Continuing the Lenten Journey ...

This week has been the March Break for the province of Manitoba. Like many families, ours has taken time at the Royal Winter Fair in Brandon ... aside from enjoying the sights and sounds and flavours of the fair, we have also found ourselves being stopped repeatedly by people who would ask: "are you the minister from Minnedosa?"

This would be followed up with a comment that said essentially: "I'm sorry that you lost your church ..."

Far from being a negative thing, I found it awe inspiring to have people from ALL over Manitoba recognize me, and feel compelled to share their sorrow over our fire ... Even in Winnipeg, I was recognized and asked ...

Today's visit to the fair found me encountering over and over people who have connections to Minnedosa - people I recognized, and people who recognized me ... our conversations involved the sharing of memories and the affirmation that our lost sanctuary was a repository of many, many memories ... Weddings, Baptisms, Sunday Morning worship, choir practises, Funerals ... the list is TRULY legion ... everyone who stepped into our sanctuary over the last 105 years formed memories that today are precious ...

It is a profound privilege to connect with people who share a history and a heritage with the United Church community in Minnedosa ... it is a privilege to be overwhelmed and supported by the words of encouragement and caring that come in the most unlikely of places ... it is a privilege to continue on this journey ...

The picture here today is what the Church building looked like by the afternoon of February 12th ... the picture is NOT blurry - the blur is smoke that continued to rise from the debris ... the black rectangle on the far in the centre of the picture is the entrance way to the Church Centre - before the renovations of 2004 it was the doorway from the kitchen into the Centre - after the renos it lead from the new washrooms into the hall ... to the left is the window that was intact and unbroken when uncovered in our renovations. It was dry walled over in the hopes that it would not be revealed again for 100 or so years ...

Twas not to be ...

From the ashes and the debris we WILL rise again. The community here in Minnedosa, and the vast community around us will ensure that ... It will take time. But it WILL happen. For now, we continue to be awed by care and support of friends and strangers ...

L'chaim,

Looking back ... stepping forward ...

The two pictures here are from the 12th of February ... as our building burned.

I finally got a roll of film developed and was shocked at the photos I took ... the images on the roll had been forgotten in the rush the day of the fire ...

One image is of the church as the fire was consuming the interior, one is the last flames consuming the roof of the 1997 addition, and a third, I'll add tomorrow is of the debris field that was left in the stone foundation that afternoon.

They are hard images to look at ... but they are good images to look at this week as we begin to take a significant step forward on our journey of Resurrection.

On Sunday morning following our worship service, the Board met to approve the formation of our Building committee that will begin the process and the journey that WILL lead us to the development and creation of a new Church Building. The journey will not be short, and it likely won't be easy - but we WILL get there ... and we have some good people to guide us along the way.

It is hard to believe that it has only been 6 weeks since the fire ... in many ways it seems much, much longer, and in other ways it seems much shorter ... such are the vagaries of our journey ...

But, oh what a journey it has been !!

Better Late then never ...

MINNEDOSA UNITED CHURCH
CLERGY: REV. SHAWN ANKENMANN
MINISTER EMERITUS: ELGIN HALL
ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR: ELEANOR TAYLOR
MINISTRY: THE PEOPLE OF GOD GATHERED HERE
March 26th, 2006

GREETINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS MINUTE FOR MISSION

HYMN #166 Joy Comes with the Dawn
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Lent is a time of preparation.
Lent is a time to renew our life.
ALL: A TIME TO FACE ALL THAT HEMS US IN,
A TIME TO FACE ALL THAT HOLDS US BACK.
One: Lent is a time to acknowledge our need for repentance.
Lent is a time to take responsibility for our actions.
ALL: A TIME FOR SELF EXAMINATION
A TIME FOR PRAYER AND FASTING
A TIME FOR CLAIMING GOD’S LIBERATING LOVE. AMEN.

PRAYER OF APPROACH:
One: Loving God, you lead us from the turmoil in our lives
to the dawn of a new day…
ALL: YOUR LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
One: From the dry and dusty desert, to the cold and barren north,
ALL: YOUR LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
One: To the thirsty you come as a refreshing spring,
To the hurting you come as caring compassion,
ALL: YOUR LOVE BRINGS SALVATION AND LIFE
One: To the struggling you bring strength,
To the lost you bring guidance and community.
ALL: YOUR LOVE BRINGS SALVATIONS AND LIFE,
YOUR LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. AMEN.

HYMN #333 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Numbers 21:4-9
Introduction to Numbers Reading:
This is a reading that has an inherent tension. The text tells us that God sent the fiery, or venomous serpents, and instead of simply getting rid of them, God commands Moses to make a Bronze serpent for the Israelites to gaze at …
This is the same God who in the 10 Commandments told Moses and the people to hold no other god before Him. Yet, here God is commanding Moses to MAKE and use and idol … Problem??
Why would God send the serpents?? Why would God not merely cause them to disappear?? Why did God require the showmanship of the bronze serpent??
The other interesting part of this text is the comment at the end that doesn’t say the people were suddenly cured of their ailment when they gazed at the serpent. But it says that those who gazed at the Bronze serpent – LIVED, or survived.
Snake bites a painful. The venom destroys tissue and even those who survive with modern medical intervention suffer grievously … Is our reading telling us that those who look to God will not have the sudden healing we yearn for, but rather they will in time, after some struggle and some pain – find themselves alive …
Is this reading challenging us to look past the quick fix, and instead remember that things of value require work and sometimes involve some pain before we live and survive and claim wholeness???

Psalm 107 (parts 1 & 2 – pg. 831 V.U.)

SPECIAL MUSIC: “Sleep, Little One”
THE STORY STOOL:
HYMN #585 Jesus Bids Us Shine

SERVICE OF BAPTISM:
One: As we come to this font of living water,
let us recall the meaning of baptism.
For just as the body is one and has many members,
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,
so it is with Christ.
For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—
Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—
and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Now you are the body of Christ,
and individually members of it.

PRESENTATION OF THOSE TO BE BAPTIZED:
One: On behalf of the congregation of Minnedosa United Church,
I present the following person
for initiation into the body of Christ through baptism:
Sarah Frances Christa Gaiser

QUESTIONS OF FAITH:
One: Do you believe in God, Source of love;
in Jesus Christ, love incarnate;
and in the Holy Spirit, love’s power.
I do, by the Grace of God.

One: Will you follow in the way of Jesus Christ,
resisting oppression and evil, seeking justice,
and witnessing to God’s love for all creation,
following the way of Jesus Christ?
I will, God being my helper.

One: Will you share your faith with Sarah,
growing with her in faith, hope, and love?
I will, God being my helper.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMITMENT:
One: We have heard the will of this family,
We receive Sarah in Christ’s name,
as we ourselves have been received.
We all belong to the one household of faith in Jesus Christ.
Will you support Sarah
with constant love, wholesome example,
Christian teaching, and faithful prayer?
ALL: WE WILL, GOD BEING OUR HELPER.

ACT OF BAPTISM:
One: God be with you.
ALL: AND ALSO WITH YOU.
One: Lift up your hearts.
WE LIFT THEM TO GOD.
One: Let us give our thanks to God.
ALL: IT IS GOOD TO GIVE GOD THANKS AND PRAISE.
One: Gracious and Holy God,
we bless you for the gift of life,
and, within it, the gift of water.
Over its unshaped promise your Spirit hovered at creation.
By water, comes the growth of the earth.
Through water, you led the children of Israel to freedom.
In the waters of the Jordan your Child Jesus was baptized.
Now may your Spirit be upon us and what we do,
that this water may be a sign for all of new life in Christ,
in whose name we pray.
ALL: AMEN.
One: Sarah,
I baptize you,
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL: AMEN.
One: Child of God,
blessed in the Spirit,
Welcome to the family of Christ.
We sign you with the cross,
the sign of Christ.
Walk in the faith of Christ.
Shine with the light of Christ.
ALL: AMEN.
One: May the blessing of God, Source of Love,
Jesus Christ, Love incarnate,
and the Holy Spirit, Love’s power,
be with you today and always.
ALL: AMEN.

PRESENTATION OF CANDLE AND CERTIFICATE:
One: Sarah, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good works,
and give glory to God.
ALL: AMEN.

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY:
One: Into the household of faith,
we welcome you with joy and thanksgiving.
ALL: WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.
WE ARE INHERITORS OF GOD’S PROMISE.
IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, WE WELCOME YOU.
One: May God bless you with wisdom and love,
May this child find in you,
Your home and family,
Christ’s love and understanding
ALL: AMEN

HYMN #444 Child of Blessing, Child of Promise
SCRIPTURE READING: John 3:14-21

CHOIR ANTHEM: “All I Have”
SERMON: “Our Fear…..God’s Reality!”
Today is a special day – every baptism is special, but today’s is special because on the morning of February 12th we were to celebrate Sarah’s Baptism in the sanctuary of our Church … a baptism that couldn’t happen because of the thoughtless, callous and vicious actions of three people who robbed us and our community of something special …
But for Sarah and her family, they had gathered family, they had planned and waited, and they were ready to celebrate the truth that she, like every child is a beloved and cherished child of God … but then we awoke to the loss of our building (the church is intact – it’s just our building that is gone).
This week there were two news stories that over and over challenged us (us – on a countrywide scale) to think about what is important and what we hold before us much like the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for inspiration and courage when their camp was overrun with venemous serpents …

