October 26, 2025: Reformation Sunday
The Protestant Reformation is arguably the most significant event in western history. Still, a lot of water has passed under the bridge in the roughly 500+ years since. So why should we care? Here are four Reformation teachings that still matter:
God is bigger than we are. The reformers emphasized God’s grace, teaching that grace isn’t something we can control or mete out for the right amount of cash or with the requisite religious or political standing. At great personal risk, the reformers helped us to see the vastness of God, a God beyond the power of human institutions and political constructions. Theirs is an important witness today to continue to name those situations in which we see God being co-opted by the powers that be. How do you see God being co-opted or limited today?
An informed faith is necessary. Emphasizing the importance of the Bible, reformers set out to translate scripture so people could read it for themselves, decide whether the church’s actions were compatible with biblical teachings, and inform their own faith. Ultimately the reformers gave us the Bible in multiple languages. Theology should never be an elitist exercise but the work of all believers. How do you apply your intellect to your faith life?
We stand on the shoulders of others. While we tend to attribute the Reformation to Martin Luther, there were several attempts before his to reform the Church. For example, French preacher Peter Waldo (1140 - 1218) emphasized poverty and simplicity and was excommunicated from the Church, and Oxford theologian John Wycliffe (1320 - 1384) named clerical abuses of power and helped translate the New Testament from Latin Vulgate to English. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Who are the unsung heroes of your successes?
Change takes courage. The reformers opposed the political, economic, and religious powers of their day, powers that operated on and enforced the idea that God gave them absolute authority. The reformers inspire us to live with conviction, to be prepared to sacrifice for what is right, and to take courage from our faith. How does your faith encourage you?
- Rev. Trisha Elliot, Southminster Pastoral Charge, Ottawa
Additional source: https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table
ANNOUNCEMENTS SEPT 21, 2025
NEW
CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH: Take a moment before October ends to express appreciation for those who offer leadership in your community of faith!
“FALL BACK” TIME CHANGE NOV 2: Not this weekend, but the one after! The fall time change occurs at 2 AM Sunday, Nov 2, so on Sat evening (Nov 1), please turn your clocks back one hour.
WED. NOV 5 1:30 PM: Rev. Sharon McRann will speak and show slides about Nicaragua: the country, schools, farming, and more, during her social ministry experience there. All ladies are welcome.
WED. NOV 5 7:15 PM: We will go to Whispering Waters on Wed Nov. 5 for our monthly Communion Service at 7:15 PM. If you can help, please contact the Church Office. Everyone is welcome and we always enjoy visiting with our friends there.
SUN NOV 16 LUNCH SUNDAY: We will have lunch on Sunday, Nov 16 after church at Stony. If you can help, please talk to Erna Brandon.
REMINDERS
REHOBOTH FALL CAMPAIGN:
Rehoboth’s fall edition of Flourish has arrived, and October is Rehoboth’s Annual Donation Drive to become a Friend of Rehoboth! While reading the newsletter at www.rcmflourish.ca (or picking up a hard copy at the church), we welcome your prayerful consideration to partner with our ministry in
supporting persons with developmental disabilities. Donations of any size are appreciated and helps us grow our reach. Look for the Friends of Rehoboth envelope on the table in the Narthex. Alternatively, a digital online submission is available through https://www.rcmflourish.ca/donate/donation-form/.
CANTATA PRACTICE: You can still join the Cantata Choir! Practices are Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM. All are welcome. Please talk to Terry Blois (Choir Director) if you have any questions.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or needs a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah, or call the Church Office (780 963 4745) or email
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesdays. Ukes at 6:15 PM, Cantata at 7:00, Choir at 8:00
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 AM
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
| Sunday, November 2 | 2:00 AM - Fall time change - back one hour |
| Wednesday, November 5 | 1:30 PM - UCW meeting |
| Sunday, November 16 | Lunch Sunday at SP after church |
| Saturday, November 28 | 2 - 4:00 PM at the SP Senior's Centre: Ev Scheideman's birthday party! |