An Honour and A Responsibility

In Ephesians 4 we read:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,…

speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

United Church of Canada

As members of the United Church of Canada we are part of one body. We call upon the gifts and talents, passion and commitment of each person to build a place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in word and deed. While we each live out our ministry in certain parts of the country and within our individual faith communities we do so knowing that we are connected to the greater whole. There are common held beliefs, doctrines, policies and procedures that govern our life together. These commonalities are arrived at by dialogue, consultation and ultimately by the vote of our membership. The Basis of Union, which is the base document guiding our life together, was created when we became known as the United Church of Canada. In order to make substantive changes to that it must be taken back to the whole church for study, prayer and ultimate vote.

We are currently in the midst of changes that require
the membership of the church to engage in such a process.

Opportunity to Have a Voice

There are 5 remits (questions that we must answer as a faith community with “yes” or “no”) currently before us as a church. Now some of us might think that these are not worth our time, or that they really don’t affect us so why bother but that is not the case. This is the opportunity for each member to have their voice heard and to actively participate in how we move forward as a denomination. The decisions reached as a result of these remits will affect us locally and nationally, spiritually and financially. So I would encourage you each to take seriously the part you play in the life and work of the church and make every effort to be part of the process.

The remits before us include:

(1) A Three Council Model of Governance for the Church

(2) Elimination of Transfer and Settlement

(3) Office of Vocation

(4) Funding the New Model

(5) One Order of Ministry

NOTICE:

Faith Community of

First United Church, Truro

As the faith community of First United we will gather to look at these remits and then vote.

The first of these sessions will take place this Sunday, October 30th following worship. Lunch will be provided.

I must confess that I really do enjoy being part of this process (yes, I know, I am a Church Nerd!). You see, I love my church!!! I have chosen to be a part of the United Church of Canada with all of its joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses, and I give thanks, every day, that I have found a home here. For me it is an honour and a responsibility to be part of the ongoing work of this church. I cannot imagine a world where our church does not exist and for it to continue to touch the lives of people here and around the world I must do my part!

Together, we are the body of Christ. Thanks be to God

Blessings
Valerie