During all the anxiety over the upcoming election in the US, I was heartened this morning by two things, kind words of feedback on the gathering words I offered yesterday where I invited people to hold the hands of another, and the celebration that took place at Sackville United Church following the end of the service.
Offering leadership each Sunday to three diverse communities of faith is challenging – offering such leadership in the manner that we are doing is exponentially harder! Over the past ten Sundays, I have been amazed time and again by the integration of what is offered each Sunday, even when the liturgy and reflection been created, largely Independent of one another. There is a synchronicity that occurs when we ground ourselves in the living Word. And yesterday, it would seem, that at least for one person, the prayers and reflection touched them deeply. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
On that note, please take time to offer feedback to the Commission on your experience of the Sunday Gatherings over the past weeks. If we are to continue to improve the experience we need your input. Follow the link below.
In Sackville on Sunday, following the benediction, the congregation celebrated with Wren as they shared publicly their new name and the pronouns they will use. The smiles in the photo below speak volumes about the value of being an affirming community of faith, of the place of trust and care that a congregation can offer one who is discerning their way in the world. Congratulations Wren! It is such a gift to have you as part of the community, to share the journey with you!!
As I write this morning, words don’t come easily, as like many of you, I am anxious about what tomorrow will bring as our neighbours to the south cast their ballots. Truth be told, I’ve been doing my best to avoid reading of or watching new items related to the election. Maybe in my anxiety I would do well to take my own advice… and hold the hand of another, give thanks and hold the world in care… may it be so…
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
This morning, I am in Moncton for meetings and pastoral visits. This evening I will gather with the Central United Church Council via Zoom for their monthly business meeting.
I will be in the office at Sackville United Church on Tuesday. At 10:30AM I will gather with the Lectionary Study Group and at 1:30PM I look forward to sitting with the Caregivers Circle as they hear a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick. At 6:30PM I will gather with the Collaborative Ministry Pilot Project Commission for their regular weekly meeting.
Wednesday will be another office day, gladly interrupted at 10AM with Coffee with Open Sky! The afternoon will be devoted to a few pastoral visits and in the evening at 6:30PM I will host the Collaborative Grounding meeting which is open to all by following this link.
On Thursday morning I’ll be in Moncton again for meetings and pastoral visits, working my way back to Sackville for my last visit of the day at 4:45PM.
On Friday I will join colleagues at Sackville United Church for “A Clergy Day for Rest and Renewal” which is being led by Natasha Pearen of Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council.
Saturday will be a day off and on Sunday I look forward to offering the reflection from Sackville United Church with Julia presiding at the liturgy from Central United Church.
Monday is a holiday, and I will be on Study Leave from November 12 to 16 and 18 to 23. I will be using this time for advance Advent preparations and for some much-needed rest. Julia will be available to attend to necessary meetings and pastoral concerns. I will be preaching on November 17th and 24th and hopefully the additional time for reflection does not result in overly long sermons on either of those Sunday mornings!!
Announcement from the Commission: Seeking Feedback
The Collaborative Ministry Pilot Project Commission is seeking your feedback in respect to your experience of the Sunday/Spirit Gatherings offered since September 1st 2024. You may follow this link to the confidential, anonymous, online survey, or you may complete one of the paper surveys available at the Church on Sunday mornings, and see that it is returned to one of the representatives to the Commission from your congregation. Commission members will ensure that the data is included with other submissions. This survey will open on October 28 and close at 5PM on November 10th. The Commission will provide a summary of the data to the Collaborative prior to the Town Hall Gathering that is planned for December 1st.
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