“What will the future need from a congregation like ours?” What a profound question! It turns most visioning upside down and/or inside out. Instead of thinking what WE need/want, what is God calling us to be in the future. I encourage you to read the article that is linked; the question was posed by the Rev. Cameron Trimble, who heads up Convergence, a Church Coaching and Consulting organization.
Remember those miniature Jesus figures you got last year? As a bit of joke I hid one at my nail technician’s station back in June. She works at Allure, just a couple of blocks away from the church. Now, she’s more than just my nail person, a number of years ago, I presided at her marriage and then a few years after that, baptized their baby. Last Sunday, a woman showed up at church, and when I asked what brought her to church that morning… she told me that gets her nails done by the same woman, was intrigued by the little Jesus, and was told about me and the church I serve. You never know how small actions are going to connect with people!
Worship – The scripture this Sunday is Exodus 3:1–15, & 4:10–17; it’s part of Moses’ story. There is a burning bush and God’s voice, Moses tries to make excuses and God’s promise. There is also a troubling part about God promising a bunch of land… land that already had people living on it. It’s also the UN’s International Day of Peace and the theme is Act Now For a Peaceful World. I’ll try and make sense of both scripture and what’s going on in the world by Sunday!
Our church community has experienced the death of three members recently: Sondra MacLeod’s husband Donald, Eric Forbes, and Anna Belanger. Our prayers and sympathy surround and encompass them.
The week, as per almost all weeks, has been full! Bulletin prep and sermon pondering, Food Bank, an on-line meeting, phone calls, email, a Leadership Team meeting, preparation for a workshop I’m leading at an upcoming Clergy Retreat, preparation for the Worship Committee Meeting on Sunday after church and suddenly it’s Thursday!
St. James United Church Dartmouth 