Worship – We continue this week with the Theological Banquet series, this second course in our banquet focuses on those who identify as ‘ecumenical.’ Many of us know that word; it speaks to people of different faith traditions coming together for a shared purpose. It might look like gathering to pray for peace, organizing aid for those affected by a natural disaster, or gathering support to speak out at city hall and stand against a developer wanting to destroy natural habitat, such as Jill Brogan, who spearheaded Save Dartmouth Cove did. It’s World Food Day on October 16th, so as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we will also be looking at food security. The scriptures I’m using are: Micah 6:8, Isaiah 2:4, Luke 4:18–19 and my reflection title is Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice, which is the ‘tagline’ of the United Church of Canada.
With the renovations going on in the Lower Hall, I feel as if I’m living in one of those chapter books my son had as a child, Choose Your Own Adventure, except I’m not choosing any of them! Every time I come in, and I do pop in most days, there is something different to see and discuss. They are making great progress as they deal with the inevitable surprises that an old building brings.
This week I’m behind on many of my routine tasks, due to some other pressing issues, but the bulletin has been sent to Cathy and Dean, I’m was ready for the Study Group, and I have at least an idea of where I’m going with my reflection on Sunday. I’m tied up with some regional work all day Thursday, although as always available for by phone and email.
I’m looking forward to some Study Leave in a couple of weeks. I’ll be away from October 20-November 3. During that time, I’ll be doing a deep dive into Advent/Christmas planning, attending the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship in Toronto and perhaps take in some of the Interim Ministry Network’s Annual Conference via internet once I’m home. Rev. Stephen Fram is on call for Pastoral Emergencies, Rev. Renee Clark is leading worship the first week and Jackie Clark is leading worship the second week. The series I’m doing will be suspended for those two weeks and brought back when I return.
We are hosting somewhere between 17-20 for Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, and no, we don’t have that many chairs! 😉 We’ll borrow a table and some chairs from the church. Our place has become the family gathering place as it’s the most accessible (I have a sister-in-law in a wheelchair), it’s also the most open, so ‘building a longer table’ is possible.
Last but not least, here’s video introducing our new moderator. She and I were presidents of our respective conferences at the same time and I was deeply impressed by her faith and groundedness when we met. I look forward to her leadership over the coming three years.
This is one of my favourite fall photos, I found a heart shaped tear in an autumn leaf one day. I hope to get out on Monday for a drive to take in some of the brilliant colours.
St. James United Church Dartmouth 