Lent 2023

During the season of lent we will be exploring the theme of navigating the wilderness.
All are welcome to our services both online and in person.
Additional information can be found at the bottom of this page.
We are pleased to have you with us on the Lenten Journey this year!

Worship Services

Ash Wednesday Service

February 22

7:00pm

Online & In-person

Through the Wilderness
“An Introduction” 

February 26

10:30am

Online & In-person

Through the Wilderness
“People”

March 5

10:30am

Online & In-person

Through the Wilderness
“Politics”

March 12

10:30am

Online & In-person

Through the Wilderness
“Poverty”

March 19

10:30am

Online & In-person

Through the Wilderness
“The Planet”

March 26

10:30am

Online & In-person

Palm Sunday

April 2

10:30am

Online & In-person

Maundy Thursday

April 6

7:00pm

In-person Outside

Good Friday

April 7

10:00am

Online & In-person

Easter Sunday Early Morning Service

April 9

8:30am

In-Person Outside

Easter Sunday

April 9

10:30am

Online & In-person

Activities

Lenten Photo Challenge

Weekly Lent themed photo prompts

Share your photos with us on Facebook

Learn More

WUC’s Lenten Devotional Book

Available online

Learn More

Lenten Prayer Workshops

March 8 & March 22

7:00pm – 8:30pm

Online

Learn More

Into The Wild: A Lenten Group

Mondays March 6 – April 6

7:30pm – 8:30pm

Online

Learn More

Labyrinth

March 17

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Sanctuary

Learn More

Easter EGGstravaganza

April 8

10:00am – 12:00pm

Learn More

Outreach

Easter Flowers

Donate in memory of a loved one

Volunteer drivers wanted

Delivery to Families
April 9 after service

Learn More

Additional Information


Lenten Photo Challenge


Join your Westminster friends in sharing your photos on Facebook! Each week our Westminster Facebook Page will have a new prompt throughout Lent. Prompts are open to interpretation, and all skill levels are welcome! Be creative, have fun, reflect, and share!

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WUC’s Lenten Devotional Book


Last year congregants participated in writing a Lenten Devotional Book that contains thoughtful reflections on the Gospel of John. View the preview below, or click the button to download a copy for personal use.

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Lenten Prayer Workshops

March 8 at 7:00pm – Lectio Divina
Simply translated as ‘divine reading.’ This practice is a way of reading a scripture passage with meditation, reflection, and prayer. Register Here.

March 22 at 7:00pm -Spiritual Practices 10
What even are Spiritual Practices? What does that mean? What are we practicing? Come on out to this workshop to dig deeper together into what we mean by this and ‘spiritual formation!’ Register Here.

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Into The Wild: A Lenten Group

The Season of Lent is a time to focus on learning and growing.  It is a journey that follows Jesus down into the wilderness and up into resurrection and new life. 

Using “Into the Wild: A Family-Friendly Devotional on Henri Matisse and The Season of Lent” (from saltproject.org)  this group will gather for a unique hour of reflection and connection using Scripture and the artwork of Henri Matisse as our guides.   

Mondays, March 6 to April 6, 7:30pm to 8:30pm On Zoom.  Contact Rev. Michelle Robinson if interested.

rev.m.robinson@gmail.com

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Labyrinth


We can sometimes feel ourselves walking in metaphorical wildernesses in our lives. Feeling alone, adrift, apart, or lost? Come find comfort at the quiet centre.

Our sanctuary contains a labyrinth. On March 17, we welcome you to walk the path to the centre in prayerful meditation. The sanctuary will be a peaceful space glowing with candlelight. Space for conversation and reflection is available in the founder’s room after your walk.

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Easter EGGstravaganza

Our exciting Easter EGGstravaganza will take place at Westminster this year for our children 12 years and under. On April 8 from 10:00am – 12:00pm we will have crafts, games and Easter treats! Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 am!

We’re looking forward to an EGGcellent EGGstravaganza!

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Easter Flowers

Traditionally, Easter is a time to remember our friends and loved ones who are no longer with us.  At Westminster, we do that by making a memorial donation in their honour, which is used to purchase beautiful spring flowers that decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday.  Their names will be acknowledged in the Easter Sunday e-mail blast and the Westminster World newsletter.

Following the service, the flowers are then distributed to members and friends who are ill, in hospital or long-term care or who have been experiencing difficult times or recently lost a loved one. The list of recipients is compiled by the Ministry and Office Staff, the Wellness Committee and the Friendly Visitors.

Any remaining flowers will be delivered to someone who is newly identified and needs remembering.  If you know of someone who would appreciate a gift of flowers, please notify the church office at wuc@westminster-uc.ca or if necessary, by phone.    

Donations will be gratefully received now until the end of March.  Three ways to donate: 

  • E-transfer to wuc@westminster-uc.ca: Please use the security question “Easter?” and the answer being “Flowers”. The message should state “Easter flowers in memory of…” 
  • Canada Helps: Select “Easter Flowers” under the Fund option.  In the “Dedication Information” field, click on either “in memory of” or “in honour of” 
  • Cheque or cash: Drop off at Westminster during office hours or on Sundays in the offering plate. Please indicate “Easter Flowers” on the cheque and/or envelope. Be sure to include who it is from and who it is in memory of.

Any memorial funds remaining from the purchase of flowers will go to the General Fund of Westminster. The full amount of your donation will appear on your donation receipt (issued in February 2024).

Flowers will be delivered after the church service on Sunday April 9.  If you can assist with the deliveries, or would like more information, please either contact Crystal Smith at crystal.a.smith55@gmail.com or the Westminster office at wuc@westminster-uc.ca  

Receiving the potted plants at Easter brings heartfelt joy and blessings to the recipients reminding them that they are part of our family.  They are not alone.  Please consider donating today. 

With thanks from The Wellness Committee. 

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