Sunday Service at Primrose, 'Changing Our Mind’, with David Gushee Gathering, Primrose’s Upcoming “The Kids Don’t Want It” Sale

The ladies - oh, and Wally! - have been busy cleaning and tidying at Primrose and the church is well aired out and ready for visitors this Sunday. If you are still unsure of protocols, see notes below from our news letter. Face masks must be worn at all times. No washroom facilities. No singing, but we are looking forward to gathering with you again. The pews have been marked so you will know where you can sit. Service is at 10 am in the morning, but you should arrive at 9:45 to make sure all is in order.

The gathering will tie in with this week’s podcast, with discussion and up to date references, but listening to the podcast before you come to church is wise, as the discussion will follow from the teaching on the podcast.

Assuming there are no more provincial changes, Trinity will be gathering in their sanctuary for Thanksgiving Sunday on October 11th.

Social Distance Concert This Sunday, September 20th, 4 pm, Candice and Bruce’s House

For all those who wanted to come to the concert on Sunday, we are going ahead with it, but numbers are limited, so please no drop ins. If you are unaware, the Ontario government has re evaluated the numbers for inside and outside gatherings and the number has been reduced to 25 for outside events and 10 people for inside events. These numbers DO NOT apply for churches, however, but they do apply to private homes.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/what-s-allowed-and-not-allowed-under-ontario-s-stricter-social-gathering-limits-1.5111882

An Invitation To A Gathering from Rev. LeeAnn McKenna

Several years ago now, both councils in our pastoral charge indicated that they would like to consider the way forward for the churches to be part of what is known as the Affirming Churches in the UCC. With this in mind, Rev. LeeAnn McKenna has brought to our attention a gathering next Saturday where American Christian ethicist David Gushee will speak about how it is he came to change is mind around the whole issue of LGBTQ"+ inclusivity in the church. He is a well known speaker and accomplished theologian and his talk promises to be enlightened for all.

Here are some of LeeAnn’s own words considering the event. I will be attending on your behalf. But I would encourage everyone who would like to think on these matters to attend. If you have any further questions, please contact LeeAnn.

The United Church of Canada is the leading Christian denomination in Canada in many areas of social justice—gender identity, racial justice, the apology for their role in the creation and running of Indian Residential Schools, Palestine—to name just a few.  In 1984, the UCC affirmed its acceptance of all human beings as made in the image of God, regardless of sexual orientation. In 1988, General Council declared that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, are welcome as full members of the UCC—and eligible for ordination. (I am unaware of any other Xn denomination in Canada that has reached this point, though some are close.)  Ten years following the 1988 GC declaration, only nine UCC churches were welcoming and affirming.  The lag between a now-32 year-old declaration and its churches remains significant. The Shelburne-Primrose Pastoral Charge has been considering joining the affirming churches for some time, but it is process that takes time and thought. And this would be an excellent beginning to dialogue.

The link to the event at 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday 26 September:                                       

http://www.gatheringbaptists.ca/events/presentation-changing-our-mind

 Bio of David Gushee:                                     

http://www.davidpgushee.com/davidpgushee

What his bio implies but not state outright is his own process as a renowned Baptist ethicist in changing his mind and the sea-change that resulted in terms of his relationships with US American evangelical leaders and organisations. Kicked out by evangelicalism, he was welcomed into the arms of progressive Christian organisations such as the American Academy of Religion and Sojourners.
In his book, Changing our Mind:  Definitive 3rd Edition of the Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBTQ Christians with Response to Critics, David Gushee focusses on two trajectories that contributed to his changed mind:  personal relationships, particular in the person of his lesbian sister, and a deep dive into those biblical passages that have supported LGBTQ+ marginalisation in the church and beyond. It is a gentle ramp-up that leaves few behind.

 Send your information and preference (in person at BBC or Zoom) to me or follow the instructions on the website.  The cost is $10.  Even by Zoom, Dr Gushee is much sought-after and pricey.  If you choose zoom, consider inviting one or two people to join you, socially-distanced—a better way to have a post-presentation discussion.

Affirming Our Communities, Affirming Our Faith

WOW also has an event this coming week concerning the Affirming Journey, which again I will attend. But it is open to anyone who wishes to attend by zoom.

Join us Tuesday, September 22 at 3:00 pm, click on this Zoom link

To join by webcam:
Click on the Zoom link. Zoom will open in your web browser. If asked, enter
Meeting ID numbers: 913-3888-0811

To join by telephone audio only:
Call the Toll-free number 1-855-703-8985. When asked enter the
Meeting ID numbers 913-3888-0811

October 3rd, 9am - noon outside at Primrose: ‘The Kids Don’t Want It’ Event

“The kids don’t want it!” Sale of antique, vintage, and collectible treasures is shaping up to be a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind event!

If you (or someone you know) have items to donate that match this criteria, please bring them to church Sept. 20, 27, or call one of us for pick up.

Sadly, the planning committee has decided to cancel plans for our first Christmas Market. (Sorry “preservers”!)

Good news for crafters though! We invite you to donate your Christmas sewing, woodwork, knitting, etc. to a “Handmade Treasures” table at the antique/vintage sale.

Your items can be brought to church Sept 20, 27, or call for pick up.

Remember:

Sunday’s Sept 20 and 27- bring items to church

Saturday Oct 3- 9am-noon Sale (out of doors)

Questions or pick up-

Gwynn 519 925-9236.      Faye 519 925-3849.    Phyllis  519 925-0267