The first story was the unfolding of the sinking of the Queen of the North on BC’s Central Coast … though I’ve never been on the Queen, many of our family have been – Mag’s sister in Terrace uses it regularly to travel to Port Hardy … What struck me in the story was the courageous actions of the folks from Hartley Bay a small First Nations village south of Prince Rupert and north of Bella Coola. Hartley Bay has a resident population of about 200 people – all of their supplies come in by float plane, barge and fishing boat. The costs of food and supplies and fuel are very, very high …
So on Wednesday morning, when the SOS call came out and the fisher folk rushed down to their boats and headed out into the teeth of a gale, they were risking their lives. The Central Coast, as the best of times is a dangerous place – in the winter time – people die. I’ve presided at memorials for people who have perished on the waters of the Inside Passage. Every community on the coast knows the risk – but in that moment when the call came – that risk was trumped by the selfless action that comes when one is in distress, not too mention 101 people in distress.
One of the news outlets called the actions of the Hartley Bay people “reckless heroics”. There is nothing reckless about what they did. It IS heroic. Hartley Bay is a strong United Church community. They have proudly maintained a Church that is peopled and staffed by residents of the community. I was in BC in the late 1990’s when Ernie Hill, was at the age of 80, ordained to a ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care when the powers that be in the Chruch recognized what for 60 years, everyone else on the coast and in every native community already knew – that he WAS a Minister. Now, the care and nurture of the Church in Hartley Bay rests with his son Clare, who next weekend when the Presbytery gathers in Hartley Bay is holding a traditional Tshimshian Naming ceremony, and recognzing his lay ministry to his people. (The last time I saw Clare, we skipped out of the Conference Meeting in Qualicum and went golfing …)
It was the faith and care of a community that lives on the sea, that came through this week. The people of Hartley Bay did what they had to do – they rushed out into the dark of night because they knew somewhere out there a ship was sinking and people were in peril … Like the words of our Psalm, they trusted in God and went …
And thank God they did – otherwise this could have, and would have been a lot worse …
But the sacrifice of Hartley Bay didn’t end there. They opened their community and their homes and their food supplies to the survivors. In finests coastal fashion, the tables at the Community centre were groaning under the sandwiches and coffee and food they put out to feed their guests. Communities of Hartley Bay are not awash in surplus cash, and the costs of food are very very high – yet they didn’t count the cost – they lived the generousity that lies within … they gave freely …
So, what is important … what is our lesson that we should and could draw from this?
I found a quote from the Vancouver Sun by a ten year old boy talking to his mother after the sinking. She told a reporter: "He's going, 'Mom, it's all gone, the boat's gone, my Nintendo's gone, the Game Boy's gone, Timber [Josh's teddy bear] is gone, all my clothes are gone.' And we just kept telling him it's OK, you're here, nothing else matters. We can replace everything else."

He and 98 others were safe – nothing else matters. We can replace the stuff – but we can’t replace the gift of life … The coast of BC WILL struggle to replace the ferry, but at the end of the day, with the tragic exception of the two missing passengers, only stuff was lost – a boat, some cars and trucks and some stuff … All of it is replacable.
Then on Thursday, the news of the Christian Peacemaker hostages being freed in Bagdad pushed the Queen of the North to the back of the media stage … Yet, even in this story, we have a lesson in what’s important.
The two Canadians boldly went into the teeth of a storm in the name of Peace and Shalom. They knew the risk. Their families knew the risk. They all knew that something could happen. But it was more important that they put their lives on the line in service and defense of others, then NOT risking themselves in the name of PEACE.
So, four long months ago, the four men were snatched and held captive, and we waited …
On Thursday, the stuff of life – the fancy cars, the computers and electronics, the holidays in warm places – all the stuff became secondary to the families of the three surviving Peace Makers … it was the person that became vital. The stuff paled in comparison. Yet, across the media the families still talked about WHY it was important for James, Hameet, Ronald and Tom to do what they did – knowing the risks …
Both stories challenge our world view that sees 15 BILLION dollars spent on advertising aimed at the under 6 crowd. It is not the stuff of life that is important it’s the people.
In both cases, for the Peacemakers and for the people of Hartley Bay it was not that they failed to count the costs of their action. Rather, they counted the cost and realized what is really important – it’s the PEOPLE, it’s the relationships, it’s the living out of LOVE that is foremost. The cost was counted and the values of our society were found wanting …
So, into the teeth of a storm they plunged – figuratively and literally … the intent and goal in both cases was to offer the care and compassion and LOVE that goes with faith.
For God so loved the world that he sent his son … and in that moment of Incarnation, we have the model we are called to follow. The Christ event – the core of our faith is like the Bronze serpent held before the Israelites in their distress. The question we have to ask ourselves not just today, but everyday is simply this: “What’s important in our lives?” What do we look to for support and strength and inspiration when our lives get turned upside down??
Will our ipods and computers offer that?
Will our cars and trucks and rvs??
Will the stuff of life offer us support and strength and inspiration in times of distress and turmoil?
We of course know the answer … it is our faith … our relationship with God … our family … our friends … our our faith lived out through the relationships with others that will offer us support and strength and inspiration when everything is in upheavel …
That’s the essence of our readings today – God is with us – always, no exceptions. The challenge is to hold to that when in the dark of night the storms hits us and our lives get turned around …
They’re easy words to say – they’re easy words to think. They’re a bit harder to live. But today, guided by the waters of Baptism, and the promises we’ve shared over the font, we are reminded that we are all cherished and beloved children of God and when all is said and done – that’s all we have and all we need. The stuff of life doesn’t matter – life does, and life is lived in relationship …
When we welcome Sarah to the family of God in this place, we are also reaffirming our relationships with one another. When we gather at the font, we are saying BOLDLY and COURAGEOUSLY that our faith won’t let the loss of our building to fire, be the end of our story as a Church. In our distress we have lift our eyes and like the Israelites, we gaze at the bronze serpent and endure and survive.
We know that life won’t suddenly get easy because of our faith – but our faith will help us face whatever comes at us, and it will inspire us to rise to the occasion and like the Peacemakers and the people of Hartley Bay live out our faith by valuing what’s really important: the lives of one another.
May we have the courage to live out our faith today, tomorrow and always, even in the teeth of a winter storm … may we have the courage to hold to our faith no matter what …
May it be so … thanks be to God …
Let us pray …

OFFERING:
OFFERTORY:
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
HYMN: #236 Now, Thank We all our God
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER
COMMISSIONING/BENEDICTION:
HYMN: #649 Walk with Me
SUNG RESPONSE: HYMN #884 You Shall Go Out with Joy

The worship has ended…
…the work of God’s people has just begun
Go in peace

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANKS TO THE AOTS MEN’S CLUB for their Pancake Supper on Friday evening.

No lunch after worship today……..
REMINDER OF TONIGHT’S SPRING SMORG starting at 4:30 at the MCCC (food and supplies can be dropped off at the west door – the door by the arena. Mnay thanks in advance to all those who have corrdinated, organized and prepared the supper.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES will be held at Minnedosa bowl on Saturdays at 12:30 – come out and join the fun and learn more about being a member of the United Church. For more info talk to Shawn.

Reminder of a SPECIAL BOARD MEETING following worship TODAY…

BIBLE STUDY – Fridays at 10 am in the Meeting Room of the Library.

CHOIR PRACTICE – Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Covenant Church. New members always welcome.

THE MINNEDOSA GRAIN GROWING PROJECT is hosting a fundraising banquet and auction on Sunday April 2nd at 5pm (2 Farmers Feed Cities Tees will be up for auction … one signed by Tom Jackson, and one signed by the Holiday train participants). Proceeds in support of the work and ministry of the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

HOLY WEEK: Easter Services:
Maundy Thursday – April 13th – 7:30 p.m. @ Minnedosa Funeral Services (by the arena). Service of Communion
Good Friday – April 14th – We will be joining the Community Good Friday Service at MCCC
Easter Sunday – April 16th – 9 a.m. service at Tanner’s Crossing School Pit
- Brunch provided by AOTS Mens Club
- 11 a.m. service – Tanner’s Crossing School Pit
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LOCAL KATIMAVIK PARTICIPANTS AND THE MCI CHANCELLORS for the basketball “game” on Wednesday night. A good time was had by all, and 621 dollars was raised for our rebuilding efforts.

Anyone requiring or willing to offer a ride to Church on Sundays, please call the office. 867-2674

The Fiftieth Post - A celebration of living the resurrection ...

Our household has continued to follow the story of the sinking of the Queen of the North, and the rescue of 99 folks by the good people of Hartley Bay, with avid interest. It's not so much that we have a perverse interest in the story, its more that we know some of the participants. Having spent four years in Bella Coola I got to know some of the fine folks in Hartley Bay, and so as the news was unfolding on Wednesday morning, I followed it and recognized names floating up from the tiny First Nations Village.

But more then that, I was delighted to hear that National Church leadership contacted the community of Hartley Bay to convey the best wishes of the Greater Church in the wake of their heroic rescues. This became more important following the reporting of "reckless heroics" on the part of the Hartley Bay residents. Heroic - definitely. Reckless - not a chance. The people on the Coast know the risk, but they also know people WILL perish if you don't act fast and respond when a distress call goes out. That fateful night, they rushed out to do what they could, then they opened their homes and their hearts to the survivors ... Our thoughts and prayers for the families of the two still missing ...

Reflecting back on what we've been through, I realize that it is in moments like these (fires, ship sinkings, tragedies) that you see what people are made of. The cowards run, the egoists fold, and the people of faith - well, the people of faith step up and do what needs to be done, even if they don't realize their doing it ...
In Minnedosa we're surrounded by dozens upon dozens of people who have rolled up their sleeves and begun to do what needs to be done ... The fundraising suppers, the Teas, the Basketball tournament, and tonight the AOTS Mens' Club Pancake supper ... over and over since the fire, we've witnessed the actions of people just doing what they can.

That's the nature of faith - you're so busy working away at the addressing the problem you've encountered, that you don't even realize the impact you're having ...

Years later, looking back you can say - "my what a long way we've travelled ..." But when you're on the road, you sometimes can see only as far as the next hill, or the next valley ... the road seems long, but then faith enters in ... and instead of yearning for the next hill you start to enjoy the journey, one wondrous step at a time ...

In the last few weeks, this Blog has shared those steps, and looking back I can't help but think - "my what a long way we've travelled..." The road ahead is long, but what is important is savouring every step of the way ... It's kind of like the Pancake supper tonight ... One flip of the griddle at a time, you feed multitudes ... and before you know it, everyone is leaning back from the table feeling very satisfied, and having a good visit over coffee ...

Isn't that the point - it's not about me, or you - it's about what we do together as we build a healthy relationship ... and celebrate that we are (together) the family of God !!

L'chaim

Living the WOW in a small town ... spring begins ...

The day was simply glorious: sunny, mild, puddles everywhere from melting snow ... and a real feeling of spring in the air ... It was a great day!!

