Dear Glen Morris United Church, 

Peace be with you! I look forward to joining you online for worship this week as we celebrate World Food Day. As we gather, we will pray for a world where all are fed and remember the importance of our daily bread by sharing in communion. I understand that not all of you will feel comfortable taking part in communion over zoom. Please know that you are still welcome to join for worship and that we will make space for you to choose how you wish to participate in worship. As always, what I offer in worship is an invitation that is given with trust that you know best what you need to connect with God. 

I hope that you are continuing to find ways to enjoy the absolutely beautiful fall the trees have blessed us with!  

Telling Our Faith Story 

During this Fall season leading up to Advent we are going to be celebrating the theme “Telling Our Faith Story.” As the church continues to be lurched into big and unexpected changes, it is important for us to reflect on what is most important to our faith and to the church so we can make sure we carry that into the future. In a time when we do not have the opportunity to share in fellowship during coffee hours and potlucks, let us be intentional about getting to know each other better. 

I would like to invite you to share your faith story during worship! Thank you to those of you who have already signed up! I’m really looking forward to learning from you and hope all of you will consider signing up. This involves taking 3-5 minutes to answer some of the following questions: 

  • Did you attend church growing up, where was it? 
  • Do you have a favourite piece of scripture or story in the Bible, what is it and why? 
  • Do you have a regular spiritual practice - what does it look like? 
  • What is something about your faith that might surprise us? 
  • How has your understanding of God changed over the years? 
  • What is something you wish the church knew about you? 
  • Tell us about a moment that was really important in shaping your understanding of faith. 

You can pre-record your answer if you like, simply show up to worship and share it the day of, or send me your written answers - whatever works best for you! Please be in touch to let me know which day you would like to share!  

Engage: World Food Sunday

To Dine With Dignity: Rev. Trisha Elliott shares her dream for a world where there isn’t just abundant food, but also abundant safety and dignity. Read her short blog post here. 

 

Collaboration provides food assistance in Zimbabwe: Learn about how the United Church, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and Zimbabwe Council of Churches are supporting farmers in Zimbabwe impacted by covid19. Read the article here.

To learn more about food security and the work of The United Church in this area, click here: https://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/food-security

 

A Prayer as we prepare for World Food Day

By Alydia Smith

Creator,

Conspire with us to create a world where all have access to nutritious and sustainable food sources, and none live with scarcity or food insecurity.

Redeemer,

Save us from oppressive and unjust systems. Mobilize us to be a part of a world response that works in partnership with those of good will to foster equitable resource sharing.

Sustainer,

Cultivate our resilience and expand our imaginations, so that we might continually find new ways to answer the call to end hunger— until all may flourish.

Amen.

 

Yours in Christ,

Michiko