It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - The Rest of the Story.

 

Rev Cathy Reflects

Wednesday December 8, 2021  

                Christmas is just 3 weeks away and the Hallmark

Romance movies are on every two hours. These movies show people falling in love during the Christmas season based upon specific situations and circumstances. The scenery is usually somewhere in Canada in the winter and of course Christmas carols play throughout reminding us that there is a reason for Christmas and it is Jesus’ birth!

                A minister in Wayland, Massachusetts write a hymn 1849 as the Industrial Revolution had arrived in the New England states. Edmund Hamilton Sears saw the challenges and changes around him, as many people had left their home farms and began to move west to find better soil.  Others left their land and entered the mills and factories only to endure long days of labour. There was much social upheaval because of the Industrial Revolution. There was also a sense of loss and wonder. Leaving the agrarian lifestyle brought many challenges but when the words were sung from the heart, a stirring of hope was made possible. ‘It came upon the midnight clear/ that glorious song of old”. It was just 12 years later when the American Civil War began and in those years, though the words were filled with despair, there was also message of hope!

‘beneath life’s crushing load... who toil  along the way,

-- hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing.”       

 All that is being asked is simply to listen:  “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. “(Luke 2:10-11)

Listen to the words of the angels- rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing!

What is the song of the angels? What song are longing to hear them sing?

The song of the angels rings out loudly as we pray, sing and celebrate Jesus’ birth. Are we ready to sing like the angels? Jesus is born. Thanks be to God!

PRAYER God of grace we praise you that the song of the angels is still heard in the hearts of many people. Be with us O God as we strive to know this song as we seek Christ within us. Bless us we pray in the name of Jesus, the Promised One! Amen.

The Back Story: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Rev Cathy Reflects

Wednesday December 1, 2021  

                Christmas is four weeks away and for some radio stations

and television channels, the music of this special season has already been playing for two weeks. There are numerous ‘covers’ of Frosty the Snowman, and  “White Christmas” sung by many artists. But of course once cannot forget, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” as one of the classic songs!

                Throughout Advent, I will be sharing the stories behind the beloved carols/ hymns of Christmas unfortunately which are not as well known as they once were. But these songs have withstood the test of time because of their melodies, lyrics and mostly the memories which they stir up in our hearts.

The hymn,  “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, was written in 1868 by Phillips Brooks. He was the minister of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. Having traveled to the Holy Land three years before, he wrote this hymn recalling the peaceful view of 19^th Century Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine. The lyrics describe the dark and quiet beauty of this little town, which welcomed the Infant Jesus as the angels watched. The melody gives us a peaceful approach to the words and offers a prayer of thanksgiving with hope.

One verse of this hymn, which is rarely sung, teaches us Jesus’ purpose in coming to us and how Christmas comes to us all again.

Where children pure and happ,y  Pray to the blessed  child,
Where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching,   And faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.

As we sing this hymn, let us remember that Christmas can come again in our human hearts. All we need to do is pray:

“O holy child of Bethlehem! Descend to us (me), we(I) pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in me (us) today.” Amen.

May God comfort and keep you in these days of hope and peace

He is the Christ

 He is the Christ

                Who do people say that Jesus is? One person

answered his name is Christ for a reason—he is the Messiah.  But what does this really mean? Christ Messiah—they are the same because Jesus is the Anointed One, the one born to die to rise again. He is the Son of God and yet one with God.

                There are many names used as others tried to define Jesus. He himself used different examples so that people would figure out who he is for themselves. This was so that they could relate to Jesus in the way they felt comfortable. Jesus is our Shepherd, the gate, the Way, truth and life. When others called Jesus the King of Kings those who inherited the throne of leadership, objected. It was this group of people who saw their leadership being threatened, yet Jesus calmed them down by saying that his kingdom was not of the earth, but of heaven. So we might ask who is Jesus who we call King of Kings?

                Jesus is the human form of God, born of the woman Mary, raised by faithful Joseph along with siblings. Yet his purpose was not to live an ordinary life, but to change people’s lives from the ordinary to lives filled with hope. God knew that the creatures the people he made cycled back and forth in disobedience to his teachings. He loved the world he made and so in time Jesus was born as a human baby. He was the promised Messiah that one people had waited generations to see. Many believed that he would change the world by using the structures of power in the world. But, this was not God’s plan for Jesus.     

