Worship – This week you are going to hear Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23… if you were in church 2 Sundays ago, it was read then to set up the story of Jacob, but I didn’t preach on that section. This week I’m preaching on that part. It’s a story of betrayal and trickery. Themes that are part of the story of Truth and Reconciliation. My reflection title is Learn and Unlearn. We are marking Orange Shirt Day or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, so don’t forget to wear an orange shirt.
My Week
Monday – I was at a Clergy Retreat where I led a workshop entitled Art As a Spiritual Practice, it was my own design and I was delighted that folks found meaning and value in in. I may offer it to you folks as well one afternoon.
Tuesday – The day started early with a meeting with Dale Hudson, Murray Wylie and the contractors to review plans and coordinate schedules and much to my surprise they started right away! This is the Choir Room. Cathy and I may be working from home a fair bit over the next while if it’s going to be noisy and disruptive. Probably the best way to contact the office will be by email, although if you leave a message on the phone, Cathy will be checking those regularly too. As always will be able to reach me on my cell 2 902-483-1422 or email reverendcatherinemacdonald@gmail.com.
I also created the bulletin, participated in a Zoom call with other Intentional Interim Ministers and then last night attended a lecture by Matthew Anderson at the Atlantic School of Theology based on his book: The Unlikely Kinship of Leonard Cohen and the Apostle Paul, which explores their shared themes of mysticism, faith, and human imperfection. The book draws surprising connections between the two figures, examining their Jewish heritage, their complicated ideas about sex and love, their grappling with divinity, and their roles as poets and prophets. (Google) There are another five sessions in the series, I’ve been listening and loving Leonard Cohen for over 50 years and was actually the driver behind this series at AST. Any Leonard Cohen fans in the congregation? I’d love to do a series on the book!
Wednesday – It was my turn to do the weekly Spiritual Reflection for United Churches for Dartmouth; I’ve included it here for those of you who don’t have Facebook. It’s a shorter version of my reflection in church my first week back.
It was also Wellness Wednesday, the first one of the season, many thanks to Joan Clark and Jackie Clark for making soup, setting up etc. Ian MacVicar was back to lead us in yoga, Les Keays-White was the featured speaker, it was a very interesting talk about the Indigenous Medicine Wheel.
I created some promo material, updated the website, started work on the Theological Banquet series I’m offering next week.
Thursday – I’ll be meeting with Kathy Ibel to show her an streamlined way to summarize the various reports that the members of the Leadership Team send in ahead of the meeting, in order for that information to be included in the Summary Report that is distributed to the congregation. It will be the day that all the last minute details for worship get sorted out. I have to start thinking about packing up my office and wonder what will fit in the new office space and what won’t.
And phone calls, and emails, and people knocking on my door, and a multitude of other things that don’t fall neatly into any category… ministry… 😉
St. James United Church Dartmouth 