Sunday Gathering - November 7

Trinity United Church
Sunday, November 07, 2021

Remembrance and Memorial Worship

“Connection not Perfection”

 

WE GATHER

Gathering

Welcome 

Rev David: May the peace of Christ be with you.

Welcome to Trinity United Church in Port Coquitlam, BC.
We are so grateful that you have chosen to spend some time with us, we are glad you are here.

Acknowledgement of Territory 

Let us prepare our hearts and minds for worship.

Prelude/ Lighting of the Christ Candle
"Memorial Video" CLICK HERE

Call to Worship and Prayer of Approach 

Our help is in God, who made heaven and earth.
Even those things that are hidden from memory, 
or are too deep for words, 
are not beyond God’s compassion.
God knows us completely, and bestows peace.
Come, let us worship.

Holy One,
At this time of year when we remember, 
our thoughts turn to the trauma, violence, fear and pain of war.
We also remember a year and a half of significant loss of loved ones for whom we have not been able to gather and celebrate.

Come gently into our worship this day 
that we may know your peace – 
not the peace of violence ignored and fear repressed, 
but the true peace of evil confronted, 
injustice exposed, and reconciliation achieved.
We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Hymn: “Though Ancient Walls” VU 691   CLICK HERE

Lest We Forget

Reading

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae 
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
        In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high.
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
        In Flanders fields.

Requiem 
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Last Post/Silence/Reveille
Grant eternal rest unto them, O God.
May their souls through your mercy rest in peace.

WE HEAR THE WORD

Story: “The Name Quilt” by Phyllis Root pictures by Margot Apple 

Hymn: ““My Love Colours Outside the Lines” MV 138 

Reading 

John 11:32-44

32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ 35Jesus began to weep. 36So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ 37But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’
38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ 40Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ 41So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ 43When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’

This is the witness of the early church. Thanks be to God!

Reflection: “Launching our Memorial Page”

Please CLICK HERE to read more and see photos of our friends who have passed away since the start of the pandemic.

We are now going to take some time to remember the people we have lost since the beginning of the pandemic, whom we have not had the chance to properly celebrate.

 A few words will be shared about each person, and then we will light a candle and have a short silence.

    Helena Kitchen
Helena was one of Trinity’s early supporters of Healing Pathways. She attended the conferences and workshops and also encouraged others to attend. Helena really appreciated the positive feedback she received after doing a session.
Participating in both the Monday morning and Tues@2211 study groups brought Helena much joy and spiritual nourishment. Before each supper at the Tuesday group, Helena would share one of her graces from her special collection. 
Helena loved Trinity’s annual Christmas Bazaar. Not often would someone be able to outbid her at the Silent Auction! She enjoyed buying her friends and family gifts. Helena was such a generous and caring person.
She took her greeting responsibilities seriously. We miss her enthusiastic hugs. 
Considering her love of music, we can think of Helena dancing joyfully with the other angels.

    Bill Marshall
Bill is remembered by many as the “milkman”, delivering milk for Meadowland Dairy of Port Coquitlam. Marie Coulter fondly refers to Bill as her “milk-boy”. He also worked at the Rubber Mill in Poco. Bill proudly served as a Captain in the Coquitlam Fire Dept. and was a member of the first full time crew hired in Coquitlam. 
Bill, a life-long member of Trinity, donated many years on the property committee. If you ever needed a job done, Bill could find a way; he understood safety so we knew it would be done right. Trinity has been given many gifts in kind from Bill and his family. Bill’s generosity with his truck, wheelbarrow and muscle was never refused when looking for little jobs to get done.
His love of life, positive attitude and big smile will be missed by all of us here at Trinity.

Marie Moyer
Marie Moyer would sit outside the sanctuary with her teacup poodle and listen to the service. She had strong opinions and was faithful in her attendance until she moved too far away to come to church easily. She officially became a member of the church in Jan 2015. Rev. David remembers it well, because while at the front of the church, Marie stumbled on the stairs. However she bounced right up and was very gracious, if flustered. It was shortly after that we put edging on the stairs so they could be seen. Saints come in many shapes and forms. Marie passed away in June of 2020.

