tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72183671927429499042024-02-19T07:26:21.296-08:00Reflections from the RockA progressive Christian minister's musings on life, spirituality & following the Way of JesusJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-44953511970260320212023-08-23T16:52:00.000-07:002023-08-23T16:52:18.846-07:00We're back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ZZC4R7yy5Y5u0-abGNj3A6jFyjA5oOKL6IoQ5_O91LfeHtsOZ1t4bFXoByR4KMjq-D9sd_btp6uPadC4VvobZfJ4UxgyKzHBrkbnMw5vceTNGPgsvJqt8cNI5P4KrC89MLR5mIEXrFO/s1600/1692809337811967-0.png" imageanchor="1">
</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ZZC4R7yy5Y5u0-abGNj3A6jFyjA5oOKL6IoQ5_O91LfeHtsOZ1t4bFXoByR4KMjq-D9sd_btp6uPadC4VvobZfJ4UxgyKzHBrkbnMw5vceTNGPgsvJqt8cNI5P4KrC89MLR5mIEXrFO/s1600/1692809337811967-0.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ZZC4R7yy5Y5u0-abGNj3A6jFyjA5oOKL6IoQ5_O91LfeHtsOZ1t4bFXoByR4KMjq-D9sd_btp6uPadC4VvobZfJ4UxgyKzHBrkbnMw5vceTNGPgsvJqt8cNI5P4KrC89MLR5mIEXrFO/s1600/1692809337811967-0.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>No doubt most of you who read this blog were not expecting a new post. The last you heard from me, we were living in a cute little white house in Richmond Hill. As you can see, we still live in a white house, but now we have moved as far east in Canada as you can. We are now in St. John’s in the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador, affectionately known as "The Rock" (the observant among you might have guessed that by the change in this blog's title).<div><br><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6UbUy6Nl2VZRE0EiSwdiGY6072WuaAZtlQ2cq7nyr9BxJTo7mmdRWHOQg9xq2YR0ik0NFoeEOPFb73vDVeDcrQZQ8Rzmu4I9uIu-HBkPDJ8pKM8NkoQJjA6qGIDR24Wz3LKJeHp9_mZq/s1600/1692809312058521-1.png" imageanchor="1">
</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6UbUy6Nl2VZRE0EiSwdiGY6072WuaAZtlQ2cq7nyr9BxJTo7mmdRWHOQg9xq2YR0ik0NFoeEOPFb73vDVeDcrQZQ8Rzmu4I9uIu-HBkPDJ8pKM8NkoQJjA6qGIDR24Wz3LKJeHp9_mZq/s1600/1692809312058521-1.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6UbUy6Nl2VZRE0EiSwdiGY6072WuaAZtlQ2cq7nyr9BxJTo7mmdRWHOQg9xq2YR0ik0NFoeEOPFb73vDVeDcrQZQ8Rzmu4I9uIu-HBkPDJ8pKM8NkoQJjA6qGIDR24Wz3LKJeHp9_mZq/s1600/1692809312058521-1.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div>As I said, this province is beautiful, and when I have a chance I like to go for a hike along the coast, trekking the rugged shore and even clamboring up and down the rocky hills. This past week I took advantage of a staycation to hike the North Head Trail which runs from the Battery neighbourhood at the far end of the harbour up to the top of Signal Hill. It is quite the climb, the equivalent of going up the stairs of a 20 story building, but it is worth it for the views. Or at least it would have been if fog had not rolled in just as I began.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-GA8IJIiNweAIeLvQ76emRkzwJuVTuYcxyFiNxeKJBrxtnEjkFh6EZvEFIOqP52mhurI_-0D9Cc7BUWsQ7ceWuTAAfQspUiztgSsUzC1LLyiTcDYxuqrCveCmZe0ueL1gYbWaH0bFDZ4/s1600/1692809277643716-2.png" imageanchor="1">
</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-GA8IJIiNweAIeLvQ76emRkzwJuVTuYcxyFiNxeKJBrxtnEjkFh6EZvEFIOqP52mhurI_-0D9Cc7BUWsQ7ceWuTAAfQspUiztgSsUzC1LLyiTcDYxuqrCveCmZe0ueL1gYbWaH0bFDZ4/s1600/1692809277643716-2.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-GA8IJIiNweAIeLvQ76emRkzwJuVTuYcxyFiNxeKJBrxtnEjkFh6EZvEFIOqP52mhurI_-0D9Cc7BUWsQ7ceWuTAAfQspUiztgSsUzC1LLyiTcDYxuqrCveCmZe0ueL1gYbWaH0bFDZ4/s1600/1692809277643716-2.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>The walk was still amazing and when the fog lifted on my way back down, I was rewarded with amazing views.