Yesterday, Julia and I each reflected on Ecclesiastes 4:1, 4-12 with a focus on the last verse, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” You can read Julia’s reflection here, and Lloyd’s reflection here. Join us at noon to discuss these reflections as part of Lunch in the Advent Light. In-person at Central United or via Zoom. Unfortunately there continues to be technical issues at Central - but, as one person reminded me, our ‘issues’ pale in comparison the challenges others face and the larger global issues!
Yesterday following the gathering, the community of Central worked together to create Christmas Gifts for the Shut-In members of the community and began delivering them yesterday. Thank you, Claire, for organizing this, and thank you to all who contributed. I know these small gifts will be deeply appreciated by those who are alone.
One of my family traditions that has carried over into the homes I have shared, is that of extending the table at Christmas time (and at other times – Jennifer is used to me saying, ‘So and so might be coming for dinner…”).
Growing up in Pleasant Grove, Peter Kozak, a Ukrainian immigrant lived at the corner of the York and Pleasant Grove Roads. Each year our family would invite Peter to Christmas dinner, each year he would decline and each year my brother or I would deliver Christmas dinner to him, and each Christmas, when I did the delivery, Peter would give me a little shot of moonshine, and say, ‘celebrate the Holy Birth with me’.
When, my former wife, Anna and I, moved to Fairfield Road in Sackville, our new neighbour was Hughie Hicks. Hughie quickly became a friend, always ready to help with any project I might be working on. On Christmas Eve we would stop in and drop off a little gift and invite him to join us for Christmas Dinner. He came once, and every Christmas Eve thereafter, he would decline, and every year thereafter we would take dinner over to him on Christmas Day. Hugh died when I was serving the congregations of Parrsboro Shore Pastoral Charge and I was so sad that I didn’t learn of his death until months later.
Consider for a moment how many people you know who are alone. How might you extend your table, extend the circle of love? Those who are newly widowed or separated. Those who have been alone for years – we all desire connection, even if that connection is simply being invited. And as it was for me, maybe you in the giving, will be the one who receives the gift: ‘celebrate the Holy Birth with me’.
Happy Advent,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
I have adjusted my schedule and will be working between home and the office in Sackville today. At 9am Julia and I have our staff meeting and at noon we will gather for Lunch in the Advent Light. Join in-person or via Zoom!
I have three pastoral visits scheduled for tomorrow following the Lectionary Study Group at 10:30am. You can join in shaping the Sunday reflections! Here is the Zoom link.
On Wednesday I will am homing to schedule a few more visits in the late morning and in the evening I will gather with the QS4A group for their Holigay Christmas Potluck Dinner.
Thursday morning will be devoted to writing a reflection for Sunday and on Thursday at 2:30pm and 6:30pm I will gather with Peg to offer leadership at our final two Grief and Loss Support Group for this series.
Friday and Saturday will be days off – and if we follow past practices – the weekend of Joy Sunday will see us put up our Christmas tree!
I will be with the communities of Central and Visions at Visions United on Sunday morning and Julia will be at Sackville United. The service for this Sunday will be live-streamed from Visions United.
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