    Win Fleming
Win was an amazing woman and if you want to know how amazing, just go to Trinity’s Memorial Page and read the long list of words that Maxine uses to describe her.  Win was always joyful, friendly and met and greeted everyone who was new to the church.  She held many volunteer positions at Trinity, including Pastoral Care, with the National UCW and Presbytery.   She sang in the choir and cracked many jokes, making it hard for us to keep a straight face while singing.  Her faith was strong and she shared it with everyone.  Win is missed by many.

Marj Parker    
Marj grew up in the United Church, as her father was a United Church Minister. A retired nurse, Marj’s modern, openminded thinking regarding religion and spirituality was always ready for a good discussion at Trinity. A deep never-ending faith and wisdom enriched the group discussions at Monday morning group. Marj gave hours volunteering at thrift and community dinners hosted at Trinity. Marj was an active member and practitioner who used her gifts to bring relief and healing to many people through Healing Pathway group in the early 2000’s. Trinity is very grateful for her participation in the ministries Marj served with and will be missed by all. 

    Rod Leston
Rod was born with physical challenges. He heard from everyone that he should not expect much during his life. Rod set out to prove them wrong.
He had a long career with BC Tel but it was his time away from the business world that he showed the strength of character that would lead his way.
Rod was gifted with talents and became skilled at many hobbies such as: lapidary rock carving and umpiring his beloved baseball.
Singing in Trinity’s choir and the fellowship of the TUMS group gave Rod much pleasure.
He enjoyed his life of travel… the many years around BC and beyond in the motor home with Joan and their travels abroad. It was this part of his life Rod would talk about with everyone, most often with a smile or laugh.
Rod will always be remembered for his strength, courage and his smile.

    Phyllis Hermanson
Phyllis and her husband, Bob, came to Trinity in 2011 from Central United Church in White Rock where they had been very active “United Church People.” At Trinity, Phyllis’s participation was quieter and a few years after Bob died she moved to Saltspring Island to be with one of her daughters. She passed away in October 2020 at the age of 91.  Phyllis had a gracious bearing and never complained. She loved her church and she was especially grateful for her children who took great care of her. 

    Beryl Taylor
Beryl moved here from Edmonton and, one day, she sat in front of Lavina Shaw and Peggy Smith.  They soon became fast friends and went to Wilson Seniors’ Centre exercise classes, met for coffee at Waves where Beryl bought lemon cake for everybody, and they offered support for each other.  Beryl and Peggy even became neighbours at RJ Kent Residence.  While at Sunday services Beryl, along with others, called themselves the ‘old ladies section’ and there is now an empty space on the pew.  The sparkle that was Beryl is missed.

Roger Eberhart
Roger was a faithful member of our worshipping community. He particularly enjoyed the hymns and Rev. David’s messages.
Some of our congregants would encounter Roger walking in the wider neighbourhood as he would happily walk for hours. Roger was quiet spoken, yet would converse for long chats with people he knew well. Hopefully, Roger experienced acceptance and felt safe at Trinity.

    Doris Krisko
Doris and family joined Trinity when the church was in downtown POCO at the corner of Shaughnessy and Whyte. They were part of the intrepid band who worked hard toward building the “new” church at Shaughnessy and Prairie. Doris was a cheerful, faithful woman, a wife, a mother of 4, a Rachel UCW member and a tireless volunteer. Whether it was being part of the Sandwiches for First United project, baking pies, or working at the Tuck Shop in her retirement complex, Doris gave back. As a hospice volunteer she was always available to ‘sit vigil’ with a patient. 
Doris’ caring, sharing, cheerful attitude brought happiness to all. 

