Good Monday morning to each of you! It is another new day, full of the unknown and possibility as the dawn breaks and the light changes, in the small window above me as I type these words.
I am so very grateful for your faithfulness – your willingness and the willingness of our siblings in faith, Central United and Visions United, to breathe deeply of the Spirit and step together into the future in trust and hope – but as I said to someone after the meeting last evening, “What choice do we have?” We cannot choose not to breathe (Well we can – but try it and see how long you can hold your breath…) and, standing still is not an option in this fast-moving world… move with the Spirit or risk getting left behind or run over!
Change is scary. I know it. Change is hard. I know that too. But it is possible when we love one another.
There is a song that I have returned too often in these past tumultuous days, and I’ll likely return to it many more times in the days to come. I first heard in an episode of the Netflix series, Virgin River… and I had to go find it and make sure I was hearing it correctly (because I often don’t hear music lyrics correctly). The music seemed to match my worry and uncertainty and yet, it wrapped my heart in hope and assurance –
And yes, while lyrics refer to a couple and their relationship, it could equally (as it is for me) be about a community and their relationship with one another and with the mystery we name as God… (YouTube Link)
We'll Make It Through by Ray LaMontagne
Had our share of the pain
Of the clouds, and the rain
Lean on me
And I'll lean on you
And together, we'll get through
We always do
We always do
I know you're scared 'cause
You can't see the light
You toss and turn through the night
Holdin' me
And I'm holdin' you
And together, we'll get through
We always do
We always do
We always do
Where do you go, when there's no road to follow?
Faces look hollow, only strangers to you, now
Where do you turn, when this livin' starts to burn through
Layers that you learned wrap around your heart somehow
I turn to you
I always do
I always do
I turn to you
I know you're scared
Can't see the light
Gotta believe it's gonna be alright
Lean on me
And I'll lean on you
And together, we'll get through
We always do
We always do
We always do
We'll make it through
We always do
We always do
Friends, may seek the light always in one another, lean on one another and on God and trust that we’ll make it through…
In faith, trust and hope,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
I am in the office this morning and over lunch will meet with United Church ministry colleagues who are connected to Sackville United Church – eight of us if we all show up – a gift for sure! This afternoon I have a meeting in Moncton and will visit two members of the community who are in hospital there.
On Tuesday I will host the Lectionary Study Group via Zoom from home and spend the rest of the day editing Stories of Faith and Stewardship videos.
Wednesday afternoon will be devoted to pastoral visits and in the evening, I will gather with the Executive for their monthly Grounding Meeting. Please continue to hold the Executive in your care and prayers as they seek to make faithful decisions to support the ministry of the congregation.
Thursday will be spent working from home as I craft a funeral liturgy and reflection for a funeral that is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and the liturgy and reflection for our Sunday Gathering.
On Saturday morning from 9AM through to 11:30AM, I will be at the Church with members of the Executive, the Worship and Sanctuary Committee and hopefully, many others including you, to clean the sanctuary space and outside grounds around the Church!
And on Sunday we will gather in community once again to open ourselves to God’s call on our lives and discern where we are being led to serve next… and at 3PM you are invited to join Jennie and I as we offer leadership at a Sunday Gathering at the Drew Nursing Home.
