This Sunday we start our Thriving Churches Series, based on the book of the same name by Rev. Lorraine McKenzie Shepherd. This was Rev. Shepherd’s sabbatical project, based on United Churches across the country. Thriving Churches identifies characteristics shared by successful churches and common spiritual attributes that connect to the early churches, as described in scripture. Filled with concrete examples from congregations of various sizes, this book will inspire other churches.
The scripture for Sunday is Romans 12: 9-18 and the title of my reflection is What Does It Mean to Thrive? This week, we are going to take a dive into the spiritual aspects of thriving congregations.
I am delighted to relay the news that the Remit regarding the establishment of an Indigenous Church within the structure of the United Church has passed! You can read a bit more about it, including the responses of the National Indigenous Council here.
Here are a couple of photos from last week’s service, one of Jenn Adams sharing an update from the Transition Team and the other of Dale Hudson giving an overview of the renovations plans as they stand today. If you missed the service, you can always go back and watch it; those presentations start at the 50 minute mark. We will also supply a written update shortly.
Last month I received word that Joyce MacLean died, you may have already seen her obituary; you can read it here. Her family wanted to postpone the service until April, I’m meeting with them tomorrow, so this is a reminder that it will take place on April 20th at Mattatall’s @ 2 pm.
Thursday evening, I’m attending an event at Pier 21 sponsored by the United Church in their Flourishing Communities focus; this one is about healthcare, a couple of people from the congregation are attending that as well. On Saturday, I’m headed to Bedford United to take in at least part of the Flourishing Workshop that is taking place that day. It may inform what I preach about on Sunday!
St. James United Church Dartmouth 