Zion Calendar

Monday 25 February 2013

General Secretary's Weekly Letter



February 22, 2013


Dear Friends,

“Even if you are exiled to the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there he will bring you back.”  (Deuteronomy 30:4)

According to the World Council of Churches, there are nearly 12 million people around the world who are not considered a national by any state. 

Reading that statistic in a recent press release from the World Council was one of those shocking reminders of how much I take for granted, that other people aren’t able to take for granted.  I’ve lived in a lot of different parts of Canada, and travelled to some other parts of the world, but I’ve never for a minute had to worry about what country I belonged in.  I’ve never had the sense of not belonging anywhere.

The press release from the World Council of Churches was about an international consultation on stateless people that will be held in Washington, D.C. next week.  I read about that just the day before seeing Friday’s headline story in the Toronto Star which said the City of Toronto is becoming the first city in Canada to be declared a sanctuary for stateless people.  By that they mean that “non-status” Toronto residents (estimated at 200,000), will be eligible for municipal services regardless of their immigration status.  It was good to read a news item that makes me proud of Toronto.

“May there be no breach in the walls,* no exile, and no cry of distress in our streets.”  (Psalm 144)

Blessings,
Nora


The General Secretary’s letter is distributed to staff at the General Council Office and colleagues across the United Church. If you are receiving this you may also want to see Moderator Gary Paterson’s blog. Visit www.garypaterson.ca and select "Follow" in the lower right to get an e-mail notice whenever he has a new post.
 
 
  The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto Ontario M8X 2Y4 Canada
www.united-church.ca
 

The Perkins' Hearth Cookbook

The Perkins' Hearth Cook Book

 This is a fundraiser of the UCW. This book was compiled by the Zion Guild of the Zion United Church to commemorate Liverpool's Bicentennial Year, 1759-1959

This book contains wonderful recipes from local community members and descendants of some of our original settlers to Liverpool. There are references to Liverpool's history with illustrations and pictures. 

The Perkins' Hearth Cook Book makes a lovely gift and something to pass down to generations. The cook book cost is $8.00 including tax. If you would liek to purchase a cook book, please contact Jean Strum or call the Zion Church office on 354-5851. 

Sunday 24 February 2013

This Week at Zion United Church



Our Worship Leader this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Lent, 
February 24, was Dan MacLaren

Second Sunday of Lent Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are called to walk by the light of Christ, your Son, and to trust in his wisdom.
During Lent we submit ourselves to him more and more and strive to believe in him with all our heart.
I enter on this path of repentance so that in dying to self I might rise to new life.
Lord Jesus, you spoke peace to a sinful world and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death you endured.
Teach us to follow your example. Increase our faith, hope and charity so that we may turn hatred to love and conflict to peace.
Give me a perfect heart to receive your work, that I may bring forth fruit in patience.
Renew our eagerness to work with you in building a better world, so that all may hear your gospel of peace and justice.

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

Dan also read a Poem in Memory of the 
Fishermen of the Miss Alley, that were lost at Sea.


Come friends there is a story, I will relay to you

about the boat Miss Ally, five men made up her crew


She left the wharf for fishing grounds, the weather it was fair
not knowing what awaited them, and that the end was near

It was Sunday on the seventeenth, a storm it did arise
the waves were high with gusting winds, it caught them by surprise

They bravely fought and battled, but with wind the sea it heaves
the crew and boat Miss Ally, slipped beneath the waves

How can life be so unfair, we cannot understand
sometimes in life we are dealt , what seems a losing hand
But there is an explanation, to you I will relay
God has a plan for everyone, for each and every day
God blesses us with loved ones, that we hold so dear
although he seems so far away, he is always very neat.
We even wonder and ask ourselves, 'how could God do this?'
but it hereby proves to all of us, that he only takes the best.
In heaven there is happiness, the streets with gold are laid
it is a place so perfect, that roses never fade
It is there the ones we loved are called,the ones we hold so dear
and when we stop and think of it, it is really very clear
God needs someone to do the things,much like we do on earth
on the fishing boats of heaven, he chooses who gets a berth
Although today you are left to mourn, there is one thing that is true
in choosing the ones you loved so much,he now has a perfect crew
The seas of heaven are always calm, never a heavy swell
for God prepares a perfect place, where our loved ones are called to dwell
The fishing nets are always full,the skies so very clear
and the boats are manned by the very ones, that we hold so dear
So as you travel down life's road, may it comfort you to know
that God is watching over them, for he has them in his fold
Even though you feel alone, and you must bear the pain
may you cherish all the memories, until you meet again
This boat and crew has joined God's fleet, they fish the seas on high
never more to sail rough seas, never more to die
God will guide them evermore, in waters that are still
and bring them safely home each day, to that mansion on the hill
God bless their little children, their families and their friends
surround them with your peacefulness, and love that never ends
Hold them gently when they cry, and wipe away their tears
help them try to understand, and take away their fears
God bless these men has they sail, down heavens shore each day
guide them with your loving hand, don't let them go astray
God bless this boat from stern to stem, from wheelhouse down to galley
as she sails your peaceful shores, the good boat named Miss Ally.