                Yes Jesus would change the world, but through his sacrificial death and resurrection.  It is through Jesus’ death there is hope for the world. It is through his resurrection that we have received the gift and hope of life eternal. But we must believe in Jesus’ purpose and that he is God’s Son, our Saviour.

                As we approach Reign of Christ Sunday- take time to reflect on how Jesus is your king, the Promised One the messiah for your life. If you are unsure, what does it mean to follow Jesus knowing that he came to save His people and that they would receive abundant life through Him.

                Who is Jesus for you? Shepherd, king, messiah, friend, way..?

PRAYER

God of grace we give thanks that you fulfilled your promise to us in giving us Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. Help us to see him for who he is as your Son and our hope. We praise you God and thank you. Amen.

We Will Remember Them

 

Remembrance November 10, 2021

We will remember them.

                These are the words spoken as part of the Traditional
Act of Remembrance, which will be enacted across the country on November 11. But who and what are we remembering?

                People will respond to this by saying those men and women who fought and died on foreign lands in order to maintain and save our way of living. What about the many who fought and were wounded or returned home with invisible wounds? Are we remembering them and honouring them as well?

                As the trumpet plays “The Last Post” hearts become heavy when we recall the many who have served, died and left many grieving.  For many years this Act of Remembrance has called us together as a country and we do so out of gratitude because of the lives we are now able to lead. Those who served did so, for the purpose of caring for the futures of the next generation. They had no idea if they would be the parents of that generation, but through time, some did, many did not.

                Songs of lament or grief are often shared at Remembrance Services to remind us that this is not a time of celebration and joy; but a time of mourning the losses endured by Canada as a whole throughout its history. Men and women left the country on an adventure, but instead of seeing the sights of foreign lands, they became a part of the world history and the casualty count.

                Remembrance Day is significant as we need to continue to support our troops, to encourage those who are willing to serve and to be thankful that they need. Wearing a poppy is a visible sign of your support of veterans who served in the past and those serving today. It is also important to show you are willing to listen and learn. For many of us cannot remember, so we must think. Let us remember this as we reflect on the words by John McCrae: “In Flanders Fields”.

PRAYER

God of love we give thanks for those men and women who gave their lives for the sake of others. Help us to honour them and remember them with hope for the future. May peace prevail on earth. Amen.

A Review of the Old Testament for Modern Times

 

November 3, 2021            Bible Course

                Last week a small group gathered in the parlour of

our church to begin again a Bible program which was developed in England and is now being distributed through the Bible Societies around the world. The Bible Course is an overview program which describes the themes of the Bible broken down into sections so that those not familiar with the Bible will have a new understanding of what is contained in God’s Word.

But what is our purpose in doing this program? The purpose is to reacquaint ourselves with God’s story as to what was, and is known in human history. Before the pandemic, we had made our way through the Old Testament and comments made varied about what had been shared so far. But, because it is over a year and half ago since we started, we decided to recap the Old Testament again.

What is the fall of man? What is the covenant God made with Abraham and Noah? What kind of relationship does God really want with us, the creature he created in His image? Many people might say that these topics are not relevant to the world of the 21^st century, yet they are because if we truly had taken responsibility of caring for God’s creation we would not be facing climate problems today.

But like the story goes, we learn from mistakes of the past in order not to repeat them!

                Those participating in this course are starting to connect with the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil as well as the Tree of Life in Genesis and in the vision of Revelation. We have also recognized that God – as Creator the Son and Spirit was present at the time of creation. It is in time that God sends Jesus to earth to save and redeem us.

Just how wonderful are the words of the Bible. But they are only wonderful if we take the time and read them every day! There is so much knowledge in them that we often forget what we read earlier, but there is always something new as we take on and learn different perspectives. We must read the Bible and discover what the text says itself. What is the story, the characters doing? And then we must then ask, now what? What does this passage mean for our lives today?  This is how we listen for God’s Spirit to open our minds and hearts to what God is trying to teach us.

