Creative worship and energy abound as our two communities of faith come together to worship via interactive live streaming. Rev Simba alternates locations each Sunday, and lay people offer leadership from both locations every week. Worship is one avenue of growing spiritually, a time of faith formation as people engage in expressing and celebrating their faith, a time to explore new ideas and concepts, while savouring the nuggets of truth in the old understandings of our faith. A joint worship team creates challenging and inspiring worship that leaves us thinking and ready to make a difference in the world.
Be sure to join us for worship on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in person, or live streaming. Programing for children and youth is offered during the service. Refreshments are available before and after worship for a time of fellowship.
The videos below offer a glimpse of our weekly worship. Scroll down and check out the special services!
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Palm Sunday
Today is Palm Sunday. This is the first day of Holy Week. A time to go deeper. A time to prepare. A time to commit. The last five weeks we contemplated our preparations, our commitment to making a difference, to taking action.
Today we have a choice to make. Which parade to take part in? Would we like to be in Pilate’s Parade? Its’ prestige, power and authority was and is present for all to see. It can make us feel important.
Or do we want to follow Jesus, the one on the donkey with a ragtag group of followers who may be laughed at as they wave their palm branches and celebrate Jesus as one who comes from God.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Today is the fifth Sunday of Lent. A time to go deeper. A time to prepare. A time to commit. The last four weeks we contemplated our preparations, our commitment to making a difference, to taking action. The church of Phillipi that we hear about today, was known for their mutual care and support, for focusing on spiritual and practical needs, for their generosity, and their diversity. Much like United in Spirit Ministry, Niverville and Steinbach. Paul encourages the people of Phillipi to push on, to do more, to make a difference. We are encouraged to do likewise – to act, no matter how big or small, making this a better world, making a difference.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent. A time to go deeper. A time to prepare. A time to commit. The last three weeks we contemplated our preparations, our commitment to making a difference, to taking action. Today we hear Jesus tell a parable. It was what we’ve come to know as the prodigal son. But it also includes his father, and his older brother who stayed home and helped their dad on the family farm. Jesus tells parables to share a truth that others are not able to see or understand. We are invited to learn something from this story and put into action the learning to make this a better world, to make a difference.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Today is the third Sunday of Lent, A time to go deeper, A time to prepare and a time to commit. The last two weeks we contemplated our preparations, our commitment to making a difference, to taking action. Today we hear of Isaiah’s call to action! To reach out to the oppressed and the marginalized, to feed the hungry, to provide homes for the unhoused, to love our neighbours. Jesus takes Isaiah’s words and puts them into action. Let us commit our lives to do likewise and put these words into action to make this a better world, to make a difference.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Today is the second Sunday of Lent
A time to go deeper
A time to prepare
A time to commit
Last week we contemplated our preparations, our commitment to making a difference, to taking action.
Today we hear about a father’s persistence in reaching out to get help for his son. Jesus responds.
Let us do likewise, committing to advocating and speaking up for others to make this a better world, to make a difference.
This Lenten journey is a time to contemplate, to reflect on the way of Jesus, a time to commit and prepare for action.
United in Spirit of Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
March 5th was Ash Wednesday. A tradition that can be traced and associated to symbolism of repentance, humility, & mourning. This probably sneaked into the Christian calendar in the 6th century, used in a cross shape, symbolizing mortality and human fragility. It begins the journey of spiritual renewal. Which is where I want to start. In short, it comes 50 days before Easter (Lent) & 50 days after Easter is Pentecost. This marks the time as holy. This became formalized in the 11th century.
The tradition of Ash Wednesday is that of focusing on abstinence, a symbol of penance, humility and mortality (Daniel 9:3 & Job 42:6 & Gen 3:19 (from dust you came, unto dust, you shall return). Instead of applying ashes, this Lenten Season, we are called to action, to adopt spiritual practices that can impact someone’s life in a positive way.
We are focusing on the event that precedes the desert experience. Before the wilderness experience, Jesus was baptized. The symbol that is central is water. Water may represent preparedness in many ways. Historically, water represents Baptism and purification, a sign for preparation for new life. baptism is a symbol that gives birth to new relationships (with God or church). Therefore, here water means Spiritual Readiness. Even in the Hindu, water is used for purification ritual before prayer, signifying spiritual readiness.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Beyond Our Walls Service with Band Of Colours
The focus of a Beyond Our Wall Service is “Loving our Neighbours” and “Making a difference”. We welcome our guest this morning – Angelica Brunger from Band of Colours+ as she shares with us how this group gives support to both those inside and outside 2SLGBTQ+ Community.
Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Luke 6: 27-38
27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. 31 Do for others just what you want them to do for you. 32 “If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that! 34 And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount! 35 No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God. For he is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.37 “Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship & Communion with Rev. Simba
Join us this morning as we worship and find renewal in the bread and the cup.
Luke 5:1-11 Jesus used the demonstration of catching fish, to symbolize what joy and satisfaction it brings to do God’s will. Sometimes it is not how much we get, but the level of satisfaction some people may find in their job. We all need survival but sometimes if what you do does not give life to you, then you may need to look at doing something that makes you find fulfillment. Do you find fulfillment in what you do?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Lynda Trono
The Pledge
I share a vision of possibility, a hopeful look forward to what our shared planet could become. I will help to make common cause for the common good.
I will celebrate the beauty of the natural world. All of us depend on it and need to share its abundance equally.
I understand that climate breakdown affects us all. And I commit to protecting all of us from this threat. This includes all living things that share our Earth.
In pledging support to future generations, I recognize the debt we owe to Indigenous wisdom: the decisions we make today must assure a better future for the seven generations that will come after us. I will bring my skills, compassion and resources to join with others in a movement for environmental justice. I pledge to use my voice and my vote to protect future generations.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Jesus rises to the occasion, under the compulsion to do good, to right the wrongs, to share new insights, and to compassionately deal with his neighbors. Not so much about confronting the oppressive Roman Empire, challenging the complacence of the religious system, but the positive actions that could change/transform the situation. He comes and claims the space, telling the untold story, where most would shrink and adopt the “good as it is” approach. He specified how he was going to be involved in transforming the situation for the better. What are our specific ways of spreading the good news, not just following a religion? A lot of us see what is wrong, or at least, what is not right, yet we choose the safe route; which is “silence.”
The question is; “How can I bring glad tidings to the poor, freedom to the imprisoned (by many forces) and offer release to the captives of many forces?” Issues of justice were central for Jesus; what about us?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
Many people are far removed from their neighbourhoods that they live in and are not close to anything that’s happening around them. How much do you know and to what extent are you involved in our neighborhood? How can we part of the solution to problems in our neighborhoods? Take a moment to ponder on how you can be part of the community, and ways to be part of the solution?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
What gifts do we bring to the table as we gather as a people of faith?
Giving as part of worship, is an expression of one’s convictions, whatever the convictions are. Why do you give what we give? In some cultures, giving the best is the usual practice. However, “the best” is a very subjective phrase. It does not only carry the economic value, but honor, thanksgiving, celebration, & others. One thing to note is that, offerings allow for intimate encounters with the divine, because the reasons a personal.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Join us as we worship together with gratitude for the previous year with hope and anticipation for the year ahead. With new conviction, we are gathered. We celebrate the past ministry, and humbly approach the present and future tasks.
The Christmas story does not only talk about joy, it reminds us that God dwells with us in the midst of violence, injustice and evil. God is always among the victims of violence; the refugees, the vulnerable, and the least powerful. God dwells with the poor and the despised, the homeless alien finds God as the Source of All Power. Not only is God with us. God is with others, too.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry -Worship with Rev. Simba
Today, we light a peace candle to recall a story that is told for all throughout the world. We recall the story of Jesus presented in the temple, the story of Anna and Simeon. We hear of Anna, a widow of many years, and accepted in the temple with Simeon, her partner. Both were righteous and devout. We hear of these two elderly devotees who, regardless of their age and regardless of their ability are an important presence in this inclusive story. We accept their roles in the story as elders. May our light of equity overcome the darkness.
United in Spirit in Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
This is the Third Sunday of Advent
Today, we light a rainbow candle to recall a story that is told for all throughout the world. We hear of the inclusion of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist who was struck mute and could only speak and praise God once John was born.We hear of Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both of these men dreamed dreams. Even the shepherds were included, the lowliest of the low at that time. Yet they were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. We hear these stories with gratitude and inspiration. May our light of inclusion overcome the darkness.
Comfort & Joy Service
This service offers an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and accept the past, and celebrate the blessings we received all year round and be grateful to God. Our journeys around this year are all different. May we open our hearts, minds and souls to seek wholeness.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
This is the Second Sunday of Advent – we light the light the candle of Peace.
We light the second candle to recall a story that is told for all throughout the world. Today we recall the story of Mary and Elizabeth, two women who are at the center of this amazing story. We listen to Mary’s song and Elizabeth’s words. We hear of their strong relationship with one another of the support they find there. We accept their roles with unexpected pregnancies, one too young, one too old, both with visions of the difference their babies will make in the world. May our light of justice overcome the darkness.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
This Sunday we celebrate the sacrament of Baptism and the first Sunday of Advent. We light the candle of hope today.
We light this candle to recall a story that is told
For all throughout the world.
Today we recall the story of Mary of Nazareth
who saw visions and dreamed dreams.
We listen to her story and we accept her role in the story,
even though she was too young,
even though she was a woman,
even though she lived in a town far outside of Jerusalem,
a town smaller than Steinbach or even Niverville.
May our light of acceptance overcome the darkness.
United in Spirit in Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Join us as Steinbach United & Niverville United worship together and share communion.
On this day, we celebrate the Reign of Christ . The reign incarnated in us, and those that follow Jesus. We gather to remember how Jesus lived, what Jesus represented and seek to live out the same faith.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – A Sunday of Remembrance & Peace
On this Sunday of Peace, we pray for peace and your peaceful presence. On this Sunday of Remembrance, we gather to remember. We acknowledge the pain and trauma that is associated with this event, the suffering and the struggles. We are grateful that we are living in a war free community.
In a world troubled by wars, conflicts and violence, we seek your peace that surpasses all human understanding. We seek peace for our country, our communities, our families, and in our hearts.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Join us this Sunday as we worship together and look at the story of Ruth & Naomi. Ruth and Naomi’s story is not just a tale of love and loyalty; it is a powerful example of love that transcends boundaries. Ruth’s love for Naomi went beyond cultural differences and created new affiliations.
Despite being a Moabite, Ruth embraced Naomi’s people and faith with unwavering commitment. Her love broke down social barriers and forged a connection that defied societal norms.
Through her actions, Ruth teaches us that love knows no boundaries. It is not confined to geographical location, ethnicity, or religious background. Love has the power to bring people together, to bridge divides, and to create bonds that surpass societal expectations.
United in Sprit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
Join us as Steinbach United & Niverville United worship together .
When you travel around your neighborhoods, what scenes are familiar? What have you gotten used to seeing, that you would not be happy to experience? Take a moment to ponder on things that we are getting used to and that must be changed.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Intentions are very significant in the future of every institution. While action is present, intentions are not limited to space and time. They are often hidden and can be way ahead of those who are observing the current action. In Mark 10:35-45 Jesus had to deal with the intention of the two brothers James & John in a very decisive way.
How do we use our privileges? In every case, there is an opportunity for someone to be privileged. It varies with situations but somehow someone is gonna be privileged. It’s not a crime in itself, but how we use those privileges is what matters. These two brothers thought of securing their future. They didn’t care about anyone else. They took advantage. They asked for a head start. The question is, what privileges do we have? Where are privileged? How do we use our privilege?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
We need to live for what today has to offer, not what yesterday took away. If we would, let us celebrate what days have brought, not what they took away. Giving thanks for everything is a commitment and substance for the hope we carry. We are called to a place where we celebrate what we have and we had too. It is imperative that we count we utilize our gift of memory for the good. What is coming to mind from the past, must give us a reason to be hopeful and grateful. What has life given you this year, the last decade and continues to give you?
When we give thanks, we are cognizant that there is a possibility of things going wrong. It is a healthy practice to choose to be positive amidst negative experiences. We also need to recognize that we have an opportunity to leave a legacy of gratitude; choosing to be grateful for what we have and had, over complaining about what we lost.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Communion & Worship with Rev. Simba
We gather today to pause, to learn, to sing and to praise together. Everyone belongs. As a community of faith, we are called to seek justice, to resist evil and to live with respect in creation.
In Jesus, your grace is revealed in words that confront and comfort us, in teachings that challenge and change us, in compassion that heals and frees us.
