As I write my greetings this year, the excitement of the season of spring is upon us but the weather is not fully cooperating yet. No need to fear though. The freshness of spring will soon beckon us out of our homes and into our gardens and baseball diamonds and soccer pitches. It is, for many, the season of renewal of activities we enjoy doing outside.
This time of year can also be a time for renewal of activities of a spirit-filled nature. The chance to take a brisk walk surrounded by Creation; A chance to marvel at the rebirthing of plants and animals in that creation. The lead up time to Easter, the season of Lent, immerses us in some of the dirty, testy stuff of human life. Then we make our way, like the eye witnesses to the resurrection, to the words of the gospel, “He is not here, He is risen” And from that moment on the world would not be the same. The dark, dreary days of pre Easter agony and death, are renewed with the Spirit of a Risen and Living Lord.
The churches of Trinity Hastings and Roseneath encourage you at this Easter time to be part of exciting news within our midst. Our hope is that you will be willing to allow God’s spirit to work in your midst, in the work to create the worshiping faith community that God calls us to.
On a personal note, for the months of May, June, & July, I will be taking a three month sabbatical time. This will be a time for renewal of spirit, exploring new areas of study and of worship, catching up on some overdue reading, and taking some deep and refreshing breaths within God’s creation. Rev. Doug Currie will be supplying in ministry throughout my sabbatical, and he is looking forward to being with the good people of Hastings and Roseneath.
As you journey into the season of Easter, may the spirit of the living Christ, be renewed in your spirit. May the promise of new birth be born, and reborn in you. And may the Holy Spirit infuse your heart and soul with the love of God to carry you through your days.
Yours in faith and service,
Reverend Jamie York
Hastings Roseneath Pastoral Charge
United Church of Canada
905-352-2000
Worship & Church Activities
Sunday April 17
Palm Sunday Worship
9:15 am Hastings
11:00 am Roseneath
Friday April 22
Good Friday Worship & Communion
7:30 pm Roseneath
Sunday April 24
Easter Sunday Services
9:15 am Hastings
11:00 am Roseneath
Monday April 25
Easter Monday Pancake Supper & Entertainment
5:00 pm Hastings
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After School Youth Program
Every other Wednesday, (one week at Roseneath, one week at Hastings) from 3:30-5:00 the church offers an “After school Program” for young people of the community, before they make their way home from school. There is lots of learning and nourishment at the program. First a bit of food, some program time, then some craft or recreation time.
Call the office for dates ahead.
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Children’s Worship Time
Wonder what this is?
Think shhhhhhhhhh . . . Sunday School.
Kids shudder at the thought of “school” on Sunday, so we have renamed it. A time when the children can go downstairs part way through the worship service to receive Christian education. Reading the Bible stories, learning through hands on activity, crafts, colouring, anything that will help them to learn their Christian story. But, shhhhhhhh, don’t tell them it’s school. We have the programs . . . we have the teachers, all we need are the kids. Come bring them, we only need one thing . . . your support.
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Sunday Worship Services
It is amazing how many times I, as a minister, hear people say things like, “I am spiritual, but not religious” or “I can worship God without going to church.”
When I press them on what they do to nurture their spiritual lives, they usually don’t do anything.
Worshipping is being spiritual. Worshipping in church affords one the opportunity to have a whole spectrum of spiritual activity . . . prayer, music of praise, “Word” of God through human words, sacraments of communion and baptism, care and outreach to the community and the world through mission and service, and the opportunity to support your church through gifts of money, as stewards of God’s bounty to us. Please feel welcome to come.
If you have any questions or concerns, at any time the office door is open to you.
Wishing you and yours best wishes and God’s blessings,
Reverend Jamie York
