CTV news and to paraphrase this for Glenwood United Church, it is definitely time to write again about the things that matter in the lives of our community of Christians living in South Windsor, Ontario!
So often we
read about funny stories or special events but in the last few years what I
have come to realize is that many people are searching for as they scroll on
YouTube or through Facebook is something that either sparks imagination
(thinking) or feelings (how we react or respond to a video)
For
example, it was in April that a cat, later learned his name was Loki, spent one
day on the roof of the sanctuary. The number of people who responded to this
situation was remarkable for several reasons.
1)they did not know whose cat it was
2) the people wanted the church leaders to do something about it,
3) the anger about how long it took to rescue this cat raised concerns and
4) knowing that the cat
was fine and returned to its home.
But what I
do not fully understand is how this cat could pull so many feelings out of
people to act and do something for it, when normally, we do not respond to
simple requests for assistance?
We received
phone calls, emails, and people came to visit the afternoon asking us to do
something. Someone left a container of cat food in case the cat came down on
its own. These are all wonderful signs of care and this is what we as
Christians do when Jesus calls us to care for others.
I just
wonder and pray for those who do care for others how much are you caring for
your own spiritual health? Loki’s family was grateful for the assistance we
gave and a special thanks was offered by Glenwood Church to the Humane Society
and the Windsor Fire Department. Because
this really was a community effort to save this cat and return him home.
The church
is a community—not everyone believes the exact same things- but we do believe
in the One God sent to redeem us from sin Jesus. We follow the teachings of
Jesus and this means to love others, care for the needs of others and to show
kindness.
What does
it mean to love? It means responding in action to a need; sharing openly our
feelings to care and the wonder of it all, is that Loki received this
unconditionally.
This is the
church at its best. And amazingly enough, we care for people through some of
the most difficult times in their lives-sickness, death of loved ones, and in
the times of celebration- births, marriages and everything in between.
We are
called to be the church- to love and serve others—This is a part of our creed
and mission.
Thanks be to God.