United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
In the Gospel story today, there was a man who owed his king a huge debt. He couldn’t re-pay it, but the king erased it and said it was okay! However, that man turned around to a friend who owed him just a little bit of money and got so mad he had the guy thrown into jail! The king was angry that his servant had not treated his friend with the same forgiveness he was shown. Jesus told this parable to remind us that God has given us a huge amount of mercy. That means we deserve to be punished for our sins, and instead He wipes our slate clean!
We can be thankful for that, and in return, God wants us to pass that along. He wants us to forgive one another when people do things against us. This is what we say in the Lord’s prayer. Now, forgiving others doesn’t mean we let them hurt us or walk all over us. But it does mean recognizing God’s mercy, and out of gratitude for that passing it along. Our forgiveness to others is never “perfect.”
We struggle, and we need God’s help even to show other people mercy. But we can take comfort in knowing that His forgiveness wipes away our sins, things we’ve done and even things we don’t know we’re going to do yet! God will always renew and restore us.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Ken Delisle
Generous God, you have created us in your image.
You have filled us – each one – with wondrous gifts.
Yet we confess that we do not always recognize those talents within ourselves, or others.
Sometimes we use them to hurt rather than build up.
We confess that sometimes we want everyone to be the same as us, to do things our way.
Forgive us. Nurture within us the gifts you have given us.
Empower us to nurture our gifts and the gifts of others.
The God who created us continues to call forth great gifts from us.
We are one body in Christ. Thanks be to God!
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
In life, we all focus where there is potential. We have our own biases. Ask teachers; they know that promise is not delivery. Some people look so promising but never deliver. The same applies to the church. You check the history of missionaries. They focused on areas that could give them a harvest of souls. The same is the case with hunters, fishermen, and especially business people. Population is key in their decision as to where they can invest.
Now; have you ever considered your judgments about where to focus and concentrate your energy? Where do you put your effort most? In ministry or voluntary work, where do you direct most of your energy, resources and time? Why?
Have you made any mistakes in the past? Take a moment to ponder on areas that you doubted and they did well later. How much of a risk do we have in selectively focusing our efforts?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
This summertime, many of our members are away, while others choose to stay in-doors, having fun with family. The schools are closed, and kids are home. Our administrative structures here have taken a break. Me too will be on vacation soon. We all need a break. We seek to find rest. Ironically, almost all people seem to be overrun by their summer schedules. The scenario we have is not new.
Many of us come back tired. That begs the question; “What does rest mean?” Is it a physical activity or a state of the mind? Do we need to sleep, sport, hobby, or work in a different job? What works well for you? Have you figured out what restores you best? Take a moment to ponder on what kind of rest do you need now?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
When it comes to hospitality; what is it that influences our decision making? How do our judgments affect our capacity to welcome the neighbor? Sometimes we ignore the needs of those in desperate situations, focusing on our own security and interests. How many times did we decide against being a welcoming presence because the stranger did not meet our expectations? Take a moment to ponder on what can we do differently in the future?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Truth may tarry but it will come out. Matthew 10:26-27 warns that nothing that is covered, that shall not be revealed. Whatever is said in darkness, it shall be spoken in light. Have we ever considered what we say in private; possibly hidden in the phrase; “in confidence,” shall one day be public information? How much of our conversations are kept private because they are not very positive for our peers? Do we need to share what we said about so & so last year?
Let us take time to ponder about how damaging it might be to us and our institutions, once what we are saying in private gets public. How can we learn to speak positive about our peers, church and community? How can we learn to create a positive narrative?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
In Africa, Zimbabwe in particular; the rise of local theologians came with the introduction of local instruments. There was an uprising about these “so-called demonic instruments.” After 1990-95, these instruments became the mainstay of the music in the churches, and many churches multiplied because people felt that worship had become authentic.
In our days, what is being resisted today that might be a mainstay in the future church and faith? What issues seem to be controversial today that might prove to be the best decisions in the future? Can you take a moment to ponder on things that are being resisted in our Churches today, or that we are resisting that might need your grace to try them? What new cultures are being resisted? Are you part of the new culture or the resistant side? Take your time to ponder about this issue.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry- A Song of Faith Service
God is Holy Mystery, beyond complete knowledge, above perfect description.
Yet, in love, the one eternal God seeks relationship.
So God creates the universe and with it the possibility of being and relating.
God tends the universe, mending the broken and reconciling the estranged.
