Sydney River United Protestant Church
1524 Kings Rd B1S 1E5 Sydney, NS, Canada

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, February 14.

A message for Black History Month, from Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall. https://youtu.be/fX3ZhfDRUSI #UCCan #BlackHistoryMonth

O God, we pray to receive your renewing touch. Through this community of compassion, may we experience love that heals, grace that relieves our guilt, and a word that assures us of your purpose in our lives. Amen. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, February 7. Stay safe and warm on this stormy day.

Please enjoy February's newsletter from the United Church of Canada. (Click on the link in the post.)

An Epiphany message from the moderator of the United Church of Canada.

Happy new year, everyone! Mother Nature kept us from worshipping together yesterday, so I have no service link to share. Please join me in a prayer for 2021 (adapted from crosswalk.com). Dear God, thank you for making all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the difficult, reminding us how much we need you every single day.... We pray that you will lead us each step of this new year, guiding our decisions and our actions. We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world. Help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed only by our own. Help us to remember that the gift of Jesus is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas but the whole year through. Fill us with the joy and peace of Christ as we navigate the year ahead. Amen.

This has been a difficult year for our church community. Our doors were closed for several months and our church groups could not meet. Still, we found a way to come together. From Dana's weekly services on YouTube, to our Facebook page, to our email list, we have kept in touch. We have pursued our faith. We have been reminded of God's presence in our lives. As 2020 comes to a close, take some time to reflect. What have you learned about yourself in this challenging year?

Loving God, open our ears to hear what you are saying. Open our eyes to see where Jesus' healing love is needed in our world. Open our hands to do your work and to help where help is needed. Open our lips to bring comfort, joy, and laughter to your people. Open our minds to hear new truths about how you work in our world. Open our hearts to love you, our neighbours, and ourselves as you love us. Amen. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, January 31.

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, December 27.

The new United Church of Canada Lenten devotional, "Faith on the Move," is available in print or as an ebook.

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, November 22. Join us as we celebrate the sacrament of Communion.

Merry Christmas! Here is the link to our Christmas Eve service. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all. Luke 2:14 https://youtu.be/U7hD8C8dXtM

There are many ways for you to join us in worship! If you wish to attend in person on Sunday, just contact the office to reserve a seat. If you are unable to attend or you don't feel comfortable attending gatherings just yet, our service is broadcast on the radio on 89.1 FM. This radio frequency has a limited range, but depending on where you live you may be able to pick it up from your home. If not, you are more than welcome to park in the church parking lot and listen to the service from the comfort of your car. As always, the service will be recorded and posted to YouTube at a later time. Please join us, by whatever means works best for you!

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, November 15.

Have a blessed Christmas Eve! Here is the link to our 4:00 family service. The traditional Christmas Eve service will be posted tomorrow.

#AdventUnwrapped

In the first three weeks of Advent, we lit the candles representing our hope, our desire for peace, and the joy of our hearts. Yesterday we lit the candle of love. We live in a world longing for love: a love that recognizes each one of us as a child of God, a love that welcomes us as we are, a love that celebrates all that we are. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, December 20.

We could not hold our memorial hymn sing last spring because of COVID-19. Instead, we invite you to help us commemorate Remembrance Day by celebrating the lives and memory of those who serve or have served our country. Memorial/In Honour Of donations can be dropped off at the office or sent via e-transfer to [email protected]. Dana will read the names aloud during the November 15 service, and the names will be included in the announcements sent out on Monday.

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, November 8.

Good morning! Here is the link to yesterday's parking lot service for those of you who weren't able to make it. https://youtu.be/N9pXncQ7ngc

Good morning, everyone! Please join us on this beautiful morning for a parking lot service at 10:00. To hear the service, tune in to FM 89.1 on your radio. Please remember to practise social distancing by remaining in your vehicles.

Two announcements for today: The weather looks good for Sunday, so we are planning another parking lot service. Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, September 20th, at 10:00 a.m. Music will be provided by John MacDougall. To hear the service, tune in to FM 89.1. Please remember to practise social distancing by remaining in your vehicles. The Alfred Smith Memorial Cemetery Service will be held on Sunday, September 27th, at 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery. (Not on September 20, which was the date given in the recent congregational email.)

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, September 13.

As we get ready to resume in-church services at the end of September, please remember that church will be different from what you're used to. Most of the practices that Metropolitan United has adopted will be in place at Sydney River United Protestant. Take a look to familiarize yourself with our new way of conducting services for the foreseeable future.

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to yesterday's parking lot service. https://youtu.be/KUVqFNtESyI

Come join us on Sunday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. for a parking lot service! The service will be conducted outside, and you will be able to hear it on your car radio (tune in to FM 89.1). When you arrive, you will be directed to a parking spot. Please do not leave your car! This is a provincial regulation. For those of you who cant make it, the service will be recorded for sharing later on Sunday or on Monday.

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, August 30.

