At this time of year, we ask you to remember the FARESHARE FOOD BANK in Oakville as the THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE approaches. Adding a few items to your weekly shopping list for the food bank would be very helpful.
Their greatest needs are: → oatmeal → crackers → jam → coffee (instant regular/ decaf) → tea (regular, green, herbal)
Snacks for kids: → fruit cups → puddings → juice boxes
Donated items can be placed in the baskets near each entry.
We’d also appreciate donations of fresh fruits & vegetables for our Harvest Table, decorating the sanctuary on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 8th. These items will be taken to the foodbank afterwards.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation, do so through your church envelope or online, clearly noting, “Fareshare Food Bank Donation”.
Thank you for anything you can share.
Many thanks, Your Outreach & Worship committees
“Out of our abundance, O Lord, Let us provide for others.”
Registration is no longer required!
Effective Sunday, June 5, registration for services and Sunday School is no longer required!Ushers will seat you on arrival, maintaining social distancing between groups. If you have a special need or seating preference, please let your usher know.
With summer just around the corner, we wanted to let you know of some changes to our weekly worship services and Covid protocols at the church. It’s such a blessing to get back closer to our pre-Covid “normal” operations, while still maintaining those essential precautions which allow everyone to attend services comfortably and safely.
Summer service schedule
Beginning on Sunday, June 5, we switch to our summer worship schedule with one weekly service at 10:00am on Sundays. Virtual services will continue to be sent out at 2:00pm.
Masks are still required
Masks are required everywhere inside the church building. This includes the Sanctuary, Sunday School and Youth Group rooms, entrances, hallways, washrooms, and the kitchen.
Coffee hour / social hour
Coffee hour will take place following the 10am service. It will be held outdoors whenever weather permits, and in the air-conditioned comfort of Bronte Hall during unfavourable weather. When coffee hour is held indoors, masks may be removed briefly for drinking and eating, however, they are strongly recommended at all other times. All servers will be masked indoors.
Children and youth programming
Sunday School programming for grades K-5 will be offered during the 10am service. Junior and senior youth are welcome to assist. Starting Sunday, June 5, children and youth will now enter the Sanctuary with their families for the first part of the service. They will proceed to Sunday School following the youth story.
Entering and exiting the building
The Allen entrance, main tower stairs and Bronte Hall doors may now be used for entering and exiting the church for Sunday services. The choir loft exit will be used in emergencies only.
► What you need to know this week
• A message from the Outreach Committee: Traditionally, at this time of year, we would be asking you to think about bringing into Walton a gift or a gift card, or a financial donation for us to deliver to the agencies taking care of so many people over the season. Usually, we divide all of these gifts between several agencies, including Kerr Street Mission and Wesley Urban Ministries. Of course, an actual White Gift Sunday wasn’t possible in this COVID-19 year – though we hope you enjoyed our virtual White Gift service last week – but we don’t want those families and individuals in need to feel their shortages more than ever. If you are able this year, we ask you to bring us an unwrapped toy for a girl or boy.
This is a suggested donation wish list: • New gifts: toys, hygiene items, small kitchen appliances, towel & linens. • Gift certificates for Walmart, Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, Toys ‘R’ Us.
We have been blessed by the many hats, scarves and gloves already donated to the Mitten Tree. We know that some of you knit all year in order to deliver the massive bags of knitting. Any deliveries can be made to the Allen Entrance (back door) of Walton Church on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Please wear a mask and ring the bell to have someone open the door to you. If you need a pick-up, please call the office to make arrangements.
Christmas Memorials – Anyone has the opportunity to make a special memorial gift to Walton at Christmas time. There are two ways you can do that this year — you can make a monetary donation or you can donate a virtual poinsettia in loving memory of a loved one. The cost for a virtual poinsettia is a minimum donation of $10.00 and all donations go to the Walton Benevolent Fund.
Pleasedonate online or contact the church office at office@waltonmemorial.com to make your donation to either the Christmas Memorial Fund or virtual poinsettias.
The deadline for donations is Wednesday, December 16th. These memorial gifts will be compiled into a list and will be emailed out to all those who donated early in the new year. They will be dedicated during the virtual service on Sunday, December 20th.
