Homeward Bound

02 09 06 Pentecost 14

20 07 26 Pentecost 8

20 07 19 Pentecost 7

It would appear that our link went down. We will try again later and I will let you know when it is posted.

Sorry folks, it seems nothing went through. I will post again once I have tracked down the problem.

20 06 28 4th After Pentecost

Here is our Easter Sunday Service https://www.facebook.com/pamela.m.holmes1/videos/10158426884061180/

Here is our Palm Sunday Service https://www.facebook.com/pamela.m.holmes1/videos/10158399578516180/

https://www.facebook.com/pamela.m.holmes1/videos/10158418934456180/

Attempt #2 Wenstill had problems, but we will keep trying.

Here is Pams and my first attempt. There are a few things we could improve. https://www.facebook.com/pamela.m.holmes1/videos/10158342272556180/UzpfSTU1MjczMTE3OTpWSzoyNzcyMDUwMzM5NTc1ODc2/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Our intention to enjoy another Homeward Bound Service this Sunday (July 14) was thwarted by several unrelated issues. But we will have a traditional service starting at 10:00 am at Trinity United, 157 Roslin Rd, Roslin. Its hard to believe that Israel circa 800 BC could have much in common with us here in 21st Century Canada, but it does. Come at find out what and why we need to be careful not to do as that ancient culture did.

This Sunday at 10:00 am. is our next Homeward Bound Service: a Christain gather specifically designed for those who dont normally attend church. In other words, it is a non-churchy church service. People who do attend church services will probably find this lacking and people who dont will feel less of an outsider. So, what is "church?" A building? A set of predetermined secret cues for songs and prayers? A lecture full of terms that only make sense if youve been there... a hundred times before? A holier than you clutch? or none of the above? Come and find out what the church really is and is supposed to be and why being church satisfies the longing of the human heart.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes God works in our lives by giving us what we need and sometimes by withholding? It looks like God may have provided an answer to our prayers in regards to our Childrens Worship Service. Ill post about this again, once I have checked a few things.

Well, another week has passed. We still havent completed our review (my fault) but two things are obvious. We are on the right track. We need to improve a few things.

We had a post-service review on Wednesday. A lot of constructive criticism, a few complaints and a couple of really good reports. We decided that since Mothers Day is only three Sundays away, we would forgo May and hold our next Homeward Bound service on June 9. A lot of lead time is needed for proper advertising.

Well, what started off as a million things to do, were reduced to about a thousand by 10:00 am. Sunday. Mistakes were made, failures in communication occurred and somethings could have been done much better. However, attendance was more than double our average, even though many of our regulars were absent, negative comments were mostly to do with "churchy" stuff and there were a lot of positive comments, All in all, I came away very encouraged. We will correct a few things, prepare a little better and purposely communicate better in our second offering coming in May. Thanks for spreading the word!

One more day to prepare for tomorrow. Plans are coming together, but not all. Ill let you know how things went.

Well, as to be expected, it is only two days before the "big event" and still so many things to do. I think I have spent more time working on computer problems this week than on preparation. But, from past experience I know, ready or not, we will pull this off.

I have forgotten to mention 1 important thing. Thomasburg United Church is NOT wheelchair accessible. Plans are underway but it will take a while.

So, the contact form on the website doesnt work properly. I will go in soon and disable it. Instead, if you want more information you can contact me at [email protected] or 613-827-9910.

Well, in spite of loosing better part of a day due to ransom ware, things continue to progress. Contact cards have been created along with a "What to expect handout. The service is outlined in PPT but i still need to figure out how to do a couple of things. We now have a dedicated email address [email protected] I thought Id share the what to expect handout text.... What to expect! Homeward Bound, is set up so that most of the churchy stuff has been eliminated. There will be music but not traditional hymns. Lyrics will be projected but there is no expectation that you will sign along, but you may if you wish. There will be no calisthenics, nor any responsive prayers or readings. The churchy things that remain are: A reading from the Bible that will be projected. You will be invited to join in as we read it together, but you are not obligated. A thought for your consideration will be presented. We trust that you will find it helpful. Near the end, a free will offering will be received. We dont charge admission. We will close with a projected community prayer which you will be invited to join in. Again, no one expects you to say words you do not believe. In all, the service will run for about 60 minutes and if you have brought children, they are in good hands. We appreciate your questions and comments especially if Tom uses a word that makes no sense to you. It is O.K. to ask, What does ------- mean? Yes, in church, O.K. Please fill out a Help us keep in touch slip so we can inform you of our next service which will be held at Trinity United Church, 157 Roslin Rd in May. If you would like to attend one of our regular services, we would also be very be pleased. Email: [email protected] or call: 613-287-9910. Thank you for taking the time to be here today. Of course, it is bit prettier with formatting but tell me what you think! I am open to suggestions until Thursday at 5:00 pm.

Well, it looks like all the absolutely necessary are staffed for Easter. We still need some assistance with some very important but not critical ones. The projector and screen are in place and the connectivity will be completed early next week. The service is still in my head but shouldnt take too long to put on "paper" and fabricate the slides. Just need to figure out how to do a couple of things I havent needed to before. Later...