Easter letter -- 2024

March 14, 2024

Dear friends,

One of the things that I like to do during Holy Week is to revisit Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar. This year I rewatched the 1970 version and was moved by the discordant beauty of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. "Hosanna Heysanna..." is memorable and very moving, with the crowd's escalating appeals to Jesus: Won't you smile for me? Won't you fight for me? Won't you die for me? The jubilation of the children leads the way, yet it transitions to the mood of the crowds as they foreshadow the pending passion during Holy Week. When the church shouts “Hosanna!” we aren’t cheering, rather we are praying. It is a heartfelt cry for help. It means “Save us now!” Mark alludes to the obscure Zechariah – who had given up on human rulers and prophesied that “On that day the Lord God will save them… Lo your king comes humble and riding on a donkey.” What foolish person would draw attention in such a meek, easily-mocked way? One of the earliest symbols of the crucifixion is a donkey on a cross. It is ancient graffiti mocking a someone’s belief. Can you really believe that one who rides into the city on a donkey can save you? And yet nearly 2000 years later we gather to hear the story of Jesus, his passion, his crucifixion and the stories of resurrection knowing that the echo of all our the prayers through the centuries is indeed “Hosanna – Save us Now!”

We do not have to look very far in our communities and in our world to see that the wisdom and power of the Easter story is needed more than ever. My prayer is that this season will be a time for all of us to hear the gospel story again, as if we are hearing it for the first time. And that in the story we will find love, forgiveness, grace and hope, as we gather as a community to sing Hosanna. On Easter Sunday Jennifer Eames and Heather Mayka are singing a duet that begins with the haunting tune of “Where You There” when he rose up from the tomb and transitions to Jesus Christ is Risen today. A powerful way to begin our Easter celebration. Come and join the celebration during Holy Week and Easter and beyond. Come and join with your community of faith as we pray, Hosanna– Save us now!

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Christmas Letter - Dec. 7, 2023

Dear friends,

I know it is a cliche, but “time has flown by”, it can’t be December 7th already? I am not sure what date I want it to be and I am not sure why today’s date catches me by surprise. But it has. There is so much going on in our lives. Not only do I get caught up in the busyness of the season I am also attempting to be faithful in engaging the issues of the day. There are so many issues that it is often overwhelming. Whether it is the human suffering in the middle east and Ukraine, or the suffering that is in our own backyards. And this suffering is intensifying because of conditions that seem to be beyond our control. As we notice the tent encampments around our city, it doesn’t take much imagination to understand the stresses that so many people are experiencing today.

During the season of Advent and Christmas we will be exploring the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah was active during a time of great social, religious and political trauma and upheaval that caused great uncertainty for the people of Israel. And this uncertainty is present again at time of Jesus’ birth. The season of advent is an invitation to all of us to explore the nature of hope in light of our present circumstances.

William Sloane Coffin compares hope with hopelessness. He writes "hope criticizes what is, hopelessness rationalizes it. Hope resists, hopelessness adapts." And Clinton McCann Jr., comments, genuine hope invites and energizes faithful action. This is the sentiment of this Presbyterian affirmation of faith: “We know our efforts cannot bring in God's kingdom. But hope plunges us into the struggle for victories over evil that are possible now in the world, the church, and our individual lives. Hope gives us courage and energy to contend against all opposition, however invincible it may seem, for the new world and the new humanity that are surely coming.”

I think that Coffin and McCann sense of hope is a powerful way for us to consider what it means to have a posture of waiting, anticipation and preparation during this season. As we struggle with what hope means in our context we are invited to interact with our biblical story and discover its meaning for today and may this genuine hope energize our faithful action.

In closing I offer this prayer (adapted from a prayer in Voices United #26).

Who are we, O God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap in hope at the sound of your word, and move us by your spirit to make a difference in your world. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near, even your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Debbie, Laurissa, Robert and I wish you a joyous Christmas and the blessings of the season.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Anniversary Letter

November 7, 2023

Dear Friends,

Ruth Duck’s words are so profound in our lives today. “Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving. Spirit, open my heart.” May our hearts be open to new possibilities and opportunities to love and care for each other and our world. On this anniversary Sunday may we take the opportunity to look back on our journey and allow that celebration to inform how we live into our future. May we live into our UCC mission statement. We are called to celebrate Grace with deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice.

I invite you to join us at our 11am Worship Service on November 19, 2022 as we celebrate the 170th Anniversary of Grace United Church.