These past weeks we have been singing the hymn “Wonderful Words of Life”; a hymn which reflects how we communicate with each other and especially how we learn from God and relate with Him. The Bible gives us stories of people who lived in different eras in history. Yet many of them face similar situations as we do and we can connect because we are all a part of human history. God made us all, and so we need to understand this for who we are and who we might become in our lives.

What does it mean to hear the story and interpret it for us today? It means listening to what is read and shedding light upon it from today’s perspective. For we must remember that even two years ago we would never have thought that the world would be in lockdown and pandemic was a word used in science fiction. Perspective has also called us to reflect upon our relationships with family members and friends. And hopefully the relationship you have with God! Let us remember this as we take time to read the Bible and know who you are as a child of God.

PRAYER
God of grace encourage us to take the time each day to read the Bible and understand it from our 21^st century eyes. Show us what we need to know today, and teach us with love and hope how we are able to grow in relationship with you. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

95 Thesis - Reformation

 

Oct 27, 2021       95 Theses

 95 Theses were posted on the doors of Wittenberg

Church in Germany on October 31, 1517 by Martin Luther, a monk serving his church. These theses were concerns and complaints Luther had against the established church of the time and wanted to bring about change in what people should believe about God. People believed that God would punish them for every mistake they made and this lead to people being afraid of God. Luther served as a monk and through his work he helped the poor, studied and read the Bible. One of the common practices at the time was the buying/ selling of indulgences which was a way of paying money and being told you were forgiven. This was not what Luther learned from his work and so began his theses.

                This act of posting his concerns on the church doors was significant because Luther knew that many people would read it during the next day’s All Saints services. When people read it, there was disagreements and yet there were also others who supported Luther. Eventually Luther left the established church and the Reformation of the church was begun.

                The Christian church has had many challenges and changes through its history. Even today there is he question of whether the Church will survive the global pandemic. But this is not the question to ask, it is whether our faith will remain steadfast or become stronger. Maybe as the world emerges from global lockdowns and staying home, what will occur is a reawakening of the need for hope. As Christians we believe this hope comes from Jesus Christ who through his death and resurrection made it possible for us to receive eternal life. Having this promise for our life after death makes us filled with hope.

                Romans 3:19-29 is the central text for the early Reformers to extend God’s grace in many ways. How might we be challenged today to share of God’s grace and to tell of God’s hope and love? “we are made right by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.  But if we have faith we are made right with God.”

                Transformation and change are a part of every person’s life. Yet, when we receive forgiveness of sin, we also receive the promise of eternal life in Jesus. Only by God’s grace is this possible. As we reflect on the significance of the Reformation, let us realize again- that we are people who will be transformed and changed throughout our lives. It is however our decision to choose to follow Jesus, by faith.

PRAYER

Loving God sometimes we complain about so many little things that it is difficult to really decide what is important and what we really want changed.  But what is needed is what comes from within us- a change of heart and attitude and focus for living. By faith in Christ we are made new. With hope and love we are offered a new opportunity to serve and share with others the good news of Jesus. Luther discovered this through the reading of the Bible. We pray O God that we too will come to you by faith and grow in understanding. We thank you for your gift of grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

Oct 20, 2021

                World Food Day was founded by the United Nations’ (UN)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, and has been observed annually, every October 16, since 1981. The event was established to increase awareness of world hunger and poverty and to inspire solutions for world change. World Food Day aims to promote healthy diets and eradicate hunger issues by 2030. This year’s theme is “Safe foods now for a healthy tomorrow.”

                As we enter the second year of the covid19 pandemic, it is difficult to imagine that food has not been available to all people around the world due to lockdowns and the transference of this virus. Canada deemed truck drivers of food and food products as essential workers during periods of lockdown. Food services through restaurants were delivered and people turned to online shopping and pick up for groceries so that they did not enter stores. This has become a convenience and new normal for many families. 

Yet this was not possible for many people these last 18 months or so. Many people lost jobs, and faced uncertain futures. A recent article in the Globe and Mail states,” Food Charities outnumber grocery stores in Canada 4to1. That should bother you.” This means that for every, “Loblaws,  Metro, Safeway or Northern grocery store in your community there are four churches, temples mosques, senior centres, schools or social programs providing food for people who may not have the means to buy it.” Over 6.7 million Canadians are served by these food distribution organizations where more than $33 billion dollars of food is distrusted last year. What this means is that there are roadblocks for making food affordable, accessible and abundant on the tables of every Canadian in a country where more than half of the food we produce ends up in landfill.

