Worship Leader:  Liz Healy & Brenda Cartwright                      Music Director: Tim Hallman, B.Mus.,B.Ed.

Sunday May 18 2025
“Kindness Matters”

WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS / CELEBRATIONS

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As we gather, we take a moment to remember that the land we call Elizabeth /Kitley Township, Christ United Pastoral charge, Village of Lyn, Ontario, is the territory of the Indigenous peoples. We seek to learn about past wrongs, act with justice in the present, and pray for a better future together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE
Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts to know your peace and celebrate your good news.

CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: Come to this place with open minds and open hearts.
All: We leave our prejudices at the door and open ourselves to God’s spirit.
L: This is a place where we look deep within ourselves.
All: prepared to let the Spirit shape us into the people God calls us to be.
L: Come prepare to be changed.
All: With every whisper of God, we are transformed.
L; Let us worship God as we come together.
Eric Hebert-Daly Responsible des ministers en francais, L’Eglise Unie du Canada

HYMN:  VU375 “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

PASSING OF THE PEACE: We greet one another as a sign of God’s peace and Christ’s friendship by saying “Christ’s peace be with you.” We respond saying “And also with you.”

OPENING PRAYER: Kindness is your instrument God. Grant me knowledge, discernment and precision to use kindness to cut out hatred, racism, indifference, inequality and all other afflictions that run rampant in the human race. Use me Lord, to lead out your kindness and to be a catalyst for change. Amen
Connectusfund.org

ANTHEM:  Try a Little Kindness by Glen Campbell

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he’s sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say, you’re going the wrong way

You got to try a little kindness
yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
They you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Don’t walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way

You got to show a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your Light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets (repeat)

Someone on YouTube commented that this was probably one of the most underrated songs of its time. For its brilliant music score, Glen Campbell’s guitar abilities and for the theme itself. It is a song that is remembered long after its prime; its message is long lasting and one that is ever so important especially today. Friends, our world is in urgent need of many things, with kindness at the top of the list.

 SCRIPTURES:
Colossians 3:12 - “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”.
Ephesians 4:24; 32- And put on the new self….be kind to one another”.

REFLECTION: “Kindness Matters”

Kindness
In the scripture from Paul the phrase “put on” carries the idea of dressing yourself.  It is as if Paul is saying, “When you wake up each morning remember to get dressed spiritually and emotionally as well as physically”.  In other words when we wake up each morning, we need to select the attitude to wear for the day.  We have choices to be made.

 Kindness has been described as love in action.  It is not something merely emotional, rather, it is practical, visible and active. 

“But why should we be kind?  After all, kindness can be risky.  We might be misunderstood if we are kind to others.  They might think, ‘Why is this person being so nice?’  What is in it for him?’  Some like the poet Robert Burns said that the kind heart most resembles God.  We should be kind because God has been so kind to us.  On a daily basis we continually benefit from Hiis kindness.

In a world where we see self-arrogance, ungratefulness, gossips, unreason, and just plain nastiness kindness will always be greatly needed and appreciated.  We tend to forget that many of the people that we will encounter on a weekly basis have been at the receiving end of unkindness.  Kindness will be like a breath of fresh air to them.  Years ago, I was in the line at our local Sears. The person ahead of me was very impatient and snippy to the cashier who appeared to be struggling. That person stomped off and I stepped to the cash. I asked the young woman if she was ok and she said she was not. She was visibly unwell and finding it hard to concentrate on her job and the task at hand. I told her not to hurry and could I get someone? A supervisor passed by and she was flagged down. After a quick but professional assessment of the situation the young women was sent off to the staff room. The supervisor checked me out and I was on my way. Who knows what that young woman was going through? Was she physically ill? Had she received some bad news? Was she physically worrying about a family member? Did she have sick time? If not, she might not have had a choice but to come to work in order to pay her bills. That woman did not need a cranky customer; she needed some compassion. Waiting for the supervisor took nothing from me but a few minutes of my time.

We do personally benefit when we are kind and I am not merely talking about that people will tend to be nice to us if we are nice to them. People who are practicing kindness are aware of the needs of those around them and have greater sensitivity.   Kindness starts with getting our minds off ourselves and our problems and noticing what others are experiencing.

need to be supportive with our words.  One of the first places to put kindness into action is in our speech: When a person is not aware of their blessings it is far easier to be cutting, hurtful with words and always running other people down. I have a little exercise to show you, one that teachers often use in the classroom to show children the effect of their words. DEMO You see like words this toothpaste has flowed out of the tube. The act is done, Try as I may with this little toothpick I will not be getting it back into the tube. Forgiveness for words spoken can happen but the fact that something was said doesn’t change. You can’t take it back.

Sympathy. I know that we often feel unqualified to help people who are hurting and that such situations may seem awkward to us, but they probably seem awkward at times to most people.  Yet kindness can express itself not only verbally but also in a touch on the shoulder, a pat on the back, hug, a grasp of the hand. Or, sometimes a simple “I’m so sorry” is all that person needs.

