Have Mercy
Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus forms the church to be a community of practical and active mercy. New Testament scholar Warren Carter describes mercy as transformative and life-giving. Mercy takes notice of those struggling for life on the margins of our economy. Mercy forgives, abundantly. Mercy extends love, even to enemies. Mercy embraces immigrants and strangers. Mercy invites us to tables of abundance with our neighbours.
On Sundays in Lent, FBCH will reflect on Parables of Mercy in Matthew’s Gospel. We will also learn more about organizations in our neighbourhood offering mercy through acts of justice-love as we lift up prayers for practical mercy in our city.
Opportunities to Gather
Ash Wednesday Service
February 22 at 12:15 (in person and online)
Worship Guide
YouTube Link
Sunday Gathering
Worship at 10:30am
Godly Play and Crèche for Children
Midweek Compline (Contemplative Prayer) on Zoom
Wednesdays at 8:30pm
Click Here for More Information
Queer Spirit Church Worship Services
Wednesdays March 1 and April 5 at 6:30pm
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae and Communion
April 6 at 7:30pm
Good Friday Neighbourhood Walk
Meet at FBCH at 10:00am
Join the FBCH community for a Good Friday walk of mercy. We will depart the church parking lot and walk to the organizations we have learned about during Lenten worship. At each location, we will be reminded of the mercy the organizations offers our neighbours and take time for silent prayer and reflection. Please email Rusty if you plan to walk with us.
Sermon Series
February 26: Matthew 18:15-35
Have Mercy: Hands off Their Throat
March 5: Matthew 20:1-16
Have Mercy: It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
March 12: Matthew 22:1-14
Have Mercy: What Are You Wearing
March 19: Matthew 25:1-13
Have Mercy: Are You Awake
March 26: Matthew 25:31-46
Have Mercy: You Know Now
April 2: Matthew 21:1-17
Have Mercy: Turmoil
Mercy in the Neighbourhood
February 26: The Diamond Bailey House
5853 College Street
The Diamond Bailey House is a supportive, transitional housing facility that run by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. The main floor of the building operates as a cultural programming space for Indigenous residents, the next level has 11 dormitories, and the top floor consists of 10 bachelor units.
March 5: Dal Multifaith Services – Monday Meals
1246 LeMerchant Street (Dal International Centre)
Dalhousie Multifaith Services offers an open door to all Dalhousie and King’s students, staff, and faculty — no matter what their faith, philosophy, or doubt may be. We support the spiritual wellness of students and staff and the creation of safe space on campus. We do this by providing private counseling and immediate crisis response; promoting opportunities for inter-faith dialogue and spiritual development; working cooperatively with partners on and off campus; offering programs and events designed to develop respect and understanding between and among people of diverse spiritual and religious backgrounds.
The Monday Meal is an opportunity to provide free, warm meals to students who may be struggling financially, and it is sponsored by the University’s Multifaith Service.
March 12: Spencer House
5596 Morris Street
Spencer House strives to be a reliable, safe, and inclusive space for our senior friends and neighbours in the community, enabling them to age in place with dignity and respect. Monday through Friday at 12:00 PM, a hot lunch made in the Spencer House kitchen is served in the Today Café. The meals usually include a protein (meat or fish), a carb (potato, rice, or noodle), & vegetable along with tea/coffee and dessert.
March 19: Phoenix Centre for Youth
6035 Coburg Road
Phoenix is a non-profit, community based organization located in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth between the ages of 11 and 24, their families, and communities across multiple locations in Halifax. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has unique needs and personal strengths. We believe that people are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.
March 26: Ronald McDonald House
1133 Tower Road (new building under construction on South St. across from IWK)
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Atlantic helps families with ill or injured children stay together and near the medical care they need. Programs include Ronald McDonald House, a “home-away-from-home” for out of town families with sick children, and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, an oasis of calm and support inside the hospital.
April 2: Queer Spirit Church
1300 Oxford St. (FBCH)
Queer Spirit Church (QSC) is a ministry of FBCH founded by Lic. Arla Johnson, our Minister of Inclusive Community. QSC gathers for worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month and has recently expanded to include weekly gatherings for Bible study and fellowship.