The Universal Christ
In recent weeks, much discussion continues about the continued unveiling of our Canadian History and Indigenous communities. More unmarked graves, how to celebrate Canada Day, and countless stories from residential school survivors continue to surface. Last week, we enjoyed a thought-provoking discussion based on the article Sabine posted on our website written by our previous United Church of Canada's Moderator, inviting us to continue to contemplate what more we can do to assist us in the healing of our nation. This Sunday we are grateful to have Rev. Evan Swance-Smith from the Toronto Urban Native Ministries. Please see more information below as well as on our website.
This week our first out of eight gatherings begin. We will be discussing Richard Rohr's book The Universal Christ. In his book, he addresses the relationship between Jesus and Christ. He suggests the importance of discerning between the messenger and the message. The book invites us to make a connection between our interpretations of Jesus and how we perceive and experience our world. During our gathering, we will also have the opportunity to understand and experience Richard's contemplative practice. We will continue the work that Rev. Candice introduced to us at last summer's book study: explicit teachings on how to listen to one another in a way that many of us were never taught. Improving our listening skills is one of the fastest ways to foster peace in our lives and in the lives of the people around us.
If you are looking for ways to bring more peace into your life, then you may want to consider joining us as we examine how a forgotten reality can change everything we see, hope for, and believe.
*Please note that reading the book prior to the gatherings is not required.
Service
Church on Zoom
Rev. Evan Swance-Smith
Join us as Rev. Evan Swance-Smith from the Toronto Urban Native Ministry, (a United Church of Canada outreach ministry) will be our guest minister. Since the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at Canadian Residential schools, Evan has been in high demand as a speaker. It is a privilege and an honour to have Evan join us.
9:50AM — Greet & chat
10:00AM — Discussion begins
Contemporary
Elder Little Brown Bear's Work towards Healing and Reconciliation
Canada Day 2021 was like no other. Amongst Pandemic restrictions there was also confusion and contemplation over what and how to celebrate our nation's birthday. In 2017, amidst our 150th celebrations, much discussion came to the surface over what we were really celebrating. In 2018, TV host, Jill McPherson sat down Elder Little Brown Bear (Ernest W. Matton, Athehsa Niohkwá:rita:a), the Director of Aboriginal Education, Programs, Culture, and The Aboriginal Healing Program.
Elder Little Brown Bear has been recognized by the Canadian government for his work in helping Indigenous communities forgive, heal and move forward by reconnecting to their ancient teachings. He also helps the non-aboriginal community with these mental wellness practices as well as understanding the importance of reconciliation. Little Brown Bear is also a residential school survivor.
“I ask the Creator to help me forgive knowing that I can’t drag my past with me anymore.”