                What does this mean for Canadians? Food insecurity exists because there is a lack of regular access to enough safe, nutritious food to meet a person’s dietary needs. Poor diet quality and basic hunger then leads to physical and mental health problems as well as lower educational outcomes. And what needs to change to alleviate this problem? We need to have investments in distribution and economic shifts for rental housing, accessible, affordable childcare and improved social benefits.

                The other major problem is that there is too much edible food being wasted when people are going hungry- right here in Canada. The system of distribution needs to change so that food insecurity may be reduced. So how do we change it? We need to advocate for those who do not receive enough money for food and to share with political leaders that there are people in need. We need to also recognize that people have the same needs- and to share this concern with those who might bring change.

                We need to do what Jesus asks, to care for those vulnerable and those in need. Our community and our country depends upon these actions. We still need to support these distribution centres for food, but we also need to recognize the need for change so that all may afford to buy their food- good and healthy food.

PRAYER

God as we consider the invisible food network we pray for those who will go to bed undernourished or are hungry. We pray for political leaders to take bold action for change. We pray that food insecurity will be reduced and that we may all eat of the abundance You provide. Hear our prayers O God and enable us to act as we seek your guidance to do so. Amen.

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

 

Oct 6, 2021

“Give thanks with a grateful heart; Give thanks to the Holy One, ..Give thanks!”

From time to time we sing the above words as we present our offering
to God and dedicate the gifts given to the church for the sacred mission of the church. But what are we offering to God in those envelopes?  Asking a regular giver- they would respond a portion of the blessings they have received from God.

As we approach the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, we might wonder for what we are we giving thanks. We know that the crops and harvest are still being harvested yet the vegetables and fruit bins at stores are overflowing. Is it for this food that we are grateful? Or it is more than this?

We know that in this last 18 months, there have been new awakenings in the minds and hearts of people. What was once a priority is no longer the same as people have spent more time with family and friends and less time running from one activity to another. But are we willing to give up or away some of the blessings we have received in order to help others.

When we gather to eat at Thanksgiving will we take it for granted that we will eat well because we live in Canada. Will we be mindful that in the world over 690,000,000 people will go to bed or sleep hungry each night?

For what are you grateful? Health, food, shelter, friends, family—being loved and sharing love?

Maybe that is what is needed right now..a grateful heart.

Let us pray:

When I wake up each day let gratitude stir and strengthen me, O God.

Let it draw me to goodness and hold me there...

There, where your Spirit sings, ”Go define love today,” and my heart chooses to rise to the occasion.

 Amen.*, 

*Mission and Service Fund, The United Church of Canada, Philanthropy Unit

Truth and Reconciliation

 September 29, 2021

The first Orange Shirt Day- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is tomorrow September 30. This is day to remember and honour indigenous children who went to residential schools and to the intergenerational survivors who are still struggling. As part of the Calls to Action, the federal government has deemed September 30 as a day for listening, learning with Indigenous people so that we might learn of what occurred in residential schools. We are to also listen for stories of what these children now decades later experienced as great losses.

Jesus said, ”Let the children come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14. The government and churches of different denominations were the ones who established the residential schools yet when the children were taken away from their homes, parents often did not see them for months or ever again. The intention was to train the children in the ways of the settlers and to teach Christian values. But what was lost in these schools was family, Indigenous culture and language and the sense of self worth and dignity.

As we take time this week to put on an orange shirt or ribbon and reflect on over 150,000 children who went to these schools let us remember the losses. We are called to remember those who went home in culture shock and the many whom we now know are buried in unmarked graves.

As we seek to understand and learn it is the hope of the government and for each Canadian to learn of this part of history and to seek answers and to ask questions. We are also to seek forgiveness for those in the past so that in the future we will walk with Indigenous people.

On this first Orange Shirt Day- let us listen, learn and grow. It is important for understanding our history as it is for our future as Canadians.