You invited the hungry to your table and ate with the outcasts. One night, you took the bread, after the blessing, you broke it and shared with your followers saying: “Take, eat this bread. Do this, in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, Jesus also took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them, “drink this cup in remembrance of me.”
Beyond Our Walls Worship Service – with Rev. Simba & United in Spirit Outreach Team
We gather today to pause, to learn, to sing and to praise together. Everyone belongs. As a community of faith, we are called to seek justice, to resist evil and to live with respect in creation.
Today we look at the work of the Clan Mothers. Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre has been developed using an Indigenous model of healing and education that is focused on restoring our communities using the matrilineal values that guided our original self-governance systems.
With over twenty years’ experience working in our communities, helping sexually abused women and youth, the Elders realized that the problem was growing, and more importantly, something more had to be done. What has been created has been guided by an Elders Council, Lived Experience Leaders, and a concerned community.
Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre will provide mid to long-term support to women, girls, two-spirit and transgender persons who have been victims of multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking; to help them begin their healing journey.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev.Simba
We are called to follow Jesus’ dream, to seek to fulfill the ministry Jesus yearned to and to represent those Jesus sought to represent. It was not about authority but responsibility. Sometimes leaders see people’s trust as a sign of their brilliance, instead of an honour. We are invited to follow Jesus, not to replace Jesus. No religious office should worry about replacing Jesus, not to mention human mind sets. Not even the church as an entity, not to mention a denomination. No tradition should replace Jesus, but to serve the people that Jesus served dearly. We are not here to fill Jesus’ position, but the duties Jesus left undone.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev.Simba
How is diverse creation impact your understanding of the divinity? Can this creation family inspire you? What do you say Jesus is? Whom do you say God is? Who do you say, humanity is? Whom do say the church is? Whom do you say a family is? Join us as we look at these questions…
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
In the circle of creation, is anyone of the species at the point of the circle? If not, why do we have a certain species at the center at the expense of the other? How can we de-role from the center to be one among many other species or even among other people? Take a moment to ponder on the socio-political, economic and religious status of our communities, and reflect on what could be done to make our neighborhood friendlier?
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Jeff Cook
Join us as Jeff Cook leads our worship service and through his reflections reminds us Jesus invites us to let God’s love lead us into discovering the sacred within our humanity, and to allow that sacredness to be expressed and embodied in our living – to be people of healing, of reconciliation, of forgiveness, of generous sharing, of courageous and expansive love, and of the friendship Jesus offers to all
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry -Worship with Rev. Simba
During this summer, a period of vacation and holidaying; we gather in-person & virtually, worshipping from different places and in different life experiences. We gather as a people, stepping back from our busy schedules, taking a Sabbath, to be vacant for divine infilling and indwelling. We open ourselves to God for renewal and restoration. May we find restoration and renewal from this gathering, from this fellowship, songs, and prayers.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
We gather as a people of faith, called through God’s love. We gather to celebrate God’s presence & the presence of each other. We are a community composed of different peoples, with different faith experiences and life journeys.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry
Join us as Jan Van Aertselaer shares in the worship leadership. As we gather we come as people of faith. Sometimes our faith is strong and bold. Sometimes our spirits falter. Sometimes we are full of questions and doubts. And yet, planted deep within each of us is a yearning to feel connected with the Breath of Life at the heart of Creation; the Holy Breath which animates all energy and matter, breathing life into us, placing us in relationshipwith all that lives. This is a mystery which we can’t fully comprehend.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Guest Speaker Evan Demeduk
We are so pleased to have a special guest this morning. Evan Demeduk is a queer transgender youth who has been a part of the St. Andrew’s United Church congregation since he was a preschooler. He is 19 years old and has lived in Winnipeg his whole life. Today he will be sharing his journey with coming to terms with his gender identity, along with speaking on his experiences with being a trans youth.
Kick-off Celebration of the United Church of Canada’s 100th anniversary
Celebrating 100 Years of Deep, Bold, Daring!
Steinbach United worshiped together and joined the worship service to kick-off a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada via livestream.
The 100th Anniversary kick-off service was held at the Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry with guest Rev. Dawn Ballantine
Join us as guest Rev. Dawn Ballantine lead us in worship and we celebrate the Steinbach Graduates.
