SUNDAY NEWS March 22, 2015 Hello and Welcome to MCC Toronto! We invite you to share your thoughts on the following question as we prepare for worship this morning: When are you most playful? LENT The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday. The most obvious sign of that to many folks is that the vestments in the Sanctuary, the altar cloth and the seasonal banner, have switched from green to purple. Traditionally, purple is the colour for the church’s two “penitential” seasons: Lent and Advent. Lent is a time of spiritual reflection and preparation for the 40 days before Easter. (For those of you math mavens, who have noticed that there are actually 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, the custom is that Sundays do not count as part of Lent – each Sunday is regarded as a “mini-Easter.”) In the Christian tradition, many people observe Lent with a time of fasting, or other spiritual discipline, such as “giving up something for Lent” like chocolate or swearing. Others prefer to “take on” something positive during this time, like volunteering or reaching out to lonely folks. The main point is not that we give something up, or take something on, but that we make room in our lives for reflection on Christ’s life and work, and on living the lives God has called us to live. If you are visiting us for the very first time, we extend a special welcome to you. You are invited to come forward to share Anointing and Communion, even if you have never attended church before. Please join us after the service today in the Social Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. Senior Pastor Happening Today: Community Connection | Welcome Centre After 11:00am service | Welcome Centre Anointer Team Leader Orientation 12:30pm to 2:00pm | Triangle Room B HOLA Rehearsals 12:30pm to 2:00pm | Room 109 Seniors Network Lunch 12:30pm to 2:30pm | Triangle Room A Refugee Program Meeting 12:45pm to 2:15pm | Sanctuary Women’s Writing Group 1:00pm to 3:00pm | Welcome Centre Elevation Service 7:00pm | Sanctuary Sunday News—page 2 Lessons for Life March 15 Morning Sermon Summary Today: Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life - Cultivating Laughter, Song and Dance: Letting Go of Being Cool and “Always in Control” Join us next week for Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life - Cultivating Change: Letting Go of Predictability We are a house of prayer for all people. Offertory: Anna Atkinson Anna Atkinson is a singer, instrumentalist and writer currently based in Toronto. Since graduating from the University of Victoria School of Music in 2008, she has contributed, both as a live performer and as a well regarded session player, to dozens of projects. Upon the release of her debut album, Mooniture (2011), recorded with producer Brent Bodrug, the Toronto Star called her “the least earthbound artist we’ve heard in ages”. The album continues to receive frequent play on CBC radio, in particular The Signal and As It Happens. Anna was a member of the Stratford Festival from 2010 to 2013. She performed onstage as violinist and accordionist in the 2010 revival of Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, was a contributing composer and performer on stage in The Grapes of Wrath in 2011, and in 2013 she was featured as the eponymous fiddler in Fiddler On The Roof. Other theatre credits include BOBLO (Kitchenband) and Brent Carver’s Cabaret (Soulpepper). In 2014 Atkinson gave a series of concerts at the Stratford Summer Music festival, and. with Sunparlour Players' Andrew Penner, composed and performed the score for Motion 58 Productions’ film Eadweard, set to play in theatres across Canada in Fall 2015. This year she will record a full-length album with her new electropop trio Grannis Bea, following its November 2014 self-titled debut EP. More info at annaatkinson.ca and grannisbea.com For the chapter of The Gifts of Imperfection that was the focus of last Sunday’s service, Brené Brown uses the phrase “cultivating meaningful work.” However, given the many paths of people’s lives, the sermon was expanded to “meaningful contribution,” acknowledging that paid work is not the sum of a person’s calling in life. A particularly powerful phrase in the chapter is, “Everyone has a future story.” Some people speak of their work as a calling or spiritual experience. Other people speak of work as a simple accomplishment or purpose to fulfill. For others it is just a way to pay the bills. In any of these cases, it is crucial that we all find meaning in what we do. Sometimes that is in our work. Sometimes it is in other opportunities. Wherever it is, we all have gifts and talents to offer. Brown writes that squandering our gifts brings distress into our lives. Shame, emptiness, disappointment may be the result of squandered gifts. A purposeful identifying and sharing of gifts is the most powerful source of a connection with God. Sharing our gifts is to co-create with God a better world. Theologian Howard Thurman wrote, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive.” We all contain talents and contribute in multiple ways. As a way to break out of the simple boxes we often put ourselves in when we respond to “What do