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kFt7eWhWUm6EVInArNutOftGkA1u5mK_ozSOHkGvW-1qIfw85MoWwQZQ7wxtzpKK6RERQckMP6ZVF0-5keZ5YctIqWVWHwNuJfSw4kJVglBAd0veBSHq0rADkZn-aS1BUQXd0Dwlshpz/s1600/1692834736484742-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kFt7eWhWUm6EVInArNutOftGkA1u5mK_ozSOHkGvW-1qIfw85MoWwQZQ7wxtzpKK6RERQckMP6ZVF0-5keZ5YctIqWVWHwNuJfSw4kJVglBAd0veBSHq0rADkZn-aS1BUQXd0Dwlshpz/s1600/1692834736484742-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div><div>The experience prompted me to start this blog up again as I begin an adventure that motivated this blog's genesis some 8 years ago. At that time I was on sabbatical during which I explored new forms of worship known as Fresh Expressions. My interest in them hasn't waned even as the concept has not gained much traction in Canada. That lack of traction has intrigued me and so I enrolled at the Toronto School of Theology to begin working on a Doctor of Ministry.<br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BGnoe5emNIPhfLlmAP2AlKbke8G0DldqTVRPRrZWojFkmIh8BcV1RJaktpFK53pRUbWX8blMw4CoNrMbTtrCo72GiHQk_cqXLKdIHadqr42nXW8Iqcb7PwoG8ecumCQbxzhtN86gRe5l/s1600/1692809267323020-3.png" imageanchor="1">
</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BGnoe5emNIPhfLlmAP2AlKbke8G0DldqTVRPRrZWojFkmIh8BcV1RJaktpFK53pRUbWX8blMw4CoNrMbTtrCo72GiHQk_cqXLKdIHadqr42nXW8Iqcb7PwoG8ecumCQbxzhtN86gRe5l/s1600/1692809267323020-3.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BGnoe5emNIPhfLlmAP2AlKbke8G0DldqTVRPRrZWojFkmIh8BcV1RJaktpFK53pRUbWX8blMw4CoNrMbTtrCo72GiHQk_cqXLKdIHadqr42nXW8Iqcb7PwoG8ecumCQbxzhtN86gRe5l/s1600/1692809267323020-3.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>I took three months for my sabbatical but this new venture will be 4 to 5 years. It takes that long to thoroughly delve into your project. Like the beginning of my trek along the North Head Trail, I presently have an idea of what I hope to discover, inklings about why people have not taken to Fresh Expressions here unlike the relative "success" in the UK and the USA beyond the common wisdom that we don’t have an evangelism tradition in Canada. Are there other factors like disillusionment for historical abuse that have joined together with secularization? Perhaps. But for now I am looking out at fog, unsure of the real factors, not jumping too quickly to conclusions.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjZgSYuGrAOT1cXDyDvOuxCUiMyrHDKlHh1W3asICcjM-7BbgYcfZk85VHQXgbnT8Kbg4ZNF9oWKy5s3CRYg68uT_pgvbLUfrNNc7llT4Nq7g33Bph6MLoZF922wx6ZlNpJVj-BWhCA53/s1600/1692809239937183-4.png" imageanchor="1">
</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjZgSYuGrAOT1cXDyDvOuxCUiMyrHDKlHh1W3asICcjM-7BbgYcfZk85VHQXgbnT8Kbg4ZNF9oWKy5s3CRYg68uT_pgvbLUfrNNc7llT4Nq7g33Bph6MLoZF922wx6ZlNpJVj-BWhCA53/s1600/1692809239937183-4.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjZgSYuGrAOT1cXDyDvOuxCUiMyrHDKlHh1W3asICcjM-7BbgYcfZk85VHQXgbnT8Kbg4ZNF9oWKy5s3CRYg68uT_pgvbLUfrNNc7llT4Nq7g33Bph6MLoZF922wx6ZlNpJVj-BWhCA53/s1600/1692809239937183-4.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>But I am also confident that at the end of my studies and I start doing research, the vista will become clearer. And that will make it worth all of the effort.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HyH6M6I-XXOwjyDj73FwU_BwCb_MOHTYz_tnvEN3Vo6J90zMBB7Mk6X5CTpUrI2q1mUbF3mYzdHBl4yKLkwNXQQE4M1xKofQjuLQwbUSJhkAQ4Es3H7sWTdAEUgpsMyKCs22j62hyphenhyphengXm/s1600/1692809214011141-5.png" width="400"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HyH6M6I-XXOwjyDj73FwU_BwCb_MOHTYz_tnvEN3Vo6J90zMBB7Mk6X5CTpUrI2q1mUbF3mYzdHBl4yKLkwNXQQE4M1xKofQjuLQwbUSJhkAQ4Es3H7sWTdAEUgpsMyKCs22j62hyphenhyphengXm/s1600/1692809214011141-5.png" imageanchor="1">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br></div><div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HyH6M6I-XXOwjyDj73FwU_BwCb_MOHTYz_tnvEN3Vo6J90zMBB7Mk6X5CTpUrI2q1mUbF3mYzdHBl4yKLkwNXQQE4M1xKofQjuLQwbUSJhkAQ4Es3H7sWTdAEUgpsMyKCs22j62hyphenhyphengXm/s1600/1692809214011141-5.png" imageanchor="1"></a></div></div></div><br></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-73308829282071675662019-03-08T07:59:00.004-08:002019-03-08T07:59:45.673-08:00Whatever happened to Glen and James?<div dir="ltr">
