istockphoto-1355135275-612x612
By Michael Wilson Pastoral Letters December 6, 2024

 

Watch this week’s service on YouTube by clicking:

December 8 Worship Service Video

 

 

Join us for Worship Sunday at 10:00 AM followed by fellowship and refreshments in the He/SheBrews Café

 

  • The 2025 Stewardship Campaign has begun. In light of the postal strike we are encouraging you to look for the pledge form on our website. Information for this year’s campaign has been sent by email. It is also available in print at the church or online by clicking here: 2025 Stewardship Pledge Form; 2025 Stewardship Letter

 

  • The Manitoba Multifaith Council presents “Faith in the Public Square” with special guest Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, World Council of Churches to be held at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Sunday, December 8 at 7:00 PM. An Interfaith panel discussion will include Michael Wilson. Admission is free but registration is requested through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/faith-in-the-public-square-tickets-1076257738869?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

  • Dates for your calendar (information available on our website see: Life & Work )

 

  • Sunday, December 8
  • Sunday, December 15
    • Advent 3 with the Winnipeg Brass Ensemble
  • Sunday, December 15
    • Care and Community Bake Sale (after worship)
  • Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 PM
    • Blue Christmas Worship Service – special service of healing for the bereaved
  • Christmas Eve services at 5:00, 7:00 (communion), and 9:00 (communion)

 

 

 

Dear Friends

Welcome to worship for Sunday, December 8, 2024.

When the Christmas Cheer Board “opened” for business in October there was concern reported about the need to prevent double dipping. That is, with the demand for support at Christmas at an all time high it was almost inevitable that there would be those who sought, by one means or another, to receive two hampers. A similar concern is expressed by the committed core of volunteers who run the Christmas Hamper program here at Charleswood United Church.

We try to be very attentive to other assistance programs and ensure that the highest priority remains that everyone who needs, gets one. Christmas hampers are one way to share the joy of the season and an exercise in being a good neighbour. But they are no substitute for granting people the daily bread they need, a social safety, or fair employment.

We strive to be fair in this program, to meet as many needs as possible, but understanding our limitations. We also long to be understanding of those whose needs are greater than our own, to be forgiving as well as generous.

All in all, it is an immense blessing to be part of this effort. And so, a small short story in support:

 

Twas the week before Hampers and all through the church,

Not a creature was stirring if on Friday one searched

 

The tables were set up in rows in the hall,

In hopes that dry goods would soon cover them all

 

The groceries were arriving for a week, maybe more,

And those that were needed would be bought at the store.

 

And I in my office, computer at hand,

Was just settling down from the season’s demand.

 

But then with a ruckus it came to appear

White Gift Sunday was finally here.

 

The children arrived with their beans and their jam,

And turkeys were ordered in place of a lamb.

 

They brought in their bags of noodles and rice

With boxes of stuffing and many things nice

 

Together they carried and stacked while nothing was lost

So the i’s could be dotted and the t’s could be crossed

 

Together their plans were beginning to unfold,

To share joy at Christmas with young and the old

 

To reach out to neighbour, the children and mothers,

To recognize strangers as sisters and brothers

 

On buyers, On wrappers, On packers and knitters

On boxers, On drivers, and all you hope-givers

And I heard them exclaim as the effort was ended,

Tomorrow we start on next year’s agenda.

 

 

Grace and peace,

Michael

 

  • For news and events please have a look at Life & Work on our website: Life and Work

 

  • Did you know you can support this ministry by e-transfer, automatic withdrawal (PAR), and gifted securities, in addition to weekly or monthly cheques? For Offering Information please visit: https://charleswoodunited.org/support/  We have begun to receive donations for this summer’s Roofing Project which will be held separate from Operations and Mission & Service. Thank you for your generous support.

 

 

  • Read this week’s scripture lesson here: Luke 3:1-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Wilson / About Author
Michael’s involvement in the wider church has included ministry with children and youth, membership on the National Division of World Outreach, supervision of campus ministry, and the Ten Days for Global Justice National Committee. He has been blessed by the opportunity to represent the United Church of Canada in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Africa on different occasions. Michael has taught at the University of Winnipeg – Faculty of Theology and is past President of the Conference of Manitoba and North Western Ontario.
More posts by Michael Wilson