Worship with Bethel-Maidstone United Church

Acts 2:47 describes the Early Church as constantly “praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.”  In this week's podcast, Rev. Catherine looks back and praises God for all the wonderful memories of her time at BMUC.

MV 30, VU 245 Performed by Bethany Russell.

Resources for this series have been adapted from those prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.

The Early Church gathered in each other’s homes to break bread and eat food “with glad and generous hearts.” What does it mean to share what we can with glad and generous hearts? Members of our church offer inspiring examples of glad giving!

VU 684, VU 400  Performed by Bethany Russell.

The Early Church had a profound sense of community, a togetherness whereby they combined their resources and made sure there was enough for all. But the Spirit also pushes them to expand their sense of who is included-- who the "all" is that they should focus on-- and breaks down the barriers between different communities. The recent confirmation in Kamloops and the attack in London ON have been devastating reminders that widening the scope of love and justice is as urgent as ever.

MV 79, VU 606. Performed by Bethany Russell.

This episode, the second in a series on lessons from the Early Church based on Acts 2, explores the importance of coming together as a community of faith.

Music VU 395, 603  Performed by Bethany Russell.

This series has been adapted from resources prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler. 

Focusing on some of the stories from the Early Church, this series will explore what they have to teach us about what it means to be a community of faith. We'll look at the Book of Acts to remind us of who we are as Christians and what lies at the core of our communities of faith—things like awe and wonder, togetherness and community, enough for all, the glad breaking of bread, and praising God.

Whether the church is big or small, young or old, urban or rural or digital, or some mixture in between, we are all called as Christians to form the kinds of communities that are faithful to God’s Word and engaged in God’s mission.

Resources for this series have been adapted from those prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.

Music: VU 194, 299   Performed by Bethany Russell.

This week on the podcast, Rev. Catherine has a conversation with funeral director Lorna Baker. We talk about grief, adapting to change, what makes for a meaningful life, and how a poolside conversation with a stranger set Lorna on a new life path.

VU 256, 497. Performed by Bethany Russell

Prayer of Invocation from All Things New, written by Rev. Susan A. Blain and Rev. Scott Ressman. Posted on the United Church of Christ website. http://www.ucc.org/50/pdfs/worship-resources.pdf

Second prayer adapted from http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu 

Hear from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, we speak with a nurse practitioner working in a local hospital. We discuss the challenges and triumphs she's experienced, as well as vaccines, burn out and the importance of healing the mind, body and soul. 

VU 625, 612 Performed by Bethany Russell

Opening Prayer: adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press.  

Prayer for Healthcare Workers: https://united-church.ca/prayers/prayer-health-workers-during-covid-19

A series exploring faith, hope and resiliency from people working on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode we hear from Lonnie Jones, a volunteer with the Essex Food Bank, to find out how the pandemic has changed their work and to learn about poverty in rural communities.

Music: VU 220, 594 Performed by Bethany Russell

Opening prayer: www.re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/09/opening-prayer-matthew-22-1-14.html

Second prayer: https://www.bread.org/blog/prayer-hurting-hungry-and-vulnerable (adapted) 

Lessons on faith, hope and resiliency from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, Rev. Catherine speaks to Katie Nanson, a social worker in private practice, for her insights into mental health and the big questions this pandemic is raising.

Music: VU 286, 273 Performed by Bethany Russell

Opening Prayer By Foster Freed, Gathering L/E, 2021

Prayer for Mental Health Professionals by the Rev. Babette Chatman, augsburg.edu (adapted)

This episode is the culmination of our Lenten series on the 5 Essential Practices of the Christian Life, based on the book “The Walk” by Adam Hamilton. We explore those five practices as they are demonstrated by Jesus in his seven last words from the cross. These seven recorded statements of Jesus reveal that, even in his dying moments, Jesus pursued the practices of prayer, study, service, generous giving, and sharing.

Opening Prayer by Laura Turnbull, Gathering, L/E 2021

Music: VU 135, MV 78, VU 144, VU 595, VU 143, VU 148, VU 149, Performed by Bethany Russell

Why are you a Christian? What difference does it make in your life?

In this episode, Rev. Catherine considers what it means to own your faith story and share it with others in humble and authentic ways.

Do money and spirituality mix? Jesus thinks so! Money can sabotage or deepen our spiritual life. Listen in as Rev. Catherine Elsdon and guest explore the spirituality of money, the importance of generosity, and key components of 'the good life.'  

Music: VU 606, VU 594. Performed by Bethany Russell.

If we're serious about following Jesus, we'll cultivate the daily practice of serving God by serving others. In this episode we discuss the scriptural basis for the importance of service, as well as how to go about service in ways that are life-giving. 

Music: VU 256 “O God beyond All Praising”, VU 560 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”, performed by Bethany Russell. 

How do we hear God's voice and follow God's lead? 

This week's episode of the podcast is the third in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.”  Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a special guest for a conversation focusing on study, specifically the study of scripture as a means of hearing God.

Music: VU 343 “I Love to Tell the Story”, VU 660 “How Firm a Foundation” performed by Bethany Russell.

How should I pray? Why should I pray? What does prayer do?

This episode is the second in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.” Lent is a time for repentance and renewal.  As we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter, we’re reflecting on the 5 essential practices of the Christian life. Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a special guest for a conversation focusing on private worship, specifically prayer.

In this conversational series, Rev. Catherine Elsdon welcomes a special guest to explore the core spiritual practices of Christianity. Inspired by Adam Hamilton's book "The Walk," this series offers concrete tools and encouragement as you seek to deepen your faith, and increase your awareness of God's presence. 

Music: VU 672 and VU 602, performed by Bethany Russell.

Opening Prayer by Joy Cowan, Gathering, Lent/Easter 2021. Page 31. Used with permission.

Elijah is burnt out and wants to give up; he needs a sign from God but God doesn’t always show up in the ways we expect. Elijah must slow down and quiet down before he can hear God’s “still, small voice.” Can we do the same?

Music: VU 378, VU 608 (verses 1,4,5)

Opening Prayer written by Suzanne Edgar, Gathering, A/C/E 2017-2018, page 41. Used with permission.