Mission and Service Prayer Cycle for Year B
Sunday April 19, 2009 Think of a story or personal experience of sharing arising out of hardship. What attributes did it require of the giver and the receiver? What attitudes highlighted in the gospel text, might block others from acting in the same way? Consider these two stories about the Mission and Service fund at work. How are those same attributes a part of these good news stories as well? How do you see the good news of new life in these stories? The Community Ministries of Toronto Conference have a dual purpose. First, they exist in response to specific needs of the community in which they exist. Those needs may include support groups, food banks, and emergency financial assistance, housing needs or literacy groups. However, increasingly, advocacy has become an equally important component of the ongoing work of these ministries. Sometimes advocacy means being the voice speaking on behalf of the community with government agencies when they are developing new or amending existing programmes or by-laws. At other times it means helping the people themselves find their voice and standing with them while they speak on their own behalf before government or local business groups. But equally important is educating local congregations and others who financially support the ministries to reflect upon and move from a charity model of support to one of engaging with those living on the edge as an act of justice. The people who serve our community ministries wear many hats and their shoes are hard to fill! The Mission and Service Fund supports 10 Outreach Ministries and Social Issues Projects within Toronto Conference. Action by Churches Together is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide. The list of places that have received the quick response of care through ACT at one time or another, covers most of the countries in the southern hemisphere. It is a thriving example of how the United Church works effectively through a network of partnerships and other churches to care for people caught up in crisis. Sometimes the crisis is the result of natural disasters such as a tsunami or hurricane. But at other times, the help comes in response to the devastation of war and internal conflict. ACT was involved in such places as Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq and Ethiopia during the aftermath of political strife. In addition to providing aid, the benefit of a strong network of churches working together with local partners, is that we learn first hand the issue at play. The churches are then better able to advocate on their behalf to the global community and appeal for measured responses, humanitarian support or a commitment to negotiating a peaceful settlement. Action by Churches Together offers the United Church a global set of eyes and ears and ready hands and feet to better respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Give Thanks for the wide variety of work that our community ministries do with the people in their area. Give Thanks for the increased opportunities to respond to global needs that are made possible through the shared work of Action by Churches Together. Celebrate the way our presbyteries and congregations are enriched through the relationships built with the people and programs of our community ministries. Celebrate the way churches are able to set aside their theological differences in order to respond to people in crisis in a unified way. Pray that the clients of our community ministries feel affirmed and strengthened as people and as children of God. Pray that the work done through Action by Churches Together continues to bring us face to face with our global brothers and sisters.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What is harder for you - to help someone, or be helped by another? What attitudes are involved in each of these actions? What might have been at the heart of the fear expressed by the disciples? Recall a time when you have felt God “open your mind.” As you read about these ministries funded by the Mission and Service Fund, identify attitudes or fears that are overcome or challenged. How do these stories challenge you? This Sunday is Camping Sunday. It is an ideal time to begin posting information about the four United Church camps in Toronto Conference that are supported, in part, through the Mission and Service Fund. One camp in particular, Lake Scugog Camp, is important to highlight this Sunday because its purpose is to offer a camping experience to those children, teens and families who might not otherwise have that opportunity. The campers come from families at risk in various centres in Toronto Conference. Often they have lived through abuse, family instability or financial and emotional upheaval. A chance to leave that behind even for a few days and enjoy the restorative gifts of nature within a welcoming and safe community is priceless. Through such programs as Teen and Kids Camp, Mothers with Children Program and the Leaders in Training Program participants are able to have fun, develop new skills, and build trust and self-esteem. So often these camp experiences help to nurture new friendships and networks that continue when they return to the city and their daily lives. Lake Scugog Camp plays a vital role in the lives of families living “close to the edge” within their community. The Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network is an example of work under the umbrella of the World Council of Churches. It was created in 1998 following the WCC Eighth Assembly in Zimbabwe to live out the decision to be “A Church of All and for All.” The term disability covers a wide range of conditions that often put up barriers that prevent people from accessing or feeling welcome and included in the life of the church. It is one thing to be considered as someone requiring assistance or charity; it is another to be included as someone who has gifts to share within the church regardless of one’s disability. The Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network organizes regional meetings at which people with disabilities can bring forward their gifts as well as their needs. EDAN also publishes a quarterly newsletter available online, designed to strengthen the global network and communicate its work to individuals and churches around the world. Give Thanks for commitment of the United Church to maintain fresh-air camps for children and families at risk. Give Thanks for the decision of the World Council of Churches to be intentional in eliminating the barriers that would exclude those with various disabilities from sharing their gifts with the church and participating fully in its ministry. Celebrate the long history of camping within Toronto Conference and the many people who first came as campers where they developed leadership skills that in turn led them to become camp leaders for a new generation of campers. Celebrate the vision of the global church to become a place where all people, despite their disabilities, can worship and work together. Pray that Lake Scugog Camp and the other United Church camps will once again be able to offer welcoming, healthy and fun programs to the children and families who attend this summer. Pray that the disabled people who risk engaging with our church communities will find an inviting and affirming welcome.
