On Thursday afternoon last week, I gathered with others who are part of The Cottage, a community created by Dianna Butler Bass. At this gathering she hosted Norman Wirzba, of Duke University, author of Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis. I have since ordered the book and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
“You don’t have hope; it’s not like a vaccine or medicine you can take. Hope begins with the question: What do you love? …It grows when you work with others to activate that love.”
What do you love?
I love this Church that I am a part of, this United Church of Canada, specifically the three communities of faith that I am privileged to serve, Central, Sackville and Visions. And I, with so many of you, am working to ensure that our presence and ministry makes a meaningful difference in the larger world.
I love this country and along with so many others, am fearful as a result of the threats made my the Present Occupant of the White House. The flames of my patriotism have been fanned, and I am working to finding ways to stand tall in our national identity.
Friends, so many of us are weary and worried. Some of us are growing downright afraid for the future – and at times like this we need each other more than ever. This truth was lived out in the early Church. In the book of Acts, we read that “all the believers were together and had everything in common… they gave to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45). They believed. They believed in hope, and they didn’t wait for permission to help each other, they just did it. Because love—real, messy, practical love—calls us to action.
So, here is my proposal: beginning Thursday February 27th lets gather weekly on Thursday mornings at 10:00AM via Zoom to sit in a virtual circle together and cultivate hope by sharing stories of what we love and how we are working with others to nurture that love.
Here is the Zoom link: Cultivating Hope: What do you love? Thursday mornings at 10AM.
We’ll gather for no more than 45 minutes. I will begin with a quote or poem after which we will share stories of what we love and how we are working with others to nurture that love. And, as we reach the 45-minute mark I’ll close with a prayer or another brief poem.
In desperate need for hope and love for you and with you,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
This week I am away on approved leave, at the direction of the Ministry and Personnel Committee and the Commission, availing myself of time off as a result of worked overtime hours – and yes, Jennifer and I both need the break.
If there are pastoral or administrative needs, please reach out to Julia. I will return on Sunday February 23, whereupon I will be providing leadership at Central United Church at 10:30AM.
Watch for my regular Monday Musings on February 24th. And plan now to attend the Ash Wednesday Wondering event: A Simple Supper & Conversation on Wednesday March 5th at Visions United Church in Moncton!
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