Midweek Message-January 10

Worship – The scripture reading this week is Mark 1:1-12, the story of John baptizing Jesus and him being called Beloved and then sent out into the world. We too are beloved and sent into the world. We will have a Ritual of Healing/Reconciliation and Renewal of Baptismal Promises as part of our service. I’ve been your Intentional Interim Minister for a year now; the goals, in case you’ve forgotten them, or never knew them, are:

• Reacquaint us with the structures of the United Church , including structures of accountability.
• Acquire and strengthen decision-making skills and processes;
• Develop a new communication strategy, including emphasis on transparency and clear guidelines on confidentiality;
• Heal divisions that have arisen over the most recent pastorate;
• Renewal & Revitalization.

So, it seems now is a good time to ritualize our commitment to following a new way of being together. Every part of congregational life is affected when there is conflict; whether you were directly involved or not, it has an impact on how we live in community; I hope you all make being in church this Sunday a priority. 

My Week – You’re getting a more in-depth look at my week than usual.

Monday – Some of the things that I do every Monday include bulletin preparation, Power Point setup, updating the website and Facebook page, making sure posters are current, I also set out Star Words, as well as a invitation to take one, in the lobby of the CE Centre. There are so MANY people who are in the building that I want to take every opportunity to share God’s love with them. Joyce Wylie and I spent some time together working on new governance draft. This is probably the 4 draft after consultation with our regional representative, the Rev. Wendy Kean, as well as Wilf Laybolt from the Official Board.

Tuesday – Spent a short time at the Food Bank this week, as I had a Zoom call scheduled with the Rev. Faith March-MacCuish, the Executive Minister for Bermuda-Nova Scotia (BNS), I sent thank you cards to Rev. Rick Gunn and Rev. Kevin Little, as both their churches gave us lecterns to use when I inquired of my colleagues about the availability of a spare one. I also did a financial analysis of our givings according to age demographics, I’ll share more about that at a later date. I had an email exchange with one of the members of Dartmouth Players about the possibility of collaborating on a Christmas show; stay tuned for more details after I meet her next week.

Wednesday – I’m looking at some really interesting data from Stats Canada regarding the demographics at 1, 3, & 5 km radii around St. James, this will help us as we move forward. The Transition Team is meeting tonight. (Maybe!) Also doing some reading/research for Sunday and our upcoming series: Atomic Church!

Thursday – I have a couple of meetings and will try to tie up all the loose ends.

If you read only one article that I recommend this year, read this one! Can Christianity Be Deinstitutionalized?