Sunday May 3, 2009
Think of a time when you were excited about finding a solution to a vexing problem only to discover that the solution had created a new problem! How did you respond to the new situation? Share some good news stories of how the “new” problem pushed you or your congregation into more faithful ministries. Queensville United Church in York Presbytery faced a dilemma. As part of a two-point charge, it was caught in the midst of a geographic area that was rapidly changing and bringing very different challenges to each of the two preaching points. It was time to risk allowing each of the two points to respond to their own needs. Queensville United Church is located in an area that remains primarily rural but projections suggest that in the near future, it too will find itself in the midst of development bringing with it new families and needs for redevelopment of its building and property. They are currently in a period of transition in which they continue to serve the community and worship God in their century-old building. Although their membership is modest, their energy and vision is bright and bold and their many ministries reflect a faith that is grounded in an unswerving trust in Christ’s leadership. They have made their building wheelchair accessible in order to minister to the needs of seniors in their community. They have a small but active youth group and Sunday school that speaks confidently of the church’s commitment to minister to all ages. Queensville United Church received $11,000 of assistance from the Mission and Service Fund to help them meet their operating budget during this time of transition. The Institute for Healing of Memories exists because of the restorative work begun in South Africa following the end of apartheid. South Africa established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1996 to hear the painful stories of abuse and injustice. As well intentioned as that was, it created the frustration of not being able to hear everyone’s story. Also, the commission could not accommodate the reality that healing is a process that happens over time and requires faithful engagement with radical forgiveness. At the same time Fr. Lapsley who worked with the Chaplaincy Project at the Trauma Centre for Victims of Violence and Torture himself became a victim of a brutal attack with a parcel bomb that resulted in him losing both hands. All of these experiences led to the development of the Healing of Memories workshops that began to provide alternative and additional opportunities for people to tell their stories and begin the process of healing. The process used in the workshops has proven to be useful in many other situations involving abuse and trauma and has been used successfully in many parts of the world. It has provided The United Church of Canada with a model to use as we continue to work through the healing process in the aftermath of the native residential schools. The Institute of Healing of Memories is one of the global partnerships we support through the Mission and Service Fund. Give Thanks for the 125 years of ministry that Queensville United Church has provided to the community of Queensville. Celebrate the expected growth in the community of Queensville and the commitment of Queensville United Church to be ready to respond to the community’s growing spiritual needs. Celebrate the hope that is fostered through the Healing of Memories workshops and the many global applications that have touched millions of other people facing many forms of abuse and trauma. Pray for the members of Queensville United Church during this time of planning and preparation for a changing ministry yet to unfold. Pray that the victims of abuse, injustice and trauma may find peace and reconciliation with their neighbours and within themselves.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
How do you view Philip - as an example of being fruitful or of being the gardener? What examples can you think of in your own life where the two actions often work together? North Star United Church in northeast Brampton isn’t your traditional United Church. For one thing, it is only seven years old. For another, it welcomes, in fact attracts, diversity. The church is an intercultural church reflecting the cultural diversity of the community. They bring a desire for worship and music that not only worships God, but also reflects their diverse culture. Reaching out into such a diverse community requires patience, creativity and hard work. The financial foundation to maintain such a ministry takes time to build. Until such a foundation is secure, North Star United Church needs the financial support of the Mission and Service Fund to continue their ministry there. In 2009, they received $7,000. Kathleen Stephenson is one of our overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Service Coalition in Brazil. In one of her recent letters home, she relates her participation in the 2008 Pax Christi International Peace Award which honoured Franciscan priest Dom Luiz Flavio Cappio, for his non-violent action of protesting against the diversion of the Rio Sao