Dear Friends

Welcome to worship for Sunday, October 2, 2022.

I love telling the story of a phone call I received in November 1994 as my first Christmas at Charleswood United Church approached. It was from a member of the congregation whom I had met but who wanted me to know something that I might not be aware of. She was concerned that I would be planning for Christmas Eve services soon and that as a “new” minister who might have “new” ideas, I would not know the importance of singing Silent Night (with candles lit), as a local tradition that was not to be challenged. This wasn’t a request. This was a notification. And I was happy to oblige.

That church member was Rhonda Grist and in the years that followed (decades actually) it became something of an advent custom that Rhonda would phone and remind me what I already knew.  There may have even been a year or two when Rhonda was late with her call and, in fear of missing our little ritual, I would remind her that it was time to once again make her request. I am remembering that story because my dear friend Rhonda Grist phoned me about two weeks ago.

She said that we needed to have a special Sunday that was promoted as “Homecoming” or “Welcome Back”, something that signalled it was time for people like her to come back and resume their life in the church in person. I said “Rhonda, October 2 is that day!”

All summer long and into the fall, you have been making your way ‘back to church’. Every Sunday we are welcoming someone who hasn’t been to an in-person since the pandemic began in March 2020. (Though we are extremely grateful for your collective commitment to our online services, a ministry we hope to continue). I know this process will continue as we all need to re-establish our routines and continue monitoring what feels safe and comfortable for us personally.

While I wouldn’t call it a “homecoming’ per se, we had decided last month that Sunday, October 2 would be the day we would re-launch HeBrews Café, our after church coffeetime. Fellowship is a hallmark of the church. It has been since….33 AD or so. The community gathered, and the informal connecting, the exercise of hospitality, and the simple joy of a cup of coffee in the hand combined with a smile on the face, for many this is the essence of the church. And you are invited.

Because HeBrews Café was re-opening we thought we would amp it up a bit. Having been unable to celebrate our 100th Anniversary (which was in April) in fellowship, we are having a centennial cake (not a cake that’s 100 years old, mind you) and will be putting on display some of the recognitions we have received for this milestone. There is a certificate from Charleswood MLA, the Hon. Myrna Driedger, letters of congratulations from Premier Stefanson and Prime Minister Trudeau, as well as the

Community Service Award that was presented to Council Chair Laurie Messer by Mayor Brian Bowman in July. Come have a look.

This Sunday is also the day we had scheduled our second Farmer’s Market of the season. The Farmer’s Market is a display of produce from The Healing Farm, our joint partnership with Operation Ezra in support of the Yazidi Refugee Community in Winnipeg. Bring a bag and cash or card for the pumpkin you’ve been waiting for.

There is lots going on and we hope you can join us. If not, we eagerly await your return when it seems best for you. Most of all please remember, Rhonda Grist says it’s time to come back to church😊

Grace and peace,

Michael