June 8, 2022
The season of Pentecost is a time to be arrested by the presence of God. Seasons in the church year play different roles but they remind us to open our eyes and ears to see and hear Love at work
Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it seems easier to not believe, to not care, to just let go of it all. Sometimes to be a person of faith seems like a lot of work and responsibility.
Ever feel that way? That's where Pentecost comes in. It is the longest season sometimes after a few days just called ordinary days.
Ordinary days - it is on ordinary days the spirit blows
Today I received a call from my daughter. She had some disappointing news about her work and career. I shared in her hurt and in her pain. But then the spirit moved and we shared in the retelling a story from years ago and the power of human connection when we open our eyes to see. It was a powerful moment - a God moment - surprising in its strength and capacity to lift us and encourage us
Such is Pentecost- ordinary days where the spirit blows
Lots of ways the spirit is blowing at St. Andrews this week
excitement is building about the BBQ for our guests on June 22 at 6:30. Please come to take part
Anticipation of the 'going through the gates' Sunday - an opportunity to hear from children both old and young about how St. Andrew’s has shaped their faith journey
Strong sense of solidarity is building to try to support the family of a couple in the congregation who are refugees in Turkey - Yolanda Grant and I have been working with the family and are now reaching out to others for support
Commitment is building to strengthen systems of data base management and organizational tools among staff and church leaders - this may mean leaving ChurchWatch behind and embracing The Planning Centre. It sounds boring but may be transformative in terms of organization and communication
Preparation for a special memorial Sunday on July 10 - we will be celebrating and remembering the lives of those who passed away during COVID and for whom a normal funeral was not possible. Please let tfe church know if you want to have your loved one remembered in this way. After tfe service there will be a reception on Iona hall for tfe first time in over two years. It promises to be a day to be remembered
And finally a working session of the Christian Education committee is planned for next Tuesday to create a vision and plan for the next year. Engagement, reconnection and living out our faith may well be cornerstones if that vision. Please pray for those involved
That gives you an idea of what is happening. Please pray for the staff and leaders of the congregation this Pentecost
Take good care
Marty