurch.ca Minister of Music, Adrian Marchuk, adrianmarchuk@gmail.com

Children & Youth Ministry, Kaitlyn Ostrander, children@windermerechurch.ca

Interim Office Administrator, Maggie Knaus, windermerechurch@bellnet.ca

Monday to Friday 9am-3:30pm 416-769-5611

Follow us on Facebook: @WindermereUC Twitter: @wind_uc Instagram: @WindermereUnitedChurch

www.windermerechurch.ca www.OpenToSpirit.org This building is equipped with an AED and First Aid Kit,

both are available in skylight room.

Open to Spirit, Open to You! April 5, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

Palm/Passion Sunday

We welcome you to our Sunday Worship. Please have some form of bread and wine (juice) and palm branch for waving (a ribbon or tea

towel is a good substitute), prior to the service starting. Following the service, everyone is invited for an informal time of conversation

through our Zoom breakout rooms.

We Gather at the Gates of Jerusalem

Sung Introit: Siyahamba VU 646

Siyahamb’ ekukha nyen’ kwenkhos’ Siyahamb’ ekukha nyen’ kwenkhos’

(repeat)

Siyahamba, Siyahamba, oh! Siyahamb’ ekukha nyen’ kwenkhos’

(repeat)

We are marching in the light of God We are marching in the light of God

(repeat)

We are marching, we are marching, oh! We are marching in the light of God

(repeat)

Lighting of the Christ Candle Matthew 21:1-9

Call to Worship:

One: Give thanks! God’s love is constant and devoted to us.

All: Let us say over and over: God’s hope is unfailing in caring for us, through health care workers and researchers, through teachers offering online lessons, and therapists available around the clock.

One: Give thanks, O give thanks! Justice is the gate God opens to all.

All: Let us say over and over: God hears the cries of those who are forgotten: those who sleep rough in emptied streets, those who are most vulnerable around us, those who have no family to care for them.

One: Give thanks, O give thanks, people of God! God comes to bring us new life.

All: Let us say this over and over: God takes the stone tossed aside by us to build the foundation of salvation, a foundation made out of grace’s gravel, the sand of hope shaken out of Jesus’ shoes, and mixed with the waters of life.

Opening Hymn: God of The Bible MV 28

God of the Bible, God in the Gospel

Hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come You are our centre, daylight or darkness

Freedom or prison, you are our home

Chorus Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise God always faithful, you do not change

Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise God always faithful, you do not change

God in our struggles, God in our hunger

Suffering with us, taking our part Still you empower us, mothering Spirit

Feeding, sustaining from your own heart

Chorus

Those without status, those who are nothing You have made royal, gifted with rights Chosen as partners, midwives of justice

Birthing new systems, lighting new lights

Chorus

Not by your finger, not by your anger Will our world order change in a day

But by your people, fearless and faithful Small paper lanterns, lighting the way

Chorus

Hope we must carry, shining and certain Through all our turmoil, terror and loss

Bonding us gladly one to another ‘Till our world changes facing the Cross

Chorus

Words of Welcome and Announcements Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory

Gathering Prayer (Unison) : One: Let us pray, All: God of Joy and Arrival,

Enter our lives as Christ entered Jerusalem. May we celebrate your coming. May we cry out with the stones so the world might hear your glad arrival. Yet do not leave us in the events to come. This joyous crowd which greets you will turn and flee. From a crowd of hosannas, we turn into a silent, denying crowd at the Cross. Do not leave us in the events to come! Even though we may leave you, do not leave us, O Christ! Take us in, feed us, bless us, forgive us, so we can return to you changed by what we have experienced this day and this week. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen

*Hymn: Long Ago And Far Away MV 195

Long ago and far away

Jesus lived and worked and prayed Healed the sick and the fearful and lonely

Lived his life to show us the way

Chorus

Stretched his arms out as he said “Fill the cup and share the bread

Remember me in love and joy and blessing”