Our guest preacher is the Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke. Jody Clarke is the Professor of Pastoral Theology at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, Jody's focus is in the areas of trauma studies, personality theory, dying and bereavement. Having noted those areas of interest, Jody enjoys exploring the complexity, messiness and triumphs found within the human journey. He has published articles on themes such as psychospiritual diagnosis, character change and human resilience. He also likes to blend his research interests with literature in the hope of making complex theories accessible. In addition to his academic work, Jody is vigilant in remaining as close as he can to the frontlines of the human journey. He continues to work within parish ministry and health care contexts. Jody grew up in Dartmouth, for the past 30 years he and his family have lived only few blocks away from Grace. He is an avid runner and paddler.

This year on Anniversary Sunday, we will be joined by guest pianist, Cynthia Davies as well as the brass quintet, iTromboni. Cynthia is an incredibly gifted and generous collaborative pianist who has played at Grace many times before. She and Joel have prepared a piano duet by Beethoven, and Cynthia will accompany the choir on selections by Gabriel Fauré and Leonard Enns. One of Canada's most versatile chamber ensembles, iTromboni is made up of professional trombone players from across the country, including Joel's brother, Jim! You'll want to come back to the church for their 2:00pm recital, which is admission by donation.

Come and help us celebrate 170 years of ministry in this community and in the world.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

A note from your Finance Committee

As you may have heard, Grace United Church is currently in a difficult financial position. The operating deficit at the end of September is approximately $22,000. We have experienced lower than expected revenues this year. Our year-to-date local offerings at the end of September are $125,900 whereas our budget at this time is $148,800. We are also experiencing lower than budgeted rental income. We have had an overall increase in expenses this year as well as unexpected repairs.

We ask that you consider making a special donation to the operating fund at this time in order that we may end the year without a large deficit.

Please remember your church by using the special Anniversary Envelope

Easter Letter, 2023

Called to Celebrate Grace…

Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice...

March 24, 2023

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Lately I have found it challenging to remain emotionally and spiritually engaged given the current state of our world. There is so much going on and I find that most of it isn’t good news. I have found myself tuning out when I encounter a news item about places in the world where violence, suffering and death abound. And even here at home when there is a news story about food or home or job insecurity I find myself not paying as much attention. Do I have compassion fatigue? Perhaps. But I also know that often my response is much like when I was a teenager and mom would first ask and later demand that I clean my room, I had no idea where to start. It seemed so overwhelming. Being overwhelmed is one of the prime reasons that we lose hope. Another major reason for hopelessness is that we get caught up in the complicated and complex processes of grief. It doesn’t need to be grief over the death of someone we love, it can often be the loss of relationship or routine. I think our society in general grieves what has been lost because of the pandemic. And the fact that we can’t clearly name the loss complicates our sense of hope or hopelessness even more.

Fortunately as Christians we have the stories of our faith to help reorientate our sense of direction and sense of hope. As I write this letter I am preparing for Sunday worship. The major theme of this Sunday is the hope that emerges as Mary, Martha and their community grieve the loss of hope that comes from Lazarus’ death. It is one of the most poignant stories in John’s gospel and shows us the depth and breadth of the “Come and See” discipleship motif. Jesus is invited to come and see and enter fully into our grief and compassion fatigue. And before Jesus offers healing Jesus weeps. Jesus is also overwhelmed and out of that sacred space hope begins. As one resource I use puts it, “Hope is not only a life and death matter, hope is a life in death matter. Hope finds its greatest challenge, and shines its greatest light, when life stands in the face of death and affirms that God remains trustworthy.” In Ezekiel 37:1-14 the prophet is called to prophesy such hope in a valley of dried bones and lost dreams. In Psalm 130, the psalmist proclaims hope from the depths, as one who waits for the gift of a morning yet to dawn. In John 11, Jesus, stricken with a grief born of love, speaks hope into Lazarus's tomb, calling his friend forth as a sign of God's glory and of our hope.

This hope is captured in our opening hymn this week written by former moderator Walter Farguharson.

Stay with us through the night. Stay with us through the pain/grief/dread.

Stay with us, blessed stranger till the morning breaks again/brings relief/breaks new bread.

As we move into Holy Week and the Easter season I invite you to sit for while with the stories of our faith and join with your faith community in worship, study, and action as we explore the themes of hope that emerge from our engagement with the stories and each other.

Join me as we celebrate Holy Week and the Easter Season. Take note of the upcoming events listed in this letter and on our webpage and I hope to see you and journey the path of hope with you. Please pay particular attention to both the moderators visit on April 15 and the planning and visioning event that will take place on Saturday, April 22 at the church. It is an opportunity to shape our hope for the future of Grace United and your participation is essential.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, March 30

- Deadline date to donate items for Grace Initiatives Committee’s Online Auction.

