Service for the Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost - October 1, 2023

This weekend we marked the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, a day calling Canadians to remember the tragic legacy and impact of residential schools for generations of indigenous peoples, to support the healing and restoration of their lives and communities in the present, and to affirm our commitment to working towards restored trust, respect, and reconciliation in the days to come.

As Christians in the Diocese of Fredericton, we have a particular calling to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in relation to all these things, which includes real repentance for our Church's role in the damage done, as well as actively embodying the Living God's compassion and love for our indigenous neighbours. 

We acknowledge that the diocese conducts its activities on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wabanaki people, which includes the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkati nations. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship,” entered into with the British Crown in the 1700s, to establish an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship, and mutual respect.

And in particular, we humbly pray for God's mercy and healing.

Here is a prayer to help us do this, entitled Remembering the Children, shared by the Anglican Church of Canada:
 
God of our Ancestors,
who holds the spirits of our grandmothers and grandfathers
and the spirits of our grandchildren,
Remembering the Children,
we now pledge ourselves to speak the Truth,
and with our hearts and our souls
to act upon the Truth we have heard
of the injustices lived,
of the sufferings inflicted,
of the tears cried,
of the misguided intentions imposed,
and of the power of prejudice and racism
which were allowed to smother the sounds and laughter of
the forgotten children.
Hear our cries of lament
for what was allowed to happen, and for what will never be.
In speaking and hearing and acting upon the Truth
may we as individuals and as a nation
 meet the hope of a new beginning.
 
Great Creator God
who desires that all creation live in harmony and peace,
Remembering the Children
we dare to dream of a Path of Reconciliation
where apology from the heart leads to healing of the heart
and the chance of restoring the circle,
where justice walks with all,
where respect leads to true partnership,
where the power to change comes from each heart.
Hear our prayer of hope,
and guide this country of Canada
on a new and different path. Amen

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Our service of Morning Prayer, Bulletin, & Sermon this week can be found here:

Morning Prayer

Bulletin

Sermon

​And our Songs for this week can be found here:

10 Commands

In Christ Alone

All to Jesus I Surrender