Francisco in order to build more hydro electric power stations. The building project threatens the local inhabitants and their livelihood. Kathleen was there, representing the Ecumenical Service Coalition with whom she works, and the United Church of Canada. In all of Kathleen’s work, she is a reminder to the people of Brazil, that they are not alone in their struggle for justice and fairness. For us, Kathleen is a reminder that we also are not alone to enjoy the blessings of God’s creation without just sharing and working in solidarity with others to bring justice and equity to all God’s children. Kathleen’s ministry in Brazil is supported through the Mission and Service Fund. Give Thanks that the United Church supports new church development in growing urban areas. Give Thanks for the commitment of people like Kathleen Stephenson working on our behalf with our global partners. Celebrate intercultural congregations that welcome and embrace the spiritual gifts of a culturally diverse membership. Celebrate the mutual learning fostered through our global partnerships that broadens and deepens our experience of Christ’s presence with us and within us. Pray that the Spirit of Life continues to nurture the members of North Star United Church and strengthens their ministry in Brampton. Pray for the indigenous people of Brazil in their efforts to challenge the decisions allowing development projects that threaten their livelihood, security and way of life without concern for their future or the sustainability of their land.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Name some examples you see within our church, our community and the world that suggest we continue to believe we have an exclusive relationship with God and with Jesus? What examples are there of these attitudes breaking down? Trace the key experiences that led to the change of attitude. Holly United Church is an example of new church development in a growing city like Barrie. It shares space with Mapleview Community Church, which means that their plans and schedules must not conflict with their partner church. Nevertheless, they have a very busy ministry program of small groups such as the Prayer Circle, the Youth Circle, and the Senior Conversation Circle. The Friends of Holly is another group that reaches out to people in the community that are in need of support or a helping hand. Holly United Church has already made connections with other community groups to reach out jointly to teens that have dropped out of school, are abusing drugs or alcohol or are getting into trouble that brings them into the courts. One such response is the establishment of classes for teens, teaching them coping skills and offering youth counselling. As this manufacturing town continues to experience increasing job losses among its citizens, the need for the church to be present to all ages in worship and in outreach will be even more important. Planting new churches is a challenge and the challenges are greater during times of economic crisis. Holly United Church received a grant of $11,000 from the Mission and Service Fund to help them support their ministries and develop their congregation. After speaking out about the crisis during his Sunday service, people from this congregation and the community came forward relating their own family experiences with the human traffickers. As a result the local congregation, with the support of the Church of North India, has begun a project to find, and gain the release and rehabilitation of these girls. Give Thanks for practical outreach to troubled teens in the Barrie community that is being offered by Holly United Church and their community partners. Give Thanks for the way the Church of North India confronts the injustice and abuse of human trafficking and offers healing to the victims.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Just as the disciples felt compelled to sustain the tradition of the number twelve, the church also has significant traditions it strives to keep. Which traditions are important to you to see maintained? Which traditions are problematic for you? In your mind, what is the most important criterion to use to determine whether a tradition should be maintained or rejected? The United Nations is sounding the alarm bell that the most urgent problem facing the world at the moment is hunger. Food shortages are becoming more common as crops fail through natural disasters, or as land use is redirected from agriculture to cash crops and industrial development that in developing countries especially, primarily serve first-world consumers. This Sunday, Rural Life Sunday, offers a time to reflect on the ways in which our lifestyle choices affect the traditions of rural communities, and world food security. Wyevale-Waverley United Church is a rural congregation in Simcoe Presbytery. Like so many rural communities, the church is no longer the centre of life for the residents, leaving an aging and dwindling membership to maintain the church’s presence in the community. Wyevale-Waverly has been dependent upon Mission and Service grants to help them with operating costs since 2006. Wyevale-Waverley United Church is served by the Rev. Peter Kugba-Nyende who himself is no stranger to crisis and change. Arriving in Canada from Sierra Leone in West Africa, he knows first hand the upheaval that war brings to communities and individuals. His ministry has provided an opportunity for us to learn of the urgent needs of the people in Sierra Leone and other neighbouring countries. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is one way the United Church responds to the global food shortage. We have been involved with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank along with 14 other Canadian Christian faith groups since 1984 responding to food crises in many of the most impoverished countries, particularly in continental Africa and India, and following many of the devastating hurricanes in the recent past. The contributions of food through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank ranks among the highest of any private sector aid agency. In addition to emergency food response to famine, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank works with local partners to assist rural communities replenish their supply of seed, livestock and agricultural tools to re-establish the ability of communities to be self-sustaining in their food production. Currently we are working with and educating farmers in Zimbabwe in a revolutionary farming system called Conservation Farming that has resulted in triple corn yields. The Mission and Service Fund pays for our membership in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and maintains the staff in our national church that liase with the specific food-aid projects we support through our global partnerships. Give Thanks for the caring relationships that develop when congregations and clergy venture into new relationships they might never have imagined. Celebrate the infusion of joy and creative worship that is possible when we experience the traditions of the global church and its diverse people. Pray that the members of Wyevale-Waverly United Church continue to be faithful witnesses to God’s abundant care for all God’s people in surprising and unexpected ways.
Sunday May 31, 2009
Share a personal story of transformation or redirection that you believe came about through the working of God’s Spirit. What visible signs of change were there as a result of that experience? How did it affect your spiritual or reflective life? Toronto Conference is holding its Annual Meeting this weekend. This marks the end of the structure of Toronto Conference, as we have known it and the beginning of living out our new structure with four new presbyteries. We have lived through a year of transition. Now the real thing begins. In many ways the conference is experiencing a taste of Pentecost. It is a time of excitement, and hope, anxiety and hesitation. Will it work? Will it help to move the church forward and bring it new life? Will it allow us to be more responsive to God’s call? This is also moment when we begin to live into the new structure of our conference. The conference will be a time of letting go of familiar structures and routines and acknowledging resistance around change and loss of familiar staff support. It will also be a time of celebrating the hope for a renewed energy within us, yet acknowledging anxiety about the uncertainty of “how things will work.” The climax of the Conference Annual Meeting is the Service of Celebration in which we receive candidates for ordination and commissioning. As members of the United Church, we have been a part of their preparation through the financial support of the Mission and Service Fund given to our theological schools, university chaplaincies, and contextual education programmes. They have also been supported by the members of the Education and Student Committee, as they discerned their call to ministry, and the Transfer and Settlement Committee that matched the particular needs of congregations seeking settlement, with the skills, interests and needs of the candidates. This day marks the coming together of many committees and individuals who have worked throughout their education preparing for this day. The Mission and Service Funds financially supports the work of these committees as well as the Conference staff who oversee it. Give Thanks for the hard work of the restructuring committee that led us through this time of restructuring, preparing us to begin a new way of working within Toronto Conference. Give Thanks for the dedication of the volunteers who contribute many hours of work on various committees supporting our ministry candidates through their years of preparation. Celebrate the new relationships formed within our four new and expanded presbyteries. Celebrate the affirmation of God’s call to ministry to those being received into the order of ministry. Pray for God’s presence to guide the new staff and presbytery executives as they lead us into this new conference structure. Pray for God’s Spirit to sustain the passion and dedication to ministry of our newly received ministers.
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