Dear Friends,
This upcoming Sunday is World Communion Sunday, we join many Christians around the globe in celebrating our unity in Jesus Christ. We will welcome new members Lorelee Sankarlal (Madisen and Samuel) to our church family. The text we are meditating on is Matthew 21:23–32. Jesus always surprises us through what he says, what he does, whom he meets, and where he goes. Jesus transforms the questions of certainty the chief priests and the elders have into… (stay tuned for Sunday!).
Matthew 21:23–32
23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same, and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.
Following Sunday worship, we hold a congregational meeting to provide a platform for questions and thoughts to be shared regarding the Future Directions Committee’s report and recommendations. This session is intended solely for gathering the insights of our congregation. The questions and comments voiced will be directed to both the Session and the Future Directions Committee. Additionally, please anticipate another congregational meeting later in the year (November).
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. We would humbly ask for your prayers.
On Sunday, October 15, we will hold a memorial service to remember and celebrate our loved ones who are no longer with us. We will pay tribute to those who have passed away this past year. If you have experienced the loss of a cherished one during that time and would like us to commemorate their name in our service, please share both their name and a photograph with Chuck at [email protected].
—Rev. Chuck Moon
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, September 30, 2023 edition of Tidbits.