Worship – We continue with our Six Stone Jars series on the Abundance of Jesus by marking Black History Month with reflections from Black United Church people from across the church. The scripture reading is Luke 6: 17-26 – The ‘Sermon on the Plain’ Blessings and Woes. I will offer a few reflective words as well.
I’m back to work today and this morning (Wednesday) I was invited to the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia Breakfast. From the invitation: This breakfast gathering will bring together community champions like yourself to foster connections and discuss impactful initiatives. At the event, you will engage with a small group of like-minded individuals, hear inspiring stories of impact, and gain valuable insights and tools that can be transformative for the community. We aim to provide a fresh perspective on sustainably investing in the priorities that matter most to you. That’s Daniel Holland, CEO in the photo.
It was held at the Kiwanis Building by Lake Banook. I walked in, not knowing anyone, took off my coat and headed into the room. The first person who saw me, put her hand on my arm and said, “I love your collar.” I said thank you and we chatted for a few minutes. Five people that morning made a point of mentioning my collar, which has left me wondering if I should wear it more often. I always make a point of wearing it if I’m representing the church in some way, but often I find myself out and about, or just encountering people in the building. As someone else there said, “It tells me you’re a safe person.” I also made a connection with someone who may speak at our Pride Service on March 16th
This afternoon I met with the Property/Renovation Committee to get an update on what’s going on with the various aspects of the renovation plan. There will be a written summary in the next couple of weeks.
This evening I’m writing a reflection for Virginia Cameron’s funeral tomorrow, I didn’t quite get away last week on Wednesday. I had popped into the church to finish up a few things from the day before and received the phone call regarding Virginia’s death, so I went over the Mattatall’s right away and visited with her daughters.
Thursday morning is the quarterly Zoom meeting of the Division of Ministry Services: I chair Future Directions which is part of that division. Noon is another Zoom call of the United Church Interim Ministers, but I’m not sure if I’ll get to that if the funeral goes ahead. Thursday afternoon is Virginia Cameron’s funeral, providing the weather cooperates.
Study Leave – My plans were to get ready for Lent/Easter as well as take a couple of days of silent retreat. What did I ACTUALLY do? 😉
- I put together the Order of Worship and Power Point for this coming Sunday, knowing that I was coming back to a full schedule on Wednesday.
- Made plans/decisions for Lent/Easter
- Visited the Food Bank at Stairs to see their new set up, a set up we had first envisioned while I was their minister.
- Read most of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Budde in preparation for the Lent Study Rev. Stephen Fram and I will be offering and made some promo material for it.
- Made plans for a ‘Plan Your Own Funeral Party!’
- Went on my silent retreat, where I read parts of several different books, wrote bits and pieces that may or may not find their way into worship and preaching over the next little while, pondered and prayed.
St. James United Church Dartmouth 