What is the Benevolent Fund? This confidential fund, managed by Rev. Gill with help from some of the staff, is to help people in need due to Covid, illness, unemployment, unexpected accident, setback, or tragedy. Every year it helps people in our congregation and in the wider community who are in need, through financial and material assistance. The work of the fund remains highly confidential to allow for anonymous support of people in need. For more information, please email Rev. Jim Gill jamescwaltonwuc@gmail.com
• Daily Advent Email Devotional – Find greater meaning and inspiration as you prepare for Christmas, with a daily moment of guided reflection and prayer. Inspired this year by the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (made famous by Kings’ College, Cambridge, in the UK), each day you’ll be sent either a Scripture passage or an excerpt from a carol, as well as a short reflection and a prayer. Internet links will also be provided so that you can watch and listen to the carols and readings offered up in worship. – Throughout Advent, we will affirm and remember our endeavours across the centuries to glorify God and give thanks for the birth of God’s Son. Each day, the devotionals will remind us of God’s enduring relationship with humanity and encourage us to welcome and praise God in our world today. – If you’ve received the Advent emails in a previous year, you should have received the Advent emails automatically, starting today, Nov 29th. To sign up to receive the emails, please visit: waltonmemorial.com/advent-devotional
• Join us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning – We will be having 3 virtual services to celebrate Christmas:
December 24th – 3:00pm – Storyteller Service for kids of all ages December 24th – 6:00pm – Christmas Eve Service with Communion December 25th – 8:30am – Christmas Day service
• Walton’s prayer chain is open. Confidential prayers requests can be sent to office@waltonmemorial.com
• If you need Rev. Jim for a pastoral emergency, please email him directly at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com
► What you need to know this week
• Walton is implementing a new software system which can accommodate all our varied administrative requirements: people/membership database and facilities scheduling, donation tracking and receipting, and event registrations. “Planning Center” has been selected by the office staff, council and financial committee as the program that will best suit our needs. However, in order for us to be able to use the new program effectively, we need your help to update our contact information.
• In many cases, we only have one email or phone number on file for each household. (For example, do you get this Virtual Service directly to your email, or does your spouse have to forward it to you?) Accurate email addresses and mobile phone numbers for each adult are key pieces of information for staying in touch with many in our congregation. If you think we may have out-of-date/incomplete email addresses or phone numbers for your household please let us know. • For those who receive letters or tax receipts we also need to make sure we have the correct postal address on file. If you have recently moved or are not receiving any correspondence from us, we may not have your new address.
For any updates please drop an email to office@waltonmemorial.com, with the subject line being “CHANGE IN INFORMATION”, or call the office 905-827-1643. This would really be helpful to make our new program work to benefit both staff and congregation. Thank you!
• Daily Advent Email Devotional – Find greater meaning and inspiration as you prepare for Christmas, with a daily moment of guided reflection and prayer. Inspired this year by the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (made famous by Kings’ College, Cambridge, in the UK), each day you’ll be sent either a Scripture passage or an excerpt from a carol, as well as a short reflection and a prayer. Internet links will also be provided so that you can watch and listen to the carols and readings offered up in worship. – Throughout Advent, we will affirm and remember our endeavours across the centuries to glorify God and give thanks for the birth of God’s Son. Each day, the devotionals will remind us of God’s enduring relationship with humanity and encourage us to welcome and praise God in our world today. – If you’ve received the Advent emails in a previous year, you should have received the Advent emails automatically, starting today, Nov 29th. To sign up to receive the emails, please visit: waltonmemorial.com/advent-devotional
• Food Bank: On behalf of the Burlington and Oakville Food Banks, the Walton Outreach Committee would like to thank you for your generous financial donations since we entered the COVID-19 world. The need has increased hugely in our local areas – families who used to be able to scrape by have been forced to use the services of the food banks to put meals on the table. Families who were already registered are feeling the severity of their situation more than ever. The demand on the food banks is well-documented and we’d like to ask you to donate if you possibly can spare something. You can donate online at the Walton website, which means that the amount will go through your Givings Statement, or drop a cheque through the mail slot at the church, or post your donation to Walton Church, 2489 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville, ON L6L H9. We have been able to send your donations of $1400 to date – thank you for your generosity and for thinking of others through our current situation. Please be sure to designate either Oakville or Burlington Food Bank if you have a preference and add your envelope number if you know it.