I spent my second (much needed, and even more appreciated) day off in a row, walking around town ... coffee at Chipperfields', a visit with the Library staff and lunch with Rotary ... it was a good day. But what struck me, was the number of times I got stopped on the street and asked: "so, you guys (the church) ready to rebuild yet??"

When I would answer - "not yet, we have a few hoops to jump ..." the next question would be: "You ARE rebuilding on the same site?? Aren't you??"

The affirmative put people at ease, and they would comment on what the building meant to them, or offer to help, or speak a word of encouragement ... It was awe inspiring. It is the joy of a small town. As spring breaks across the prairies, and the weather warms, we lay aside our winter attitudes and winter clothes and a warmth and friendliness settles in ... It's been a good day to live in a small prairie town ...

I'm mindful that it was six years ago this week that I had my interview with the Search Committee here ... we spoke over the phone and the next day they called back and asked if I could arrange to come out from BC for a face to face??

Early the next week I flew from Vancouver to Winnipeg and drove out from the airport to Minnedosa to have a face to face interview ... I can still vividly remember stepping into the sanctury on a late spring morning. It was simply incredible ... I can still close my eyes and picture in my mind what the sanctuary looked like that day ... In the six years since I've been awestruck by the sanctuary every time I stepped into it ... That's my loss - I miss the sanctuary space of our old church ...

Today over coffee with my friend and colleague Boyd Drake (from Rapid City) I named for the first time how much I miss that space, and how disconnected I feel without it ... The Sanctuary at St Alphonsus' is nice, but it's not the place I fell in love with when I walked through the doors that fateful March afternoon ...

Today as I walked through a sunny day, I thought of that wonderful sunny afternoon when I stepped through the doors of the sanctuary and said simply - "wow !!" In time, I want whatever we build to have that same effect on me ... otherwise, i may not feel like home ... One day I want to walk through the doors of our NEW sanctuary and be able to say simply: "wow !!" Then I'll feel connected and centred again ...

... until then ...

L'chaim

Katimavik ... a new meaning to Meeting Place.

Tonight the participants of the local Katimavik group (who are coming up on the end of thier time in our community) challenged the basketball teams from MCI to a game ... The proceeds from the game and the concession were being donated to our rebuilding project.

A good time was had by all ... the Katimavik gang played a good game, had fun and even made more then just a couple awesome plays. A couple of sweet three pointers rounded off the score nicel. The MCI Chancellors put up a good fight, but the score board says they lost by 8 points (and we ALL know that score boards don't lie, and scores aren't swapped by caring time keepers !!!)

It was all good. It was all in fun. And it was a wonderful gathering of the generations ... from 2 to 92, people of all ages were in the gym to watch the game and join in the cheering.

At the end of the night the Student Council of MCI and the Katimavik crew had raised 621 dollars that will be added to our growing donation list for the rebuilding.

The score wasn't as important as the gesture - Katimavik means "meeting place" in Inuit - tonight the youth and the Katimavik participants gave us a whole new meaning of "meeting place." Thanks to Karen and all the participants of Katimavik, and the students of MCI and TCS who came out and helped make the evening possible ...

L'chaim

Back in the papers ...

Continued references in our local paper notwithstanding, we again made the newspaper today in Winnipeg, when the Sun carried an article by Chris Kitchings and highlighted this blog:

Blogging powerful healing force, by Chris Kitchings
Winnipeg Sun March 20th 2006

Experts tell us that talking about a traumatic experience with others will help us cope and work through it.
If so, advances in technology have made weblogs, or blogs, the next best avenue to express emotions, some say.
Minnedosa United Church Rev. Shawn Ankenmann's three blogs have worked as coping methods for him and his parishioners following a fire that levelled their chapel in February.
"The blog has been the place where I've been able to reflect on gestures of kindness and caring," Ankenmann said of the near-daily updates on his online journal. "Since the fire, it has been an amazing means of connecting people."
He said the blogs keep people informed with first-hand details and have allowed him to address community issues such as anger and resentment.
He's posted pictures of the post-fire destruction and donates images of the church when it was still standing.
Visits to the church's blog have nearly tripled since the fire, Ankenmann said.
Like many bloggers, he uses his personal space for "venting, primarily." ...

Thanks Chris. The whole article is found at:
http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Manitoba/2006/03/20/1496296-sun.html

L'chaim

Naming the challenges ahead ...

Order of Service for March 19th 2006
==================================
Greetings Announcements Minute for Mission

CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: From Jericho to Justice,
From Bethlehem to Basswood.
ALL: COME LORD JESUS, COME.
One: From Jerusalem to Gladstone,
From Nazareth to Newdale.
ALL: COME LORD JESUS, COME.
One: From Caeserea to Cadurcis,
From Bethany to Bethany …
ALL: COME LORD JESUS, COME.
One: to heal the sick
To mend the broken hearted,
To comfort the disturbed,
To disturb the comfortable …
ALL: COME LORD JESUS COME.
One: to cleanse the temple,
To liberate faith from complacency,
To carry the cross
To lead the way …
ALL: COME LORD JESUS COME.
One: Today,
To this place,
To us.
ALL: COME LORD JESUS COME.

HYMN: 642 Be Thou My Vision

PRAYER OF APPROACH:
One: Lord Jesus, you called your disciples
to go forward with you on the way to your cross …
ALL: SINCE YOU FIRST WALKED THAT ROAD,
COUNTLESS MILLIONS HAVE FOLLOWED YOU …
One: Lord Jesus, in this world where goodness and evil,
Continue to clash with each other, and within us,
ALL: INSTILL IN US AND IN ALL YOUR PEOPLE,
DISCERNMENT TO SEE WHAT IS RIGHT
FAITH TO BELIEVE WHAT IS RIGHT
AND COURAGE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
One: Preserve us O Holy One, body, mind and soul,
In all that we do, save us from false familiarity with your journey.
ALL: MAY WE NEVER PRESUME TO WALK IN YOUR SHOES,
BUT TO WALK IN LOVE AND WONDER FOLLOWING YOU. AMEN

PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS:
One: Before you Jesus the Christ,
We admit how and where
We have underestimated our influence
Letting our words or silences hurt and maim,
Abusing trust, betraying confidences, wounding our friends,
Lord have mercy
ALL: CHRIST HAVE MERCY.

One: We admit O Holy One, how and where
We have made a show of our religion,
Attracting more attention to ourselves
And less to you …
Lord have mercy,
ALL: CHRIST HAVE MERCY.

One: We admit O Holy One, to where in our lives
A vague interest
Has become a dangerous passion
And we are not sure what to do
Or whether we are still in control…
Lord have mercy,
ALL: CHRIST HAVE MERCY.

One: Lord Jesus, if we have looked for,
If we have longed for an easier gospel,
A lighter cross,
A smoother journey,
A less demanding saviour,
Then turn our eyes and avert our longing,
From what we want to chose,
To what has been chosen for us …
(pause)
One: Lord have mercy,
ALL: CHRIST HAVE MERCY.
FORGIVE OUR UNFAITHFULNESS
GIVE US NOT THE REMEDY WE DESIRE TOMORROW,
BUT THE GRACE YOU OFFER TODAY.
One: Lord, hear our prayer …
ALL: WE ASK THIS FOR YOUR LOVE’S SAKE. AMEN.

HYMN: 612 There’s a Balm in Gilead

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 19 (page 740 Voices United)
John 2:13-22
HYMN: 649 Walk With Me.

STORY STOOL:

CHOIR ANTHEM:

SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 20:1-18

HYMN: 315 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

SERMON: More then Words … Living the Spirit of the Law …
Mahatma Gandhi said of Christianity, that if the followers of Christ really lived the teachings of Christ, the whole of Indian would have converted to Christianity … Today there are over 800 million Hindus, and a few million Muslims, Bahais and Sikhs in the Indian sub continent – clearly the Indian people never embraced Christianity as their religion … it is, as our Lenten journey continues, worth pondering why that is. Why would the great mind of Gandhi see a disconnect between the teachings of Jesus, and the Church of his followers? It is attributed to Gandhi the comment – “Ah Christianity, there is nothing wrong with it, other then it hasn’t been tried yet …”
Today as we hear the Ten Commandments – the fundamental teachings of respect and morality for the entire Judea-Christian faith family, and hear of Jesus driving the money changers and merchants out of the temple, it is worth wondering if there is a connection between our readings and the words of the Mahatma. Could it be that the same phenomena that lead to Gandhi’s statement was also what lead to Jesus kicking over tables and smacking people with a chunk of rope?
One of the problems is that we don’t like the notion of an angry Jesus … we want Jesus to be calm and kind … we want Jesus to be a laughing smiling guy with children on his knee and small tame animals at his side. We don’t like, and aren’t comfortable with the notion of Jesus throwing baskets up in the air, driving out the cattle and animals and kicking over tables … yet, this is one of those stories that is common to the four Gospel accounts of his life. It is an image we MUST take seriously.
In Biblical scholarship, one of the first lessons I learned in University was – if the story is in all four Gospels, it can be reasonably deduced there is some validity to assuming that the story actually happened.
So if gentle Jesus, meek and mild actually kicked over the tables and drove the merchants and money changers out of the temple what are we to do with that imagery, and his motivation??

