Dear Friends,

It’s a joy to write an article each week, sharing a reflection on the upcoming Sunday services and other events at the church. This week, I am excited about the upcoming Pentecost Celebration Service at Lowville United Church!

Jesus before he returned to God to be in the divine realm, he instructed his disciples to go to Jerusalem and pray and the Holy Spirit will come upon them to baptize them and empower them to preach the gospel to the local community and beyond! Ten days after Jesus said this, his disciples were in one room, aligned in mind and spirit and the Holy Spirit came upon them, empowering them to preach the Good news of Jesus. It was dramatic and awe inspiring. They were given the ability to preach the good news of Jesus to people, outside of their culture. The Holy Spirit is also available to us, to continue empowering us.

Each week, I rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment before and during worship planning. I begin by reading and studying the scriptures and drafting a sermon outline. I am working at keeping the sermons clear and faithful to the scriptures. The prayers and hymns or songs are informed by the theme that emerges from scripture. On a weekly basis, I try to consider the demographic and cultural diversity of the congregation, and include music and media that might be relevant to the congregation.

Given that we are a smaller gathering most weeks, a representation of four or two, is significant in my view, as it is for Jesus. Each person matters and my hope is that every person who comes to church, is spiritually nurtured, therefore I try to include content relevant to diverse ages and needs. I do what I can and God graciously accepts and blesses my gift, which can sometimes be equivalent to burnt toast—a humble offering given with great love. I think worship is everyone’s work, so the time for ‘The Young at Heart” and ‘Prayers of the People” are opportunities for the congregation to contribute in a lively and engaging way to the worship experience. Worship has a more traditional deep structure, and includes casual and often contemporary elements. The vibe is relational.

You are invited to attend our upcoming worship services and let me know your thoughts on this approach to worship.

On Pentecost Sun, May 24th, 10:00 am. I am planning a special celebration service “Promise Fulfilled: Empowered to Share Our Faith”. Lorne (my husband) and I will also be hosting a party-style Pentecost Lunch! Plan to be with us and experience the spark of Pentecost wonder! Wear Red or Orange!

CASE FOR KIDS. Sun, June 7th at (12PM) Bayfront Park, Hamilton.

If you are able to join, please speak to Bev B to receive a t-shirt. If you cannot attend, please consider donating by signing the pledge sheet or by clicking on this link Lowville Walks 2026.

For more information, visit wesley.ca/caseforkids.

Also, check out the YouTube video “Case for Kids 2026” to learn more about what it’s all about.

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!



  UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE NOTE there is no service at Lowville United Church on Sun May 17th. The congregation is invited to attend worship at Kilbride United Church at (9:30am).

STUDY LEAVE AND VACATION Rev. Roni is on vacation May 14th-18th   Rev. Carolin MacMillan of Appleby United Church is available to provide emergency pastoral care. Her cell number is 226-203-7777 Rev. Carolin is the daughter of Rev. Sonia Ireson. 

CHURCH COUNCIL meets on Wed May 20th at 6:30 pm, in the Zimmerman Room.

THE PRACTISING THE WAY course is going very well. Roni is customizing the last two sessions: Thurs May 21st and Thurs May 28th.  (10am-11:30)

PENTECOST CELEBRATION SERVICE on Sun May 24th, (10am), festive lunch to follow! Please wear red or orange, if possible!

FACEBOOK Are you on Facebook? Please add Lowville United Church’s Facebook Page and “like” the page.  Liking content, provokes interest when newcomers visit the page. It is a simple thing we can all do to promote LUC’s visibility!

REV RONI`S OFFICE HOURS  at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am - 3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416) 271- 531 (text, email or phone for appointment).

REFRESHMENTS Choose a Sunday to bring “after Worship” refreshments. Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).

LOWVILLE CARES  Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.

ONLINE CALENDAR did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.

DONATIONS  to Lowville United Church can now be made online by scanning the following QR code with your phone or by clicking the Donation link at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca