Dear Friends,
This morning, I decided it was casual Thursday, so I wore my favourite t-shirt to the office. Across the front, the word “Ubuntu” is printed in bold white font. Ubuntu is an African word, Swahili to be exact, which literally translates “I am because we are.” Some summarize it to mean “the village”.
It affirms the interconnected nature of humanity at its best. We are a village. We are blessed by others. We bless each other. If we all took a few minutes to pause, we might be amazed at that large diverse group of people who pour (and poured) love and blessing into our lives. For me, it includes parents, teachers, friends, mentors, a great boss, a coach, a co-worker, a doctor, a personal support worker, a neighbour, a special volunteer, a church member.... The list goes on. Some may still be with us and some may have pass on but the life lessons they taught, they live on in us, and we get to pass them on. We get to be part of someone’s village..
Lowville is a village! Lowville United Church has been a dynamic symbol of village life for over two hundred years! I use the descriptor ‘dynamic’ because as we live through transitions, the village feels a bit different. Yet Lowville United Church is still here, a place where the community gathers to meet and greet, share a meal occasionally and ascribe worth to God weekly! The Colling family blessed this community with a donation of land for a village church over two hundred years ago, and the blessing keeps on flowing.
The village needs the active engagement of villagers to keep the legacy alive. Legacies are meant to out live us.
I hope that you would consider joining us for worship on Sunday March 1st 2026, at 10:00 am, our theme is “Blessed to Be a Blessing” or consider attending a future community event. Worship at Lowville honours tradition and integrates contemporary influences, with a focus on Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I feel humbled and blessed to serve a village, and do what I can, to keep the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ alive.
Blessings, Rev. Roni
THIS WEEK’S SUGGESTED PRACTICE As you go about your week, look for a wilderness moment, a place where things feel uncertain or new. Instead of pulling back, ask the Spirit: How can I be a blessing here? Remember: Whether you are sharing a meal or a simple check-in, or being a kind co-worker, you are being a blessing.
LAST WEEK’S SUGGESTED PRACTICE Contemplative Prayer based on John Mark Comer’s “Practicing the Way”. Please chat with Rev. Roni for further information.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Sun Mar 8 (2am) Don’t Forget!
WORSHIP COMMITTEE meeting Sun Mar 8 following service.
UCW meeting Wed Mar 11 (11:30am) Zimmerman Rm. Bring your lunch.
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 atwww.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.