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


These beautiful Potted Mums were placed in the Sanctuary today in Memory of Joanne Strum by her Loving Mother Jean Strum and Family.

                            *****************************
Miss Barb chatted with Robbie and held a fun Sunday School class today and the consensus was, it's a duck, no it's an owl, no it's a chicken. Hey kids, it can be whatever you want it to be.




Marjorie Speed- Powell keeps the Choir going each week with the Ministry of Music Performance.

Zion United Annual Report 2012
Thanks to all those who attended church today and stayed for the Annual Congregational Meeting, held following the service. If you could not attend and would like a copy of the Zion United Annual Report 2012, please email zionchurch@eastlink.ca or call the church office on 354-5851 and we can make arrangements to get one to you. 

Wednesday 20 February 2013

A Nod to Zion Member Bev Crouse

Rev Neil MacDonald and his wife Linda sent me these pictures. They took a trip to White Point Beach Resort last week and took these pictures of the framed White Point Quilt that was mastered by our very own Zion United member Bev Crouse. Also, shown is a picture of the plaque that was hung at the Resort in honour of Bev and her many hours of work to create this Quilt. This project began as a result of the fire that destroyed the main lodge at the resort, at which time the original White Point Beach Resort Quilt was lost. Thanks for sharing Neil and Linda. 


You can see more on Bev Crouse and her work, at her new website http://www.bevcrouse.com/



Monday 18 February 2013

General Secretary's Weekly Letter



February 15, 2013

Dear friends,

My preparation for Lent this week included spending Shrove Tuesday in Ottawa at a meeting with Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners, senior federal officials, other church leaders, and leadership from the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is about two-thirds of the way through its mandate, with a lot of work yet to be done.  The United Church is one of the parties to the settlement agreement, along with the Anglican, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches.  The other parties are the federal government and the national organizations representing First Nations and Inuit.  As I see the purpose of these meetings of leaders, it is to keep the commitments of our organizations front and centre for each of us, and to keep up the pressure to deliver on the details, not just the grand statements.
There are a lot of details!  Isn’t that the way:  living up to big commitments so often requires carrying out a multitude of small steps.  Right now, a lot of the discussion centres around technical issues about production of archival material, thousands and thousands of documents that the government and the churches have which will help tell the story of the children who lived – and those who died – in the residential schools. 
In a long day of discussion about the details, I often found myself thinking of a former colleague from Nunavut who passed away before Christmas.
I first got to know Marius Tungilik in the days before the formation of the Government of Nunavut, when I was working with the Government of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, and he was brought over from the eastern Arctic to work alongside senior officials in the NWT government as he prepared to assume a leadership role in the Nunavut public service.  He was bright, funny, and compassionate, and he was fragile. 
Marius was a survivor of the Joseph Bernier Federal Day School and Turquetil Hall residence in Chesterfield Inlet.  He and the other children there were taken from their families in outpost camps and communities to live in Turquetil Hall and attend the school.  They were cut off from family contact, (or contact with the Inuit who lived in Chesterfield Inlet), punished for speaking their first language, (Inuktitut), fed unfamiliar foods, and introduced to a strict regime of manners and customs foreign to their culture.  Beyond that, many of the children suffered physical and sexual abuse from teachers and residence supervisors.  Marius was the first survivor to come forward with complaints about abuse he suffered there as a little boy, giving courage to others to do the same.  I will never forget the press conference the RCMP held in Yellowknife after concluding their investigation of complaints about the Chesterfield Inlet school, where it was stated that if certain staff members had still been living, there would have been well over a hundred criminal charges laid. 
This school and residence were run by the Oblates, and during the work I did with Marius and other survivors that led to an apology by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Arctic, I suppose I took some small comfort in knowing that this was the Catholic Church, not our church.  I don’t think I really understood then about the United Church-run schools in other parts of the country.
During my years in the Government of Nunavut, Marius and others from that school were prominent leaders and valued colleagues.  The academic side of their school experience gave them the educational basis to serve in senior government positions, and the personal side of their school experiences haunted them.  I saw how Marius struggled, and how his former schoolmates sought to support him.
I saw Marius last time I was in Iqaluit, and it was during one of his low moments.  He seemed both glad to see me, and embarrassed at the condition he was in.  My heart went out to him.
In the end, the support of friends and family was not enough for Marius.  He died alone at home, in circumstances not fully explained, in December. 
As I sat at that table of senior officials on Tuesday, talking about legal obligations and document production, my mind kept drifting away from the details of the conversation.  I was thinking of Marius, and of all those who survive and embrace life despite the memories.  This work is for them, for their children and grandchildren, and for all of us. 