• Walton’s prayer chain is open. Confidential prayers requests can be sent to office@waltonmemorial.com
• If you need Rev. Jim for a pastoral emergency, please email him directly at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com
• Your generosity is so appreciated! The Mitten Tree is up and ready for your donations! We know many of our knitters have been working hard on mittens, hats and scarves. Our shoppers have been picking up items when they see them on sale. All donations welcome! “Warm hands …and feet… and hearts”
► What you need to know this week
• Daily Advent Email Devotional – Find greater meaning and inspiration as you prepare for Christmas, with a daily moment of guided reflection and prayer. Inspired this year by the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (made famous by Kings’ College, Cambridge, in the UK), each day you’ll be sent either a Scripture passage or an excerpt from a carol, as well as a short reflection and a prayer. Internet links will also be provided so that you can watch and listen to the carols and readings offered up in worship. – Throughout Advent, we will affirm and remember our endeavours across the centuries to glorify God and give thanks for the birth of God’s Son. Each day, the devotionals will remind us of God’s enduring relationship with humanity and encourage us to welcome and praise God in our world today. – If you’ve received the Advent emails in a previous year, you should receive the Advent emails automatically, starting Nov 29th. To sign up to receive the emails, please visit: waltonmemorial.com/advent-devotional
• 2021 Givings Envelopes are available for pick up from the church office. You are invited to drop by Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to pick yours up. Please come to the back door and ring the doorbell. Thanks so much for your help. If you are unable to drop by during those times, please contact the church and make an appointment. 905-827-1643, office@waltonmemorial.com For the 2021 giving year, Walton has reallocated congregational envelope numbers. This to reduce the range of envelope numbers in circulation, and thereby reduce excessive waste and administration costs. As a result, please check your envelope number to see if there has been a change; this change will be effective January 1st, 2021. If you are on PAR you will no longer receive a box of envelopes, but if you would like the special envelopes used throughout the year, please contact the office and a set of envelopes will be made available for you to pick up through the church office. Thank you.
• Thank you from the Outreach Committee! Please know what you are doing helps! Please know what you are doing is acknowledged and it is appreciated! Please know that the people on the receiving end are so grateful and thank you for continuing to support and help them. Thank you! Thank you! Our modified Spaghetti Dinner raised over $2,000 with your very generous support, this amount will go to Wesley Mission in Hamilton. As well, your response to our Thanksgiving Food Banks appeal enabled us to pass on almost $2,000. to our local food banks. Walton’s Outreach Committee is trying to maintain some of our Christmas programs. We want people to remember this time of year and the happiness that goes with it, even though we are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. • We plan to have a food drive (monetary contributions are appreciated) • A White Gift program (with gift cards to basic retailers, ie. Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Walmart, Shoppers, etc. Monetary givings through the church givings would be appreciated as well. Donations can be dropped off at the church Tuesday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm. If these times don’t work, please contact the office to arrange an appointment: office@waltonmemorial.com or 902-827-1643
• Christmas Memorials – Everyone has the opportunity to make a special Memorial Gift to Walton at Christmas time. There are two ways you can do that this year — you can make a monetary donation or you can donate a virtual poinsettia in loving memory of a loved one. The cost for a virtual poinsettia is a minimum donation of $10.00 and all donations go to the Walton Benevolent Fund. — Please donate online or contact the church office at office@waltonmemorial.com to make your donation either Christmas Memorial Fund or Virtual Poinsettias. The deadline for donations Wednesday, December 16th. These memorial gifts will be made into a list and will be emailed out to all those who donated by early in the New Year. They will be dedicated in the Virtual Service on Sunday, December 20th. More information – https://www.waltonmemorial.com/benevolent-fund-christmas-memorials/ — What is the Benevolent Fund? This confidential fund, managed by Rev. Gill with help from some of the staff, is to help people in need due to Covid, illness, unemployment, unexpected accident, setback, or tragedy. Every year it helps people in our congregation and in the wider community who are in need, through financial and material assistance. The work of the fund remains highly confidential to allow for anonymous support of people in need. For more information, please speak to Rev. Jim Gill jamescwaltonwuc@gmail.com
• Upper Rooms for November and December are now available at the church. Please contact the office if you would like to purchase one. Thanks.