 

PRAYER: God enable us to celebrate the hope and joy of every child; To tell the stories of resistance that make us stronger and to build the bonds of solidarity to ensure “never again”. In the name of the one who was child among us. Amen.  (Kairos 2018)   

Give Peace a Chance to Work. (Stop, Reflect, Respect and Grow Your Obligation to Serve)

 

September 22, 2021

This week is recognized as Legion Week across the country

and as we look to the work of the Royal Canadian Legion we must give thanks for the tireless workers who keep this organization going in support of veterans and their families.

On September 21 I had the privilege of sharing with members of the RCL Branch 594 in two Cemetery Memorial services wherein we gather at the memorials located in to local cemeteries and share in what is known as a “Traditional Act of Remembrance”. Through the playing and singing of “O Canada”, hearing the “Last Post” and “Rouse” sharing in prayers and just pausing for a few moments, those present took time to remember those fallen men and women who served for the sake of Canada.

In 1981 the United Nations declared September 21 as the International Day for Peace and for these last 30 years they have chosen a theme which reflects the state of the world. “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” is the theme for 2021. As the world heals from the covid19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and healthier. 

The theme acknowledges that the world is recovering from the global pandemic. But this recovery is not equal around the world as most vaccinations have been administered to those in the affluent countries, turned down by many when at the same time many countries have not received one dose.  Because of this inequality of distribution, there are countries which are still hurting and grieving the deaths of people.

This UN theme also raises the concern of sustainability of Earth as climate change occurs and people’s lives are challenged by fires, floods, droughts and destruction. People around the world have been facing situations which have not occurred to the extent of loss and destruction that is happening now. So we must do something to unite us not only in peace, but in sustainability of our earth.  We must also remember our neighbours around the world and reach out to them offering them vaccines and hope.

Let us remember the prayer upon thousands of Peace Poles placed in Earth today and share our hope in prayer:

PRAYER: May peace prevail on earth, O God.  Not just as we share in this Day of Peace or Legion Week but that peace will become something we take for granted all around the world. May peace begin with us we pray. In Jesus’ name we ask. Amen.

Is Christ Part Of Your New Normal?

 

It’s been a while since a blog entry and in these intervening months both
a lot of things have changed as well as many things have stayed the same.

The pandemic is still with us and covid19 cases are on the rise again especially amongst those who have chosen not to be vaccinated. Vaccination clinics remain open across towns and cities all over Canada- some busier than others. Schools have reopened for children and youth with special scheduling of classes and limited mixing of children. Universities and colleges are offering some inclass sessions but it depends upon the program and the numbers of young people involved in a particular program.

With the pandemic  many deaths have occurred leaving many people grieving. I too grieve and mourn the death of my mom not because of covid19 but because of cancer and how quickly she declined. Like many families we could not have a traditional memorial gathering but were limited to outdoors and a smaller number of people to be with us.  But unlike others who died in hospital without family members beside them, my family was with my mom as she died at home.

A federal election was called with only 36 days to campaign and sway eligible voters. Many Canadians believed it was and is the wrong to have an election but it is upon us now. So get out and vote as you are able! With this election looming, our governments are at a standstill in deciding next steps for opening the economy and the country to trade and to respond to the many needs of the people who are hurting, homeless and facing troubling times.

What else has changed? The way we work has changed in many industries. Working from home is great as it saves driving vehicles, commute time and even what clothes one wears. But what is lost is a sense of comradery, connecting with co-workers and even the ability to talk to others about outside interests. Lost is the water cooler discussions over common experiences except the current tasks.  There are many companies considering reducing their office space and offering remote work to the next generation on a permanent basis. A reason for this is that new hires do not have opportunities to find apartments or affordable housing. Affordable housing is a major issue in these times. Houses which used to sell for $200,000 are now sold for double or triple the cost with mortgage payments well into thousands each month. This is a concern and how and when it will end is uncertain.

But there is hope in the hearts of those who believe in God. Sure, many people have asked where has God been since the pandemic began? How and why are we enduring such a fate? Is God up to something to bring about change in the world? Or just what is it that calls us to be hopeful?