Nora

Sunday 17 February 2013

Zion United Service - Unconditional Love

Well we finally made it back to Church this Sunday February 17th. There was a threat that it might snow, but that turned to rain so Shirley Shot was able to deliver her Valentine Service after all. Thanks to all those who braved the rain to attend. We also had a few familiar faces this week.  Glad you could join us. 

One point to note is a change in the date for the Mad Hatter Tea. This was to be Monday April 1st, but that is Easter Monday, so it will be moved to Wednesday April 3rd. You can start bringing in your new to nearly new items as of now. Please note the office hours and feel free to drop off then or bring to church with you.

Shirley Shot delivered her Valentine 
Sermon "Unconditional Love" 

Robbie the Dragon was in The Castle today 
to tell another bible story for the kids.

Ministry of Music performance is a regular Sunday event. 
We are very appreciative of Marjorie and our 
Choir Members for their dedication. 

Shirley Melanson was our 
reader for today's Scriptures. 

Sunday 10 February 2013

Stay in Touch with Liverpool


Don't feel cut off, just because the snow has you shut in. If you are reading this blog, you can also access the live streaming webcam set up by QCCR FM radio in Liverpool and watch the intersection at Main St and Market St. You will be able to see what the weather and the roads are like. You can also listen live to QCCR, all the icons are there for you to click on. I have set up a link to QCCR to the right, so you can always find it. So just because you are not in Liverpool, you can still hear what is going on and listen to some local home town voices.
ENJOY!!!

Blizzard hits Liverpool

Here are some pics of Liverpool during the storm that hit on Friday, February 9th and conitnues on Sunday February 10th.

Main St on Saturday Feb 9 in the morning.

Flooding behind the Fire Hall.

Main St on Feb 9th.

Henry Hensey Drive at Legion St. under water.

Outside the Bank of Montreal looking into the parking lot.

Gorham St outside the Memories Cafe.

Back of Liverpool Home Hardware.

Gorham St again later int he day. Tide is going out.

Zion United Service Cancelled Today


The Zion United Service this Sunday, February 10th, is cancelled.

The weather continues to make driving unsafe, and the Zion driveway and parking lot, as well as Chandlers are still waiting to be plowed.

Stay safe and warm at home and stay in touch here for all your updates. http://liverpoolzionunitedchurch.blogspot.ca/
 
For more information or if you have any questions, call Clerk of Session Gordon MacLeod on 354-2219.



Monday 4 February 2013

The General Secretary's Weekly Letter



 February 1, 2013
Dear Friends,
Last week, Barack Obama, the first black President of the United States, was sworn in for his second term on Martin Luther King’s birthday, a national holiday in the United States.
Later the same week, in Brampton, Ont., a black 9-year-old boy was shot dead while watching TV in his living room, probably the mistaken target in a dispute he knew nothing about. His family had just moved into that unit. This week in Toronto, 500 classmates and friends gathered for the funeral of a 15-year-old high school football player, a young black man, who was shot in an apartment building stairwell. These two killings are just the latest examples of young black people in the Toronto area becoming victims of violence.
Today, we are beginning Black History month. This month is meant to be a celebration of the achievements of black Canadians, and a time when all Canadians can learn more about the role that black people play in our culture and history.
As last week’s events remind us, there is much to celebrate, much to learn, and even more to live out.
As one with much to learn myself, I decided to look for some resources on the internet. There are many! You might like to explore a bit yourself. One story that I didn’t know before, although many of you will, is that of Maurice Ruddick, a miner who was one of those trapped in the Springhill mine for nine days in 1958. During the ordeal, Ruddick sustained the spirits of his companions by singing hymns, and getting them singing too. He was a hero. A footnote to the story was that after all the public attention about the survivors, the governor of Georgia invited all the survivors to enjoy a vacation with their families in a luxurious resort. It turned out that the resort was “segregated” and Ruddick and his family had to stay in a trailer nearby. Ruddick accepted this so as not to spoil the enjoyment of the others. (There’s a video clip about this story atwww.blackhistorycanada.ca).
It’s just one story, and there are so many stories. Some are uncomfortable to hear, like this one. Some are pure tragedies, like the young lives cut short by bullets. Some are grounds for celebration, like the accomplishments of President. Most are smaller stories than these, but important just the same.
As last week’s reading from 1 Corinthians 12:13 reminds us, “in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
May this month be a time of learning and journeying towards greater intercultural understandings.
Nora


The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto Ontario M8X 2Y4 Canada
www.united-church.ca

Snow Day at Zion

As most you heard church was cancelled on Sunday due to the weather conditions. We do apologize if you did not hear the news in time. Enjoy these pics of Zion in the snow. 

Zion in a winter setting February 3rd, 2013