Dear Congregants,
As we move into our season of Easter, we may remember the risen Christ appearing to two of his disciples as they were walking on the road to Emmaus. Jesus listened to them as they talked about all of the things that their rabbi, Jesus had done while he was still alive. When they reached Emmaus, the disciples invited the stranger to stay the night with them. It was not until Jesus broke the bread, blessed it and gave it to them that they recognized him. How was it that it took them hours before they could recognize their rabbi, with whom they had lived, learned and loved? What was it that was keeping them from seeing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection?
Carla Leon, with the United Church’s EDGE ministries, asks if we, as churches, are also walking on the road to Emmaus and unable to see the risen Christ in our midst. Perhaps, she suggests, we are missing the signs of vibrant ministry because they don’t fit our existing ideas of church.
We are at a crossroads in our ministry. We have explored a number of options of partnership and amalgamation that have either not worked out or have been put on pause. You will see below a fuller description of what our Council has been pursuing in this regard over the last few years.
Now is the time to ask God to open our eyes to ministry opportunities in our community that we may have been missing. Now is the time for us to engage in a process of discernment. Where God is calling us? How can we better use our building to support our ministry? How can we best engage with our neighbourhood and the wider community? Are there other community organizations and faith communities with whom we can partner?
These questions will guide us in the use of our resources of physical space, volunteer capacity and investments of money and time. Let’s be creative and think outside of the box. The Spirit is moving amongst us.
Easter blessings,
Loraine
PARTNERSHIPS AND AMALGAMATIONS
At its last few AGMs, Westworth has had good discussions about the willingness to pursue amalgamations with other United Church congregations and partnerships with other organizations. Each time, our congregation has agreed that we need to pursue these possibilities.
Why are we considering this? Because we strongly believe that we need to share the resources we have in order to more fully offer ourselves as the hands and feet of Christ to one another and to the wider community. Joining with others will strengthen our ministry and help to secure our future viability.
Over these past few years, our Council has been hard at work exploring possible partnerships. In January, 2018, some of us met with people from Harrow United to explore a potential partnership. Our general impression was that they were already working in partnership with other churches and did not have much interest in partnering with us. We have also met a few times with leaders from a Christian Orthodox church and with leaders of a synagogue. Both were interested, but it did not pan out with either. We have many calls from small, evangelical churches, but have not pursued partnerships with churches that don’t share our values (e.g. inclusive of LGBT people, committed to interfaith solidarity).
We have also been deepening our partnership with St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church. We are sharing more services together—this year we shared not only Good Friday services, but also Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. We are sharing summer services, as well as Labour Day weekend services. As well, we shared the first two services after Christmas. Last year, we used the same study material for our Lenten study and some of their leaders came to our training session.
This past year St. Andrew’s and Westworth formed a joint committee that researched United Churches that have successfully amalgamated within Winnipeg and surrounding area. They submitted a report, which we included in our annual report. They learned that successful amalgamations need to be about more than sharing resources of money and volunteers. They also need to share common values, interests and passions. They need to know how an amalgamation can further the mission and calling of each congregation.
At their last AGM, St. Andrew’s decided not to pursue amalgamation at this time. Westworth remains open to further amalgamation conversations when St. Andrew’s is ready. Until then, we are continuing to partner together on joint worship services and the possibility of joint adult studies and a joint youth group.
Right now, we have a strong congregation with a full leadership slate. Our children’s ministry, outreach work, adult studies, prayer shawl group, women’s and men’s spirituality groups, UCW units and worship have all continued creatively and virtually during this COVID lockdown. Our Community Care Team has had three rounds of calls to those who are not part of any of these groups. Cards have been sent out and prayer shawls delivered. We have become an Affirming Ministry. Our givings continue to slightly increase each year, even during this past year of 2020. We are having a few new members join us, even during our building closure. At the same time, our overall membership is slightly declining due primarily to people moving or dying. While we have a good number of children and young families, our average age is increasing.
While we are still strong, we would like to find partners who share common values of justice and community well-being. To this end, Council has asked a small group to initiate a means of gathering feedback from our immediate neighbourhood on possible redevelopment of our building, especially the gymnasium, so that it may be of increased service to community needs. We will also be asking the same question of our congregation. This feedback will help our Leadership Team put together a multi-year strategic plan for the congregation and will help guide us on further renovation and upkeep of our building.