Jesus came into the world to bring hope. Are we searching for hope or the means by which we may receive eternal hope? Jesus offers us this hope even in this world of change and challenge; of routine and uncertainty. For having hope in Jesus means living today while looking to tomorrow with loving others. Hope is alive in those who love God. Hope is something we each need for without it our life loses its meaning.  Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly". We are each seeking an abundant life in the midst of challenge and change. We need to hold on to hope in Christ.

PRAYER: God of grace and love, thank you for the hope that comes in Christ. Enable us to have hope and to put our faith in Jesus who brings this hope alive in all who believe. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.   

In Everything there is a time..

 

REVCATHY’s BLOG Post 

January 29, 2021 

In Everything there is a time..

In Ecclesiastes 3 we read “For everything there is a

season and a time for every matter under heaven:” This general statement is then followed by a list of opposites-“ time to be born and to die; to plant and pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal...” The list continues for 6 more verses all indicating opposite actions or reactions to life’s every day occurrences.

But what I am reflecting on in these moments is simply this—who discerns when this time occurs? Covid19 and now its variants are still plaguing the people around the world. There are many people becoming ill and even though there is much care administered many have died. It has been reported that the number of people who have died from covid19 in the US right now is more than who perished during World War II. What is it that we seem to be doing wrong? Or are we just merely marking time?

In each day’s publication of the local newspaper there are many obituaries. Although this week we learned of the deaths of accomplished actresses Cicely Tyson and Cloris Leachman, it is the pages of local people whose stories are told which are intriguing. These are people who lived in community and for many of them 2021 brought much hope. Yet they became ill and after a short period of time, died leaving families to mourn. But it is how we are mourning that causes us to be concerned now for will we really be able to gather and honour these beloved people in the months to come? Will families really want to do this as they have already moved on with their lives? Or does one really fully mourn without extended family and friends?

As I meet with families who are grieving the death of their loved ones, they are missing the social interaction, the hugs, kind words of extended family members and friends. It is just simply sad. So what can we do under these circumstances? We can offer our sympathies through cards, calls, letters and through connecting with those who mourn. For there will also come a time when we will dance and be filled with joy as we see and share again as we remember those who are now in God’s heavenly kingdom.

We need to also consider that we as people need each other through this pandemic. We need to befriend others and show that we care. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again if two lie together, they keep warm;

but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another two will withstand one. A three- fold cord is not quickly broken.”  This three-fold cord represents our love for others and for God in our midst. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). We are not alone. God is with us.

God understands that this pandemic has been stressful for all of us. There is nothing we would like to do more than to drive and see other people and places. But the risk is high for community contact and so we need to think and connect with others in different ways. We also need to care for ourselves- to eat well, keep active and talk with others about the activities each is doing- whether working from home, doing puzzles, cooking, or playing music. These are the things we must lift up in order to maintain some level of happiness and hope. We must also pray for this is what we are all capable of doing many times in the day. We can pray that the time will come for healing, love, and peace. So let us remember that all things have a time under heaven. We need to be patient and to pray for there is time for this in God’s creation,too.

Biden and the New Era

 

 REVCATHY’s BLOG Post   January 22, 2021  Biden and the New Era

A new era has begun in the US with President Biden

and Vice-President Harris taking their oaths of office. There was much pomp and tradition on inauguration day with military bands, flags, and colours. There were also moments of silence to remember those who have died from covid19. As the American national anthem was sung and as performers offered their talents in song there were moments of worship asking God to look over this country.  But it was President Biden who drew upon Augustine, “a saint of my church” which is a reference that he is Roman Catholic Christian. It is Augustine’s words which Biden stated,” a people are a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.”

To what objects of love did Biden refer? Whatever is important and priority for the people of the US is what is in need of healing for the sake of love.

President Biden went on to quote Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” It not only accurately describes the desire of so many Americans and people from around the world, that if we lament the losses in this time there will be a day when we can rejoice.  This time of disease and stay at home orders, of political unrest and racism will come to an end when we discuss the problems, learn from each other, when there is understanding and a new hope dawning.  But right now what is needed is a time to lament to grieve what has been lost and prepare for a brighter future.  

Amanda Gorman the young poet laureate expressed many ideas in her expression of hope for the US. “If we merge mercy with might and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.’ We need both. Mercy without might is weak; might without mercy is abusive. According to Micah 6:8, we need both plus humility to what is good in the eyes of the Lord,” she said.