They are looking for new or very, gently used items (household, home decor, artwork...) or services (baking, craft lessons, dog-walking, gardening...)

Ideas for services and photos of items to be forwarded to Jennifer Eames at auction@gracedartmouth.ca.

Friday, April 7 - Good Friday

- 10:30 am; Ecumenical Good Friday Service at Christ Church, Octerloney Street.

Sunday, April 9 - Easter Sunday

- 8:00 am; Early Easter Service, Ferry Terminal Park.

- 8:30-10:00 am; Breakfast in lower hall. Please bring an item for the food bank.

- 11:00 am; Easter Worship; Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Saturday, April 15

- 3:00 pm; Moderator’s Visit to Dartmouth

The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada will be in Dartmouth on April 15, 2023 at Woodlawn United beginning at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to come and meet and hear the moderator.

Monday, April 17 to Saturday, April 29

- Grace Initiatives Committee’s Online Auction will be open for bids. Check Grace Church website and weekly Announcements for directions on how to connect to site.

Saturday, April 22

- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Come Help Set the Direction – Strategic Planning for Grace United Church in the lower hall. Lunch provided. Everyone welcome. Come and share your wisdom about the future direction of Grace United.

Thursdays on April 20, 27 May 6, 13

- 2:00-3:30 pm; Belonging – 5 keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple

Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis structures the resource around the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and guides the reader to discover deep connection with biblical characters. This four week study will invite participants to explore this book and story and to enter deeper into the “Come and See” discipleship motif presented in John’s Gospel.

It will be hybrid study, offered on In person in the lower hall and if you want to join by zoom check our website. Limited copies of book are available. Please contact office or send me an e-mail (minister@gracedartmouth.ca) to reserve your book and place in the study.

Saturday, May 6

- 7:30 pm; “Songs for a May Evening” - Concert by Grace United Church Choir and special guests, The Chebucto Community Singers and their conductor Louise Grinstead, to be held at Grace United Church.

Suggested donation at the door $10.00

Please remember your church by using the special Easter Envelope.

Lent/Easter Letter -- 2022 02 26

Dear friends,

Greetings in the name of the one who invites us to take up the cross and to journey with him, Jesus Christ our Lord. Traditionally lent has been a time of repentance and preparation. In the early church Lent was a time in which the faithful were encouraged to walk the journey of Jesus, to use biblical language to carry the cross

towards Golgotha. In our tradition, prayer and fasting is a way in which we are invited to discover that imbedded in the darkness caused by human sinfulness and evil there is Grace. Thus our theme this lent, Grace in the darkness.

Jennifer Eames from our choir has written a song that has a powerful message of hope and grace in the midst of the darkness. In a particularly poignant line she writes, "Reach out, reach out / Bring your troubles to the one who cares / Lay down your burdens. / Let your night be shared." This song will be premiered on the first Sunday of Lent at our worship service. Let your night be shared is so important in the times that we are living in. The lingering effects of the pandemic and the sacrifices that we have made are both known and not yet known. Those sacrifices are an example of how we have walked in the darkness. We also know that in these moments of darkness there is light and hope and grace. This lenten season will be a time in which we will intentionally focus on those moments of Grace as we connect with the biblical themes of this season. As we walk with Jesus and with each other we will discover moments of Grace in the darkness.

Recently I came across an article that compared the lenten discipline of fasting with the fasting that we have endured during the pandemic. The result of our fasting or sacrifice has been a growing awareness of the needs of our community. The pandemic has shone a light on the disparities in our society. My hope is that this recognition will continue to have the effect of deepening our mercy and compassion as we care for one another. Unfortunately we have also witnessed that part of our fatigue includes a growing numbness to mercy and compassion. As a people of faith we need to find ways to prevent this fatigue from setting in. During lent our prayer and practice needs to be one of hope and honest reflection on how the values of our faith can transform our lives and our society so that we are more just and more compassionate.

Join me this Lent as we explore these themes and as we walk the way of the cross with each other and with Jesus. Enclosed in this bag you will find a variety of information and activities. I hope that you will find inspiration and joy as you explore its contents. And may you have a fruitful and joyous season as you explore Grace in the darkness.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Advent/Christmas Letter from Stephen

Dear Friends,

Advent as a time of anticipation and preparation has a whole new meaning for me this year as I work towards the final papers in my courses and anticipate returning to ministry amongst you on Dec 14.  I want to thank you again for the opportunity to have this Sabbatical.  I have found the time enriching and challenging and I am looking forward to sharing my learning with you in the coming months and years.