• Walton’s prayer chain is open. Confidential prayers requests can be sent to office@waltonmemorial.com
• If you need Rev. Jim for a pastoral emergency, please email him directly at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com
• The Mitten Tree is up and ready for your donations! We know many of our knitters have been working hard on mittens, hats and scarves. Our shoppers have been picking up items when they see them on sale. There is a big need for thermal socks!! All donations welcome! “Warm hands …and feet… and hearts”
► What you need to know this week
• 2021 Givings Envelopes are available for pick up from the church office. You are invited to drop by Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to pick yours up. Please come to the back door and ring the doorbell. Thanks so much for your help. If you are unable to drop by during those times, please contact the church and make an appointment. 905-827-1643, office@waltonmemorial.com
For the 2021 giving year, Walton has reallocated congregational envelope numbers. This to reduce the range of envelope numbers in circulation, and thereby reduce excessive waste and administration costs. As a result, please check your envelope number to see if there has been a change; this change will be effective January 1st, 2021. If you are on PAR you will no longer receive a box of envelopes, but if you would like the special envelopes used throughout the year, please contact the office and a set of envelopes will be made available for you to pick up through the church office. Thank you.
• Thank you from the Outreach Committee! Please know what you are doing helps! Please know what you are doing is acknowledged and it is appreciated! Please know that the people on the receiving end are so grateful and thank you for continuing to support and help them. Thank you! Thank you!
Our modified Spaghetti Dinner raised over $2,000 with your very generous support, this amount will go to Wesley Mission in Hamilton. As well, your response to our Thanksgiving Food Banks appeal enabled us to pass on almost $2,000. to our local food banks.
Walton’s Outreach Committee is trying to maintain some of our Christmas programs. We want people to remember this time of year and the happiness that goes with it, even though we are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. • We plan to have a food drive (monetary contributions are appreciated) • A White Gift program (with gift cards to basic retailers, ie. Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Walmart, Shoppers, etc.
Monetary giving through the church givings would be appreciated as well. Donations can be dropped off at the church Tuesday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm. If these times don’t work, please contact the office to arrange an appointment: office@waltonmemorial.com or 902-827-1643
• Christmas Memorials – Everyone has the opportunity to make a special Memorial Gift to Walton at Christmas time. There are two ways you can do that this year — you can make a monetary donation or you can donate a virtual poinsettia in loving memory of a loved one. The cost for a virtual poinsettia is a minimum donation of $10.00 and all donations go to the Walton Benevolent Fund. — Please donate online or contact the church office at office@waltonmemorial.com to make your donation either Christmas Memorial Fund or Virtual Poinsettias. The deadline for donations Wednesday, December 16th. These memorial gifts will be made into a list and will be emailed out to all those who donated by early in the New Year. They will be dedicated in the Virtual Service on Sunday, December 20th. More information – https://www.waltonmemorial.com/benevolent-fund-christmas-memorials/ — What is the Benevolent Fund? This confidential fund, managed by Rev. Gill with help from some of the staff, is to help people in need due to Covid, illness, unemployment, unexpected accident, setback, or tragedy. Every year it helps people in our congregation and in the wider community who are in need, through financial and material assistance. The work of the fund remains highly confidential to allow for anonymous support of people in need. For more information, please speak to Rev. Jim Gill jamescwaltonwuc@gmail.com
• Kids and teens – last call to share your gifts! Like all our services, White Gift is going to be different this year. Our virtual White Gift service this year will be led by our children and youth, as always, but instead of participating in a play, we’re asking Walton’s kids and teens to share their special gifts via photo and video. Whether their gift is singing, playing an instrument, dancing, juggling, or creating art, we want to share it with Walton’s congregation in this special service, as we encourage everyone to share their gifts of support with Wesley Urban Ministries this Christmas season. Think of it as a virtual talent show for a great cause!
• Submitted videos should be no more than 2-3 minutes in length. • Videos should be recorded horizontally, not vertically. • Subject matter/music should be church-appropriate .and related to the message of the Christmas season. • Videos and photos will be included in the virtual service video, which is sent to Walton’s subscribers and shared on social media. Participating children will be identified by their first names only. • Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, November 18th. • Email videos and photos to sundayschool@waltonmemorial.com
• Upper Rooms for November and December are now available at the church. Please contact the office if you would like to purchase one. Thanks.
• FALL SPECIAL….MIKE’S SEVILLE MARMALADE is available for curbside delivery through the church office – $3.00 per jar. Please contact the office at 905-827-1643 or email the office at office@waltonmemorial.com to make arrangements. All proceeds go to Walton Treasury to fund programs and ministries.
• Walton’s prayer chain is open. Confidential prayers requests can be sent to office@waltonmemorial.com • If you need Rev. Jim for a pastoral emergency, please email him directly at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com
• The Mitten Tree is up and ready for your donations! We know many of our knitters have been working hard on mittens, hats and scarves. Our shoppers have been picking up items when they see them on sale. There is a big need for thermal socks!! All donations welcome! “Warm hands …and feet… and hearts”
Auction
Original Date: April 25, 2020 New Date: TBD
CVITP – Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
• closed until further notice, pending CRA Directives and the reopening of the Walton Church premises.
