EVENTS

Happy Easter!

The world sits below a precipice, waiting, after the first stone has been pushed to the edge and started to roll. And we wonder, where will it stop. We wonder, what lives will be lost - who will die on *this* war's altar? Soldiers? Combatants? Civilians? Children? I pray for the decision-makers of the world, including Mr. Putin, that they would find a way to bring this to an end, now; that they would find a way out - for the people of Ukraine, for the people of Russia, for the world. Tonight, I pray for all those who are protesting this decision for war by the Russian government, especially those Russian citizens who are standing in the face of their government, who are risking arrest and harsh punishment, by telling their leaders this invasion must stop. I pray for the people of Ukraine. For the ones who are picking up arms to defend themselves and those they love. For the ones who are trying to get themselves, their families, and their neighbours, to safe haven, away from the fighting. For the ones who are sleeping in the subway, or in the basement, or in a cellar, for fear of the bombings. I pray for the most vulnerable, the ones who don't understand what is happening, and rely on others for their safety; and for those who carry the burden of protection and care. I pray for them all, God. But, most of all, I pray that your peace would pour down like a God-aweful waterfall, that those who, for whatever reason, are choosing to make this happen, would find all of their reasons and rationalizations washed away by your overwhelming peace, and your infinite love. Help us, God. As individuals, as communities, as nation-states, help us to be peace-bearers. Overwhelm all that would kill and destroy, we pray, with your forever love, and your amazing grace. In Christ's name, i ask these things. Amen. Amen. From Rev. Richard Bott (43rd Moderator of the United Church of Canada

Celebrate National Affirming/PIE Day on March 14, 2022! Why PIE? PIE = Public. Intentional. Explicit.Those are the standards we hold ourselves and our welcome to when we seek to live into being Affirming, Welcoming, or Inclusive people and communities. Yes it’s a quirky acronym, but its definitions have helped us form a framework around what inclusivity can look and feel like. This years theme is "Everyone Gets A Slice!" Looking at the LGBTQIA2S+ acronym, which represents an endless diversity of identities and expressions, we acknowledge that some of the people who are represented by these letters often tend to get left out or underserved. We are invited to consider which folks we may not have included in our Affirming programming and educational efforts and take strides to remedy that.

Queer Virtue: An evening with Rev. Liz Edman Friday February 18, 6:30pm MT LGBTQ2S+ people are a gift to the church and have the potential to revitalize our faith and faith communities. Join us for a special one-night-only event where we will chat with Rev. Edman, author of the book "Queer Virtue." She will give us some key insights on what she has discovered in her work and how the elements of "queer virtue" can challenge us to rupture false binaries, to “queer” lines that pit people against one another. All identities and backgrounds welcome - and bring your questions! Registration is required and free. MORE DETAILS: As an openly lesbian Episcopal priest and professional advocate for LGBTQ2S+ justice, the Reverend Elizabeth Edman has spent her career grappling with the core tenets of her faith. After deep reflection on her tradition, Edman is struck by the realization that her queer identity has taught her more about how to be a good Christian than the church. The LGBTQ2S+ community persistently looks to the margins to see who isn’t yet included and decide what we’re going to do about it. This “path” bears remarkable similarity to the path that people of faith are called to walk." Thus, queer experience is a lens that can help us better understand and navigate an authentic spiritual path. Exploring ethical dimensions of queer experience such as Pride, coming out, scandal, and hospitality, Queer Virtue lifts up the queer ethical path as a model for progressive faith practice, illuminating and potentially vivifying the our faith communities! Learn more about Rev. Edman here: https://www.queervirtue.com/ This event is co-presented by Affirming Connections and Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble, as part of our lead up to National Affirming/PIE Day

From Our Moderator The Right Rev Richard Bott - There are people in this world who, by the strength of their faith and the conviction of their character, change the world for the better. Some do it on a smaller scale, while others find themselves in moments that are experienced around the world. This was a man who faithfully lived out his call as pastor, priest, and prophet - and, in doing so, helped the world to be more hopeful, more loving, more just. Archbishop Desmond Tutu - thank you for your ministry to a hurting and healing nation, and a hurting and healing world. "They will hunger no more, nor thirst any more. The sun will not strike them by day, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev. 7.16-17) Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu 1931 - 2021

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Bala Port Carling Communities of Faith, United Church of Canada.