 I want to commend the people of Grace who have put together “Advent in a Bag”.  As this Pandemic continues, it is important that we have the communal experience of journeying towards Christmas together.  We need that time when we step outside of the demands that we put upon ourselves to “get ready” for Christmas, to prepare ourselves for the inbreaking of God’s reign of earth.  The Jesse Tree reminds us that the story of God’s faithfulness and love reaches well back to the beginnings our ancestors’ faith stories.  Our response to God’s love transforms our lives as we respond to God’s gift of grace with humility and creativity. May this season be a time that we explore God’s gift of Grace and find new and creative ways of responding to that gift by making our world just a little kinder and more loving.

 Many of the events and projects of our Church life that are signposts on our Christmas journey are taking place –the Stocking Gifts, the Advent Event (though in a modified form), the Tree of Warmth, the Memory Tree, our White Gift Service, the Service of Readings and Anthems and of course, our two Christmas Eve Services.  I hope that you will participate in one or more of these.  I look forward to seeing you on my return.

 Wishing you the hope, peace, joy and love of the season,

Yours in Christ’s service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Advent/Christmas Letter from Wendy

Dear Friends,

As most children can tell us, “Christmas is Coming”.  Children almost vibrate with anticipation; they wait for the arrival of Christmas trees, special treats, and Santa with presents.  Our feelings of anticipation can be a little different, we find ourselves busy with the preparation; decorating, gift buying, getting food and wondering what the public health restrictions could mean to our celebrations this year.  In the midst of all this, I am pleased that Grace has put together “Advent in a Bag” to offer us all a time to reflect, enjoy and maybe channel that anticipation and preparation in different ways.

 Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming or arrival of the Messiah.  Although we often concentrate of the arrival of the baby Jesus marking a time when God became flesh and dwelt among us.  We also anticipate and prepare for presence for the Spirit of God to dwell in our hearts and amongst us now and for the second coming, the arrival of God’s Kingdom here on earth.

 Our Sunday School children with their teachers and parents made a homemade gingerbread ornament for you that you can add additional decoration to or hang or gift it how it is.  We have information on what Advent is, our Advent projects, what are our planned activities for this season and stapled to the bag is the Christmas giving envelope. We have additional activity-type sheets for all ages.  We hope that you will enjoy “Advent in a Bag” and I hope to see you before my last service with you on December 12.   

 This year, anticipation of the baby’s arrival has a whole new meaning.  Our first grandchild Loviisa has safely arrived in Finland and very shortly after my time with you comes to an end, my husband and I will be boarding a plane to see this new miracle of life on earth.  So I may be like the children vibrating with excitement that Christmas is Coming.

 Blessings,

Rev. Wendy Kean

Anniversary Letter

Dear Friends,

 We shall go out with hope of resurrection;

We shall go out, from strength to strength go on;

We shall go out and tell our stories boldly;

tales of a love that will not let us go.

 A few weeks ago, we sang the above lines to the hymn We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection.  Besides having a lovely tune, the lines speak to me of a people who have a steadfast faith during times of trouble or challenge; a people who are so rooted in God’s love and the love of God that they go beyond the walls of the church building to the world around them.  Little did I know that this was your 150th Anniversary theme hymn and part of the inspiration for the mural on the drop-down wall.  As I heard more about your history, the rebuilding after the 1917 Halifax Explosion during a time of world-wide pandemic, I understand the resonance of this hymn for you.  Rebuilding wasn’t only limited to then.  As your history shows, you have risen to many challenges; you have reached out to transform the world around you. 

 The Pandemic provided us all with challenges, both as individuals and as the Church, as to how to live in new ways when we could not be face-to-face.  As we are, hopefully, emerging from this Pandemic, we are in the strange time of transition between the Church that was and the Church that is yet to be.  During my time here, I have found the dedication of staff and lay people to this Church and its mission heart warming and I understand why you are able to celebrate your 168th Anniversary on November 21.

 The speaker for the 168th Anniversary Service will be the Rev. Dr. Rob Fennel, a writer of Christian theology, poetry, liturgy and science fiction.  His latest book with Rev. Russ Daye is Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities.  For his day job, Rev. Dr. Fennell teaches courses at the Atlantic School of Theology where he is the Academic Dean.  Rev. Dr. Fennel is a founding director of the Camino Nova Scotia.  He is married to the Rev. Sally Shaw who was our guest preacher for 2014 Anniversary service which was during Rev. Fram’s last sabbatical.  Rev. Dr. Fennel’s sermon title is "An Everlasting Covenant".

 The special Anniversary Service is not our only upcoming activity. You have another opportunity to get your winter’s reading in the $5/bag Book Sale on November 27 (8am-3pm) at Grace.  Advent starts on November 28th so a number of special events will be occurring, like Adopt-A-Family (Stocking Gifts), a modified Advent Event (after Church on November 28) and more.  As well, I hope that you will take the opportunity to watch the Anniversary video that has pictures of Grace through the years; a link to it will be in the church’s electronic bulletin and This Sunday at Grace e-mail.