Today we confront anger … anger is NOT an alien concept around here lately … It would be too easy to wallow in our anger – but what we need to do is put our anger to use and put it in action … like Jesus did. We need to bring positive action from the anger and outrage we’re feeling – even if it’s a passing anger, we need to harness it … and what better place to look for an example of that process then in the life of Jesus himself?
Jesus was confronting a culture that had become greedy, lazy and complacent even under the crushing heel of the Roman occupation. The ten commandments we’ve just read had been added to 603 other laws, and those 613 Commandments had become the way in which life was organized in ancient Israel. The people had the temple in Jerusalem, and a class of priests and scribes who helped implement, interpret and observe the laws and keep people faithful. Every aspect of life, from what you ate to what you wore to how you planted your fields, was guided by the Torah – the Law.
And central to all of it was the sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem. An elaborate system of sacrifices had been put in place. You offered yearly sacrifices as expressions of thanksgiving, you sacrificed to abolish sin, you sacrificed to dedicate a child. The list was long, and for each sacrifice there were specific requirements. Some demanded a lamb or a kid, others required a bird, and some required a calf or even a basket of fresh produce. All the sacrifices took place in Jerusalem, so the farmer from Galilee would carefully transport his sacrifice on the journey down to the temple. It could take four or five days – and when the farmer and his family arrived, suddenly they would learn that their carefully raised and nurtured lamb wasn’t good enough – it was blemished perhaps damaged from the journey.
But for small cost, they could trade their blemished lamb for a perfect lamb – outside the precinct of the temple, there were row after row of business people willing to trade (at a profit of course) coins, animals or produce … The business itself wasn’t the problem – the problem in the eyes of Jesus came when the farmer from Galilee brought his sacrifice all the way to Jerusalem. He had chosen the best of the best – he took the best his fields, vineyards, flocks or orchards had to bring … yet, when he stepped in the gates of the temple, suddenly it was no longer good enough for God, and so he had to exchange it at a cost for an offering designated acceptable. The extra cost, even if it was a few pennies was a hardship – the people were poor, desperately poor, and having an added cost helped only to distant them further from the experience of God.
The business of God was lost amidst the babble of the market … you couldn’t come before God and present your offering – you had to exchange it at a cost …
Jesus was outraged – he had studied the Torah (the 613 laws) and knew that it wasn’t about adherence to the letter of the laws, it was about honouring and glorifying God. Faith is about what you do with the laws – respecting, God, creation and one another … Jesus was a true prophet who heard the condemnation of Amos and Hosea and the others and saw in his people the same crisis of faith the earlier prophets had condemned. The people were losing their way – they were no longer experiencing the holy.
This challenge continues in the modern church – over and over we are confronted with the question of how we are to live our faith and observe the various rules and regulations? In the modern Church we must constantly pause and consider how we will show our faith in God without becoming hung up on adherence to the strict letter of the law???

For some reason this week I found myself drawn to the writings of Charles Dickens. Throughout his vast library of books, Dickens constantly echoes Jesus’ actions as he addresses the growing gap between the rich and the poor in Victorian England. Dickens stands in the market place and asks if there is any care and compassion left …
Perhaps his most well known story is that of Ebeneezer Scrooge, the business man who turns his life around becomes of some ghostly visits on Christmas Eve.
The visits begin with the arrival of his late business partner Jacob Marley. Early in the story Scrooge, trying to make sense of the ghost before him says – “But you were always a good man of business Jacob …”
“Business,” screams the ghost, “Mankind was my business … The common welfare was my business …charity, mercy, forebearance, and benevolence were my business … The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business …”
Such is the tension in our world – how to be a good man of business while maintaining care and concern for the common good. The story of Scrooge is a universal story – at the end of the book, after the visitors, after Scrooge has realized the error and arrogance of his ways, it is said of him – “He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world … and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well …”
While we tend to encounter the story of Scrooge at Christmas time when on almost any tv station we can find any number of portrayals of Scrooge and his ghosts, it is a story that is worth considering as we read the words of the 10 Commandments and as we’re confronted with an angry, panting Jesus, a whip in his hand driving out the money changers …
How do we live Christmas, not just from the 20th to the 25th of December – but the rest of the year?
How do we live the simple principles of respect that are given to us through the 10 Commandments?
How do we live and experience the Holy? Or do we allow the hub-bub of the market place get in the way?
The image of Jesus in the temple confronting the marketplace is a compelling and inviting image. I’m not suggesting all of us take on the role, but I would be so bold as to suggest that the Church needs MORE people willing to take the risk of confronting things that hurt people and get in the way of experiencing the holy and living our faith …
The phrase what would Jesus do? Is popular today – but when we are confronted with Jesus kicking over tables, we must ask ourselves if the tables and baskets he would target in our world are tables and baskets that belong to ourselves … Have we become the money changers in the temple? Have we allowed the consumer culture to take priority over faith in our lives? Have we put profits over people?
The real threat to our society today is perhaps that simple realization: that the tables that need to be dumped over are within our own lives!!
The plaintive cry of Marley should sound within us … as he rattles his chains and cries out – “mankind was my business …” That was Jesus point – the religious authorities of his day had allowed money to come between them and God … the profits were more important then a heart given offering to God …
Jesus wanted to shake things up … in overturning the tables he did more then tick off the business people – he threatened the whole way in which life was organized around the temple – and he would pay for his actions for his life …
There is no advocating of such suicidal actions – but there is much room for reflection on what it is that distances us from God in our lives … has stuff?? Has Profits and investments? Has our desire for a bargain?
Has the marketplace surplanted the Holy in our lives??
Gandhi thought so …Dickens thought so … Jesus thought so … Perhaps a good way to begin is by living the profound truth of the 10 Commandments, rather then getting hung up on making sure others know what they are … let’s try living our faith teachings for a change …
May it be so, thanks be to God …

OFFERING
OFFERTORY
PRAYER OF APPROACH:

HYMN: 675 Will Your Anchor Hold

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – THE LORD’S PRAYER:

HYMN: 713 I See a New Heaven

COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION:

SUNG REPONSE: You Shall Go Out with Joy. (884 Voices United)

Announcements:

Inventory captains are asked to meet with Wilf Taylor on Monday night at 7pm at the Adult Learning Centre to fill out forms for the Insurance Company …

A special thanks to our sisters and brothers in faith at the Anglican Church who hosted a marvelous potluck supper last Sunday Night at St Mark’s. A good time was had by all, there was too much food, and wonderful fellowship. At the end of the night a total of 1140 dollars was donated by our Anglican family to our rebuilding effort. Thanks.

Thanks to the UCW for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Tea and Bazaar. Even under the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in, you’ve rise to the occasion and provided a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and food.

Wednesday Night at 7pm, come out and watch the Katimavik participants challenge the MCI basketball teams to a game. Tickets at 3 dollars, and proceeds are being donated to our rebuilding efforts. Let’s show our support.

Friday (March 24th), 5-7pm at the Ukrainian Hall, the AOTS are holding a Pancake and Sausage supper Adults $6, children age 6-12 $3.50, and families $15.

Sunday (March 26th) 4:30 to 6:00pm, at the MCCC we will be holding our Spring Supper Smorg. Adults $10, 11 and under $5, 5 and under free … Have you returned your orange form yet ???

Sunday April 2nd at 5pm, the Minnedosa Grain Growing Project is hosting a fundraising banquet and auction (2 Farmers Feed Cities Tees will be up for auction … one signed by Tom Jackson, and one signed by the Holiday train participants). Proceeds in support of the work and ministry of the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Saturdays at 12:30 Confirmation Classes will be held at Minnedosa bowl – come out and join the fun and learn more about being a member of the United Church. For more info talk to Shawn.

There will be NO LUNCH next week following worship – see ya at the Smorg.

Reminder of a Special Board Meeting following worship on April 2nd …

Bible Study – Fridays at 10 am in the Meeting Room of the Library.

Get your surveys in TODAY … your input is needed as we begin moving into the dreaming and planning stages of our rebuilding efforts. Thanks to those who have sent their forms in already.

Bowling and Tea ... being the Church ...

Today I held my first comfirmation class ... It was held at the local bowlng alley ... we needed a venue, and this one promised fun and a place to chat. Unfortunately, only two kids showed up. But nonetheless, we bowled for an hour, then we talked for a little while about what it means to be the Church now that we're homeless.

It was a good conversation ... it will lead to more. Over the next week I want the kids (young adults) to think about their faith and what is important in that faith to them ...

When the class ended, we headed to the Ukrainian Hall where the UCW were holding their St Patrick's Day Tea and Bazaar ... there's something wonderfully ecumenical about the St Patty's Day tea being held in the UKRAINIAN Hall ...

It started with a small crowd, and the ladies were a little worried that maybe we were too far off the beaten path ... but within the hour the place was packed and everyone had a good lunch, good fellowship and a good time. (Thanks Ladies !!) There were folks of all ages and the room hummed with laughter and conversation.

I noted when I opened the tea (this has been one of the highlights for me each year - being asked to open the St Patty's Day Tea is just fun) that this is our first Celebration in a borrowed home ... So, it was vested with the added meaning of being a statement of life in the midst (spring even) in the cold and snow of winter. We may have a couple of St Patty's Day teas away from home, but one glorious day we will hold our first St Patty's Day Tea and Bazaar in our new home ... I can't wait to have the rolled sandwiches and dainties that day !!

I said many days ago that the fire didn't affect the institution of the Church, but that it affected the ladies who for 105 years have been pouring tea and passing sandwiches - well, today those ladies proved that they are stronger and better then those who tried to rob us of Sanctuary. They tried, but they haven't hurt the Church - they've just rendered us temporarily homeless, but in the process they have reminded all of us of what is important.

Today one of our participants in the Confirmation class shared that they had neglected coming to Church or being involved because it was "always there." On February 12th, that changed and now they feel compelled to become more involved ... the neat thing today in our community is that they are not alone in that feeling. All around us are more and more people who want to get more involved for the same reason ...

In some places the Church is dying of apathy ... In Minnedosa, the fire has helped rekindle the ashes that were in danger of growing cold ...

L'chaim,

Prayer shawls and warm wishes ...

In yesterday's mail, there was a LARGE parcel from John Black United Church in Winnipeg. I took it to the office and opened it only to find three beautiful knitted, or crocheted "THINGS." I thought they seemed too small for afghans, so I wasn't sure what they were. I put them on one of the chairs in my office and decided I would call the folks at John Black and ask ... it could wait, there were other things that took priority.

So about an hour later I was working in the office and I was interupted by a woman visiting from Westminster United, also in Winnipeg. She brought to us as a Church, a beautiful prayer shawl to be passed around our congregation. She opened the box and I thought: "Hold on a second ..." I took her to the other items on my stool and asked if they were the same thing ... She asked where they were from and when I said "John Black", she smiled and said - "oh yes, they do prayer shawls too ..."