Since the time of Jesus, as followers we have come a long way. We welcome those whose eyes are open to God’s gifts of grace. We welcome all who have been on the way for years, maybe decades- who know the ritual of the church well. You know when to stand up and sit down, and when to say Amen and alleluia. You may need to be invited to take another look around in your common place faith, to see where the Spirit is and in who the Spirit is acting in a new way. We welcome the disillusioned, whose eyes of faith may be dimmed by disappointment grief, or general fatigue; those who believe and yet struggle to see reasons to be thankful. To hope. Who need to be refreshed by the Spirit of God. For all who come to this place who share in this community, its concern and its laughter. Let us come and rejoice together and become signs of God’s presence in the lives of others as many have been in ours.
United in Spirit in Collaborative Ministry
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Niverville United Church Graduates!
We are gathered in this space – the place is sacred, and the land is ancient.
We are all connected – the land, the people, the animals, the plants – and we are committed to continue to build relationships with all of creation as we seek justice and peace.
We gather today at different stages of our life journey, and we celebrate with those marking a milestone. We know each one of us is a beloved child of God.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Pentecost Day is a popular day on the calendar. What are your thoughts when it comes to what it means to us in our day? How do you understand the Holy Spirit in your life and in your faith? Take a moment to ponder on what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit, in our day & time.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
On this Family day, remember Simon & Andrew – two greatest brothers in the apostolic succession – Peter in the western church & Andrew in the Eastern Church, Naomi & Ruth – a multi-racial family, Mary & Martha crying for their brother/sibling Lazarus. Sometimes family comes with tension as it did with Jacob & Esau, yet they represent family. How does our faith shape our relations? How can we build a better community? Jesus offers some of the approaches that might help us. What do you think we need to do?
What role are you prepared to take in building your family, our church family and the whole creation, as a family? Sometimes we need peace makers, listeners, encouragers like Barnabas, leaders like Moses, givers like Dorcas, or whatever and whoever you may want to refer. Pick and choose how you want to contribute in building a better family at all levels of our society.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
As a people called to love, to live by love and demonstrate love; we gather to celebrate God’s love among us, our love for one another, and our love for our Creator. We offer our prayers, praise and gratitude. We join together in expressing our inner experiences before our Maker who understands and know us all. In God’s presence, all are welcome, regardless of who they are, where they come from and where they are at on their faith journey.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
Join Steinbach United & Niverville United as we gather as a community, to celebrate community and harvest the fruit of community. We unite as community under the Creator’s love, care & provisions. We celebrate one another’s presence and the love they bring with them.
John 15: 1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
On this fourth Sunday after Easter, we know that Jesus is a shepherd who keeps his promises: he has already laid down his life for his sheep. Now it’s our turn. Our shepherd is calling, and his call is trustworthy.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
We gather to celebrate the new narrative of Jesus, from humiliation to life. We thank God for every positive thing that happened and is happening in our lives. We intentionally celebrate life and the gift of community. As a people that belong in these places; let us celebrate God’s presence, our presence and our being. In our diversity, may we find fulfilment, security and satisfaction. Let us worship.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Holy Humour Sunday
For centuries, in Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant countries, Easter Monday and “Bright Sunday” (the Sunday after Easter) were observed by the faithful as “days of joy and laughter” with parties and picnics to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
Parishioners and pastor played practical jokes on each other, drenched each other with water, sang, and danced. It was a time for clergy and people to tell jokes and to have fun. Join us as we laugh and celebrate!!!
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Easter Sunday
Mark 16: 1-8
1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
3They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”
8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Good Friday
We gather with hearts that are reflecting on the story of Jesus. The one who was born of Mary, lived and served, paying particular attention to the marginalized and the least. We remember how Jesus was prosecuted for demanding justice & freedom for all. It is in this context and spirit that we seek the courage to stand for what is right for all. Let us find inspiration in this story for our own formation and transformation, as we seek to follow Jesus’ footsteps in our ministry of service and justice.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Palm Sunday
Hosana in the highest!!