 Blessings,

 Rev. Wendy Kean

Thanksgiving 2021

Dear People of Grace,

 It seems fitting that as I have spent the time among you reflecting on the letters in the New Testament, that I am now writing a letter to you.  First of all, I want to thank you for the welcome you have given me.

 I have been reflecting on the anthem the Choir sang in the September 26th service, “Our Voices have been Silent” by Lydia Pedersen (words) and J. Best (music).  This song seems to capture the longing in us to come together, to sing together and to pray together and to offer praise together.  Part of the first verse goes:

“Our voices have been silent far too long; just listening in worship felt so wrong. God’s people need to shout their praise to celebrate God’s wonderous ways, to pray, lament and grieve when things go wrong”

 As Thanksgiving approaches, God’s people need to celebrate God’s wonderous ways.  At times it may seem rather difficult to celebrate as we have undergone a prolonged period of separation from each other and in some cases, our families.  However, if we reflect to where we were a year ago, we now have a vaccine which may be able to be extended to younger age groups.  We have been humbled by the dedication of health care and services workers who have given of themselves selflessly for such a prolonged period.

 The advent of the fourth wave and talks of a fifth produce uneasiness but we need to take heart from the Gospel reading for Thanksgiving Day.  It is that familiar passage from Matthew about the lilies of the field and the birds of the air and it contains wisdom that we need to remind ourselves during this time.  “And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27).  So during this time let us not worry but rather commit ourselves to celebrating God’s wonderous ways.

 We, like the Israelites in the desert, are in a period of transition.  The Promised Land is in front of us just at the horizon, we can almost touch it.  But like the Israelites, we know it will not be like the old life back in Egypt.  Transitions are never quite a comfortable place to be.  I can understand this.  As I shared in Fellowship Time a few Sundays ago, I am in transition in my life as I have recently retired as a military chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces and I am waiting for that moment when my status of “grandmother-to-be” shifts to grandmother.  Transitions in our personal lives as well as the life of the Church can be scary times as the familiar recedes.  We need to find new ways of being or in the case of the Church, wooing and doing as we have explored in the letters of Paul and James.  But these times of transitions can be fruitful times.

 I am so glad to be able to walk through this time of transition and promise with you,

Blessings,

 Rev. Wendy Kean

2021 09 11

Dear Friends,

I have been reflecting on the Ecclesiastics reading (3:1-8) “To everything there is a season”.  Depending on your age, you may remember it better as a song on the radio.  It marks the changes in life and seasons.  In recent weeks we have seen endings as beloved long terms members of our congregation have died and we have seen new beginnings with weddings.  As our vaccination rates increase, we hope the season of the pandemic will come to an end.

We have been reminded of the turning of the seasons as we have experienced our first few cool days, our church has returned to 11am and our children and grandchildren have returned to school.  After postponing my sabbatical leave last year, I, too, shall be returning to school.  My sabbatical leave will be from September 13 to December 13 while I take classes from AST towards a MA in Theology and Religious Studies.

During the time of my Sabbatical, the Reverend Wendy Kean will be here as half-time supply which means she will be offering worship services and funeral, hospital visits, palliative care and bereavement support.

For the last 18 months, our lives have been marked by the Pandemic.  We have gone through prolonged periods of separation from friends and family.  We have been the Church in different ways but if you are like me, you have longed for the chance to be in community again.  The Unified Board has been discussing our road back to the “new normal”.  We will continue to be guided by Public Health guidelines but we are progressing to more activities in the church building.

We have resumed fellowship time after church in the building, though without food or drink.  We shall remain masked to protect the vulnerable amongst us, including our children, who are unable to be vaccinated.

During the Fellowship of September 12, I shall be talking about my plans for a sabbatical while the next Sunday’s fellowship will allow you a special opportunity to meet Wendy.  Plans are underway to resume Sunday School, but following guidelines of Region 15 it will not resume until at least two weeks after the start of school.  Blair has already begun the think about the next massive book sale.

We realize everyone will not be comfortable returning to Church, so we shall continue to offer our services online.  However, we encourage you to remain in contact with your Church family, whether by phone or Zoom or perhaps joining some small group activity like Walk with Grace.

