Dear Friends, 


On Sunday September 27th, most of us would wear an “orange shirt” to church, as we  honour “Orange Shirt Day” in worship. *“The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that “Every Child Matters”. Indigenous children were stripped of their clothes and their names when they entered Residential Schools. They were assigned a number, when they entered the system, and their teachers called them by their number, never by their names, this was the first of many steps to erase their identities. Remembering and lamenting the lasting effects, plays an essential role in advancing truth and reconciliation.”


“Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters began in Williams Lake, British Columbia, on September 30, 2013. It was started by PhyllisWebstad who attended St. Joseph’s Mission School in Williams Lake. B.C.  for 300 hundred days. Her grandmother and mother also attended the same school for many years. Orange Shirt Day was established to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home, it serves as a powerful symbol of the lasting impacts of the Residential School system. What began as a grassroots initiative has since evolved into a nationally recognized movement, with individuals, organizations, and communities across Canada participating in acts of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation.  It is faithful to consider what you can do and Lowville UC provides a meaningful  opportunity this Sunday. 

For generations, the church and Canada, did far too much speaking and not nearly enough listening to Indigenous peoples. We assumed we knew what was right for others. *“We failed to honour cultures, languages, spiritual traditions, families and ways of knowing that had existed on this land for generations. Reconciliation asks us to listen. Not to listen so that we can defend ourselves or prepare the right thing to say in response, but to listen in a way that allows another person’s story to matter.” In a context, where the dominant narrative focuses on settlers, we need to work harder at trying to source indigenous stories and listen with our hearts. 

As part of our worship experience, we would be listening to the experiences of Bev Sellars,  taken from her autobiography “They Called me Number One”, Bev also attended St. Joseph’s Mission School, Williams Lake, B.C. Receiving stories as told by those who lived them, with open hearts, sets us on a path toward healing. Bev’s account addresses the abuses suffered, small acts of compassion and her path toward healing. I think you would find it very meaningful. 

Join us as we honour Orange Shirt Day, on Sunday September 27th, 10:30 am at Lowville United Church.


Shout-Out: To The Garden Elves

Many of us know Gareth from The Garden Elves Landscaping. He’s going to be cutting the grass around the church for us and has kindly offered to donate his time.

Gareth lives just down the hill on Guelph Line in Lowville and is also a volunteer firefighter.

We really appreciate Gareth and his team for volunteering their time to help keep our church looking great!


The Worship Committee Meeting is postponed and will not be held on Sunday September 27th.


* Credit goes to Emmanuel United Church, North Bay and Rev. Tracy Davis for some of the factual content included on this blurb. 


NOTES: 

  • WARD 3 RESIDENTS Tues Sept 29th (7pm) Kilbride United Church. Come meet your candidates and hear their answers to your questions. Register at[email protected]
  • UCW meeting Wed Oct 14th (11:30am).  Bring your lunch.
  • SAVE THE DATE Sat Oct 24th, (3pm) The Major 7th Band will be performing.  Please (see attachment).
  • 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