We gather with zeal & celebration, cheering and singing the name of Jesus. The one who stood for the weak, one who stood for justice and freedom for all. We affirm Jesus’ message of setting free the oppressed. We celebrate the Jesus who called the authorities to respect the poor, he defended the vulnerable and spoke truth to power. We need & demand that our world be saved from all forms of injustice and evil of any kind.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
With gratitude in your hearts, this Lenten season, sing psalms, sing songs, and spiritual songs to God. After living a life that enriches the community, sing to God. I am calling you to a lifestyle that forms and fashions a champion of faith, a people endowed with grace, people of compassionate works, ministry, and service. – Rev Simba –
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
This Lenten Season, in our faith journeys, we choose to be grateful for many blessings that we have received from God’s generosity. Each of us is on a different life-journey, facing storms of life and life challenges. We ask God to teach us to see the rainbows in our storms, to dance in the rain and enjoy the beautiful views that come by going through valleys and hills of life.
We ask that God guides us as we negotiate our corners, to find moments of reflections and times to celebrate life gifts as we go. We are reminded to be content with what we have, appreciate what is in our hands and the value of the ground below our feet. And may our hearts be thankful for the family, friends, community and environment around us.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Beloved, we are gathered as a people of faith, called out by God’s love. We celebrate the presence of our Creator and the presence of one another. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from and where you are at on your faith journey. God accepts all of us. Let us celebrate, fellowship, praise and pray, knowing that; we are not alone. God is with us.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
The 40 days of the Lenten Season are a time to think about the presence of the Divine in our lives. Seven weeks for self-examination and reflection. This year Rev Simba and the United in Spirit worship team encourage each of us to practice a spiritual discipline; not to give something up. Each and every day we shall practice finding something for which we are grateful. From a beautiful blue sky to a warm hug from a friend. Let’s write down on slips of paper each day’s moment of gratitude.
The next Sunday bring your slips to church and there will be a Bowl into which the slips of Gratitude can be placed. Those joining online can have their own Bowl of Gratitude at their home.
“United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry”- Beyond Our Walls Service
Mark 12:30
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.”
This Sunday’s Worship Service is a Beyond Our Walls Service. We welcome Myra Gerbrandt, Drop in Director from Steinbach Community Outreach as she shares with us the work and outreach that SCO does. They assist people experiencing poverty and lack of housing. They work hard at accomplishing this by meeting their essential needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and relationship.
This month Steinbach United Church is collecting items Dish Soap, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Coffee, Pasta and Rice for Steinbach Community Outreach. If you would like to donate, you are welcome to drop off items during our church office hours.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
The transfiguration marks the climactic close of the Epiphany Season. Moses was known for going to the mountain, 40 days was a usual practice. Elijah lived and prayed many times. Jesus’s ministry was born in prayer. Every great biblical leader maintained a strong prayer life, connection with God and kept themselves open to God’s guidance.
Have we developed appropriate spiritual disciplines like prayer? Our passion for Justice should begin with our understanding of God’s ways. Being strong doesn’t mean arrogance or pride. You can be very strong, yet very humble or gentle. Serving God requires that humility, where we treat others with respect, as equals and yet with fierce courage.
The gospel of Mark always mixes the highs & lows, death & resurrection, suffering & glory. As such, the story of Mark ends with coming down from the mountaintop. One definite thing about life is that; no matter how much you can flourish; you will face the lows of life. We need to figure out how we can use the mountaintop experiences to sustain us during our times of struggle.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Human life has been socially constructed and categorized into several stages. These are set, if not pre-determined stages set and laid down. Everyone is ironically expected to go through them. Stages like birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, “married life,” being gainfully employed, … and then death. These traditions go a long way in building a society, if done well. Yet traditions can be very oppressive, if they are meant to be kept at the expense of serving the people they are meant for. Not only does transitioning through these traditions need celebration, it needs to be remembered and put into context. Marriage, graduation, retirement, transfers, welcomes, death, naming a child, etc, help us in accepting change.
In our lives, how do we find peace with ourselves or our situations? How do we handle bad news? How do we transition from where we are to the next? What is ours when it comes to faith? How many transitions have you gone through & did you do them well? In your times of distress, what do you do? What spiritual disciplines do you employ when faced with life situations?
How does your encounter with the divine minister to your inner being? Where do you seek these divine encounters? How can we keep ourselves in good shape at all times? What disciplines do we practice, when things are great but especially when chips are down? Sometimes what keeps us going is not what we have, but what we expect. Most prayers are answered when we take action to achieve them.
