Sunday morning Worship during Lent becomes a journey, as we hear various stories about the life of Jesus and the early followers, leading up to Palm Sunday.  Purple candles will be extinguished to represent the diminishing light as we near Good Friday and the cross.  The Christ Candle which is usually lit during Worship, will be lit before we gather.  It will be placed in various locations around the space to remind us that even in shadowed times, the light of the Christ is with us.  We are truly ‘never alone’.

Where do you find the light I wonder?

Rev. Hilde Seal

PS: have you been following the 'Strange New World' podcast I recommended for you?
This week Part 2: 'Ten Ways of Looking at the Cross'
and ... if you missed it last week, here is Part 1: 'The Beginning'

‘Wilderness … Infused with Holy Insight’

On this 2nd Sunday in Lent, we find ourselves drawn deeper into the wilderness with its invitation not to tame but rather to embrace it.

Along with the disciples, we will hear and wrestle with what just may be one of Jesus’ most challenging and definitive calls on our lives: to “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him”.

What can this possibly mean? How can it be that as we embrace this call we actually come into REAL life? 

Presider: André Fontaine
Music: Jennifer Turner
Reflection: Colleen Nichol
‘Wilderness … Infused with Holy Insight’

Scripture reading Mark 8:31-38
Bulletin

 “grateful to be part of a congregation that is continuing to learn of our colonial history and taking up the healing and challenging work toward reconciliation.”

On March 9th, 2- 3:30 pm we have an opportunity to put our words into action as we engage with key leaders of RAVEN. 

Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs (RAVEN) - is a powerfully effective organization whose mission is to raise legal defence funds for Indigenous Peoples in Canada to defend rights and the integrity of lands and cultures.

Come spend an afternoon with RAVEN’s Campaigns and Communications Directors who will cover some basics of the colonial history of Canada and BC, the legal landscape relating to Indigenous people, the work of RAVEN and how this work is part of the larger Indigenous rights movement.
 
Hosted by First Unitarian Church of Victoria.  Join in person at 5575 West Saanich Rd or via zoom.  Either way, participants need to register using this link: https://raventrust.com/events/rooted-solidarity/

The Season of Lent encourages us to “come away” … to make space within and around ourselves for quiet reflection and deepening contemplation.  To guide you along that journey, your Worship Team invites you to partake of one or both of these rich on-line offerings:

A weekly webinar exploring the “Historical Jesus”  with Dr. John Dominic Crossan 

A retreat created by Rev. Janice MacLean (United Church minister and seeker of wisdom),  replete with reflections, spiritual practices, quotes and evocative questions.

Congregational Lunch Gathering … Hold the date! 

It’s been a while since we’ve gathered as a community, so Board members are hosting “Lunch and Conversation” immediately following the service on Sunday, March 10, 11:30am to 1:30pm. We’ll introduce ourselves; update you on where we’re at in this time of transition as we continue our search for our new minister; and provide the opportunity for you to seek clarification and share any queries or concerns you may have. This is an opportunity for us to explore together whether there are some needs and brainstorm creative ideas that will enable our faith community to continue to thrive. This will be a time to enjoy being together as we support one another and nurture our relationships.

Blessings from  your Church Board,

Charlotte Caron, Deborah Davis [Chair],
André Fontaine, Colleen Nichol,
Franklyn Roy, Hilde Seal,
Martin Stewart, Kim Tadei

God, give me heart to hold the trembling hand
of one who is in pain, to sit with their pain,
to hold their trembling.

Doors to the lower hall will open at 6:00pm

POTLUCK dinner at 6:30pm and the movie will start at 7:20pm

My suggestion: put this on some good speakers or headphones and take a 10 minute break from whatever you are doing.

– 'mindfulness' – Bill Evans music helps create space for your own reflection on it and on self.

Gordon

Keep up-to-date with your United Church Pacific Mountain Regional Council Justice Ministry through their newsletter.

As we journey through Lent and open ourselves to different wilderness ‘scapes’ and the transformative power they may hold for us, here is the 2nd in our series of “wilderness meditation colouring pages”.

Lent 1 Colouring Page

Lent 2 Colouring Page

And to close, here is a taste of what to expect next Tuesday with the wonderful Ms Louise Rose and the Great American Songbook Trio as they lift up Black History Month on Tuesday night in the sanctuary.