God enlivens the universe, guiding all things toward harmony with their Source.
Grateful for God’s loving action, we cannot keep from singing!!!!
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 Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
Language can build a wall between us. “On Pentecost, God reversed the process of division and confusion around the tower of Babel, (Genesis 11), as he poured out his Spirit. The Spirit gave the disciples words of praise and proclamation to speak in languages that all could understand. How does that Spirit work today in our lives and churches?” As said by Hans Krause.
Wherever you go, when people speak in a way that you as a newcomer cannot understand, that is frustrating. It excludes you from the rest of the society in which you try to settle. It builds invisible walls between us and them.
There was clarity in the message from and to all people. the response was positive. Unless we speak the language of the needy, they won’t listen. Let us offer people the language understood by the marginalized, oppressed, youths, victims of aggression and neighbors
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
One Writer said; “the difference between a wish and hope is that; a wish remains a wish, hope is followed by action.” Unless we want our prayers to remain wishful thinking, then prayer requires action of some sort. What is it on our prayer list and what plan of action does it require? Take a moment to ponder on what actionable prayers are you ready to offer this week, month and this summer?
United in Spirit Collabortive Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Family life is one of the most helpful and basic support system for humanity. Jesus was born of a woman and raised in a family. Even the most important person in the history of our faith, had to be part of the family. It was the mother Mary, who guided the caretakers at the wedding at Cana. The support system is needed at every turn of life. It could be at school, work, church, and community. I acknowledge that some families are more secure than others, yet even those struggling, are important. Mothers have had a myriad of experiences. There are a lot of mothers who did a great job, yet others have faced horrible experiences. For, those whose efforts were rewarded, we celebrate with you. To those who struggled to become mothers or in their experiences as mothers, may you be held in the loving embrace of our God.
Every significant project requires us to put support systems in place, and I call that planning. It might be short or long term. Planning is inevitable for anything to be successful. This involves families,individuals, professionals and students. We all have to plan. One scholar said; “failing to plan is planning to fail.” Join us as we take a moment to ponder on what plans we can put in place regarding this ministry, our families, and our own spirituality.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind,
and love your neighbor as yourself.
—Matthew 22.37, 39
There are really only two religions. One is the Religion of Being Right. The other is the Religion of Being in Love. In the way of Being Right, we seek to understand the laws by which the universe runs and follow those rules and behaviors to get desired results.The ultimate laws may be kind or cruel, logical or capricious, — but once you get them right, they are consistent: follow them and you’ll get what you want. The main goal of Being Right is having control. Extreme examples of the Religion of Being Right are violence, legalism, terrorism, war, fundamentalism, and capitalism. This is the way of the world.
In the Way of Being in Love, we experience an overflowing love in all existence that loves us, and in response we fall in love. Love is the greatest law, value, practice, and the greatest result. The goal is to give and receive love, and its practice requires vulnerability, relationship, and self-giving. The Way of Being in Love issues in non-violence, forgiveness, generosity and striving for justice. This is the way of heaven. Sooner or later, you have to choose to impress God or to trust God, to be in control or to be in love.
United Spirit in Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Our Beliefs & Our Legacies. Beliefs are those things or statements that we “accept as true, or that something exist.” Oxford Dic para phrased. Beliefs are often reflected in our values, character, norms, and traditions. They are the force that defines who we are and what we do.
Do you remember any time in history you did something that you always regret? What did you believe in then, that you do not believe in now? How did your beliefs shape your life, profession, destiny, family or lifestyle? How have your beliefs influenced your relationships at school, at work or in the family? How proud are you or how sad does that make you, to remember some of the things you did?
How have your beliefs affected other people’s lives? Do you think that beliefs can damage how we relate? Why are you willing or not willing to share? Do you think your beliefs have a hand in your prayer life, giving, holidays, sport or business? Do you regret anything, and would you consider a different approach? How can we change or at least mitigate the pain that emanated from our beliefs?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Beyond Our Walls Service
Reaching out and loving our neighbors is what we are called to do. Join us as our friends from the Agape House share with us the work they do and how the Agape House supports women fleeing from domestic abuse. Our congregations have supported Agape House over the years in many different ways, such donation of clothing, toys and food.