In watching the inauguration I was not expecting to receive a message of hope so eloquently stated. But what I did witness was a renewal of faith of those in leadership. For when they shared in the Pledge of Allegiance, many renewed their hope that the US would truly be ‘one nation under God.’

As a Canadian living in a border city, we are often influenced by what occurs in the US through trade exports and manufacturing. We have seen images of the many protests to covid19, the insurrection of January 6 and the political turmoil endured by many.  In watching and listening to the inauguration, President Biden has taken on many challenges including the need and desire to unite the country and its people.  We too have these challenges facing Canadians as we hope the number of covid19 cases will decline and that vaccines will roll out soon again.

The question we need to ask ourselves, are we lamenting what has been lost and do we have the hope that one day we will have joy? I wonder as I seek people having difficulty coping and needing others to speak with, but do we offer our prayers for hope?

Maybe it is time to lament and look for the joy that will come. May God give us comfort and strength to do this. In Jesus name we pray.

It Is NOT The End Of The World....Trump Was Impeached.... The Polar Vortex.... Covid-19

 

REVCATHY’s BLOG Post   January 15, 2021

Mid January and all is not well in the world- pandemic
continues to be the most discussed topic, Trump was impeached again, and the polar vortex is heading our way. But what can we do about any of these matters? Now that we are in further lockdown with stay at home orders after 8 pm we need to take time to evaluate our abilities in these times. The snow will come if the winds push it to your area. President Joe Biden will become the next president on January 20 and the spread of covid19 will stop if we do what health unit leaders tell us. Stay home wear a mask outside and wash our hands.

So where is the Good News in this? It is found in that we are not the ones who have to oversee everything. Many of things we tend to worry about or which raise our anxiety levels are matters which we as individuals have no level of input to bring about change or resolution. So why do we worry? Because it is in our nature to do so for we are human and care for others and we want to be sure that others are all right.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25 “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink or about your body what you will wear Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

People worry about outcomes and resolutions after surgeries, after conflicts and discussions and often with this is a time of waiting. One can only imagine how Jesus worried when he learned of his life’s purpose—to die and rise again for the sake of the sins of others. He even asked God to ‘take this cup from him’. But then he fulfilled his purpose and we have received forgiveness of sins through him.

As we reflect on this wintry day, what are you worried about and are there possible resolutions to the problems? Maybe it is the need for food or shelter or paying bills. There are people who are willing to listen and assist you in your needs—just ask.

Maybe you are worried because you are feeling down because of the lockdown and continued pandemic along with the uncertainty of where we are heading and when we will all receive vaccines. Again we cannot fix the large problems, but we can do something. We can pray; we can offer to God the concerns of our hearts and minds and we can pray that God will take care of all of these things and more!

And then Jesus states.  ”But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today” (v34)

Each day is a new day to praise God and a new day when we learn of other people and situations for which we can ask God to help. Each day brings its own set of worries, but we are people of faith and we need to trust God to show us the way to seeing Jesus’ way as the way to love.

Yes, it is mid January and the clouds are covering the sun. But the sun will shine again and we are and will be renewed in faith and hope because God continues to show his love for us. Are we willing to meet Jesus and see Him as our Saviour? This is Good News indeed- Jesus died for our sakes. Are we willing to offer him our lives in return for the gift and hope of eternal life? Remember to pray and tell God what you are worrying about. He will see you through all of this and more!

A New Year, A New Outlook for 2021

 REVCATHY’s BLOG Post  January 8, 2021

January 6 is recognized as Feast of the Epiphany

or the day we remember the Wise Men offering gifts to Jesus. It is a day of celebrating by Orthodox Christians as they celebrate Jesus’ birth and normally have large gatherings for worship and food.

This year was a day when words cited by news writers included, coup, insurrection, and of course now we hear of the call for impeachment of the POTUS (President of the United States). The rationale for this was to impede what is considered traditional electoral vote casting by senators to approve the election results from November.

