Keeping in Touch October 7, 2016
Good afternoon James Bay United Church,
For the last 3 or 4 years, the “Season of Creation” has become part of our worship life in Autumn, carving out a space in the year when we deliberately give our attention to the wonder and gift of God’s creation. We move into that season this Sunday with our Thanksgiving celebration. This year we’ll be zeroing in on the tiny patch of God’s creation that is the neighbourhood of James Bay. We’ll be attentive to ‘the nature’ of this place, no doubt discovering things that have escaped us no matter how long or fleeting our relationship with this place. We’ll be exploring ways of deepening our practice of listening to this place; and what faithful presence looks like in our neighbourhood; and what ways the place may call forth new practices among us.
The Worship Team has chosen this focus, given the season coincides with our launching of the Abundant Community Initiative in our neighbourhood. If you were part of our gathering for worship last Sunday, you will have experienced the “trailer” Ryan offered, giving us a little sneak preview of that Initiative. There’ll be lots more to come about that, but for now, in nutshell, the essence is this: it’s really a grassroots process, that has neighbours, block by block, in touch with each other, in a way that not only helps foster caring connections, but also serves to uncover the gifts, skills and experience already present among people. The next move is to connect those assets so they can be more fully shared, making a difference to the quality of life of individuals and the neighbourhood as a whole. For a glimpse of the possibilities, check out one example of this initiative in the city of Edmonton.
In the course of the next 24 hours, the family of Jean and Alywn Wason are arriving in from various parts of the world, for the memorial service to celebrate the life of their mother, and grandmother, Jean. That service will take place in our sanctuary on Monday at 11 am. Thanks to Sylvia, Linda, Joan and Gary for hosting the reception following the service.
And last of all for now, a word about a really big deal event being planned by the leadership team of the Communities of Faith Circle of our Presbytery, who are tasked with creating events to support the growth and leadership of people of the United Churches in Victoria. Eyes to See and Ears to Hear: Exploring the Presence of God in the World. This Friday evening and Saturday experience promises to be one of insight and transformation, connecting and seeing again with new eyes. Julie Lees, a talented, creative and insightful facilitator, will take us on an experience with other adults seeking to deepen their experience and understanding of seeking God in the world. Julie is a United Church minister from Vancouver currently doing some work with Vancouver School of Theology. Through the use of film clips, conversation, reflection, a weekend like no other is in store for you. Friday Nov 4th from 7-9:00pm and Saturday Nov 5th from 9:30 am to 3:30pm at the David Lam auditorium at UVIC. Cost is $25 before Oct 28th and $35 afterward. Refreshments and lunch included. EVENT CANCELLED.
Grace and Peace, Karen
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