Nicolas Marshall
Nick was born in Trinidad and came to Canada with his dad, mum and older brother Warren when he was three years old.   He enjoyed playing basketball and soccer and was passionate about photography, art, model cars, music, dancing and most especially cars…in particular Volkswagens!!   Nick was an enthusiastic teacher for ten years before moving on to the City of Burnaby Parks Department. He loved working outdoors.  Nick was outgoing, thoughtful, observant, determined and had a great sense of humour.  He valued family and friends most in life. Trinity watched him grow up through his Sunday School years, and he often joined his family to usher at Christmas Eve services.  Nick passed away in May this year at 45 years old. 

    Peggy Smith
Peggy was a member of Wilson Seniors’ Centre and that’s where she met Lavina Shaw, so when Lavina came to Trinity to worship, Peggy asked her to sit with her and a long-time friendship was born.  She was another one in the ‘old ladies section’ as well as a member of Trinity’s Friendship Group.  Peggy and Beryl Taylor were neighbours at RJ Kent and they supported one another and went for daily walks together.  Peggy was very kind and cheerful and is missed.

    Gwen Ranger
Gwen loved her community. To say she was active in community politics is an understatement. One didn’t need to guess at what she was thinking. She would often preface what she had to say by saying, “I’m going to get in trouble for saying this…” She had been active in Presbytery and wider church governance. She participated in Trinity’s Tuesday Study Group even when making arrangements with Handy Dart to get here. There were a lot of visits waiting for Handy Dart. Her last year was punctuated with gratitude for her Church family that stayed in touch with her through the pandemic. She will be missed in the front pew sitting next to Helena.

    Brian Kennedy 
Sports were always a huge part of Brian’s life….hockey then golf, winning medals in The Canadian Mid Amateur Competitions. Brian also started his own business, Amerispec Home Inspection. 
All of this was important to Brian but it didn’t hold a candle to the love he felt for his family. Brian was a wonderful remarkable man.  He lived a good life. He was an avid golfer. He was an astute businessman. Brian was a loving dad and grandpa and a devoted husband. Brian loved, he laughed, he lived. 

Special Music 

WE RESPOND

Offering 

A reminder that our ministry is only made possible through your generous giving. All gifts are gratefully received: skill, time, prayer and money. Our financial offering pays staff, upkeeps the building, and pays for mission in the wider church. 

Let us pray.
Bless our offering. 
Gifts you first gave us, 
we return to you and your service 
in this community of Trinity United Church, 
in the wider community of Port Coquitlam and the Tri-City Area, 
and the world.
May these gifts honour the saints who came before us, 
and carry their mission into the future.
Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and intercession 
The prayers today were written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

God of the ages: We praise you for all your servants who have done justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with you. We praise you O God for all the apostles and martyrs and saints of every time and place, who in life and death have witnessed to your truth and love.

We praise you, O God for all those who answered your call to preach the Good News of the Gospel and to administer your Sacraments of grace and love, and for those who devoted their lives to teaching your Word and sharing the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures with others whether it be at home or in foreign lands.

We praise you, O God for those who showed compassion to the least, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger and offering mercy and forgiveness to those who have gone astray.

We praise you, O God for those who were willing to lose their lives in service to others, caring for the sick, comforting the dying, visiting the lonely, consoling those in grief.

We praise you, O God, and we especially honour the memory of those individuals of [Trinity United Church] who have lived among us and shared their faith in personal ways, who have finished the race and now reign on high with you. In addition, O God, we honour the memory of those who have graced our lives at other times and in other ways – those whose names we lift up before you in our hearts now:

[Helena Ketchen; Win Fleming; Bill Marshall; Marj Parker; Rod Leston; Phyllis Hermanson; Peggy Smith; Beryl Taylor; Marie Moyer; Doris Krisko; Nicholas Marshall; Roger Eberhart; Gwen Ranger; Brian Kennedy.]

Hear our prayers, O God, for others we name before you both in our hearts and aloud…

For all the saints from whom their labours rest, we praise you, O God. We praise you and we thank you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Disciples’ Prayer “Our Father” VU 960   CLICK HERE

WE GO FORTH

Hymn: “Guide Me, Thou, O Great Jehovah” VU 651  CLICK HERE

Commissioning and Benediction 

I invite you to turn on your videos and hold your hands out in a sign of blessing…