This is the last week of the series on the Parables, this time it’s the parable of the Great Feast, where the invited guests make up excuses as to why they can’t come at the last minute. And the host commands his servants to go out into the streets and gather up anyone who is available. I’m really wrestling with this parable, have done a lot of research and reading and presumably will have something to say on Sunday! We are also celebrating communion on Sunday, I will bake the bread that we kneaded our prayers into a couple of weeks ago.
I seem to have been rushing around all week… many phone calls, many emails, many drop in visitors, many hospital and pastoral visits. That has taken the bulk of time this week.
You’ll see this picture on screens this week, but I wanted to share it here too. The Food Bank received packages of this unfamiliar dough. Ali knew what it was, and told Lynne Travers, who took a package home and made it and the Food Bank crew all enjoyed it! Unfortunately I missed out, as I was working at home that day!
On Saturday, I’m attending the Christian Leadership Fellowship Brunch in Dartmouth. I’m not sure what to expect, but it’s always a good idea to foster relationships with other clergy in the city.
For those of you who are wondering what’s happening for worship after I leave, and my last day in the office will be June 24th, St. James will join Grace for worship from June 28-July 26th. Rev. Judith Perry, who has led worship in the summer in the past, will lead worship August 2-30th and cover emergency pastoral care. The Leadership Team is working on securing a Supply Minister from September-December while making decisions about permanent ministry needs.
Carmen Lansdowne, former Moderator of the United Church has started a Substack and I appreciate all that she has written on church and leadership, I was struck my this one in particular about what kind of story we are telling. You can read it HERE; it’s particularly important as churches think about the future.
St. James United Church Dartmouth 