Jesus gathered the children around him Spoke of love and the joy to be found

Told them stories of wisdom and wonder God’s creation in all that’s around

Chorus

Jesus called all his friends to be with him Share the bread and the cup once again

Life to you, I will offer it gladly Love will be with you right to the end

Chorus

Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 12:41-44

Making Sacred Gifts of Our Lives The Offering is Given A Gift of Music Is Shared

We Join Jesus for Supper With Friends

Matthew 26:17-31

Hymn: Tree of Life VU 121vs

Tree of life and awesome mystery

In your death we are reborn Though you die in all of history Still you rise with every morn Still you rise with every morn

Seed that dies to rise in glory May we see ourselves in you If we learn to live your story

We may die to rise anew We may die to rise anew

Christ, you lead and we shall follow Stumbling though our steps may be,

One with you in joy and sorrow, We the river, you the sea, We the river, you the sea.

God of all our fear and sorrow,

God who lives beyond our death; Hold us close through each tomorrow,

Love as near as every breath, Love as near as every breath.

Sermon “That the Plague Might Pass Over”

Communion

Everyone is welcome at Christ’s table for communion. If you are able, have a piece of food and drink ready.

*Communion Hymn: One Bread, One Body VU 467

Chorus

One bread, one body One Lord of all

One cup of blessing which we bless And we, though many Throughout the earth

We are one body in this one Lord

Gentile or Jew Servant or free

Woman or man no more!

Chorus

Many the gifts

Many the works One in the Lord of all

Chorus

Grain for the fields

Scattered and grown Gather to one for all

Chorus

No matter your pain No matter your grief

You are beloved by God

Chorus

No one denied No one shut out

Here is your family!

Chorus

All are embraced All are redeemed

Here in the love of Christ!

Chorus Invitation

Prayer of Consecration

One: We are one bread, one body, one cup of blessing. Though we are many throughout the earth and this church community is scattered, In your many kitchens, and living rooms, rest your hands lightly upon these elements which we set aside today to be a sacrament. Let us ask God’s blessing upon them.

All: Gentle Redeemer, there is no lockdown on your blessing and no quarantine on grace. Send your Spirit of life and love, power and blessing upon every table where your child shelters in place, that this Bread may be broken and gathered in love and this Cup poured out to give hope to all. Risen Christ, live in us, that we may live in you. Breathe in us, that we may breathe in you.

Words of Remembering

Sharing of the Elements

One:

All:

Let us in our many places receive the gift of God, the Bread of Heaven. We are one in Christ in the bread we share.

One: All:

Let us in our many places receive the gift of God, the Cup of Blessing. We are one in Christ in the cup we share.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

One:

Let us pray in thanksgiving for this meal of grace, rejoicing that, by the very method of our worship, we have embodied the truth that Christ’s love is not limited by buildings made with human hands, nor contained in human ceremonies, but blows as free as the Spirit in all places.

All: Spirit of Christ, you have blessed our tables and our lives. May the eating of this Bread give us courage to speak faith and act love, not only in church sanctuaries, but in your precious world, and may the drinking of this Cup renew our hope even in the midst of pandemic. Wrap your hopeful presence around all whose bodies, spirits and hearts need healing, and let us become your compassion and safe refuge. Amen

Closing Hymn: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness VU 375

Chorus

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness

Blow through the wilderness Calling and free

Spirit, Spirit of restlessness Stir me from placidness Wind, wind on the sea

You moved on the waters, you called to the deep

Then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep And over the eons you called to each thing

“Wake from your slumbers And rise on your wings”

Chorus

You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand

And you goaded your people with a law and a land And when they were blinded with their idols and lies

Then you spoke through your prophets To open their eyes

Chorus

You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill Then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still

And down in the city you called once again When you blew through your people

On the rush of the wind

Chorus

You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes From the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams

Our women see visions, our men clear their eyes With bold new decisions

Your people arise

Chorus

Sending:

One: Now we will set aside our palm branches, All: to go and serve at God’s side

in a broken and fearful world. One: Now we will pick up our cloaks All: and follow Jesus wherever he leads,

to learn from those the world ignores, to be touched by the grace within them.