Together we can make Difference.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Easter Sunday
Rev Simba shares with us his life experience from Zimbabwe. (1992 Severe Drought and Recovery to New Life)
He writes:
“The greatest day was some time in the summer of 1992, around mid-September. The clouds that we all saw gathering, became more and more promising until they became dark and thick. The most beautiful thing happened. The heavy rain fell like there was never a disaster before. The scent of freshness greeted the land, the birds, frogs, and other species began singing again. The life that we all missed was back, after almost 8 months without any significant precipitation. There was a sense of relief, hope and optimism again.
Suddenly there was life booming in every corner. While it took longer to get the harvests and economic recovery, the natural habitat was looking healthy, green, safe and promising again. It was the greatest recovery I ever witnessed. That is the year I literary experienced a glimpse of Revelation 21. “Then I saw a new earth.” The passing of drought, the passing death, strain and stress, was replaced by life, vitality, hope and security. The best feeling was to wake up feeling the confidence of seeing life. People were happy, wildlife enjoyed, birds could sing again, and the land was full of life.”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Palm Sunday
Hosanna to the one who comes in the name of the sovereign king! Hosanna! Hallelujah!
This is a service of praise and prayer, the service that reminds us of Jesus’ journey to the cross. With warm hearts, let us listen and share, sing and read, praise and pray.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Lydia & Micheal Summerville-Dueck
This Sunday, Lydia & Micheal Summerville-Dueck led us in worship and song.
Lydia’s reflection “Sitting with Christ in our Tears” looks at Mary’s grief and how Jesus walked along side her. As we all walk our own journeys of grief at different times, let us remember that we are not alone,
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
During this Lenten season, let us gather in sacred spaces, discern together, create time for rewarding spiritual disciplines, opening ourselves to new experiences. Spiritual disciplines like study of spiritual books, prayer, contemplation, and others, are helpful in our growth and understanding. Study is one of the most effective ways of overcoming propaganda.
How are we participating in the unfolding story of faith, for it shall be told to the future generations? It is more important to offer solutions than just identify the problems. What are we offering to resolve our problems? How can we enrich our faith story for the next generation? Like life, it is not how long our story is, but its quality and the impact it makes.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Join us as we continue on our Lenten journey.
The story of Abraham reminds us that we are invited by God. At God’s Initiative, not Human excellence. Have we ever wondered how we come to connect with God?
Responding by a YES to journey with God is the game changer. This opened a new door for him. He was termed “righteous” Righteousness is “being one in purpose, direction, and action with God.” Abraham is considered righteous, not based on good things; he believed God.
Have we ever considered what it might mean for us to believe in God this Lenten Season? What & Where is God call us to and how can we respond?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
Jesus said ” I am the Living Water”
This Lenten journey let us be informed, be guided, let us feed upon, be inspired, be nourished and be renewed by the word of God, that word that is wisdom, the word which is Jesus Christ. Jesus who said “I am the Living Water”
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba
The world we live in presents us with the chance to make choices at every corner. To exploit or protect, to love or harm, to save or endanger. Not only for humanity, but flora and fauna alike, on land and at sea.
Jesus addresses the issues of conflict, seeking reconciliation. Life comes out of peaceful resolving of differences. We need to choose peace over war, love over hate, encouragement over blame and condemnation. How can we build ourselves, neighbors, and systems around us? Before our great gifts, let us resolve conflicts, address the differences, and heal our own world. Let us choose peace over war, conflict, or arrogance. God welcomes those who seek life, live to give life, promote life, protect life, and enhance life, whether in their families, at work, at sea, in the woods, and any space that God has created for the whole creation. May we be others, a harvest of life and wholeness, the dews of peace and showers of gentleness. May we be the lifeline of hope and therapy, the bright stars that light their way to restoration, justice and integrity.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba
This Sunday, Marlene shared with us the book ” I am Not a Number ” written by Kathy Kacer and Jenny Kay Dupuis.
This book is based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis’s grandmother, who was removed from her First Nations family at the age of eight. The book revolves around her struggles at the residential school that does not even allow her to use her own name, rather a number is allocated to her.
How can we deal with such hard stuff? This is not easy to listen to, but we need a prophetic response. What is God calling us to do in such situations?
Jesus charged the flowers with this metaphorical statement. “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is a substance that works in silence, to change the taste, transform the condition, preserve the quality and does not rely on quantity. It is the quality that matters. As the salt in this era of such scandalous history, how can you and I do in response to individuals with such experience? How do we help heal such wounds and facilitate the restoration of integrity to the victim, the aggressor, and the spectator?