you do?” Brown suggests we use slashes to allow a more rich description of ourselves. For example, “I am a teacher and an artist.” Rev. Hawkes says he is a pastor and a human rights activist. Brown writes that self-doubt and “supposed-to” language are two issues that can get in the way of putting this guidepost into action. While these issues can get in the way, the rewards of cultivating meaningful contribution are manifold. The early disciples of Jesus followed his call, leaving many things behind but reaping many rewards. Likewise, we should not be afraid to follow our purpose, even if it means making sacrifices. In sum, Rev. Hawkes reminds us that, “Discovering your purpose in life is the most challenging thing you will ever do. Fulfilling your purpose in life will bring you more joy than you can imagine.” Watch archived services online at www.mcctoronto.com/video/sunday-services-archive where you will also find the full transcripts kindly provided by dedicated volunteers. Sign-up for eNews at www.mcctoronto.com Order of Service—Sunday News—page 3 Welcome Home Lessons for Life Prelude Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life - Cultivating All You Need is Love Laughter, Song and Dance: Letting Go of Being Cool and written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney At the symbol, you are asked to rise in body or in spirit. Call to Worship Processional Hymn “Always in Control” Time of Reconciliation Trees of the Field Prayer of Reconciliation City of God Affirmation of Freedom Opening Prayer Invitation to Time of Anointing Anthem O God of Second Chances Voice Dance Like a Healing Stream written by Greg Jasperse Jesus’ Prayer Prayers of the People Offertory Name people or circumstances as prayer requests out loud. Wait All Morning Sacred Readings written by Anna Atkinson A reading from “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown Isaiah 55: 10-12 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. performed by Anna Atkinson Gathering of Our Gifts Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Celebration of Holy Communion As the Deer Pants On Eagles’ Wings Breathe Benediction Closing Words Closing Song Let It Go Are you in need of someone to listen? Reach out to our Deacons: 416-406-6228 x 114 or deacons@mcctoronto.com We invite you to our ELEVATION SERVICE (Sundays at 7:00pm) Blending MCC Toronto’s progressive theology with energetic, charismatic worship, this service offers a new way to experience the touch of the Holy. Enjoy great music, anointing for healing, communion and prayer partners, as well as great preaching! Ben Stein leads HIGHER PRAISE, our spirited and spirit-filled band, in uplifting, high-energy worship. Sunday News—page 4 Angels of the Week Our Angels of the Week are our new Refugee Ministry team of volunteers and volunteer leaders who, since the beginning of the year, have been working to ensure support letters are filed, peer support continues, and this very important ministry thrives. We thank you for making this vibrant ministry continue to thrive, and we especially thank Erica, Patricia, Larry, Fabian, Michael, and Bev for your wisdom and dedication during this time of transition. Thrift Shop News Come join our Women’s Writing Group We write it out, find our voice, bare our souls, surprise ourselves and get to know one another, Sundays 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Social Hall. PRIDE Initiatives Survey What do you think MCC Toronto’s presence at Toronto Pride 2015 should be? In addition to our commitment to “Church on Church” and the Pride Parade, what initiatives do WE as a congregation want to participate in? We are looking for volunteers who are interested in making MCC Toronto’s presence at Pride Toronto events happen! Let’s get creative and imagine how MCC Toronto may be represented at Pride. Teams are encouraged to take on leadership roles and will have the support of key staff. MCC Toronto will be officially present only at initiatives that have sufficient team support from the congregation. So if you feel passionate about it, help make it happen! Please take a moment to complete our survey. (www.tinyurl.com/prideinitiatives) Peace and Justice Activities Survey At present, there is a rare opportunity to buy drapes for large windows! We have two to four panels of pale brown drapes 52 inches (1.3 m) long and 100 inches (2.5 m) wide in good condition, priced at $5.00 per panel. Recently arrived are two super-size panels in pale pink/beige ribbed silk repp with lining (10 feet wide and 8 feet long). These are priced at $10.00 per panel and gently used but in need of cleaning. Food For Friends Sunday, March 29 is the fifth Sunday of the Month. At all three services, we will be collecting Food for Friends. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food items to support of the People With AIDS Foundation of Toronto. Friday Social Night PACE will be hosting the March 27th Friday Social Night from 7:00pm to 11:30pm. As a vibrant, inclusive and progressive congregation, we are called to "build bridges with a vibrant spirituality that transforms lives and the world!" As we look forward, how might we pursue peace, act compassionately, advocate, and seek justice? What are the particular areas in which you have passion or hope MCC Toronto might roll up our sleeves and raise our voice? Featured games: Dominos, Ludi/ Ludu board game, and many, many more! Please tell us what moves you, what makes you angry, what you wish we could do together. Help choose what issues MCC Toronto gets involved in. Please fill out the survey here: www.tinyurl.com/MCCT2015PeaceAndJustice. Refreshments: Free tasty snacks and water, and adult beverages on sale at a ridiculously low price! Featured Activities: Karaoke, Photography, Conversation, Dancing, Socializing, Fun and laughter! Contact fridaynightsmcct@mcctoronto.com or see www.mcctoronto.com/events/friday-social-nights. Sign-up for eNews at www.mcctoronto.com Sunday News—page 5 Please Welcome Our New Members to MCC Toronto! Don Church Within 24 hours of visiting Toronto last March, Don attended MCC Toronto. He turned to his friend and said, ʺI am moving here and going to attend this church and be involved!ʺ He went on the Men’s Retreat, joined the choir, and began volunteering at the reception desk. This is Don’s place to come and be thankful, the springboard of his life to become the person he wants to be. Don’s life is just re-beginning and he is looking forward to new challenges as well as being with his new adopted sons and grandson. Thank you! Doug Kerr is a nonprofit management consultant and teacher. He works with social service organizations and teaches part-time at Centennial College and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work. Doug is also involved in the LGBT community. He is on the Board of Directors of Sherbourne Health Centre, the Advisory Board of the LGBT Giving Network and was Co-Chair of the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. He is currently involved in launching the Dignity Initiative, a new project advancing Canada’s role in the world on LGBTI human rights issues. Doug and his husband Mike Went were married at MCC Toronto in 2008 and are now busy with the greatest adventure in their lives, parenting Malaki Kerr-Went. Doug plans to become active in the Children’s Ministry. Alison Mackellar has been a member of The United Church of Canada since christening. Having served on the worship and hospitality committees for many years, she enjoys reading scriptures and celebrating special occasions with food. With her previous affirming congregations she has celebrated Pride with marches, parades and community booths. Alison has worked in food services for 20+ years and now works in the conference/trade show industry. After being diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2009, she has walked in the MS Walk for 6 years and rode in the MS bike (a thon) once. June Morrow is originally from Ottawa and has called Toronto home for the past 20 years. In this time she has been a freelance journalist, web designer, field producer, stand-up comic, actor, web show host, burlesque entertainer and more. All of these experiences led her, in one way or another, to her current position as an internal communications consultant for the Ontario government. Her spiritual journey has been just as eclectic. Today, she shares her life in a personal blog, thechangeroom.ca, where she chronicles her adventures in single life, self-discovery and personal growth in hopes of inspiring others in similar situations. MCCT has felt like home since the very first visit. June is grateful for the friends she is making and is excited to be beginning her first journey in a Christian church with such an open, progressive and inspiring congregation. Johannes (JJ) Viviers & Lourens Swamepoel Lourens Swampoel moved to Canada at the end of 2013. It had always been a dream to live in another country and city, and Toronto ticked the box. Lourens’ partner JJ, the love of his life, introduced him to MCC Toronto, for which he will always be grateful. He is totally in love with the arts! He hopes one day they will be able to live the life they deserve, here. Michael Went is a proud civil servant, community activist, husband and parent. Working for the provincial government, he advises municipal government staff on financial matters. He has developed several LGBT community organizations and volunteered on urban cycling issues. Married to Doug Kerr since 2008, his greatest reward is the joy of parenting an active 4-year-old boy, Malaki. Sunday News—page 6 Responsive Pastoral Care For confidential prayer requests and spiritual care: CARE Line x 114 | care@mcctoronto.com ASE Line x 130 | ASE@mcctoronto.com Church Life x 126 | connect@mcctoronto.com 416-406-6228 MCC Toronto… for ALL people. V O L UATNMCCTTORONTO EERING 115 Simpson Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1A1 www.mcctoronto.com For volunteer opportunities, complete the Online Volunteer Application Form and we will connect you with the opportunity that suits your interests, availability and skills. The form can be completed online in the Volunteer Ministries Section of our website (www.mcctoronto.com/ what-we-do/volunteer-ministries) and hardcopies of the form can be obtained from the Information Centre in the Social Hall. Weddings Bill Estey x 170 | weddings@mcctoronto.com