It has been a privilege these past two Sunday mornings to eavesdrop on so many conversations, listening two Sundays ago as people speak of what they value about this community called Sackville United Church and the larger community of Sackville, and this past Sunday, of the challenges we face as local and global community. You can participate in the ongoing conversation by participating in the Zoom conversation this evening at 7PM or, by responding to the questions using this webform.
And, if you’d like to participate in the eavesdropping and listen in to what others are saying, go to the bottom left corner of this page, There you’ll see links to the compilations of the responses to the various questions the summary generated by the Task Group. And, as always, if you think there is something that has been missed, please email the Secretary of the Task Group, Rebecca Houtsma.
This coming Sunday, the third Sunday of Lent we’ll hear a story of one woman’s encounter with Jesus as recorded in the gospel of John (4:5-42). I am struck by the cultural, religious, and societal boundaries Jesus crosses by leading his disciples through Samaria. And then, in the heat of midday, he seeks out connection with a Samaritan woman drawing water from the well. He shares a conversation, and his request of her is also a question, and an invitation to a new way of life: Will you give me a drink? For the woman, to respond is risky but life-changing. This question creates a dialogue between them in which Jesus sees the woman fully; she leaves the well transformed.
What boundaries do we need to cross? What encounters do we need to be open to so that we might experience one another fully and share life-giving water? Perhaps answers to these questions will become clearer in our conversations this coming Sunday.
Faithfully,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
This morning I am working from home (I have been since 4:30AM – interrupted by a trip to the gym). The morning has been spent writing, messages and musings and planning for the week. This afternoon I am off to Moncton for a meeting and this evening I will gather with the Mission and Ministry Task Group to host the second Zoom conversation as we reflect on these questions: What are the challenges facing Sackville United Church? What are the challenges facing the larger community? What are the challenges for those participating online? What is happening in the larger world that contributes to and/or threatens a healthy world? The room will be open at 6:30PM for some social time and we will begin in earnest at 7PM. Follow this link to take part. Hope to see you there.
I will be in the office Tuesday morning with meetings at 9AM (Pastoral Contact Team), 10:30AM (Lectionary Study Group), 12PM (Funeral Planning), and 2PM (Regional Task Group) and then at 6:30PM I will gather with the Lenten Study Group for Session 2 as we continue to explore a ProFuture Faith with Michael Dowd.
Wednesday morning, I will gather with the Seniors Sharing the Table and Open Sky for coffee and conversation – you’re invited too! The afternoon schedule is up in the air as we await registrations for the Mid-Week, Mid March Break Youth Event. A decision will be made later today (Monday).
Thursday, as has become my custom, will be a work from home day as I craft a reflection and liturgy for Sunday. On Thursday evening I will meet with the Mission and Ministry Task Group as they continue their work.
Friday and Saturday will be days off… going to bed early on Saturday night as on Sunday morning the clock spring forward! Hope to see you then!!
A window at St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Princes Risborough UK