Category Archives: VirtualSpiritGatherings

Visions in the Cloud – Dec 20

December 20, 2020

"When Shepherds Are Sheltering in Place"

We've been re-imaging the Christmas stories in this time of COVID-19. Many of us are 'sheltering-in-place';

Christmas will be different this year. The first visitors in the Christmas story are the Shepherds. What would we miss if the shepherds were sheltering-in-place? Join us as we light the Advent Candle of Love this Sunday.

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Visions in the Cloud – Dec 13

December 13, 2020

"When Angels Couldn't Sing"

Our Advent theme of reimaging the Christmas stories in this time of COVID-19 continues this week with 'When Angels Couldn't Sing' (Luke 2:8-14). We light the candle of Joy and share a special musical surprise!

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Visions in the Cloud – Dec 6

December 6, 2020

"When All Joseph Could Do Is Dream"
Joseph invites us into the heart of Advent as we reimagine our Christmas stories in this time of COVID-19. Join our on-line Spirit Gathering this Sunday as we light the Advent candle of peace.  (Matthew 1: 18-25)

 

 

 

 

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Visions in the Cloud – Nov 29

November 29, 2020

Advent begins Sunday and we light the Candle of Hope! This year will be a different Christmas with a different kind of Advent waiting. Join us as we re-imagine the Christmas stories in this time of COVID-19.

This week's theme: 'When Mary Couldn't Hug Elizabeth' (Luke 1: 26-56)

 

 

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Visions in the Cloud – Nov 22

November 23, 2020

The Gospel is On the Move! 

"Acts" Now - Stories of Making Church Outside a Building

The gospel is 'preached' - 'Good News' happens - when we come alongside someone wildly different from us. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: a story of transformation, inclusion, and love 'colouring outside the lines'. We bring to a close 'Act One' of our theme from the Book of Acts.

The Spirit Gathering Attachment for this week can be found here

 

 

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Visions in the Cloud – Nov 15

November 15, 2020

The Story of Stephen: Serving the Gospel with Persistence and Courage"

"Acts" Now - Stories of Making Church Outside a Building

We learn about the ministry of diakonia - serving the gospel with persistence and courage. You are invited to bring a stone as you come to worship. Stones can be used to build up or destroy. They can mark a path forward - like stepping stones - or they can be cast in harm, like a weapon. The story of Stephen challenges us to consider the call of faith, even in troubling times, even in times when the way is uncertain.

The Spirit Gathering Attachment for this week can be found here

 

 

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Worship Series

"Acts" Now 

Visions United
"Acts" Now
Stories of Making Church Outside a Building

Before there is a Church... Before there is a building... There is a community
Born of the Spirit at Pentecost
These are the first stories of making church outside a building.
These are our stories!

 

Our current Spirit Gathering theme series is based on the 'Acts of the Apostles'.
We are entering the homestretch as we wait for the opening of the Community Hub on Joyce Ave this August. So, as we read through these stories in Acts we will be thinking about how we will act: how will we pray, worship, give and serve as part of the new Community Hub ministry? Our series ends with a celebration of Pentecost on May 23rd.

Bible Study Book Club - Session 3

See below for a timeline of weekly readings for Part 3.

Consider participating in an occasional, informal Bible Study and chat about what you are reading.

- Session 3 (to be scheduled)

Watch a video from the Bible Project that tells the story of Acts 13-28:

 

As we read through this book from the Bible, we will listen to these stories from Acts and see where we are in the story:

  • How may God be using a story to have a conversation with us about 'who we are' and 'how we are church' together in these days of on-line recordings, gathering in rented space, and engaging ministry in a new neighbourhood as part of the Community Hub project?

Over the next several months, we will read through Acts in three stages, or 'acts', pausing to celebrate the liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter:

  • 'Act 1': October 18 - November 22, 2020
  • 'Act 2': January 10 - February 14, 2021
  • 'Act 3': April 18 - May 23, 2021

Appendix A: Judaism and Christianity in First-Century

As we read further into Acts, and the 'gospel story' spreads into the Gentile (non-Jewish)world, the relationship between Judaism and Christianity becomes more complicated. Christians today have a responsibility to ensure we do not contribute to anti Semitism in our world. It's important to remember, firstly, that Jesus, himself, was Jewish; and secondly, 'Christianity' was not initially a separate religion, but more of a 'sect' within Judaism. That's why the followers described themselves as 'followers of the Way of Jesus'. Acts is likely written after the split between Judaism and Christianity, yet looks back and tells the story of the emerging movement that was still within Judaism. The reality is 2000 years later the Church is more like the 'establishment' and less like the emerging movement. The 'Appendix' offers a glimpse into the first century context, and can help us avoid a 'we' and 'them' interpretation about Christianity and Judaism.