We cannot put our ministry or our building upkeep on hold until we find partners to share one building. Our gym is deteriorating and our sanctuary needs audio-visual upgrades if we are to continue our online services once we open up to in-person worship. Our current AV equipment is temporary and requires multiple cords running across the floor. At the same time, we are reluctant to put significant money into our building until we know more about our future. It is a difficult place to be. Discernment about where God is calling us to be over the next few years will help guide us in these decisions. We ask for your prayer, your suggestions and your support! You will be receiving a survey shortly and we ask you to please set aside some time to prayerfully consider the questions and let us know your thoughts.
As we consider our future, we may want to look at some creative ways in which other United Churches are connecting with their neighbourhoods through partnerships and community ministries. A number of United Churches are becoming community hubs. For an overview, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ckslu_GxA .
The following are specific examples of United Churches which have recently becoming community hubs. Warning—these are so inspiring, that you’ll want to take time to listen to their full presentations!
- Windsor Park United Church received a Stay At Home Manitoba grant to develop a new ministry called Windsor Park Community Hub. They just launched a website that gives details about their community programming: https://windsorparkcommunityhub.com.
- Stittsville United Church has developed a faith development program for children and adults called Spark that is attracting up to 300 people from their community per evening. They received a United Church grant to hire an animator for 18 months to launch this program. Hear their story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruvrk5P5yRQ.
SPECIAL APPEALS
Usually, the UCW gives $1800 to our Easter Special Appeals and the congregation often matches this in their extra special appeal donations. For the second year in a row, the UCW has been unable to hold their major fundraisers (bazaar and rummage sales) and are therefore unable to donate. Last year, the congregation stepped up mightily and contributed $2526. This allowed us to continue supporting, at just under our usual level, theological education, local social justice organizations and Rock Lake United Church Camp. This year, the congregation has given $1,900—slightly more than it usually gives, but less than last year. Our Special Appeals Committee will be meeting next week to decide on distribution. If you would still like to contribute to Special Appeals, we will extend the deadline by one week to April 11. We thank you for your generosity and dedication to the support of ministries beyond our church walls.
WORSHIP SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
April 11: How Fear & doubt can deepen our faith; with a new soloist, Keely M..
April 18: Earth Day service with Marion M.from the Outreach Team.
April 25: Love in truth and action.
May 2: The dynamic duo of Rev. Dr. Mac Watts preaching and Rev. Earl Gould as liturgist.
May 9: Celebration of Westworth becoming an Affirming Ministry with Rev. Heather Robbins.
CHURCH SCHOOL
This week’s Sunday school lesson ‘The Great Commission’ has been sent by e-mail to all the age groups from N/K to G5/6 and includes the activity sheets. If you need a printed copy of the curriculum, please let me know at churchschool@westworth.ca.
The Sunday school teachers will be on Zoom this Sunday from 10.15am-10.30am to chat with you. Our theme this week will be about ‘Making New Friends ’. After church school, join the online service starting at 10.45am this week with Loraine.
This week’s bible story is read by Julia, and The Lord’s Prayer is read by Danielle. Your Sunday school teachers are on the Westworth Face Book page for you to view and there is also a link in the CE drop down menu on our web site.
The Bible Story is also available here:
https://www.facebook.com/167751653256851/videos/747042862634239
Zoom Sunday School Information:
Zoom Meeting ID 743 937 1522
Pass Code 042976
– Maggie
DAILY LENTEN CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
Rev. Barb Jardine has put together a Lenten series that introduces us to the practice of contemplative prayer. Her introduction, along with her daily 10 min. YouTube videos are designed for beginners who have never tried this form of prayer. These can be found in the link below and on our website home page in the What’s New section. Barb has produced these for her congregation, but she is willing for Westworth to have access to them as a thank you for the inspiration she received from Thriving Churches.
Here are the last installments of the series:
Day 38
http://westworth.ca/2021/04/take-ten-day-38-by-rev-barb-jardine/
Day 39
http://westworth.ca/2021/04/take-ten-day-39-by-rev-barb-jardine/
Day 40
http://westworth.ca/2021/04/take-ten-day-40-by-rev-barb-jardine/
- WEST BROADWAY COMMUNITY MINISTRY
Lunches
The Outreach Team is purchasing meatballs, sauce, buns, fruit and cookies for the staff and volunteers at WBCM to serve the guests at lunchtime on Thursday, March 18. We are grateful to all of you who continue to support this vital ministry. Cheques may be sent to the Westworth office with the memo line indicating “WBCM lunches”.
Emergency Pantry
Thank you for your continuing support for the folks in the West Broadway area. Cheques to Westworth with “WBCM Pantry” on the memo line are gratefully received!
- THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE:
Last week, the Outreach Team asked you to start your love affair with creation by beginning to learn more about our urban environments, but some of the hyperlinks didn’t work. So here they are again.
Canadian Wildlife Federation: National Wildlife Week:
https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/national-wildlife-week/?src=cwn
Canadian Wildlife Federation: Gardening for Wildlife:
https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/gardening-for-wildlife/?src=cwn
Niakwa Trail Rain Garden Project:
https://wwf.ca/biopolis-projects/niakwa-trail-rain-garden/
Save Our Seine:
Touch the Earth Lightly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnWUglp7unQ
“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.”
– Henry Ward Beecher
This week, our thoughts turn to the joy that creation brings. If our hearts are open and our senses alert, creation can reveal itself to us in wondrous ways. This year, the northern lights have provided dazzling displays that invoked joy, awe, and wonder for those who were fortunate enough – or determined enough – to see them.
https://images.rove.me/w_1920,q_85/sybcmgrj5d4m7ri8m73x/manitoba-northern-lights.jpg
Non-human animals are capable of great joy as well. How many of you remember the unadulterated joy of cattle being let out of the barn after a long, cold winter? The pleasure found in a sun-soaked green pasture lifted the hearts of not only the cattle, but their human counterparts as well. Dance on, ladies!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA8dAnlD51o
One of Westworth’s favourite anthems – All Things Bright and Beautiful (arr. John Rutter) – expresses our joy in being one with creation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXFCZQDqIQ8
WESTWORTH COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS – MARCH 23, 2021
- Council approved that Westworth is an ‘Affirming Ministry’.
- Council affirmed that Westworth be named as a sponsor for a conference facilitated by Islamic Social Services Association titled: Justice, Media and Human Rights to be held July 15th and 16th, 2021 in Winnipeg. Congregational information will be provided should members wish to participate and/or support.
- Vision of Westworth is to be updated on the website, to include the work ‘ecological’ and will read: Actively offering our time, talents and resources; advocating for social and ecological justice; demonstrating compassion and living our commitment to service in all our relationships.
- Follow-up on the AGM included exploration of the future plans of our congregation to plan for the future of our building, as we meet Westworth’s Mission Statement of being the hands and feet of Christ in Westworth and beyond.
- A research design is to be developed to assess congregational and community needs in a committee led by Bruce Tefft and Keith Love. Members are invited to join the team (Please contact Bruce or Keith).
- Continuation of on-line services on resuming ‘in-person’ services is being considered; a process to evaluate moving forward is in place.
- Leadership Team meeting is set for April 24th, and will be exploring moving forward in these areas. For further details on these initiatives, please review Loraine’s Letter to the Congregation (April 9th); and refer to the Council Minutes of March 23rd, 2021 (on website).
Council invites queries & responses; please contact us by e-mail or phone.
Joyce C., Council Secretary
DIETHER P.’s 90TH
Deither was happily surprised when Dorothy, Shirley and Loraine knocked on his door on Saturday. Dorothy gave the box of cards from the congregation, Loraine gave a card from Council and Shirley gave a bag of her peanut butter cookies because Diether loves them.
TIDBITS FROM AROUND WESTWORTH
Church Front Foyer
Jeff K., Westworth’s building maintenance technician, brought his creativity to bear and utilized the church’s front foyer to commemorate the different days of Easter. Here is Good Friday and Easter Sunday:
Sidewalk Signboard
The little signboard beside the bench on the Church’s Grosvenor street side has been utilized to show different events within Westworth, Christian activities, give hope and share some light hearted humour. We want to reach out to passersby and let them know that Westworth is active, caring, vibrant and a safe place if they wish to explore and learn. The signboard evolves weekly so there is always something different to catch people’s eyes as they walk by and invite them to read.