Sometimes kindness realizes that there is the need to be straightforward, frank or candid.  Telling someone the truth, laying it on the line or leveling with people is also a demonstration of kindness. “You are about to make a big mistake”.  Kindness really cares.  Kindness will speak up when necessary but kindness will equally stick around and help.

Be Spontaneous

There are times we can plan kindness and there will be times that the opportunity to be kind simply arrives without any planning on our part- flexibility is a must.   Do not put off the opportunity to say a kind thing, write a kind note or express kindness.  A common enemy of kindness is busyness. One of the easiest acts of spontaneous kindness is the act of passing it on. Buy the car behind you in the Tim Hortons line a box of donuts. The local Pappaland Pizza downtown will let you buy a meal for an unknown person needing a meal.

With all that said in a modern world, choosing kindness involves conscious effort. With mindful actions, starting with self-compassion and extending to others through active listening, expressing gratitude, and engaging in small, meaningful acts of kindness. 

Here's a breakdown of how to cultivate and practice kindness:

1. Start with Self-Kindness:
Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and treat yourself with the same understanding and care you would offer a friend. 
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and focus on your strengths. 
Forgive Yourself: Let go of past mistakes and learn from them instead of dwelling on them. 

2. Extend Kindness to Others:
Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, show empathy, and avoid interrupting or judging. 
Express Gratitude: Thank people for their help and acknowledge their efforts. 
Offer Genuine Compliments: Notice and appreciate the good qualities of others. 
Help Without Being Asked: Look for opportunities to assist others, even in small ways. 
Be Patient: Recognize that everyone has their own pace and challenges, and be patient in frustrating situations. 
Forgive Easily: Let go of grudges and extend forgiveness to others. 
Volunteer Your Time: Give back to your community by volunteering for a cause you care about. 
Be Mindful of Your Words: Choose your words carefully and avoid hurtful or unkind comments. 
Be Kind Online: Extend kindness in your online interactions and avoid engaging in negativity or cyberbullying. 
Know Your Boundaries: While it's important to be kind, also remember to set healthy boundaries to protect your own well-being.

3. Cultivate Compassion:
Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness helps you connect with yourself and others more deeply.
Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation: This practice cultivates compassion and empathy for yourself and others.
Embrace Optimism: Choose to find meaning and purpose in kindness and compassion. 

A story on Facebook shared the other day is this…In our little town, we’ve got a guy. You know the kind, the kind that makes your whole day better just by existing. He walks everywhere with a tote bag full of yarn and a crochet hook in his back pocket like it’s a sword of kindness. This summer, he started something called “egging.” But not that kind of egging. He started leaving little crocheted fried eggs on windshields. Just... eggs. No notes. No explanation. Just this soft little yolk of joy tucked under your wiper blade. At first people were confused, then amused, and then — obsessed. Being ""egged"" became the best thing that could happen to your Monday. I asked him why he did it. His answer?

“Because you never know who needs a reason to smile. And sometimes a silly little egg is enough.” Turns out, it’s not just about whimsy. The eggs were his way to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, a reminder that kindness doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. And he didn’t stop at eggs. Around the holidays, he made hats, scarves, even blankets for kids in foster care. Left them anonymously on doorsteps, park benches, library railings. People started calling him the Yarn Phantom. The funny twist? He was nervous to even share his work at first. I told him about the Tedooo app, how it's full of makers like him, who lead with heart and thread. He downloaded it, just to lurk. Then one day he messages me: “I listed a few eggs. And someone in Ohio ordered ten.” Now he's got a tiny little shop on there. Doesn't even promote it much. But it’s there. Because sometimes, you can crochet your way into someone’s heart, and maybe even back into your own. So yeah. We got a guy. And honestly, every town should be so lucky.

Here are a few ways to show kindness every day:

Focus on others. Kindness puts others at the center. ...
Offer a helping hand. ...
Be there to listen. ...
Send care packages—no matter how small. ...
Stay connected. ...
Expect good things to happen and be a positive light. ...
Smile at others. ...
Compliment others.

In ending I read a story on Facebook that really resonated with me. Katie Sawyer, a hair dresser writes. "10 years ago, I had this tiny old man who would come through the drive-thru  every other day at the liquor store where I worked parttime. He wouldn’t even look at me, he would just hand me the money and say he wanted a six pack can of Natty. Now, I was at the store most days, and all of these weirdos were like my family. I have a lot of them on my Facebook even now, years later. So, like, you get it. I wanted everyone to be my friend.

It made me crazy he never even acted like he knew who I was. After about a year of this, I started asking him if he wanted to hear the daily joke from one of my other regulars. He wouldn't say yes or no, but he definitely heard me butcher the joke every time. I kept telling him all I wanted out of life was to catch him smiling as he drove away. He mostly just shook his head and asked if I would stop holding his beer hostage so he could leave. I told him some day he would probably not hate me.

We did this for maybe another two years. By now, I really thought he was tired of my crap. I still never got more than a head shake, because he stopped telling me what he wanted and would just hand me money. THEN, one day, he threw something at me after I lovingly slid the hostage beer into his lap. It was a shirt which said, 'BEER ANGEL.' My life was complete.
 Credit Katie Sawyer.