I want to thank you for all the support you have given me and other staff members during this unprecedent 18 months.  Although a season in the wilderness has been an important part of the Christian journey, I hope that by the end of my Sabbatical that the Pandemic season will be at an end and we shall be able to gather together again.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

2021 06 28 Summer Vacation Note

Dear Friends,

I just want to bring you up-to-date on the latest developments.
Grace staff will be starting their vacation period on Thursday, July 1 and returning to work on Thursday, August 5.. As is traditional during that time, Reverend Fred Snyder of St. James United will be providing emergency pastoral care for the congregation. Rev. Snyder can be reached by phoning 902-464-8852. During this time the traditional church services will not be taking place. You are invited to join worship at St. James’.
St. James United Church Dartmouth
181 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1J5

In person Worship.
July 4,11,18,25, Aug 1 at 10am

When we return on August 8 we will be offering a hybrid service. Both in person and online. Registration for in person is recommended.

I want to thank you for the support that you have given myself and the other staff through this challenging period.
Yours in Christ’s Service

Rev. Stephen Fram

2021 02 11 Lent/Easter Letter

Dear friends,

Greetings in the name of the one who journeys with us, Jesus Christ our Lord. One of the prayers included in Voices United speaks about Jesus being our companion on the journey.

God of the Way, you are the road we travel, and the sign we follow; you are bread for the journey, and the wine of arrival. Guide us as we follow in your way, holding on to each other, reaching out to your beloved world. And when we stray, seek us out and find us, set our feet on the path again, and lead us safely home. In the name of Jesus, our Companion, we pray. Amen. (From Voices United #648)

To say that the pandemic has been challenging is an understatement. We are eleven months into the provincial state of emergency, including the fluctuating public health restrictions. Most of us are fatigued. We long for a return to a time when social distancing and masks are not the norm. We long to be able to physically connect with one another. And yet in all of this there have been and will be opportunities to discover new ways to be a vibrant community of faith. Our Lent in a Bag project is one such opportunity. In the bag there is something for everyone. If you are crafty I hope you enjoy making a beaded cross. If you like to bake or are learning to bake I hope you will enjoy making Resurrection Rolls. There is an evocative article in the bag from Patience Salgado called “When the storm blows you together”. And if you want a daily activity during Lent, there is a Lenten calendar and self care calendar. Dig in to the bag and enjoy.

Lent is an opportunity for us to connect with the biblical themes of preparation and journey. In those sacred stories may we find the places where our stories resonate with the challenges and joys that are discovered when we walk the road to Jerusalem with one another and with Jesus. Salgado talks about the surprising joy that is found when storms in our lives blow us together.

How will we as a community of faith be blown together in the coming weeks and months?

I hope you enjoy this material and I hope that I will see you soon. Stay connected, stay safe.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

2020 12 11 Advent/Christmas Letter

Dear Friends,

It certainly can be said that 2020 has been a year like no other in recent memory. It has been a huge challenge. We have faced worry, anxiety, loneliness, fear, and grief. We have also experienced kindness and joy. This pandemic has shown us more openly that the inequities of age, race, gender, and income have led to very different outcomes within our society. Advent this year is overlain with another layer of waiting. We long for the end of this pandemic when we may gather again, to laugh and hug, to worship and sing, and to eat together in community.

Times like these can lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves and what is really important to us. This year, the Christmas story resonates in a different way. Yes we still want that Hallmark moment of joy and wonder that we see in our Christmas cards or The Grumpy Innkeeper. But we have a greater understanding on an emotional level of the Christmas story which is a story of more than the day of Jesus' birth. We have a deeper understanding of the Jewish people living under occupation wishing and waiting for the Messiah, a saviour (can you say vaccine). We remember Zachariah rendered speechless when he didn't believe God would grant, he and Elizabeth a child. How that joy must have been tempered with worry. The fear and awe inducing angels with unexpected messages, messages that would turn lives upside down. A young women accepting God's favour. Joseph's shock and acceptance. An expectant couple leaving the security of home for another place facing an unexpected homelessness and lack of support at a critical time.

Bravery, acceptance, joy, kindness, loneliness, fear and so many other emotions that the people in the first Christmas story lived with, we have also lived with this year. We have seen the courage of health care workers and other essential workers who have filled in on an emergency basis and have put their lives on the line for others. We have seen the creativity and dedication as people of faith reach out to those around them to provide comfort and support.

Attached to this letter is a list of Advent/Christmas events and projects. This list is subject to change both as a result of public health restrictions but also other planning. I hope you will join us at some of our events and participate in our Advent projects.

Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, a new start and beginning. It seems appropriate to use a piece of a poem that we have posted on New Year's Eve for the last several years. It became famous in its use in King George VI 1939 Christmas message at a time when the world had entered WWII. It is from The Gate of the Year (the author called it God Knows) by Minnie Louise Haskins.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way." So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

May we know deep in our hearts this season that we are not alone, that God is always with us. May the hope, peace, joy and love of this season fill and overflow our hearts and our lives.

