Worship – This week we start a 5 week series entitled The Theological Banquet; it’s based on a book by the Rev. Janet Gear, a United Church minister, who did extensive research on the lived out theologies in congregations, theology is just a fancy word for what undergirds our faith and how we live it out. There is not a SINGLE right way to live our faith; her research uncovered 5 different ways that United Church people live out there faith, you can see them in the art work. On Sunday, I’ll be giving an overview and then we will be worshipping in the ‘ecclesial’ style, Fancy word for those who know how church runs and is supposed run, those who value learning and passing on the faith. We will also be celebrating communion.
My Week!
There is a LOT going on… renovations bring disruptions and interruptions to work flow and routine for all of us who use this building and as most of you know the Lower Hall has been inaccessible since Wednesday. While I have worked at home more often than usual this week, there are some things that I need to be here for, so I’m focusing on being calm and adaptable/flexible. As long as nobody takes my parking spot! 😉 This is what the minister’s new office looks like right now! There are also various pastoral concerns that are taking a great deal of my time and energy this week.
Sunday – I realize that most of you don’t know that I usually spend Sunday afternoon/evening updating the website with my reflection, creating the daily Facebook posts and doing some studying/reading for next week’s reflection. Last Sunday also included a trip to Milford to help them mark the closing of their building. It was spirit filled and poignant as different people shared their stories of faith and the impact that the church had had on them. Back in 1998, they took a chance on me, BEFORE I entered the Atlantic School of Theology, and invited me to preach every week. It was a three point charge, their minister did 2 services each Sunday and I did the third; they shaped me and formed and their influence continues.
Monday – I worked on the bulletin, which always takes a bit longer when we start a series and have communion, I prepared for the Theological Banquet Study Group, I worked on the Financial Reports for the Association of United Church Clergy,
Tuesday – I usually spend the National Truth and Reconciliation Day holiday attending and participating in some Indigenous activities, this year because of scheduling it was not possible, so I worked. I spent a little bit of time at the food bank, met with the Transition Team, met with the Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne, the Growth Animator for our region; she is our anniversary speaker, made sme phone calls and answered a pile of emails.
Wednesday – I led the first session of The Theological Banquet series and then shortly after that, I took the rest of the day off since I had worked the holiday, which is why this message is coming out a day late!
Thursday – First thing this morning was the Association of United Church Clergy meeting, getting ready for Sunday and being in contact with our Regional Executive Minister, and another week comes to a end… and another week where my reflection is only half finished, or is that half started?
St. James United Church Dartmouth 