She went on to explain how her congregation and one of the ministers in the teams there Joan Jarvis, thought that the shawls would be needed in our midt. They can be used when you feel cold during worship, they can be used when you just need to feel the comfort of something wrapped over your shoulder, or they can be used when you need to feel the support and care of the vast extended family of the Church ... which ever way they are used, the Prayer shawls are a gesture of love and care from beyond our community. Even if they only sit in the basket at the back our worship space, and no one ever dares to take one out and wrap themselves in its handcrafted care, their presence reminds us in a beautiful and caring way that we are not alone.

With the prayer shawls, came the best wishes and the prayers and the love of two wonderful communities of faith ... mere words can't express the appreciation that is felt and lived here as we continue to recieve gifts and best wishes from all over ... Thanks for the shawls, but most of all, thanks for the care and support they represent and offer ...

L'chaim,

Friends, fun, food and fundraisers ...

This coming weekend, the UCW are holding their annual St Patrick's Day Tea and Bazaar at the Ukrainian Hall in town from 2 to 3 pm on Saturday March 18th (okay it's a little late - but it's okay)

Next Thursday our Katimavik group is taking on the MCI (High school) Basketball team in an exhibtion game at the school. The cost is 3 dollars and the proceeds of the night will come to the rebuilding effort ...

Then next Friday (the 24th) at the Ukranian Hall, the AOTS Mens' Club is having their Spring Pancake Supper ... from 5 to 7 pm ...

And on Sunday (the 26th) the Congregation is holding their annual Spring Smorg at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre ...

So to our friends near and far - come out, have a good time and help us as we continue the fundraising efforts ...

L'chaim,

Good food, good friends and the gathering of community.

On Sunday night, we had a pot luck dinner hosted by the Five Anglican parishes served by the Reverend James Bardsley. (that's James and I together with the butterfly banner sent to us by a banner group at John Black United Church in Winnipeg) The dinner was held in the basement of the historic St Mark's Anglican Church here in Minnedosa. It was good to have a dinner in a church basement - it's one of the simple pleasures that we've missed of late ...

The dinner was simply extrordinary. The food was great and the fellowship of friends and family was wonderful. The evening saw a full house of members of the five Anglican congregations and our own United Church. It was one month to the day since our fire - and it was good to share the evening with friends (and family).

At the end of the evening, after some hymn singing, our sisters and brothers from the Anglican churches of Minnedosa, Neepawa, Gladstone, Kellwood and Bethany presented us with over one thousand dollars for our rebuilding effort. Our board chair, Linda Bertram expressed thanks to our sisters and brothers in faith for their generosity and caring.

The word WOW came to mind frequently that night ...

Like the banner at the top of this post, we journey through a period of darkness, then suddenly the cocoon begins to crack open and we find our way to the light where we fly on beautiful wings ... this weekend our sisters and brothers from the Anglican church helped show us the way back to the light.

They even presented us with several laundry baskets full of food for the Community Food Cupboard we run out of the office. Tomorrow we will finally be able to resume this important ministry. The generosity of the community in helping us back on our feet continues to amaze us. Our sister churches, local businesses and individuals have all collected food for the Food Cupboard ... today we can say that our cup runneth over.

Our wings are unfurling, and Minnedosa United Church will again float and fly throughout our community ... Tomorrow, our UCW meets for the first time since the fire ... our Board meets to continue to plan and dream ... and we continue to take steps forward n the path to resurrection ... the banner becomes symbolic of our life in community ... (thanks to the Banner Group at John Black United Church for such a wonderful gift!!)

L'chaim

Congregational Re-Building Survey

Below is the survey that has been sent out to folks here in town about the rebuilding project. With so many of our family on the road, it was suggested that we post the survey here - so here it is:

Minnedosa United Church
PO Box 692 Minnedosa Manitoba R0J 1E0
Phone: 204 867 2674
Email: mdsauc@mts.net

The Minnedosa United Church, at its Annual Meeting, passed the motion to rebuild. The process will not be a quick one. The Board wants to have a process where everyone is heard. Please complete the following survey. This is not the last time that the Board will be seeking input, but it is important to start.

1. The Annual Meeting on February 26, 2006 voted to rebuild. The consensus was to rebuild on the present site but if necessary the motion on where could be revisited in the future. In your opinion, do you feel that we should be on the present site or should we explore other sites?

Present site? Yes _______ Explore other sites_______

Comments ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________


2. The Board will need to establish a Building Committee. The committee will be made up of 8-10 members who will be assigned responsibilities. They will communicate with all groups in our congregation, including a fundraising group.
Is there a person(s) you would recommend to serve on the building committee?

1 ___________________________________

2_____________________________________

3 ____________________________________

4 _______________________________

5 _______________________________

6 ______________________________


Is there a person(s) you would recommend to serve on a Fundraising Committee?

1 ___________________________________

2_____________________________________

3 ____________________________________

4 ____________________________________

5____________________________________

6 ____________________________________


3. Our new building will need to be special. What do we include? We know that we will have to share ideas with the congregation many times over the next several weeks /months BUT at this time what are some things we should consider when planning our new church?
____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


Please feel free to make additional comments at the bottom of this sheet


* Please return the survey to the address above or place in the offering plate by March 19, 2006.

Cocoons and Butterflies ... Worship for March 12th.

MINNEDOSA UNITED CHURCH
CLERGY: REV. SHAWN ANKENMANN
MINISTER EMERITUS: ELGIN HALL
ORGANIST: ELEANOR TAYLOR
CHOIR DIRECTOR: KENDRA FALLIS
MINISTRY: THE PEOPLE OF GOD GATHERED HERE
March 12th, 2006

GREETINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS MINUTE FOR MISSION

HYMN #410 This Day God Gives Me
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, faithful people, and find that quiet centre
where God may enter in.
ALL: WE GATHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE:
HUNGRY FOR HOLY PRESENCE,
READY FOR GOD’S WORD TO US.
One: May the God of grace be welcome in our midst.
ALL: MAY WE RECEIVE THE POWER AND PEACE OF DIVINE LOVE.
One: Come let us worship with our hearts and minds and bodies.
ALL: LET US BECOME ONE SEEKING JUSTICE AND COMPASSION.
One: Blessed be God who challenges, heals, and unites us.
ALL: BLESSED BE OUR LEARNING AND BLESSED BE OUR VISION.
One: Blessed be God who inspires all things to be new.

PRAYER OF APPROACH:
One: Renewing God, we seek the presence of your Spirit
ALL: CREATING GOD, YOU ARE STILL THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD YOU MADE.
BE OUR GUIDE AND OUR COMPANION.
One: Holy One; we come to you in this season of turning and returning.
ALL: IN THE MIDST OF LIFE, WE RETURN TO YOU.
WE TURN TO YOU.
YOU, WHO ARE OUR SOURCE AND OUR DESTINY.
One: Blessed One, shake off our weariness.
ALL: SHOW US HOW TO OFFER LIFE IN YOUR NAME. AMEN.

HYMN (INSERT) You Are Salt for the Earth

PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS:
One: God, you have called us to be pilgrims.
God of exodus and wilderness,
God of refuge and help,
hear us now as we make our confession to you.
ALL: IN TIMES OF TEMPTATION,
WE FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US.
YOU GIVE US EVERYTHING WE NEED,
YOU SHOW US THE WAY WE ARE TO FOLLOW,
YET WE OFTEN CONTINUE ON THE PATH OF SELF-INDULGENCE AND SELF-CENTREDNESS.
FORGIVE US, WE PRAY.
(pause)
One: We ask for your direction, your patience, your love;
ALL: IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST,
WHO, IN SPITE OF HIS TEMPTATIONS,
WAS FAITHFUL TO YOUR SAVING WORD. AMEN.
(pause)
ALL: FORGIVE US WHEN WE WEARY OF THE JOURNEY
FORGIVE US WHEN THE RISK IS TOO STRONG
FORGIVE US WHEN WE LOSE OUR WAY…
One: Touch us O God,
ALL: THAT YOU WILL GRANT US PILGRIM SPIRITS
TO LEAD US TO THE NEW LIFE OF EASTER.

Scripture Readings: Mark 8:31-38
Psalm 22 (parts 3 & 4), page 746 V.U.

CHOIR ANTHEM:

STORY STOOL:

HYMN #703: In the Bulb There Is a Flower
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 17:1-7,15-16

