What a gift yesterday was – connecting with so many folk as we gathered after a time of extended summer sabbath. Seeing folk greet one another with warm embraces and share stories of summer experiences, hearing voice raised in song: ‘…welcome back… where everyone knows your name…’ The gift of community!
On Sunday evening after two Sunday gatherings and then visiting Mt. Allison Groups and Societies Fair where I mingled and handed out copies of the Community/Campus Social Justice Liaison position description that we hope to fill this week, Jen and I went out again to Vespers where the Chaplain, John Perkin reminded those gathered of the power of stillness as the light changes. As I sit here this morning watching the changing light of dawn I was reminded of these words from Henri Nouwen:
Solitude is very different from a ‘time-out’ from our busy lives. Solitude is the very ground from which community grows. Whenever we pray alone, study, read, write, or simply spend quiet time away from the places where we interact with each other directly, we are potentially opened for a deeper intimacy with each other.
I hope that in the fullness of the week that lies ahead you might find moments of solitude to study, pray, write or simply be quiet and enjoy the changing of the season.
Faithfully,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
Today after some time in the office answering emails and phone messages and a couple of meetings I will head to the Moncton hospital to do some pastoral visits there.
Tuesday includes a meeting of the Pastoral Relations Committee of Chignecto Presbytery followed by some reading a preparation time in the office. On Tuesday evening I’ll be wishing I had cable so I could watch the premier of First Contact on APTN. Here is a trailer. I did invite folk who have cable to send an email to the office if they’d be willing to host someone else in their home at 8PM tonight… if I get some invitations I will send them around by email. If for some reason you are unable to see the program on cable, all is not lost. All three episodes will be available on APTN to stream on September 17th. At the request of a couple of folk it has been decided to gather on Monday September 17th at 6:30PM to watch all three episodes as a group and share in discussion. Bring some snacks to share. We’ll have coffee and tea available.
On Wednesday I have meetings and visits planned for the day – with a couple of spots open for late afternoon. Would you like to see me and catch up? Do you know of someone that I should be attending to on behalf of the Church? Please let me know! On Wednesday evening I hope to take part in Creek Martin’s Sackville Chinese Culture Space.
Thursday is unplanned at this point – and has been my experience in the past, this is
sometimes when the most meaningful opportunities for ministry present themselves.
Friday and Saturdays will be days off and may involve assisting a family member in putting wood up for the winter and on Sunday (Food Bank Sunday) Janice MacLean will be leading both gatherings as I am required to chair a congregational meeting at the Church she is serving in Riverview and it seemed easiest to just switch pulpits…
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