But, what else are we reflecting upon this first week of the New Year where we find calendar boxes empty and waiting for plans to be made in the year to come?  We are thinking and praying for the many people across the province testing positive for covid19. We are also lifting up in prayer those who have died in the last week from this virus. And we are praying for those whose loved ones have died and are grieving.  The front line workers and hospital leaders, the health unit staff and all affected by these deaths and positive cases need to be reminded that we are grateful for their service in helping others. But this is not a strategy to combat the virus. We need to do what health unit medical directors have asked us to do—stay home.

There is a need for hope to help to sustain us. These are January days of winter when the temperatures drop and we would normally be enjoying outdoor activities in the snow. But so far in the Windsor Essex area, what have we witnessed—grey sky and no snow. And the only thing we can do is go for a walk and staying socially distant from others.

But there are matters to attend to in our lives. Life does continue and we are not people who sit for hours on end. We like to be entertained, to learn and to share our creative moments with others. Yet are we doing this to the extent we could?

Many people are back to a work schedule, children and youth are now doing online learning and the tasks of each day do not stop. There is always food preparation and laundry to do. Do we have the energy to do it? That is, do we have the desire to do these basic tasks?

When we think of the journey the Wise Men took in order to worship Jesus, the one that was born the King of the Jews, they made a commitment to the task. They were astrologers and astronomers; people who studied the stars and they saw a bright star and followed its light to where Jesus was. They were wise because they were learned men who had studied the scriptures of different cultures and backgrounds and knew of the prophecy of the Hebrew people. There would be a child born in Bethlehem who would become the Prince of Peace.  King Herod did not want competition for the royal throne and wanted these men to show him where he was after they worshiped him. But the Wise Men did not. They went home a different way.

As we experience these early days of 2021 what is it that you are hoping for? What is it that calls you to connect with others? How are you experiencing Christ/God/Spirit? And what is it that you are doing that engages your inner being with other people?  This is the different way we are called to respond to experiencing Christ’s light. What way are you going? And what are you doing?

CONNECT - SPIRIT - ENGAGE

 REVCATHY’s BLOG Post  January 1, 2021

You might wonder why is Rev Cathy writing on

New Year’s Day 2021 about the good things of 2020 when most of us would rather forget the year which changed the world.

Yes, I did watch the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, the pre-recorded fireworks over different Ontario cities and the Live portion of “Ontario with Love” broadcast from Windsor.  All of these people were striving to usher in the New Year with the hope of lifting us up with music and hearing stories of front-line workers. But what does it all mean if, we don’t reflect on where we’ve been to know where we are headed?

So many people have commented in these last days that they would be glad to see 2020 fade into history but we must realize that 2020 has changed the world and there have been some good things to emerge during these 12 months.  

Glenwood United Church celebrated its 65^th anniversary in 2020. The theme I chose was “Vision 2020” reflecting on the way in which optometrists measure visual acuity.

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.

Having 20/20 vision does not necessarily mean you have perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. Other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision, contribute to your overall visual ability.

“VISION 2020” was to spark congregation members to think about the future church and what it might mean to engage others beyond coffee hour. The idea was to think about doing church in a different and new way.  Well by March 22, 2020 we were definitely doing church differently!

From the regular in person worship service where people were engaging and sharing with others through music, reflection and talking to not being allowed in the building- church changed quickly!

Immediately we planned to do something online live in order that congregational members could connect with me the pastor and not be afraid of what as truly uncertain outside and all around them. Preparing something was key- but what to do? Using resources in my home including my family we quickly shared music and prayers and messages of hope to lead us to the cross of Christ. But was this enough?

My response was no! I needed to engage with people as this is from where I receive energy and of course hear and listen to those who are in need of care. Ministry changed from setting up appointments to picking up the phone, and then of course learning and relearning the use of technology and applying it to our use!

So 2020 is now in the past and where are we headed? We begin 2021 with a new vision—a new hope with the mission of REACHING OUT TO OTHERS to engage in love.  Though our SPIRIT, FAITH and OUTREACH focus worked the past few years we now need to engage others in a different way...

CONNECT -  SPIRIT - ENGAGE   We need to CONNECT to OTHER PEOPLE by different means available to us. We need to experience and share GOD’S SPIRIT as we have known the Spirit to walk with us.  We need to ENGAGE people with and through love as we make further connections and strive to have others live in Christ’s light!