Image what Christmas 2022 might be like! https://youtu.be/LUn1Rn62IPE

Join us for the Advent Season!

A message from the Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Richard Bott “There is so much beauty from sea to sky, on roads that twist and turn along the sides of mountains, where one can look down from dizzying heights into valleys that are lush and green, or into ocean waters, salty, and full of life; and look up to see mountain peaks that have stood, sturdy, far longer than humankind has walked your earth, God! But when the rains come down, hard and fast, turning the soil into liquid slurry, tonnes upon tonnes of rock and mud will move with an unimaginable force, and the rivers rise, flooding more than the plains, sweeping over and away everything in its path. Nothing human-made can stand in the face of that force, God of all creation. That is what the people of British Columbia have been facing, these past days, with loss of life; with communities cut off from each other, some lacking power, some in places already touched by fire this season. We pray for those who have died or been injured, and all those who are grieving; we pray for the crews who are out, trying to figure out how to clear the way, safely; we pray for those who are in need, and those who are wondering, "What next?!"; and we pray that we would come together as this community of Canada, to offer what support is needed. And, God, we pray that the rains would quiet, to their normal, seasonal, flow; that the land would remain sturdy, that we would be held by its beauty, once again. Amen.” (Image: "Pitt Meadows at Dawn", rb)

Join us this Sunday as we remember.

It feels good to be back! Hope you will join us soon!

Chair of council welcoming everyone back to church. Also celebrating Rev Sue’s arrival 16 years ago and Dan’s arrival 10 years ago. Lots to be thankful for! 🍁

Thank you to Joan for all the wonderful Thanksgiving decorations!

Our Church doors are open this Sunday to those who have reserved a seat! Looking forward to being together. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

September 30th marks the 1st Nation Day for Truth and Reconciliation, how will you observe the federal statutory holiday? - take a moment of silence at 2:15 PM, referring to the number of graves found in Kamloops. - Wearing an orange T-shirt - “It’s a day to reflect. It’s a day to have conversations.”

Waiting for the next service!

Earth does not belong to us - we belong to Earth! Join us this week for Humanity Sunday.

Join us this week as we “reflect”!

Here is your hint for this coming weeks virtual Sunday Service (see photo). If you wish to view the service, please send an email to bpcunited@bell.net, and the link for the service will be sent to you.

Click here and copy and paste the link to give: https://giftswithvision.ca/collections/featured/products/pay-it-forward?utm_source=ES_201208&utm_campaign=faa7a0e63e-ES210824&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3761c5155b-faa7a0e63e-188921101&goal=0_3761c5155b-faa7a0e63e-188921101&mc_cid=faa7a0e63e&mc_eid=34c0d968f3

Happy 141st Anniversary Bala United Church! Join us virtually this Sunday as we celebrate together.

The United Church of Canada is in contact with Mission & Service partners in Haiti to find out how we can support their communities. Make a gift to support immediate needs including emergency shelter, clean water, and food. We are also asking for prayers for our partners and the Haitian United Church community in Canada, who are trying to contact family and friends in the devastation. Read more about the situation here. Click on this link: https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/earthquake-haiti?utm_source=ES_201208&utm_campaign=193863b421-ES210817&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3761c5155b-193863b421-188921101&goal=0_3761c5155b-193863b421-188921101&mc_cid=193863b421&mc_eid=34c0d968f3 [Photo: Buildings damaged by the earthquake in Haiti, August 2021. Credit: Tearfund Canada, 2021. All rights reserved, permission required for further use.]

Welcome to Bala Port Carling Communities of Faith new official Instagram page!