HYMN #634 To Abraham and Sarah

SERMON: “What kind of butterfly shall we be?”
(Being a Covenantal People….)
Ann Weems writes of Holy Week, the time between Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday:
We move from hosannas to horrors
with the predictable ease
of those who know not what they do …
Today in the life of our community, like no other time before, we are a Pilgrim people. With our groups and activities spread across town in a variety of activities we embody the very essence of pilgrimage.
What we need to bear in mind as we journey forward on our pilgrimage is the simple fact that we’re spread all along the road … some of us are up over the next hill scouting out new potentials and possibilities … some of us are back still standing in the memories of what once was on Main St … others are clustered in a variety of places along the way – some father along in the healing then others, some still hurting, still angry … As a community we are all in different stages of grief – some of us are still in a place of denial and isolation, some are angry, some of us are bargaining, some are depressed and some of us are accepting what’s happened and preparing to move on to rebuilding …
The important thing for all of us, is to remember that we all grieve at different paces and in very different ways. And as a pilgrim people we need to have patience with one another as we journey – otherwise the front will lose sight of the back, and we will no longer be journeying together … and as a pilgrim people, we MUST journey together.
The journey we are on is not an easy journey, nor is it a short journey, and it is not a journey that we make alone. We are like Abraham and Sarah being called by God to head off into the unknown, trusting in two things – that God will be with them, and they will be the parents of a vast nation more numerous then the stars … Our journey assures us of a couple of things – God will be with us through it all, and we will find the faith transformation promised to us by hope.
This week, I realized that we, as a community are very much like a butterfly – we’ve been happily munching like a caterpillar, then suddenly we find ourselves in a cocoon – in the cramped darkness, waiting for something new … Slowly, the cocoon is beginning to break open and push us into the light. We’re in a place where many of us are wanting to launch off into the air and float and fly with the beautiful new wings that God has provided us … but we simply can’t do that … Watch a butterfly emerge from a cocoon – it takes time. Slowly they unfurl their wings, slowly they let the air and the warmth dry the fragile wings, then with tentative caution they begin to flap their wings and get ready to fly … we are like that … we WILL flap our wings, we WILL take flight, we WILL complete the transformation … in time.
Joan Chittister in her book Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope outlines the process of Hope. Hope is one of those words we can easily toss around and use, but it is a word – a concept that is harder to live, but if we are to move forward on our journey, we must claim and embody hope …
The first step is change. All life is change – we can not resist it, we can only prepare for it in a superficial way. Change is sometimes thrust upon us in harsh and unexpected ways … death, loss, accidents, fires … the list of sudden and traumatic change is long … Yet, when change comes we face a choice – we can wallow in our grief over what has been lost, or we can move and grow to accepting what has happened and moving forward … the first step in the face of change is undergoing a conversion. We no longer hold to a childlike faith that says – “God loves me and everything happens because God loves me …” I for one couldn’t say the flames of February 12th were a gesture of God’s love … but what followed in the coming days and weeks was a revelation of God’s love shared through God’s people … our childlike understanding of an omnipotent, all powerful God gets left behind …
With change comes isolation. We feel alone … our dreams are gone …the future looks less rosy … we don’t want to move forward. But we must live – we must move – we must leave the hurt and sorrow behind and become independent of our pain … hope stirs in our soul.
The long dark night of the soul breaks up on us … we know in our heads we’re not alone, but in our hearts there is a different message, a different feeling … we feel abandoned by God … we feel overwhelmed by the blackness … IN the darkness we claim our faith – God is with us, even in the darkness.
With the realization of God’s presence, we push back the fear and move beyond the powerlessness of grief … In proclaiming our faith that God is with us, we begin to find others who share in our journey … the pilgrimage is revealed in the breaking dawn. The long dark night of the soul is dispersed in the presence of God, and we find ourselves walking along a road where others journey and have journeyed, and we are not alone, we are not powerless … Knowing that life happens and much is beyond our control is not a surrender to cynicism, but is a moment of surrendering to living the hope of our faith. We can not change what has been – we can only focus our energy on what remains – relationships, memories, and the future. We’re naming our limitations, but within that we’re setting our goals and moving forward.
Chittister likens this process of hope to the story in Genesis which sees Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he hasn’t seen in years – the last time the two met was just before Jacob scammed Esau out of his birth right. Jacob had fleed for his life, then continued his conniving ways with his father in law Laban. And now, he camps in the failing light of dusk on the shores of the River Jordan, waiting to cross the river and face his brother.
Through the night, Jacob has a visitor and spends the night wrestling with a manifestation of the holy. Some texts say it was an angel, others say it was God’s own self that wrestled with Jacob through the night … either way, neither Jacob nor the visitor prevailed over the other. So as dawn was approaching, the visitor made to leave the wrestling match, but Jacob sensing something significant had happened, appealed to his visitor not to leave without a bestowing a blessing upon him …
And so Jacob was blessed … his name was transformed from Jacob to Israel and in the coming hours he crossed the river and met face to face with his brother – a brother who had every reason in the world to exact a bloody revenge upon him. But instead Esau embraced his brother and welcomed him with LOVE.
Jacob’s journey shows us a bold way of living through the long dark night of the soul … we wrestle through the night (we’ve all been there) and as dawn break we call out to God and seek a blessing that will allow us to face the breaking day … Hope is that blessing.
Hope – is not a denial of the reality around us, nor is hope an elixir that makes everything better – hope is not a placebo. Hope is the small actions that slowly inexorably transform the darkness into light. Hope is what confronts life in its fullness and embraces even the pain and despair and proclaims the certainty that God is journeying with us as we make our way …
There is a First nations story of an elder talking about the response we have to tragedy. He notes that within his heart there are two wolves wrestling. One wolf is vengeful, angry and violent. The other wolf is strong, loving, and compassionate. A young person hearing the elder was concerned and said – “which wolf will win the fight?”
The elder said nothing for a long moment but then answered quietly – “that depends on which one I will feed …”
To go back again to Joan Chittister – she ends her book by writing: “when tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints us, we stand at the cross roads between hope and despair, torn and hurting … Despair cements us in the present. Hope (HOPE) sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see because of the multiple pasts of life which we cannot forget. Despair says there is no place to go but here … Hope says – remember where you have been before and know that God is waiting for you someplace else to lead you to someplace (or something) new … Hope carries us to the dawn of new wisdom and new strength …”
She notes life is not a single road, but many roads … roads that offer us the raw material from which we build, embody and share hope … our challenge today is to never lose sight of the simple reality that we are together, on a journey … we need to care for, and care about each other along the way … Those who are way out in front need to come back and tell us what they see over the hill … and those who are struggling need to let other help them along the way …
We want to hurry from the parades of Palm Sunday to the processions of Easter Sunday – but the only way from Hosannas to Hallelujahs is through the unrelenting shadows of Holy Week … Thankfully though, even in the darkness where Jesus himself called out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me …” God is there to guide us to the moment where we will again dance before God in joy …
If you try to help a butterfly as it emerges from the cocoon, by pulling back the edges and freeing her the butterfly will never fly … so intricate and so delicate is the process of transformation for the butterfly that if you force it … it will NEVER be completed. But if we trust in the process (trust in God) we will not only complete the transformation – in time we will find our wings and perhaps be like the Monarch who flies thousands upon thousands of kilometers on delicate wings …
We will be a butterfly … we will take wing … we need only trust in God to help it happen … That is our hope. That is our faith. That is our resurrection … We are an Easter People … we are a people of the resurrection … we are journeying from darkness to light …
May it be so … thanks be to God …

OFFERING:

OFFERTORY:

PRAYER OF DEDICATION:

HYMN #639 One More Step Along the World I Go

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN #686 God of Grace and God of Glory

COMMISSIONING/BENEDICTION
One: Christ is our journey
Christ is our task
Christ is our life
May we travel into the newness of tomorrow,
One with Christ.

The worship has ended…
…the work of God’s people has just begun
Go in peace

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Bible Study: Fridays 10 am in the meeting room of the Minnedosa Library – all are welcome.

Choir Practice – Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Covenant Church.

Church Board Meeting - this Wednesday, March 15th, 7 p.m., at Minnedosa Adult Learning Centre.

UCW Meeting – this Wednesday, March 15th, 2 p.m., at Audrah Caughell’s home.

UCW St Patrick’s Day Tea and Bazaar – Saturday, March 18th at the Ukranian Hall.

Spring Supper/Smorg – Sunday, March 26 @ MCCC. Please remember to fill out the sign-up sheet sent in the mail last week.

Winterfest ... a pause to have fun ...

The town of Minnedosa trekked out to the Lake to enjoy a day outside celebrating winter. Our second annual Winterfest was held on the frozen surface of the lake with a wide variety of activities and fun.

With activities like snowshoeing, turkey curling, frozen chicken bowling, x-country skiing and a huge pond hockey game, people of all ages came out to enjoy the day and to lend their support of the attempt to have Minnedosa called Hockeyville for 2006.

While, I'm not a big fan of organized hockey, I have to admire the huge outpouring of community pride that comes with events like Winterfest. It was great to just hang out, drink hot chocolate, roast weiners over an open fire, and to visit with a wide variety of people from town. It was a "proud to live in Minnedosa" afternoon. Kudos to the Rec Commission for organizing it, the Katimavik gang for volunteering, and all the people who were part of making the Winterfest an enormous success. It was fun - thanks.

One poignant moment came in a conversation with a young mom. I presided at her wedding, and have baptised her children ... today she expressed regret at the loss of the Church. She noted that she had looked to her daughter's wedding in the same church that she had been married in ... A wedding that can never happen ...

How many families have had multi-generational weddings, baptisms and so forth, and now future generations are robbed of the chance to have their weddings in the same place where Grandma was married???

Yet, the young mom also said she is looking forward to new church and the possibility that it embodies ... Word of Hope, words of promise.

I enjoyed today. Even the reminder of what we've lost has the twinge of hope that looks to tomorrow. Today we paused to play in the snow ... what better thing to do on a mild winter afternoon ...

L'chaim,

And so we settle into the mundane ...

The office is two doors north from where the Church building once stood ... worship services are happening weekly at St Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church ... Bible Study is meeting in the town Library ... Choir is practising at the Covenant Church ... Confirmation classes will happen at the bowling alley ... UCW and AOTS will meet wherever they chose month to month ... and Sunday School will hold special gatherings periodically ...

We're rolling with the challenges of being temporarily homeless ...

The Board has sent out the survey forms and they are trickling back, but with them come conversations about what COULD be ... geo-thermal heat ... pews or chairs ... community groups sharing our space ... good accoustics (this is one item on which we seem to agree) ...

Donations are coming in. From the five dollars sent by a young person in Winnipeg to the sizable memorial donations for a parent or grand parent who called our congregation home - each one is recieved with gratitude and appreciation.

The journey will not be easy ... it will not be short ... it will be a challenge. But it is a challenge that the good folks of Minnedosa (both in the Church and outside) will undertake and accomplish.

Highlights of the last couple of days include an email from former Moderator of the UCC Walter Farquharson, a phone call from current Moderator Peter Short, a concert by Tom Jackson and others in Brandon in support of Samaritan House Ministries (Mag and I were given free tickets to attend as a way of Samaritan House saying thank you for the support we in Minnedosa offer them in their work - it's thank you that goes both ways ...) and the ongoing conversations about what it means to be a Church without a building.

There aren't any major announcements to be made, and there are no significant accomplishments to note ... we're settling into the mundane, and right now that's okay. The big steps will come, but right now is a time to pause, to catch our breath, to take stock of our losses and our gains, and to get ready for the work of raising spirits, money and enthusiasm to build the building we will call home.

In the coming weeks we will eat and eat and eat ... tomorrow the Anglican Parishes in and around Minnedosa are holding a potluck supper in support of us as a church ... and in the coming weeks we will hold the AOTS Spring Pancake Supper and the Spring Smorg, then the following weekend (as April begins) we will hold the Minnedosa Grain Growers Annual Banquet in support of the Canadian Food Grains Bank ... Even without a building our meals and our fellowship and our support of causes beyond our town continues ... AND that is Good, because that is the proof of the resurrection.