Funerals Deacon Sandra Millar Pager #: 416-235-7330 | funerals@mcctoronto.com Rentals Shelly Morris x 131 | rentals@mcctoronto.com Help Out at the Reception Desk Reception desk volunteers greet and direct our callers and visitors, receive mail and deliveries, and help keep everyone informed of what’s going on in the church. They are the initial contact for people who are engaging with the church for the first time. If this is your cup of tea, please connect with Leanne for more details. We would love it if you could help out! You can contribute as much or as little time as works for you. For more information about volunteering, please contact Leanne Horvath at connect@mcctoronto.com. Revisiting the Lesson If you enjoy reading our weekly sermon summaries in Sunday News and on the website, please consider joining the sermon transcription team. Each week a team member crafts a summary of the week’s Lesson for Life, using the online video as a reference. It is a fantastic way to revisit the weekly sermon and contemplate its message. Time commitment is just a few hours a month. Contact Gena Thompson at communications@mcctoronto.com or 416-406-6228 X138 for more info. Our Mission is to build bridges with a vibrant spirituality that transforms lives. Community Mailbox This is where anyone can leave and/or pick up mail! Located at the south end of the hallway just outside the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to use this mailbox - all we ask is that you date everything you drop off and check periodically to see if you have mail. If mail is not picked up after 3 months, it may be discarded. Lost & Found Items in our Lost & Found box at the Information Centre will now be kept for 30 days and then donated for sale at the Thrift Store. Check with an Information Centre volunteer for any items which you have lost. We Recycle! Please set aside the inserts that you want to take home for yourself (or to give to a friend) and place the other inserts in any recycle box along with your Sunday News. Let’s be good environmental citizens and pay attention to recycling. Sign-up for eNEWS at www.MCCToronto.com Sunday News—page 7 MCC Toronto Ministry and Team Leaders 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1A1 416-406-6228 Senior Pastor’s Office Community Engagement Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. Senior Pastor and Moderator of the Board, bhawkes@mcctoronto.com Annie Menezes Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor, amenezes@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 107 Bill Estey Coordinator of Weddings weddings@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 170 Sandra Millar Coordinator of Funerals funerals@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 114 Leanne Horvath Team Leader, Community Engagement lhorvath@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 125 Kendrew Pape Team Leader, Communications & Marketing kpape@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 112 Gena Thompson Communications Assistant communications@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 138 Mission & Ministry Rev. Kevin Downer Executive Pastor kdowner@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 118 Rev. Diane Hoover Team Leader, Leadership & Spiritual Life dhoover@mcctoronto.com Tricia Blackstock Team Leader, Children & Family Ministry tblackstock@mcctoronto.com Larry Peloso Team Leader, Refugee Program lpeloso@mcctoronto.com Erica Moe Team Leader, Refugee Peer Support refugeepeersupport@mcctoronto.com Patricia Bailey-Brown Team Leader, Refugee Settlement refugeesettlement@mcctoronto.com Bruce Lee Clergy Candidate blee@mcctoronto.com Carmen Ilanos Clergy Candidate hola@mcctoronto.com Sam Morris Clergy Candidate sammorris@mcctoronto.com Worship Rev. Deana Dudley Pastor of AM Worship Planning ddudley@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 130 Diane Leah Director of Music dleah@mcctoronto.com Benjamin Stein PM Elevation Service Music Coordinator higherpraise@mcctoronto.com Finance & Administration Shelly Morris Executive Director smorris@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 131 Nancy Malcolm Financial Director nmalcolm@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 101 Charmaine Iding Facility Manager ciding@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 179 Ned Yuzefowich Facility Manager nyuzefowich@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 179 Fundraising & Events Melanie Howe Team Leader, Fundraising mhowe@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 111 Kevin Coutu Team Leader, Fundraising kcoutu@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 139 Suzanne Christie Team Leader, Events schristie@mcctoronto.com, 416-406-6228 Ext. 103 Board of Directors Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. – Moderator. Senior Pastor, MCC Toronto Anne Brayley – Vice-Moderator. VP Philanthropic Services, Toronto Community Foundation Carol Osler – Board Member. SVP & Head of Financial Crimes and Fraud Management Group and Enterprise Project Management Office, TD Bank Group Darrell Jensen – Board Member. Partner, Ernst & Young LLP Lori Boyce – Board Member. AVP, Underwriting, Risk Management & Research/Development, Retail Markets, Manulife Michael Dolan – Board Member. President, Avenue Event Management Michael Serapio – Board Member. Host, CBC News Now Enquiries may be directed to: boardofdirectors@mcctoronto.com Not Sure Who to Contact? A member of our reception team would be pleased to answer your questions and direct your call. 416-406-6228 Ext. 100, connect@mcctoronto.com Sign-up for eNEWS at www.MCCToronto.com Are you Gearing up for Racing Season? Do you have any aches & pains that won't go away? Are you stressed out or injured? To book your appointment, please email: rmtfitness@gmail.com Or check us out online: rmtfitness.weebly.com Joshua Young B.A., RMT, Exercise Trainer BUY THIS SPACE TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS! Contact Gena Thompson communications@mcctoronto.com 416.406.6228 Ext. 138 - T H A N K YO U TO O U R A D V E R T I S E R S F O R F I N A N C I N G S U N D AY N E W S - Therapeutic Massage & Exercise Can Help! a jeweller Winner of international, U.S. and Canadian design awards. Has Repair, Alteration Custom Design By appointment l’s Hosp St. Michae Staff Pin ital created special pieces for tw Governors General of Canada, HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH the late King Hussein of Jordan, HRH King Juan Carlos of Spain, U. S. presidents, and Prime Ministers of Canada. roydeandesign@yahoo.ca (416) 655-3307 Take a journey through my portfolio of completed works at ‘Roy Dean a Jeweller’ on Facebook. And we recycle! - T H A N K YO U TO O U R A D V E R T I S E R S F O R F I N A N C I N G S U N D AY N E W S - ROY DEAN Palm Sunday Good Friday March 29 at 9:00am, 11:00am and 7:00pm in the Sanctuary April 3 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with his disciples, where they were greeted by a joyful crowd waving palm fronds. Here at MCC Toronto, the children will lead our procession with the traditional palms, and we will all be greeted with joyful music. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was a revolutionary act, and we will look at how our own lives can embody this kind of radical transformation! On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. Here at MCC Toronto, we always have a very moving Good Friday service. We’ll hear the Passion story, share in silent Communion, and be graced by some very moving music from the Choir and soloists. It’s always a stirring moment when we strip the altar for our Easter vigil, as we await Easter morn. Interfaith Seder Supper Easter Sunday April 5 at 6:00am Sunrise Service overlooking the lake at Ashbridge’s Bay April 1 at 6:30pm in the Social Hall Jewish people have eaten a Seder Supper in celebration of Passover since the time of the Exodus. At a Seder, it is traditional to ask “Why is this night different from all other nights?” It is because Jews believe that on this night God, not an angel, not an archangel, but the living God passed over Egypt liberating the Israelite slaves. Christians believe that on this night in Jerusalem, Jesus celebrated the Exodus with his disciples and gave them teachings which became the Eucharist. At MCC Toronto, we choose to honour the deep interconnectivity of our Christian beliefs with much older Jewish beliefs, and we celebrate this shared heritage with an interfaith Seder, based on the traditional Jewish celebration of liberation, and incorporating some of the roots of our Christian celebration of communion. Get Involved To help set up, or to contribute a dish to the Seder Supper potluck, please email sederpotluck@mcctoronto.com, or see the Seder table in the Social Hall after services. For those of you who want to greet the Easter morn early, there is our beautiful annual Easter Sunrise Service at Ashbridge’s Bay, followed by breakfast together at the Sunrise Grill on Queen Street. Meet in the parking lot at Ashbridge’s Bay at 5:45am. April 5 at 9:00am, 11:00am and 7:00pm Worship & Celebration in the Sanctuary Once again, we will have a joyous celebration of Resurrection and New Life! Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes will conclude his sermon series, “Preparing Ourselves for a Wholehearted Life,” based on “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Living a wholehearted life will encompass change; it will encompass the work of spiritual practice; it will mean practicing letting go of some things. But ultimately, it comes down to you deciding to walk out of the tomb and into the sunlight. This Easter, Living a Wholehearted Life can be a new beginning for you! 5 de abril a las 1:30pm en la sala 109 Servicio Domingo de Pascua en español Important! Parking on Easter Sunday We are expecting high attendance on Easter Sunday, as we do every year at this time. To ease the stress of finding a parking spot, we have arranged an alternative. Dave and Charlotte’s No Frills have again been generous enough to allow us use of their parking lot on Carlaw, just north of Gerrard. We ask that congregants please park in the north end of the No Frills lot. A shuttle will be running from 8:30am to 1:00pm to bring you to and from the church. Visit mcctoronto.com/events/holy-week for directions to Ashbridges Bay.
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