Musings... On Transformation

This morning on the drive to Moncton I noticed it again. Jen had pointed it out on Monday morning when we were driving home from the trailer but I was distracted. This morning I noticed it again – and it stuck me hard: the leaves they are changing.

They are transforming into their autumn glory with such grace and beauty. If only I could embrace change with such grace.

Thich Nhat Hahn, Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet, and teacher, who founded the Plum Village Tradition, writes, “The secret of transformation is in the way we handle this very moment.

Sit with that for a moment.

The secret of transformation is in the way we handle this very moment.

Over the next six weeks there will be many moments where we will be invited to be fully present and honest, as we consider together the experience of being part of a Collaborative Ministry Pilot Project.

Thank you to Audrey Lounder who will be facilitating congregational conversations at Sackville United Church on September 7, Central United Church on September 14, and Visions United Church on September 21.

Thank you as well to Audrey, Marlene MacLeod and Beverley Daley who will each be present with one of the three congregations on October 5 for their congregational meetings as Liaisons from the Pastoral Relations Committee.

We will be changed.

We are changed – and the secret of transformation into beauty and service in the world is the way we handle this very moment. May it be so.

Lloyd 

Looking Ahead

Jen and I marked Labour Day by doing some yard work and house work as we prepared to settled back into fall routines.

Today I was in Moncton for meetings and pastoral visits. On Wednesday I will be in Sackville for the morning and in the afternoon, I will be working on crafting the liturgy for Sunday from home.

I am taking Thursday as a personal day off so that I can support my daughter as she returns to college for the year! So excited for her!

Friday and Saturday will be days off and on Sunday I look forward to presiding at the liturgy from Visions United Church as Julia offers the reflection from Central United Church.

In testament to the changing seasons and the return to fall routines the committees and governing bodies begin meeting again next week after a much-needed summer pause.

On Monday evening both Central Council and Visions CLT will meet. Lloyd will be present with the Central Council and Julia will be present with the Visions CLT. On Thursday September 11 the Collaborative Commission will meet and Julia and Lloyd will both be present with Julia assuming the chairperson role.