May we respond as the salt. Colossians 4:6 , the writer says: Let you speech be gracious always, that you many know how to answer everyone accordingly. “May our words and actions be gracious, the therapy that someone is seeking! May god heal the broken-hearted through our words and actions, our passion and compassion, our acts of justice and fairness, our service and our gifts, our talents and our presence.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship Service with Rev Simba
The United Church, at the 2022 General Council, came up with three main areas of focus; that is Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice. Daring Justice is the willingness to express and communicate our views, even in the very sensitive and nerve touching areas. It is speaking truth to power. It is a choice to challenge the status quo in our quest for equity, equality, and mostly in the pursuit of creating God’s beloved community. If we can’t work out a plan to make this world safe, peaceful, enjoyable and loving for all, then we haven’t started to share the gospel.
What role do you think we can play in SUC?
Have you ever pondered on creating a beloved community around us?
Do you know that God is counting on you, the gifts in you and love and passion you have?
What it means to choose justice as a virtue?
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship Service with Rev. Simba
The African proverb say; ” I am because we are. We are because I am. We are better off as a family, as together with God. In our ministry, we can only achieve more as one. Cohesion is not optional but a requisite piece of the puzzle. We have to be one in our intent/purpose, direction and our action. Whatever we are planning to do.
We are the church together.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev Simba Mazhara
All of us at some point, were invited to an event. In some cases, the places were new. We often wonder whether we should go or not? There is always a risk in taking chances. You and I have been invited to familiar or unfamiliar places. Sometimes we agreed to go and the experiences were fabulous, other times, not so great. We only had those particular experiences because we agreed to try it.
We are invited to this epiphany journey, to follow Christ, in action and purpose.
Are we ready to take the risk?
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba Mazhara
Join us on this second Sunday of the New Year, in the season of Epiphany. we gather to celebrate life and seek to follow the light of the star that shone.
We are called to be the light of the world.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Christmas Eve Service
Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
What gifts does Jesus bring to the new world?
Jesus brings hope for the future,
peace like a river,
joy everlasting, and
love for all.
Christmas is the beginning of this new world, a better world,
that we are boldly invited to create together
as followers of the Christ child.
May it be so. Amen.
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Beyond Our Walls Service
This Sunday we looked beyond our walls and into 1Just City. `1JustCity is an organization that supports three drop-in community centers in Winnipeg’s core neighbourhoods: West Broadway, the West End and Osborne Village. These services include daily meals, art, senior’s programs, sharing circles, haircuts, showers, laundry, toiletries , and clean undergarments.
1JustCity works towards a city where all are cared for, have enough to eat, a place they belong and feel loved.
Together We Can Make A Difference!!!!!!
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 Collaborative Ministry Worship – We Will Remember Them
REMEMBRANCE; WHAT IS IT?
Humanity has been gifted with many blessings, among them is the gift of memory. It is such a beautiful gift when it works well and used well. Today I want to celebrate this gift of memory as we take this time to remember the past. LEST WE FORGET!
What does remembrance means?
Is peace the central aspect in the remembrance ceremony? How do you understand it? The sacrifice and selfless commitment by individuals. We need to acknowledge that there are a lot of people who paid the ultimate price. It is a legacy to cherish, a gift from the living and the dead, and a perpetual responsibility to guard this freedom and peace.
Memories of war brings sadness and sense of loss. We remember soldiers who were killed & honor the survivors. These soldiers were or are mothers, fathers or children. We remember that bombs destroyed schools, factories, churches, and houses. A lot of progress was lost. Nevertheless, we are thankful that we live in a peaceful country. Thanks to those who gave their lives and those still sacrificing so we enjoy peace. We hope that humanity will commit to solving problems by a word, not a gun; to respect all forms of life, and to use knowledge to save life and not to destroy it. The big question is; “will you take a deep breath and think if you want or your loved one to go into the trenches, frontlines or battlefield? Why not honor those who did and remember the casualties of such bravery and selfless
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Worship with Rev. Simba Mazhara
Join us this Sunday as Rev. Simba leads the service from Steinbach.