In the face of tragedy, we continue to put on foot in front of the other and we continue to live and dream and offer our ministry ... We may not have a building - but we are still a Church, and for today, that is more then enough ...

L'chaim,

Pictures ... we want pictures ...

I'm looking for any photos of the Minnedosa United Church structure - old or new ... Interior or exterior ... with people or without ... colour or black & white ...

Any pictures will be welcomed - they will in time help us create a photo biography of the church ... if you can help out drop me a note, or email me the photo ... it may pop up here ...

We need your help ...

thanks and L'chaim,

Two little girls, with big hearts ...

Just when you are ready to throw in the towel and walk away, something breaks through and bring back your hope ...

This morning an email arrived that read:

While we were on holidays in Arizona, we heard about the fire. The weekend before we were to return home, there was a park (garage sale) where we were staying. Sarah & Katelyn thought it would be nice to make some money to donate to the church and nursery school. They set up a table and served lemonade, cookies and fresh grapefruit. They had a donation basket which they raised $130.00 American Dollars.

With it were the two pictures to the right - pictures of two little girls, who far from their home town wanted to do something to help ...

Sarah and Katelyn are real heroes. They are why we keep doing what we're doing in the church ...

The actions of these two little girls are the very embodiment of hope and the resurrection in action ...

L'chaim,

A distinguished visitor in a beloved place ...

It took some searching - but the last CD-rom in the box (could it be any other??), was the one I was looking for ... The two pictures here are of The Moderator of the United Church of Canada, The Rev. Peter Short on a visit to Assiniboine Presbytery.

Peter came in the fall of 2004, and had dinner with us, then graced us with a conversation in our sanctuary ... above are two of the photos I took that night ...

Thanks Peter for coming, and thanks for your words of encouragement and kindness today.

L'chaim,

Words of encouragement ... hands of help ...

When the road gets tough, it is nice to know that you do not tread the path alone ... In the United Church we affirm through our creed that "we are NOT alone." Today was a day filled with reminders of the profound truth of that simple statement ...

This morning when I stopped for coffee, I was told that a little girl from Minnedosa was on holidays in Arizona with her family when our fire happened. When they heard the news of the fire, this little five year old wanted to do something - so, she and her sister set up a Lemonade Stand in Arizona and the money they raised was for us and the nursery school that we hosted ... (If I get a photo I WILL share it here ...) ...

Then through the day I was busy restocking our food cupboard - we had traded Samaritan House Ministries in Brandon: they took our foodstuffs that had been in the office during the fire, and they left in their place new foodstuffs from their larder. The food we had, which is still edible, will be used in their work where the slight smoky smell doesn't matter ... It feels good to get an important ministry like our foodcupboard back up and running. Tomorrow I'll do a grocery store run and we'll be ready to go again ...

The day continued with a series of errands for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. We had hosted the annual Bowl for Kids Sake Bowl-athon this weekend. It got off to a shaky start and didn't have many participants in any of the bowling sessions, but it seems we STILL managed to make a little bit for the programmes we run here. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are an important thing for me, because I was a little and for ten years was a Big, and for the last five I've served on the Board here in Minnedosa. It is a worthwhile organization and it really does make a difference in the life of boys and girls who are dealing with circumstances beyond their control ... (this public service announcement comes at no cost !!)

The afternoon ended with a surprise that affirmed the simple fact that "We, the people of Minnedosa are NOT alone." I had a phone call from The Very (or is it the Right??) Rev Peter Short, the Moderator of This United Church of ours ... Peter had been here in Minnedosa in the fall of 2004, and in our dining room are some photos of him in the Sanctuary. He called to check on how we were doing as a community, how we are doing as a Church and how I am doing in the midst of this ... It was a much needed and much appreciated pick me up in the midst of a dreary day of low clouds and mucky melting snow ...

And in good church fashion - I end back at the beginning ... consider the photo at the start of this entry - a photo of our glorious choir in their former home ... and with it, I offer the simple question - With support and encouragement like we keep encountering - "How can we keep from singing ???"

L'chaim

Eternity utters a day ...

Today after four weeks of busy-ness, activity and what seems to be non-stop activity, I had a chance to rest ...

The Jewish rabbi Abraham Heschel, once said of the Sabbath, that it is a moment in time when eternity utters a day ... Today was a much needed, much appreciated Sabbath day for me ...

There were no Church activities to fill the day, so instead I read, slept, and ran a couple of errands for Big Brothers & Big Sisters ... Getting the mail today, I was again struck by the donations that continue to flow in for our rebuilding efforts. The mometary gifts of every size are greatly appreciated, and will be used when we begin rebuilding.

The words of support and encouragement have been simply inspiring. They have come from people of all ages, and every day I look forward to reading the each day ... Thanks to one and all.

One thing we are looking for are any interior pictures of the Church, the stained glass, or even the pews - anything ... if they are sent by email, they may be used here, but we are wanting to gather them to help remember what we've lost, and in the hopes that we can put together some note cards and possibly a book ... we will contact the photographer for permission first ...

so, if you have any photos of the interior of our church let me know, or send them to the email for the chruch ...

For now - the rest has been much appreciated and much needed ... maybe tomorrow will be another day of rest ... for now:

L'chaim

Service for Sunday March 5th - 1st of Lent:

CLERGY: REV. SHAWN ANKENMANN
MINISTER EMERITUS: ELGIN HALL
ORGANIST: ELEANOR TAYLOR
CHOIR DIRECTOR: KENDRA FALLIS
MINISTRY: THE PEOPLE OF GOD GATHERED HERE
March 5th, 2006

GREETINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS MINUTE FOR MISSION

HYMN #266 Amazing Grace

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: With Jesus, we journey into the wilderness.
ALL: WE FEEL THE NEED TO GET AWAY
A PLACE AND TIME TO REFLECT AND TO PRAY
One: With Jesus, we stay in the wilderness
ALL: WE FEEL CALLED BY THE TEMPTATION
TO THE EASY SELF-SERVING WAYS.
One: With Jesus, we endure the wilderness.
ALL: WE FIND A FAITHFUL WAY
WE ARE GUIDED TO A COMPASSIONATE PATH
One: With Jesus, we return from the wilderness
ALL: WE ARE RENEWED IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
WE ARE READY TO DO GOD’S WORK.

PRAYER OF APPROACH:

One: Renewing God, we seek the presence of your Spirit.
ALL: AS WE FOLLOW JESUS INTO THE UNKNOWN
Women: Be our Guide and Companion.
Men: May we cognognize temptation when it comes.
One: God of the desert, God of the wilderness
ALL: CALL US INTO YOUR WORLD TO SERVE
GUIDE US IN OUR FAITH TO WORSHIP YOU
INSPIRE US TO SHAKE OFF THE DUST OF COMPLACENCY
One: Be with us Creator God on this Lenten journey
ALL: AMEN.

HYMN: #703 In the Bulb There Is a Flower

PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS:
One: Lord Jesus,
You refused to turn stones into bread
ALL: SAVE US FROM USING OUR POWER
TO SATIFY THE DEMANDS OF SELFISHNESS
One: Lord Jesus, you refused to leap from the temple top.
ALL: SAVE US FROM USING OUR SKILLS
TO SEEK POPULARITY AND FAME
One: Lord Jesus, you refused to bend the knee to a false god
ALL: SAVE US FROM OFFERING OUR DEVOTION
TO CHEAP AND EASY RELIGION
(pause)
One: Guide us O Holy One,
ALL: GRANT US WISDOM,
TO DISCERN TEMPTATION
AND TO CHOOSE THE WAY OF OUR GOD. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25 (pg 752 Voices United)

CHOIR ANTHEM:

THE STORY STOOL:

HYMN #444 Child of Blessing, Child of Promise

DEDICATION OF FONT:

SERVICE OF BAPTISM

Today We Celebrate the Baptism of
Owen Matthew Miller
Son of Patrick and Nancy (Kartanson)

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
One: The sacrament of baptism
proclaims and celebrates the grace of God.
By water and the Spirit,
we are called, claimed, and commissioned:
we are called God’s own,
welcomed as children of God;
we are claimed by Christ,
united with Christ,

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATE:
One: On behalf of the congregation of Minnedosa United Church,
I present Owen Matthew Miller
for initiation into the body of Christ through baptism:

QUESTIONS TO THE FAMILY:
One: Do you believe in one God:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Family: I do, by the grace of God.
One: Trusting the gracious mercy of God,
will you turn from the forces of evil,
and renounce their power?
Family: I will, God being my helper.
One: Will you proclaim Jesus; crucified and risen,
In words and action
As you share in the life, work and ministry
Of Christ Jesus?
Family: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.

COMMITMENT OF FAMILY AND GODPARENTS:
One: Grandparents play a special role in the life of a child.
They offer wisdom gleaned of life experience.
They have a patience borne of struggles with growing generations.
And they bring a perspective widened by the passage of tiem,
To the Grandparents of Owen and his sister Tyra,
Will you as Godparents to Owen and mentor-friend to Tyra,
Guide and encourage them by word and action,
Suppporting them in prayer and love
To follow the path of faith?
GRANDPARENTS: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMITMENT:
One: Let us pledge to these persons our support and care.
ALL: AS A BAPTIZED AND BAPTIZING PEOPLE,
WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO SUPPORT AND UPHOLD YOU
WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH.
One: May God grant us all
the grace to live out our baptism.
ALL: AMEN.

POURING OF THE WATER:
One: God be with you.
ALL: AND ALSO WITH YOU.
One: Lift up your hearts.
ALL: WE LIFT THEM TO GOD.
One: Let us give our thanks to God.
ALL: IT IS GOOD TO GIVE GOD THANKS AND PRAISE.
One: As the water is poured, we recall
Isaiah’s promise:
“waters shall break forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert”;
Ezekiel’s declaration:
“I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean”;
the Psalmist’s testimony:
“Beside the still waters, God leads me”;
and Jesus’ words:
“whoever gives even a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones—
truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
May God’s Spirit be upon us
and these waters of daily use,
ALL: WHICH WE NOW USE TO BAPTIZE AND TO WELCOME.

