Hi Friends, 

In 2026, we are definitely better together! While we have a few thriving, larger program-sized churches in the Burlington area, most United Church of Canada congregations are smaller. Our capacity for thriving potentially increases, when we work together. Smaller and larger congregations are discovering that we are more effective, when we work together. The Holy Spirit is leading us to be mutually supportive.

All kinds of connections exist with Kilbride. On a recent tour of Lowville United Church Cemetery. I learned that a resident of Lowville drafted the initial plan for the village of Kilbride. I also learned that many residents of Lowville went to grade school in Kilbride. We are neighbours, and neighbours in Christ.

⛪ Joint Worship This Sunday at Kilbride Church

It is encouraging and heartwarming that many of our members will be going to Kilbride United Church this Sunday, November 15th, to join in worship at 9:30 AM. I am confident that you will be warmly welcomed by our Kilbride friends and blessed by Rev. Gayle MacDonald’s preaching. How good it is when the body of Christ joins together in worship!

👑 Christ the King Sunday

On Sunday, November 21st, we will gather at LUC to celebrate Christ the King. We will reflect on what it means to align our lives with Christ’s kingly values of compassion, kindness, friendship, and care.

Jesus often shows up through the people we encounter at the grocery checkout or the queue at the bank. Hopefully, we are not too sidetracked by the busyness of our own lives and responsibilities to notice. As we get busier from mid-November through December, my prayer is that we can be more attentive to how Jesus might show up through the needs of those divinely sent along our path.

🕯️ Upcoming Advent Series: "The Gift of Presence"

Consistent with this theme, our focus for the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve will be “The Gift of Presence.”

Sunday, November 29th (The First Sunday of Advent): We will explore “Being Attentive to the Sign of Christ’s Coming.”

The pressure to multitask increases disproportionately during the holiday season. Because of this, I am creating services that nurture the gift of presence, promotes calm and deep listening, peace, and showing up fully for God and our loved ones. Through our worship series, you will discover true joy that the trials of this world cannot destroy. You won't want to miss this very special Advent series—it will help keep you spiritually grounded in a world that can feel chaotic. More details about our upcoming advent and holiday services will follow in the weeks ahead. I am so excited about the blessings these services will bring!

🎵 Save the Date: Christmas Concert

Please save the date and time for this wonderful community event:

What: Major 7th Band Christmas Concert

When: Sunday, December 20th at 7:00 PM

Where: Lowville United Church, 5800 Guelph Line

Have a great weekend! 

Rev. Roni