People often ask me, “How is it that Brunswick Street United is still a church with only 15 regulars attending each Sunday night?” My response is this, there is no other church with our informal, circle-focused, approach to hearing the Good News of the Gospel. Further, many of our people would be lost in other churches, have been lost in other churches. Their voices are not heard, their discipleship not utilized, their presence largely ignored. At BSUC everyone around the circle participates in some way; either in our Bible study time from 6-7 pm or by actively leading some portion of the liturgy like a prayer or scripture reading or by their reflection in the sermon time, which is largely a shared experience of personal connections to the text and theme for the night. Grace is one of our members and her reflection below highlights the special quality of BSUC each Sunday night.
https://marconf.ca/33713-newsletter-unique-worship-at-brunswick-street-united-church/
Dear Kevin:
I will not be at the Thanksgiving Sunday service; I will be with my immediate family.
I noted the topic of your sermon: "What we are grateful for around this circle." I thought that I would send you some thoughts and you could share them on my behalf, perhaps one at a time, as folks go around the circle…Thank you in advance.
Grace speaking:
First: I am grateful for the first person I met when I went to Brunswick Street United Church the first time, back in 1990; it was Hazel Andrews. She has been a dear friend ever since. Also I admire her loyalty and contributions to our church.
Second: As well, I'm grateful for the people in the circle week after week; I won't name you all but I feel the connection--we are like a family!
Third: I must salute our special minister Kevin who brings much enthusiasm, joy and variety into our mostly non-traditional worship services. I value the circle and the openness to express one's views/stories and to ask questions.
Four: There are other things I'm grateful for around this circle, but being conscious of time, I'll mention this last one. I find the experience of the Prayers of The People, either by Diane or Heather, to be most meaningful, powerful and inclusive.
Well, Five: I must add it's wonderful to have Emmanuel back with us!
Kevin, despite being with my family on Sunday evening, I'm sorry to miss this special time of sharing with those around our BSUC circle.
Blessings for Thanksgiving 2017 to all, Grace