Labels are heavy on those who carry them. It must note that the societal labels will eventually take their toll on the individual. Many people feel the impact of the way the community treats them. That happens in the family, in the church, workplace, school or any social platform, including social media platforms. This leads to different types of responses as individuals struggle to deal with their unfriendly situations. This may lead to withdrawal, depression, guilty, shame, hate and any others. The Samaritan Woman was recorded in isolation, until Jesus met her. Zacchaeus was also labeled. They called him by his job, describe him by his height, and never identified him by his parents. When Zacchaeus met Jesus it changed his life and his relations with others.
Beyond Our Walls Service – Colleen Dyck
Join us as we look Beyond Our Walls and listen to Colleen Dyck from Niverville. She shares with us her story of her trip to Kenya facilitated by Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Colleen met a Kenyan farmer
Lucy and her children. Colleen worked alongside her to maintain her field, prepare her
food, care for children, and haul water. Lucy was one of the first in her community to
learn conversation agriculture practices. She is now teaching these practices to women in her community.
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!
United In Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Moments of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving Worship Service with Niverville United Church we share and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.
We gather in awe and thanksgiving . . .
Our granaries are full, our gardens reap plenty!
The lakes shimmer, reflecting the beauty of sunshine and clouds.
Wildlife dots the hillsides. The meadows clothe themselves with flowers;
the valleys deck themselves with grain.
They shout and sing for joy!
As the psalmist sang praises, we too give thanks for all creation.
We shout alleluia! Thank-you! Amen.
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Meet the United Church’s New Moderator
The joint worship service with Niverville United Church is led by Jan Van Aertselaer and Roxanne Anderson.
This past Friday, September 30 our country observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as “Orange Shirt Day” … a day to recognize the intergenerational harm that continues to be experienced by Indigenous families and communities. As a church, we acknowledge our role in this harm, and we remember and honour those who have been affected, as we continue to work toward reconciliation and reparation, so that all of us who have made this land our home might walk together in good ways.
This service we listen to a recorded message from our new Moderator, the Right Rev Dr Carmen Lansdowne. Carmen is the first Indigenous woman to hold the position of Moderator.
Come touch our hearts, our minds . . .
help us to show compassion, to understand, to overturn injustice . . .
to welcome truth and wisdom . . .
Bless our hearts, bless our minds, bless our wills . . .
What powerful and meaningful words!
United in Spirit Collaborative Ministry – Farewell Tribute to Rev. Paul DuVal & Rev. Bill Millar
Steinbach United and Niverville United celebrated our time together with Rev. Paul DuVal and Rev. Bill Millar.
We wish them all the best as they continue their ministry journey. We give thanks that we were brought together to walk in our faith journeys.
Thank-you for encouraging, challenging and supporting us. And for sharing laughs. Our very best wishes go with each of you.
You will be missed.
Worship Service with Rev Paul DuVal
As summer turns to Fall, we sometimes find ourselves feeling a little melancholy, letting go of what has been and unsure what’s ahead. I am sure you have wonderings about what this new season will bring. A new wave of Covid? An early winter? Or a long delight filled autumn season? As United in Spirit Collaborative ministry embarks on a new adventure, we wonder what will it be like. Human beings are often tempted to worry in the face of transition and change. Yet change, more often than not, brings the joy of new possibilities and new opportunities. So, in the midst of melancholy, or uncertainty, let’s embrace the transition, and be ready whatever happen.
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
Special Videos
Beyond our Walls Worship Service – Love Our Neighbor
This joint worship service with Niverville United Church is being led by the Reaching Out Team at Steinbach United Church. This service is part of “Beyond Our Walls”. Several times a year, the Reaching Out Team prepares a “Beyond Our Walls” service, highlighting the work of other organizations that provide support and services to those in need. It’s an important reminder that our faith compels us to look beyond our walls for opportunities to fulfill God’s call to us.
In this service, we will be looking at the educational organizations in the United Church of Canada. We will be learning about St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, The Centre of Christian Studies in Winnipeg and the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Beausejour, right in our own backyard. These three centres offer opportunities to study, to enrich our faith journey and to develop our skills, whether we are interested in formal leadership positions in the church or not.
Black History Month Worship Service
In this joint worship service with Niverville United Church, we will hear of the many contributions and experiences of Black peoples in the United Church of Canada. It’s a time to honor to celebrate the many contributions of Black people to Canadian Society. It’s a time to remember African Canadian History, the struggles and the haunting legacy of the Trans Atlantic slave trade. It’s time to really focus, through worship, reflection and deep conversations of the issues relevant to people of African decent in the church. Black History month is also unique to think of the past, the present and the future.
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.