Choir Concert – Blast from the Past
Original Date: May 3, 2020 New Date: TBD
Updated: Thursday, April 6, 2023
We are pleased to share an update regarding our Covid precautions.
As of Thursday, April 6, masks will be optional in all areas of the church building.
Walton’s Council members have voted unanimously to approve the following resolution: Be it proposed that masks become optional in all areas of Walton’s church life beginning Thursday, April 6th.
Those who still wish to wear masks are, of course, encouraged to do so.
We still recommend masks if you have been exposed to someone with Covid, and ask you to stay home if you feel unwell. If you have been exposed to illness in your household, mask-wearing is recommended as a courtesy to others. If you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness yourself, we ask that you stay home.
Updated: Wednesday, January 11 2023
Please do not come to church if you have a cough, cold, fever, or other symptoms of illness. We encourage those who are feeling unwell to worship with Walton virtually.
Important reminder: Masks are required for everyone age 3 and up in the church sanctuary. There are several vulnerable members of our church family who are unable to worship in person unless everyone is masked. Masking in church is a simple step we can all take in the spirit of loving our neighbours.
Masks are NOT required at fellowship time. Everyone who is comfortable is welcome to enjoy coffee, tea, juice and treats in Bronte Hall between our two Sunday services (begins at approximately 10:30am).
Updated: Monday, March 7, 2022
Welcome back to Walton – again!
We are delighted to resume in-person worship and Sunday School programming as of Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 930am and 11am. For those who prefer to worship at home, virtual services will continue to be sent out weekly by email and posted on Facebook and YouTube.
The format and procedures for live worship are the same as when we paused services in December 2021 with one notable exception: With the March 1st, change of provincial rules on vaccination, proof of vaccination is no longer required to attend in person.
Medical masks (no cloth masks or plastic face shields) must be worn at all times inside the church building by everyone age 3 and up. If you do not have a medical mask, one will be provided to you at the entrance.
Advance registration is still required each week, and seating will be assigned by household bubble to ensure physical distancing. Registration opens at 9:00am on Mondays and closes at 11:59pm on Thursdays.
Entry to the sanctuary is through the main Tower Door, unless you require the elevator then it is the Allen Entrance. Entry for kids and youth programs will be through the glass doors by Bronte Hall. (JK-Grade 5 in Bronte Hall. Grades 6-8 in the Mini Gym. Teen Talk (Grades 9-12) in Youth Hall)
Please note that choir, congregational singing, and coffee time are still paused for the time being.
With sadness but a deep desire to protect everyone, we announce that Walton United Church will be pausing all live worship services effective immediately, including those planned for Christmas Eve. In light of the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases and associated risks, this decision is a necessary step to protect the congregation and the communities we serve. Walton’s Council will re-evaluate the option of in-person services in January.
Virtual services will continue to be emailed to subscribers and posted on Walton’s social media channels every Sunday at 8:30am until live services resume. And we will celebrate Christmas virtually at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve and 8:30am on Christmas Day.
The Church office will continue to be open Tuesdays through Fridays from approximately 9am to 12pm, and at other times by appointment. Staff can always be reached at their individual email addresses or by phoning the Church office. Our locked door policy remains in effect; visitors must ring the Allen Entrance doorbell, sign in and out, and complete a health screening to enter the building.
New: Anyone entering the building must be wearing a medical-grade mask. Acceptable options include 3-layer procedure masks, KF94, KN95, N95 or similar. Cloth masks and / or plastic face shields are not permitted. Procedure masks will be provided at the Walton door free to anyone who does not have one to be able to enter the building.
Please know this decision was not taken lightly, as we recognize how important worshipping in person is to you, as it is to us. We pray that this variant proves to be less severe than previous versions and that we may gather together for services again soon.
We pray for you and your family, and that you will be safe and healthy over the Christmas holidays.
Stay safe and God bless, Rev. Jim Gill
Updated: Sunday, October 17th, 6:00pm
In-person Services are back!
Updated: Tuesday, June 9th, 5:00pm
On June 8th, the Ontario government made an announcement that churches are permitted to open at 30% of its building’s capacity. It has been recently decided by Walton Council and Trustees that it is too soon for Walton to reopen.