Debbie, Laurissa, Robert and I wish you all a very joyfilled Christmas.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Enclosed is a Christmas Envelope for your use.

Advent/Christmas Events

Sunday December 20

11am Service of Readings and Music online/in-person (dependent on public health guidelines) - Registration necessary

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24

3:30 pm Children's Christmas Eve Service online ONLY

7pm Christmas Eve Service online/in-person (dependent on public health guidelines) - Registration necessary

Advent Projects

Gift Bags Program and volunteers for NDORC Christmas Food Hampers and Gift Bags

The North Dartmouth Outreach Resource Centre is looking for volunteers and personal care items for its Christmas Food Hamper and Gift Bag Program. Volunteers are needed to put the hampers and gift baskets together, call clients, and to do a curbside delivery (Thursday, December 17th) of 170+ hampers and gift bags. We are looking for donation to the adult gift bags full-size personal care items such as - bars of soap, deodorant, shaving foam, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, facecloths, socks, hairbrushes and individually wrapped treats. All donations are most appreciated.

Volunteers can contact Sam Schwartz at sammyk51@hotmail.com. Donations can be dropped off at Grace by Friday, December 11 or Tuesdays at Stairs Memorial Church 8:00 am-10:00 am (side door off the parking lot) by Tuesday, December 15.

Tree of Warmth

We "decorate" a tree with winter clothing accessories - gloves/mittens, undergarments, socks, hats, etc. All items will be shared with Margaret's House, Out of the Cold Shelter in Halifax and other emergency shelters for both men and women in Metro. While all donations are very much needed and appreciated, there is a special need for underwear (including long) and gloves. Items for the Tree of Warmth can be dropped off at the church during regular office hours. If you wish, money/cheques can be dropped off (at front door or mail slot on ramp door if in a sealed envelope) or mailed to the Church and items can be purchased. Deadline of articles to Grace Office is Friday, December 18.

Memory Tree

Light a bulb and hang an ornament in memory of a loved one on a Memory Tree at the front of the Sanctuary. Their names will be acknowledged in a slide show. The cost is $10 (cash or cheque made out to Grace United Church). If you are unable to pick up a Memory Tree envelope (if in-person worship is not allowed), provide the following information to the Church: your name, the name of the person(s) who you are doing it in memory of, from whom (if more than yourself), and the amount of money. Indicate if you wish the name of the honoured person and who its from to appear during the service which will be videoed and appear on FaceBook, YouTube and the website.

Envelopes with money/cheque can be put in collection plate, mailed to the church, or dropped in during office hours or if in a sealed envelope through the mail slot on the ramp door. Deadline is Friday, December 18.

Office hours: Tuesday-Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm; Fridays 9:30am-4:30pm

2020 11 05 Anniversary Letter

November 5, 2020

Dear Friends,

On November 15, 2020 we will celebrate the 167th Anniversary of Grace United Church and 100th Anniversary of the dedication of our present building.

Our 11:00 am Worship hybr id service will include special music from our choir and an inspirational message from our guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett.

After thirty-eight years of serving congregations in Ontario, Australia and Nova Scotia, the Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett became the United Church Formation Director at the Atlantic School of Theology in 2018. In that role he helps shape the skills and qualities of the next generation of United Church clergy across the country. Ross trained for ministry at Queen's Theological College in Kingston, ON and received his Doctor of Theology in Church History from University of Toronto and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Seminary. He has held numerous leadership roles in the United Church, including a term as President of the former Maritime Conference. He has been active in the training of lay people and ministry personnel for over twenty-five years. He has written several books, the most recent Gathered For Preaching: A Sourcebook for Lay Leaders and Clergy, is being published by the United Church this fall. His wife Heather is a social worker with NS Health; he has two adult daughters and one granddaughter. In his spare time he likes to read, walk, cook, travel and help in the community through Rotary. He is delighted and honoured to be joining the Grace Church community for this important milestone and is looking forward to worshipping with us again.

A Grace Choir Update! The Grace Choir started our 2020 - 2021 season late in September. We rehearse on Wednesday evening, socially distanced and wearing singer's masks, in the pews in the sanctuary. Our rehearsal time is reduced according to public health guidelines. With 29 active members, sitting in the choir loft is impossible at this time. On this important Anniversary Sunday, you will see and hear the in-person choir sitting in the Upper Hall.