United Church moderator Richard Bott's prayer for children, youth, parents, caretakers, teachers, support workers, healthcare workers, and all those involved in going back to school or returning to learning from home this year.

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, August 23.

Take care of each other.

Sorry about the late post today! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, August 16. https://youtu.be/BsgA2nL5HS4

"Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky." - Psalm 85:10-11 #UCCan [Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash]

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, August 9.

"The United Church of Canada stands in prayer and solidarity with The Middle East Council of Churches (a Mission & Service partner) and the Lebanese people in this time of grief and shock. The deadly explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020 comes at a time when Lebanon is already struggling to cope with COVID-19 and a deepening national economic crisis. The United Church echoes the prayers of the MECC, and has communicated with partners in Lebanon to offer solidarity and support. The MECC deeply appreciates the prayers and the messages of solidarity already received from many people in The United Church of Canada."

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to August! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, August 2.

"There's a movement of ministers and other folks in The United Church of Canada, to ask people to learn more - about Emancipation Day, about the history of slavery in Canada, and about how the systemic racism in our history continues to affect people today." -- United Church moderator Richard Bott

Good morning, everyone. Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, July 26.

"Teach me your way, O God, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name." - Psalm 86:11 #UCCan [Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash]

Good morning! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, July 19.

Calling all United Church youth and young adults! The United Church needs *your* help to put together a video project.

Good morning! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, July 12.

Why Haven't We Opened Church Doors Yet, an article by Daniel Benson.

Good morning, and happy July! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, July 5.

Happy Canada Day!

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, June 28.

June 21 was Indigenous Day of Prayer. Following is a prayer by the Rev. Maggie Dieter, former Executive Minister, Aboriginal Ministries and Indigenous Justice; and Bill Snow, Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Alberta, member of the Indigenous Justice and Residential School Committee: God, Creator and Great Mystery, we praise you for the Sacred Fires that burn today and for the prayer-filled smoke that you receive and bless. We offer our deep gratitude that the Fires light informs ...and guides our journey. We pray, just as the Elders prayed, for renewal and for the restoration of beauty to the land and its people. We acknowledge the diverse and abundant gifts of Canadas Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that their knowledge and wisdom have benefited generations past and present, and that this blessing will continue for generations to come. We remember the many who are committed to the healing of family, community, and nations. We pray for Mother Earth, the waters, the winds, for our siblings the animals, birds, and fish, and all of life that surrounds us. We pray that we will walk the good Red Road of life, and that we will walk with courage, honesty, humility, love, respect, truth and wisdom. We offer this prayer in humility and hope, and in the name, of our brother Jesus, the one who lights our path to wholeness, justice and peace. Amen.

Happy Father's Day! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, June 21.

Fathers Day is June 21. If you would like to place a Fathers Day memorial in the bulletin, send Laurie an email at [email protected].

It's hard to believe that June is almost half over. Here is the link for Dana's service for Sunday, June 14.

Our church services are not just about worship. They are also a time to catch up with the members of our church family, both in person and through the weekly bulletin. A church bulletin communicates the life and work of the church community, and many of you are probably missing that right now. But just because we arent conducting services doesnt mean we cant have a bulletin. Do you have news to share? We want to hear it at [email protected]! We need plenty ...of good news these days, so please submit birthdays, anniversaries, births, and other joyous announcements. Our regular church bulletin extends sympathy to congregation members on the death of loved ones, and we will continue to do so, provided we are aware. Please let us know of any such news that should be shared. We will also continue to accept memorial donations and include them in our bulletin. If you would like to submit a memorial, just send an email to the office and submit the money via e-transfer all you need is the churchs email address or you can mail the memorial and a cheque or drop the envelope in the mailbox outside the church office. Once a week, we will compile all your news and notifications into a bulletin that will be sent out to our email list. This is an easy way for the congregation to feel connected to each other during this time of isolation.

Good morning, everyone. Happy June! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, June 7, 2020.

As the world has come together in a time of crisis, the church has united in prayer and worship to bless our communities around the world in the Name of Jesus. The Church in Canada is beautiful, broad and diverse and it is a nearly impossible task to accurately represent the full breadth of true diversity within the church in Canada from coast to coast to coast. This unique project extended an invitation to churches in every province and territory and we are grateful for th...e nearly 200 individuals who responded and took part and participated. With one voice, this is our prayer over Canada.

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, May 31.

Holy Spirit, love divine, glow within this heart of mine. Kindle every high desire, purify me with your fire.... Holy Spirit, peace divine, still this restless heart of mine. Speak to calm this tossing sea, grant me your tranquility. from "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine" (Voices United 368), words Samuel Longfellow 1864

Good morning, everyone! Here is the link to Dana's service for Sunday, May 24.

The Faith Formation and Leadership Development (FFLD) Team is looking for feedback from Region 15 congregations (Sydney River United Protestant Church belongs to Region 15). This survey will help the committee determine the best way to share information around opportunities for faith formation and leadership development. If you are interested in completing the survey, it should take 10 to 15 minutes.