One: Now we will sing songs of wonder, as we work alongside the Spirit, sustaining the weary with peace and hope.

Sung Benediction: David Kai

Our God goes with us wherever we may go

Our God goes with us, makes each new place our home Our God goes with us, we live by faith, not fear

Thanks be to God, ever ‘fore us, ever near (repeat)

*****************

All lyrics and music reprinted with permission from One License (Annual License, A-721640)

Lenten Liturgy and “Now” © 2020 Thom M. Shuman

UPCOMING SERVICES

This week we journey together through the last week of Jesus’ life:

Thursday at 7:00 pm for Maundy service

Friday at 10:30 am for Good Friday

Sunday Easter Sunrise at 7:00 am

Sunday Easter Service at 10:30 am

Log in for all services: https://zoom.us/j/696364652

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dear friends,

In the midst of these challenging times, with all manner of upheaval unfolding in our personal and communal lives, signs of new life are

blossoming in our church community. Congregants and neighbours alike are hearing our call to support the most vulnerable among us, and are already responding with an abundance of compassion. Thank you to all

who are so generously contributing their care, time and funds to this extraordinary work.

Your Church Council is working hard to ensure that our church keeps pace with the growing needs in our neighbourhood, and faithfully stewards the

resources in our care. With the capable help of our Parish Nurse, we closely monitor the ever-changing government directives and relief

efforts, as well as recommendations from the United Church Canada, and adjust our practices accordingly. We seek out, consider and act on the

advice of others within our church leadership team and Regional Council.

Sometimes, we are called upon to make difficult decisions. With the building closed, and as an interim cost reduction measure, we have put a

temporary pause on the work of our preschool Sunday school teacher, our cleaners, and our handyman. We are grateful for the continued

support of our major tenants, but recognize that our smaller tenants may need flexibility in their rental agreements during these difficult times. The building remains closed, though we have been able to arrange access for

live-streaming worship services and will expand exceptions to building access in line with any new directives that emerge.

Council will continue to do everything we can to enable and enliven the essential work of the Spirit in our community. Please feel welcome to

reach out with your questions, suggestions, or concerns. With gratitude for your ongoing support,

Carolyn Spavor Chair of Council

Hope, Gratitude and Solidarity: A Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.councilofchurches.ca/news/hope-gratitude-and-

solidarity/

Emails, Newsletters and Bulletins, Oh My!

With so much information coming our way, it is hard to keep track. This is the last Sunday we will be sending you the service bulletin via

email. After today, we will switch it to be included in our weekly newsletter. To subscribe to our newsletter, please click here. We will be

moving all of our communication to MailChimp which is how you receive this newsletter. If you stop receiving emails, let us know or

check your spam. And please do not hesitate to contact Maggie with any frustrations or concerns at windermerechurch@bellnet.ca

Neighbours Helping Neighbours

We are working on an initiative that has been created by the team here at Windermere

United Church. We are called by Christ to prioritize the vulnerable and those in

need, and we would love for you to be a part of it or share it with someone in need.

Below is a new form. As we begin to get parameters for social

distancing, how we can help will evolve too. We are trying to organize neighbours street by street into neighbourhood pods.

What is a Neighbourhood Pod, you ask?

Neighbourhood Pods are hyperlocal text message groups or phone trees that start with the people you know in order to find those on your street or in your building that need support. They are grassroots groups

supporting one another through the sharing of information and resources in ways that align with public health directives.

Why Neighbourhood Pods?

We need to quickly find those who are struggling at this time. Our google forms and posters are not reaching them as well as we hoped. Since door-knocking and flyering is not advised by Public Health at this time, we need people to use their existing networks to ensure our more isolated and vulnerable community members aren’t abandoned during these difficult times. Please click on the image to access the form. Please click here to contribute to our CanadaHelps campaign, The Neighbourhood Fund.

Let's have a little fun making kindness go viral!