Keeping with the times, there will be live music and previously recorded music. As an introit, you will hear O Come Ye Servants of the Lord by the early English composer, Christopher Tye. The piece has two texts - one in English and one in Latin - a text to satisfy whichever monarch was on the English throne at the time - Protestant or Catholic. The anthem will be prerecorded and is a wonderful setting of the 19th century hymn, O Love that wilt not let me go. This new melody and adaption of the words is by American composer Elaine Hagenberg. This piece will be accompanied by a video reflecting the text that was created by choir member, Jennifer Eames. The choral benediction, We've Come a Long Way Lord, was thought to have originated in Africa. Recently, scholars have discovered that it was an African American spiritual that made its way back to Africa after slavery was abolished in the Unites States. The choir will be leading softly in the hymns, singing with their choir masks. You will also hear a new piece composed and sung by Jennifer Eames to celebrate one hundred in our "new building".

Come and help us celebrate 167 years of ministry in this community and 100 years in our present building.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Rev. Stephen Fram

Please remember your church by using the special Anniversary Envelope.

Message from the Finance Committee

First and foremost, the Finance committee would like to thank the congregation for their continued financial support during this extraordinary year. The Church has received weekly and monthly offerings, as well as some one-time gifts for specific activities. We very much appreciate each and every donation.

We have all experienced difficulties due to Covid-19 and the Church is no exception. Many of our fundraising initiatives have been postponed and rental income has declined substantially. But in spite of the Pandemic, Grace has continued many of its activities. Grace Choir, Worship, and the Guides, Beavers and Cubs are either in the building or will be returning soon. Our rental activities continue to rebound. And several programs have continued virtually, including Unified Board and committee meetings and the Inclusion Choir. And we continue to support the North Dartmouth Resource Centre and Margaret’s house as they seek new and creative ways to serve their clients.

Grace is currently is experiencing a loss of $950 as of October 31, 2020. With your continued support, we hope to break even by the end of the year.

We are now in the second wave of this Pandemic and we face uncertain times. As we look ahead to 2021, your support is more important than ever. If you would like a convenient method of giving and have not signed up for PAR (pre authorized remittance), please contact our envelope steward, Martin Walker at mpwalker@accesswave.ca or 902-463-7039. Alternatively, you can drop off or mail in cheques, or make donations through Canada Helps.

This is the 100-year anniversary of our Church building. To celebrate this event, we ask that you also consider a donation of $100 (or multiples thereof) to the Building fund.

Blair MacKinnon, Co-Chair

Connie Mack, Co-Chair

Lynn Loder, Treasurer

August LiveStream Opportunities

July 25, 2020

Dear Friends,

I just want to bring you up-to-date on the latest developments.
Grace staff will be starting their vacation period on Thursday, July 30 and returning to work on Thursday, September 3.  As is traditional during that time, Reverend Fred Snyder of St. James United will be providing emergency pastoral care for the congregation.  Rev. Snyder can be reached by phoning 902-464-8852. During this time the traditional church services will not be taking place.  You are invited to join worship at St. James’ or Stairs Memorial. 
St. James United Church Dartmouth - posted each weekend on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/St-James-United-Church-257441907629250/
Stairs Memorial United Church - 10:30 Service (on vacation until August 9th service) through Facebook Live and Zoom - check Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Stairsmemorialunited/
or website (http://stairsmemorial.ca/index.html) for details

Should you wish to worship online live with another Dartmouth United Church the information is below: Cole Harbour Woodside - 10am Service by Zoom.  (You may need to contact the church office for passwords) SUNDAY LIVE WORSHIP  10:00 am link:     https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82651327999?pwd=aGhIRW5rV2U4RXFvYU5Ud21wa1FHQT09; 
Port Wallis United - 10am church service by Zoom.  To register use this link: https://portwallisunitedchurch.ca/virtual; Woodlawn United at 10am available through either Facebook or YouTube.  You can link to either through their homepage http://www.woodlawnunited.ca/

The Unified Board has approved in principle the resumption of in-person worship services on September 13, subject to provincial health guidelines that exist at that time.  The streaming of online services will continue.  More details will be available closer to that date including a In-person/livestream Worship Town Hall  meeting by Zoom to discuss the protocols about in-person worship services on Thursday, September 3 at 7pm. 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84506810463?pwd=b2d3eVNTeTJsdUhqOTcrWWFhUDFUdz09
Meeting ID: 845 0681 0463
Passcode: 916693
I want to thank you for the support that you have given myself and the other staff through this challenging period. 
Yours in Christ’s Service

Rev. Stephen Fram

2020 07 02 -- COVID19 Update -- resuming in-person worship survey

The survey is now closed

2020 06 28 -- COVID19 Update -- Resuming in-person Activities

Covid 19 Update-- Grace's response, a letter from Rev. Stephen Fram.