Some of Walton’s leaders and staff have been working on a plan over the last 6 weeks regarding the reopening of Walton. This draft re-opening plan is based on guidance from many credible sources including the United Church of Canada and will require Council’s approval before it can be implemented. It is focused on what they feel is best to ensure the health and safety for our people, volunteers and staff.
As you can appreciate, there are many different people and situations to take into consideration when creating and then implementing the re-opening plan. We thank you for your patience and understanding. More information will be shared when it is available.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Most local church congregations of various denominations are now closed for services and programs. Walton Church Council approved that as of Sunday afternoon, March 15, Walton will have a full closure of all church facilities, and the cancellation of services, meetings, and programming until further notice.
To replace the Sunday Services we will email everyone on Sunday mornings, a copy of the Sunday sermon, a pastoral prayer, scripture reading and the words of two hymns.
For a more traditional experience, we encourage you to visit the United Church of Canada Facebook page on Sundays, where they will be streaming a weekly worship service.
We are suspending all home, nursing home or hospital visits unless it is an emergency and specifically requested by the family – provided it is not COVID-19 related.
The church staff is working from home and we are available to assist you with administrative and pastoral needs. Please leave a voice message on our main phone line (905-827-1643) or email office@waltonmemorial.com and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member.
In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Jim directly by email at jamescgillwuc@gmail.com.
We know this period of isolation and worry can be stressful, particularly for those with existing health challenges. We are here to help. If you are in need of essential supplies, medications, or food, and are unable to leave your house or do not have someone else who can shop for you, please call or email the church office. We are coordinating volunteer deliveries of necessities and all requests will be kept confidential.
As this situation continues to evolve, please monitor Walton’s own social media channels, website and email for further updates.
Some important reminders:
• Please communicate with staff by email or phone if you are unwell so we can pray, call or email with you. • Please follow all the official heath directions from various levels of government. • Go to reliable sources for information and updates. The Government of Canada website has excellent information and resources on COVID-19, click here to go to their website.
This is a challenging time but if we follow the advice of health professionals and the government, hopefully, the risk of this virus can be minimized.
While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.
If you are taking part in the Lent goal to read all of Luke, today readLuke 24. Congratulations and well done to all who took part!
_______
Out of defeat, triumph; from confusion, understanding; beyond death to new life. Christ is risen, hallelujah! In the final chapter of his gospel, Luke relates the news of the resurrection in three different accounts – at the tomb, on the road to Emmaus, and in the upper room. In each account Jesus’ followers are transformed through their knowledge of the risen Christ. The revelation of his resurrection, and the fulfilment of his teaching, evokes awe and wonder and, gradually, enlightenment. As we celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday, let us also worship in awe and wonder, affirming that this miracle was brought about to renew each one of us. As we let our voices sing with jubilation and triumph, we also appreciate the relationship we can have with God because of this day. Let us then, through prayer and worship, move closer towards an awareness of the path God would have us follow, and how we can respond to God’s love with our lives.
Risen and victorious God, we sing praises to You in triumph and celebration. In joy and thanksgiving, we proclaim the depth of Your love and the new life, the restored relationship, You offer us. Guide us, we pray, this day and always, bringing us closer to You. Shape our lives, loving God, to respond to Your love in who we are and all we do. Amen.
When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.”
If you are taking part in the Lent goal to read all of Luke, today read Luke 23:44-56.
_______
As the crucifixion came to its climax, as Jesus cried out his final words and breathed his last, his passing proclaimed his power to all those who were there. Moreover, this event inspired the first acknowledgement of the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice. “Certainly this man was innocent.” Hanging dead between two thieves, the truth of Jesus’ ministry could not be silenced. And it is not a disciple or follower making this assertion, or even one of the crowd, who had in turn cheered and then condemned Jesus. Jesus’ power compelled the centurion supervising his execution to speak out – a man who was only there to carry out an order, a disinterested, detached member of the Roman Army. His conviction, his compulsion, can renew and inspire our own confidence in the redemption we have through Jesus. On this day of waiting, between death and triumph, we can be certain of the power of God’s love and mercy, given for us.
Steadfast God, You determined to save us, even up to the point of crucifixion and death. Your truth will not be silenced. Your love cannot be repressed. As we remember Christ’s death, we affirm also the immensity of his love and the power of his sacrifice. Deepen our certainty in the love You have for each one of us and renew our gratitude for Your everlasting grace. Amen. .