ACT OF BAPTISM:
One: Owen Matthew Miller, I baptize you,
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
ALL: AMEN.
One: May the blessing of the God of Sarah and Hagar,
as of Abraham,
the blessing of the Son, born of the woman Mary,
and the blessing of the Spirit, who broods over us
as a mother her children,
be with you today and always.
ALL: AMEN.

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDLE:
One: Owen, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good works,
and give glory to God.
ALL: AMEN.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY:
One: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism:
ALL: BY ONE SPIRIT, WE ARE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY.
WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE ONE GOD,
MOTHER AND FATHER OF US ALL.
WE WELCOME YOU INTO THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH.

HYMN #644 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 1:9-15

SERMON: “Onward to the rainbow’s end”

This last week I was cleaning out some of the books in my office for the upcoming Rotary Book sale, when I came across the book by Max Lucado entitled "In the Eye of the Storm". I was going to pitch it into the cull box, when I realized that it had been a gift from one of my student charges back in Ontario. I put it aside, and this week found a reference to it in one of the commentaries - so I sat down with it at home to read and a letter fell out that was written to me in 1993. The letter read:
"people are searching for the Gospel message. They are searching for a faith that's solid, one that will not disappoint us when the parth gets really rough. Material wealth is just that - material wealth, but spiritual wealth is the essential ingredient for happiness."

As I read the note, I thought the words were somewhat prophetic to what we're experiencing here ... then I opened the book and began by reading the story of a parakeet and his misadventures:

Chirpie the parakeet never saw it coming … one second he was peacefully perched in his cage and the next … well, when I found this story I thought – “Gee, this is a tale that most of us here can relate to right now …” We’re only four weeks from the fire that claimed our sanctuary. Four weeks of busy activity and reflection. Four weeks of every emotion imaginable. Four weeks of wanting answers to bitter questions that lie on our tongue. Four weeks of riding in the heart of a storm, not unlike that of Noah’s which tosses us about …
So, about Chirpie the parakeet … The problems for the little bird began when his owner decided to clean Chirpie’s cage. Instead of reaching in and cleaning it by hand, she decided the vacuum cleaner would be a good idea … We all have those – “seemed like a good idea at the time moments …”
She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage … as she did the phone rang … she turned and picked it up. She had barely said “Hello” when “sssoppp!!!!” Chirpie got sucked in the vacuum …
She gasped and dropped the phone, turned off the vacuum and opened the bag … fearing the worst, she was relieved to find Chirpie alive but stunned …
Since the little bird was covered in dust and soot from the fireplace she had cleaned earlier in the day, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom where she turned on the tap and held Chirpie under the running water … then realizing that Chirpie was soaked, shivering and gasping for breath she did what any compassionate bird owner would do for a cold wet bird … she reached for the hair dryer and blasted her little friend with hot air to dry him off …
Poor Chirpie never knew what hit him …
A few days later, after his traumatic events, a reporter who had initially written about the events, contacted the owner and asked how the little bird was recovering …
Chirpie’s owner said – “Oh … well, I don’t know. Chirpie doesn’t sing much any more … he just sits on his perch and stares.”

Can you blame him? Getting sucked into a vacuum, being washed up and blown over … it’s enough to steal the song fro the stoutest of hearts … and it is something that we as a community of faith can relate to … Over the last four weeks we’ve been through a journey like Chirpies, and we could just sit on our perch and stare, overwhelmed by all of it …
However, as we sit in the midst of the storms that have broken upon us – the storms that came with an arsonists’ fire, we can not waste our time or our energy sitting on our perches and simply staring … We have to have the courage to live our faith and to put one foot in front of the other and keeping moving – keep living – keeping moving forward.
It is not an easy task. We are, as a people, as a community, as a family of faith, experiencing the SAME process that we would experience if we lost a loved one. But as those emotions wash over us, we think – “BUT IT WAS ONLY A BUILDING !!” and we try to dismiss the sadness, the anger, the frustration and the deep sorrow that wells up within us …
It was only a building – but what a building it was … I realized this week when I began to get emails with a variety of pictures of our building, how much I miss it … yesterday sitting in the sanctuary of Hamiota United Church with its wooden pews and beautiful stained glass windows, I realized how much we’ve lost and how much I miss the building we called home …
So, here we stand in the wilderness … like our reading from the life of Jesus, we’ve journeyed to this place, by the waters of baptism we’ve reaffirmed the value and the importance of children in our lives and in the lives of their families and in the eyes of God, and now, we move into the wilderness of knowing that we are temporarily homeless …
We are living the transition of ministry that Jesus himself lived when he rose from the waters of the Jordan, heard the divine proclamation and then headed out into the wilderness to encounter what we’ve called the temptation …
Our temptation is to sit in our anger and outrage – but we simply can not afford to waste our time and our energy on this … our temptation is to sit in our sadness and weep – but we can not afford to waste our time and our energy on such things … our temptations may try to lead us to place and feelings that are simply NOT helpful – but we, as individuals and as people, must resist that because there is too much work to do, and we can not afford to waste our time and our energy on such useless endeavours …
As I read the story of Chirpie, I thought of a wonderful native elder I met in Bella Coola. Uma was one of the happiest people I’ve ever met. She smiled all the time, she loved a good joke, she offered countless hugs. She was a woman who glowed, even in the face of adversity … When she prayed at Church or at community functions in Nuxalkmc, the native tongue, you were struck with a sense of peacefulness and holiness that she called upon on behalf of her community.
I should add that Uma and her husband Willie had a large family. They had 17 children, dozens of grandchildren, dozens and dozens of great and great-great grandchildren – watching basket ball games at the hall with her was fun, because she had family on both teams – so, she didn’t cheer for any side to win, but for both teams to do their best – and cheer she did.
But one day we were talking over tea about our approach to life, and how we live our faith. Uma, a woman who knew real and deep tragedy in her life said – “You know, you can do four things in life when things go bad … you can get mad and yell at everyone … you can get sad and cry and cry and cry … you can go and get drunk … or you can say “oh well, I’m still alive and it’s still a good day, and just be happy …”
Uma’s words were grounded in a harsh and hard reality … she had lost a daughter and a grand daughter to a housefire where another son was badly burned trying to save his family, she had lost several siblings and her parents early in life to tragedies and was raised by her grandmother, she lost a son to drowning, a son who disappeared on day at a logging camp, she had watched her extended family experience violence and suffering that is unimaginable to any of us – she lost her husband Willie suddenly when he died after learning one of his son in laws had been viciously abusing many members of the family … Uma knew tragedy on a scale that simply staggers the mind – yet she lived her words.
She got up every day, offered her prayers of thanksgiving and went into the day happy … her reason was simple. She said that day that if you get mad people don’t want to be anywhere near you … if you sit and cry all the time people don’t want to have anything to do with you … if you get drunk you just cause more and more problems for yourself and others … but if you have the courage to live life as a gift and “BE HAPPY” – not a superficial paste a smile on happy – but a deep heartfelt – it’s good to be alive, happiness – you will be surrounded by people who want to know your secret and who want to share it …
And so today – we’ve gathered in a borrowed place … we’ve shared over the waters of baptism our certainty that not only is Owen a cherished child of God, we ALL are … and we are getting ready to head back into the wilderness of homelessness … Our problems on a global scale are pretty minor – we still have homes to return to, we are inconvenienced by this and it hurts, but we still have much to be thankful for. So, our challenge is to take stock, not of what we’ve lost – but what we still have …
Look around you today – take stock of your neighbours and what the fire will never take from us – OUR MEMORIES. And together let us continue to journey forward from the storms and the wilderness of our life today knowing that in time we will make a safe shore and over our heads will be a broad and beautiful Rainbow that affirms the covenant of God that says simply – “I love you, and I have never abandoned you …”
It’s easy to be sad or angry. It’s easy to be like Chirpie, and to sit and stare into space.

My friends – today we simply can not afford to waste our energy on sadness or anger or sitting and staring into space … We have much to do, and it begins with the waters of baptism where we say together – “we are beloved children of our God …” and we head into the world to live the message that says – “the Kingdom of God is in our midst …” we don’t need a building to be the Church – to be the Kingdom … the Church is all around us – how can we not be happy when we realize that we are simply a pilgrim people lacking a building right now … The Church endures …
May it be so, thanks be to God – let us pray …

OFFERING:

OFFERTORY:

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN #556 Would You Bless Our Homes and Families

COMMISSIONING/BENEDICTION

SUNG RESPONSE (HYMN #427) To Show by Touch and Word
The worship has ended…
…the work of God’s people has just begun
Go in peace

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bible Study: Fridays 10 am in the meeting room of the Minnedosa Library – all are welcome.

Choir Practice – Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Covenant Church.

Rolling River Festival of the Arts: Senior Choir – Tuesday, March 7th, 7 p.m. @ the Covenant Church.
Bell Choir – Wednesday, March 8th, 7 p.m. @ the Covenant Church.

More Than Music – Friday, March 10th, 7:30 p.m., Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets $25.00, for sale at the Church office. Proceeds of sales in Minnedosa to Minnedosa United Church.

Pot Luck Supper – Sunday, March 12th at 5 p.m., the 5 parishes of the Anglican Church are holding a supper at St. Mark’s in support of US!! All are welcome to bring a food item to share and a donation in support of our re-building.

UCW St Patrick’s Day Tea and Bazaar – Saturday, March 18th at the Ukranian Hall. Donations to the Bake table will be greatly appreciated.

AOTS Pancake Supper – Friday, March 24th from 5-7 p.m., at the Ukranian Hall.

Spring Supper/Smorg – Sunday, March 26 @ MCCC. Sign-up sheets are in mail-out at back of church.

Congregational Rebuilding Survey –included in mail-out at back of church.

New members – Don and Dorothy Jones, who have transferred from Trinity United Church in Brandon. Welcome to our family!

Rotary Club Book Sale – March 17,18 and 24,25th, 9 Main St. N (formerly Sharona’s Restaurant)

Attention: People using the envelope numbers 171 and 28, please call Peg at the Church office.

With the relocation of our worship services, we’ve realized that some may be in need of a ride to our services here at St Alphonsus … If you are able to provide rides for those needing them, please let the office know … OR, if you are in need of a ride, please let us know and we’ll help make arrangements. What better way to get to know one another??