After this we never talked about it, but I would see him smile a little every time I wore it. He started warming up to me, I felt, and it only took four years. Every now and then he would hand me a stack of jokes he printed out from one of his emails. I was in. He would bring me little things here and there he said made him think of me, like a little figurine of a cow lifting weights, and a candle he found outside by his trash can. One time it was a Playboy I still have on my bookshelf, because he 'liked the girl's earrings.' I had never heard anyone laugh as hard as he did that day.

So, about six years into this drive-thru friendship, he asked if 'Purple' (my daughter Violet) and I would do him a favor. He handed me a debit card and a grocery list and told us we could spend $20 on ourselves if I could go to the store for him. He was on oxygen and just couldn’t even make it up to the door anymore. I literally jumped for joy as soon as I shut the window.

THEN he asked if I could cut his hair. He came into the shop a few times, but one day he was looking shaggy and said he didn’t think he could make it to the chair, unless I wanted to carry him. I told him I’d drag him all the way in on a blanket. He declined, so I told him I’d swing by his house after work. He greeted Violet and me (she was three at the time) with chocolates which had liquor in them. Again, I can still hear him cackling.

The last couple of years I would go to his house every few weeks and bring him lottery tickets and cut his hair while he did a crossword. I genuinely enjoyed him. He was funny without trying, and he was just awful in the best way. We would talk about our families and a lot of other weird crap. I was telling him about something my dad had said and referred to myself as 'Kate.' He said 'Is your name Kate??? I just thought it was 'bleep?' I told him my family all calls me Kate. It makes me feel loved.

A couple haircuts later, he hands me a cheque and as I walked out to the car and see he put 'Kate.' I cried. The last time I saw him he called me 'sweetheart' as I walked out. I looked back at him and really looked at him. So tiny and frail. I told him I preferred 'bleep”.

A couple weeks later, I drove to Dexter for his funeral. Only a few of his family and friends were there. I stood awkwardly off to the side, and I assumed everyone would think I was a freak show. I was sobbing. After the service everyone walked over to me and said, 'You must be Kate!! He talked about you all the time!!'

I have been thinking about Pete a lot lately. It has been a year now, but Violet and I talk about him often. I sure miss him.

Kate’s message- Please be kind to people. Obnoxiously, annoyingly, insanely kind."

Spreading Kindness Is a Choice that Takes Strength. Choosing kindness can transform our day and others'. Amen

ANTHEM: “Always Stay Humble and Kind”

You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
When childhood stars shine always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time, always stay humble and kind

[Chorus]
Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
You got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind

[Verse 2]
Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin', always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're going don't forget to turn back around
And help the next one in line, always stay humble and kind

INVITATION FOR OFFERING:  All that we have, all that we are, our feasting and fasting, we offer to God. Let us present our offerings. Kate Gregory, while at Belwood-Metz P.C.

OFFERING HYMN:  VU541 “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”

OFFERING PRAYER:  Gracious God, bless our rural church as we use these gifts to show love and kindness to our congregation, our community and to the world wherever we may be.

PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR PRAYER:  VU400 “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”

PRAYERS OF PEOPLE / LORD’S PRAYER:
Dear God, guide me to practice kindness daily. Grant me a gentle heart that seeks to understand and love others. Help me show kindness in my words and actions, reflect your love in all I do. Fill me with patience and compassion. Let go of past hurts and show kindness even to those who have wronged me. May I respond with kindness, even in challenging situations, up lift others and spread positivity. Help me be a source of comfort and support, showing kindness to those in need. May my acts of services be a reflection of your love and kindness, bringing joy and hope to those I help.

ANTHEM:  Be a Light by Thomas Rhett
In a time full of war, be peace. In a time full of doubt, just believe.
There isn’t that much difference between you and me
In a time full of war, be peace

In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)

In a place that needs change, make a difference. In a time full of noise, just listen
'Cause life is but a breeze, better live it
In a place that needs a change, make a difference….

In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Oh, don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light

La-la-la, la, la, la, la       La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la       La-la-la, la, la, la, la

In a world full of hate, be a light (oh-oh)
When you do somebody wrong, make it right.
Don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
Yeah, it's hard to live in color, when you just see black and white
In a world full of hate, be a light

On your way for coffee and cupcakes or going elsewhere - please stop by the kindness tree and pick a colored petal.  Each petal has a suggested kindness deed for the days ahead. Feel free to add another kindness deed on the blank side.  Return your colored petal anytime and take another one if you like.  The kindness tree will be here until June 22.  Have a kind week everyone !  

BENEDICTION:  May the spirit of kindness and compassion be with you, and may you find joy in sharing your love with others. May you be blessing to yourself, one another and the world!

SUNG COMMISSIONING:  VU 884 “You Shall Go Out with Joy”

This week’s bulletin has been sponsored by the Bee’s Knees Prayer Quilt Ministry

in appreciation of the support from our church family and community.

         "A Village Church With A Heart For The World"

Christ United Church

12 Perth St., Lyn, ON, K0E 1M0
(613)498-0281 (Phone)   (613)498-2589 (Fax)

 lynunitedchurch@cogeco.net               www.lynunitedchurch.com               Follow on Twitter:  @Ch1United