While many of us are safe in our homes, others are out there on the

front line. From healthcare workers to grocery store clerks to trash

collectors, many people are not able to stay home. With all this time on

our hands, we decided we could create a big thank you to all those that

are taking care of all of us. You can help! Send us a photo of

yourself/yourselves holding a sign of support to all those on the front

line. You can decide what your sign will say but make sure that the

message and your face(s) are visible. And if you are not able to take a

picture, Maggie will come by your house/apartment and snap a shot

from your front lawn or below your balcony. We’ll put it into a montage

to be shared with the whole congregation. Let’s not forget one another

while we’re apart.

Please send photos or contact Maggie

at windermerechurch@bellnet.ca by Wednesday, April 8th.

FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE

Remember, wash your hands, stay home (especially seniors and those medically compromised), practice physical distancing and take care of

each other.

COVID-19 Stronger Measures Issued Given the rising incidence of community transmission, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has asked local medical officers of health to use their powers to enforce isolation of cases and contacts of COVID-

19.

As such, the City has now issued stronger measures:

• All individuals with COVID-19 and those who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are ordered to stay

home for 14 days. • Mayor Tory has indicated that fines could be issued where there is

non-compliance and additional orders could be issued by the Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health.

• City bylaw enforcement officers and the Toronto Police Service will work together to enforce orders.

As well, given the infection rate, the province is looking at a substantial tightening of the rules around “essential” workplaces and in particular

related to construction.

Dear friends, You, your family and your friends may find these Mindfulness Practices

useful. The research findings indicate that these are effective in reducing stress and promoting resilience.

Mindfulness Practice #1 - Grounding

Exercise https://youtu.be/kLdPRq1vX4Q This a grounding exercise that help us to connect to the present time

and with letting go of thoughts.

Mindfulness Practice #2 - Clouds in the Sky https://youtu.be/JyFqi6e9ZgY

This definition helps us to develop skills in observing our thoughts and emotions (worries, anxiety, fear) and recognize them as what they are — thoughts, feelings and emotion, nothing more, nothing less. This is

very helpful in reducing worries and anxiety.

Mindfulness Practice #3 - Loving-Kindness https://youtu.be/xGn_8TsZvn4

The practice of loving-kindness during our current crisis situation may promote our psychological resilience.

There will be a day when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. As Parish Nurse I extend to you my heartfelt support as you experience your

personal and professional journeys during this time. I am sending you a collective positive brain vibe to support you to come to terms with an

emergent world that has already changed. Be strong as you travel through and manage stress and grief. We are all learning new ways to

move, build, learn, connect, and provide care and support. We will grow further and flourish as a result.

KIDS CORNER

Sunday School will be now offered online! Families have the option to either use one device and split between two services: youth and adults

or use one device and choose which service they would like to participate in as a family. Those who want to join the youth service will have the option to do so after the Young at Heart time. Once you are in

the meeting room, please just raise your hand and we will move you into the youth service for a time of learning, actives, and stories. Please

let Kaitlyn know if you have any questions children@windermerechurch.ca.

Sunday School is starting a new segment looking at the word sensitivity. We are looking at the different ways that we can be sensitive of

peoples, beliefs, feelings, thoughts etc. We will be focusing on how God has made us all different and through God we are connected. We will explore this topic through music, crafts, games and experiments.

Families that are looking for activities to continue their child’s Christian education at home can contact Kaitlyn

at children@windermerechurch.ca.

From July 6th – 10th Windermere United Church will be hosting an all-day camp run by the GO Project. The theme of the camp is called “The GO Project Children’s Adventure Camps”. Registration will be open to

church and community children from grade 2 to finishing grade 7 inclusive. Financial accessibility for all families is our goal, so we want

to offer funding to families unable to pay the full per camper fee, $125. If you are interested in sponsoring a camper, please contact

me. Also if you are able and willing to support this exciting summer activity in other ways, volunteer roles will be identified at a later

date. If you have any questions I am available by email at children@windermerechurch.ca

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

We miss seeing all of you in person! Please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to the day when we can all be

together again.