Special Videos
Christmas Eve Service
We recall the story of Jesus’ birth, with Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. Both had agreed that they would do what was asked of them. The angels are also part of this story, Having visited shepherds to tell them not to fear. The shepherds excitedly made their way to Bethlehem where they paid homage to this special child, Jesus. The child, born on this special night Jesus, who came into the world as the Prince of Peace. Our Advent journey included such a variety of people A young pregnant teenager with an older man ready to support her. An aunt, ready to become a mother to a babe who prepared a way for Jesus. A religious leader struck dumb, who later understood God’s way Older, wise prophets who lived to see a child come to bring light to the world. May all our lights of inclusion bring light to the world.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry with Rev Simba – Baptism & Confirmation
On this Sunday before Remembrance Day, a peace candle in the same shade of blue as the helmets and berets worn by the United Nations Peacekeepers is added to our gathering.
We wear poppies to remember, and to work and pray for peace as we seek justice and resist evil.
We gather to acknowledge our gratitude for: peacekeepers and pacifists, those who served on the front lines, and those who protest and march, those who volunteered and those who waited anxiously at home, those who hoped that things would get better, and those who could not stand by and wait.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Band of Colours Plus
At this service Band of Colours+ shares about the resource support they offer to 2SLGBTQI+ youth and young adults in our community.
We are gathered in this space; the place is sacred, and the land is ancient. We are all connected – the land, the people, The animals, the plants – and we are committed to continue to build relationships with all of creation as we seek justice and peace.
So as we gather today, it doesn’t matter who we are, where we have come from, who we love or where we are on our faith journey, we know we are a beloved child of God.
All are welcome here! All belong.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Covenanting Service
This special covenanting service involved representatives of the Prairie to Pine Regional Council, wider church and community along with Steinbach United, Niverville United and Simba.
Together we made promises to support one another in our work and witness as United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry. We will walk together on this journey.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Welcoming Rev Simba & Family & Communion
Together with Niverville United Church, we worshipped together in Steinbach to welcome our new minister Rev. Simba Mazhara and his family and share Communion.
Simba is an ordained minister within the United Church of Canada. He was originally ordained in 2008 with the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe. They came to Canada in 2015 and was fully admitted to the United Church of Canada in 2017. He served in two United Church congregations in Newfoundland before accepting the call to our United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry here in Niverville and Steinbach.
In his letter of application Simba wrote, “I was attracted by the ministry you are offering and committed to do.” And also “Your ministry speaks to my inner convictions and offers me an opportunity to fulfill my calling.” What more could we ask!? Sounds like Simba will also be committed to our ministry.
So Simba comes as our spiritual leader, to guide us as we live into our vision of collaborative ministry. He comes, not to “do it” for us, or to take over all that we have been doing. Rather he comes to engage, encourage, empower and to enable us as we all grow together on this shared journey. To walk along side us as we deepen as spiritual beings. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the bible, faith and the church. He brings energy, passion, ideas, and creativity! And he brings tons of experience with young and old alike!
We are really excited to have Simba as part of our collaborative ministry team as we continue our life together as people of faith!
First Interactive Worship Service with Niverville United Church!
Exciting times! This was our first interactive worship with Niverville United Church with Rev. Bill Millar leading worship.
Rev. Bill shares with us:
So, we start on this new adventure in our 2 communities, and I think it is wonderful, and I am so grateful about having a hand a bit of hand in it, but it is not an end in itself.
The purpose of all this technology that is either working or perhaps not, is about equipping us to go out to enter the lives of folk who are not part of the church, and there to offer that compassion, love – stand with them in any pain of theirs.
For us to do that we need to not run from our own pain, and be well aware of this great compassion, this love that gives us the strength to go forward.
All the trappings, this video stuff, is about equipping us to do the stuff that really matters, the stuff that is outside these sanctuaries. It is about what happens beyond these doors. May God give us the grace to find God out there. Amen
Affirming Celebration Service
Steinbach United has become an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada – and that is something worth celebrating! Today is March 14th – PIE day – Public, Intentional and Explicit – and we were very intentional in choosing this Sunday for our Celebration Service.
Download the transcript (PDF) for “Affirming Celebration Service” here.