It has been over a year since I last posted. You would be forgiven for thinking something drastic had happened and one of us was languishing in a wheelchair being taunted by the other. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOExQxuUHu8t-bOjMuPCWzw5Sm9HT5uWHg2PPHLSaLtfq-7a58FtObdxJ31EjICeO9e_jDlZ1XaVwxOfTgBKbP2BqR7y6Bvi2hoULoiZ3tZHI3X_ag2OVhaKLw3zRWqcJsRG2yfGLmiei/s1600/8485860d13d8c647e6d02d721e55a0f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOExQxuUHu8t-bOjMuPCWzw5Sm9HT5uWHg2PPHLSaLtfq-7a58FtObdxJ31EjICeO9e_jDlZ1XaVwxOfTgBKbP2BqR7y6Bvi2hoULoiZ3tZHI3X_ag2OVhaKLw3zRWqcJsRG2yfGLmiei/s400/8485860d13d8c647e6d02d721e55a0f0.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Alas we are not recreating a fabulous 1960s film. But there is a dynamic of the film at play. More on that later.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Concerned for our carbon footprint, Glen and I started looking at ways to downsize from the large home we were renting in Keswick. We entertained living in a tiny house but discovered we could buy one but wouldn't be able to park it anywhere. We considered buying a small house near the lake but the only properties in our price range were an even further commute from Richmond Hill, defeating the purpose of shrinking our footprint. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We suddenly realized we were going in the wrong direction. If we were willing to keep renting, we could find an affordable place to live in Richmond Hill. The prospect of next to no commute was made even more appealing when I hit a patch of black ice on the way home one Sunday and landed in the median of the 404. Fortunately all that was damaged was the front grill of my car, along with my pride. So we started looking at properties and found a really cute older 1 1/2 story home within walking distance of the church. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnjKYhC9DDGF2bUmHJltD80Y-jRPkz0e1HDi3Y0eGTQ4a6GEQNfgbnsOVFMy9YDVG2weqZmFIOWEddk1qDKXtM5Y3DfiCISaWyC0PYsp7QqXTz9PyqHIMEgwXBxRDJgiZPlvWrWtBf91X/s1600/20190216_164038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnjKYhC9DDGF2bUmHJltD80Y-jRPkz0e1HDi3Y0eGTQ4a6GEQNfgbnsOVFMy9YDVG2weqZmFIOWEddk1qDKXtM5Y3DfiCISaWyC0PYsp7QqXTz9PyqHIMEgwXBxRDJgiZPlvWrWtBf91X/s400/20190216_164038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As you can see below, we are really talking walking distance.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV9zzdrQ1uOq2JOuJQxty8rJjLkN1K86cDE5rmt9-rVuuifQ8mgDtDyF8XGW0kkrfbKxO5-FEwYJ_-SmTEujhrQdehQc1wKTLasIc779HArhIzz1QXwYubG2jKVaIuUsGqbhu-0hWi3Vh/s1600/20190216_164141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV9zzdrQ1uOq2JOuJQxty8rJjLkN1K86cDE5rmt9-rVuuifQ8mgDtDyF8XGW0kkrfbKxO5-FEwYJ_-SmTEujhrQdehQc1wKTLasIc779HArhIzz1QXwYubG2jKVaIuUsGqbhu-0hWi3Vh/s400/20190216_164141.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So what does this have to do with a classic Bette Davis/Joan Crawford pairing? Well no sooner did we sign the lease than I received a call from a friend of my dad. She was frantic. He was exhibiting signs of delirium. Could I come up to Orillia right away? Unfortunately we were in Toronto when she called but once Glen wrapped up his acting class I drove up to Orillia via Keswick where I dropped off Glen and grabbed an overnight bag. When I arrived at the hospital I understood the reason for the panic. My dad was making little sense. He was unsure of when it was or what was going on. He was assessed in the ER and eventually sent up to a ward. At the end of a couple of weeks during which my brother and I pinch hit and my sister flew in for a spell, my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia and unable to live by himself without additional support. We has just rented a house with a finished basement including a standalone bathroom and bedroom. And so at the beginning of June my dad became our roomie.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Fortunately I have a very loving spouse who has accepted this new situation like a trooper. My dad is doing fairly well although he is fuzzier when he is tired. I often need to repeat things and he can get stuck on thoughts, often replaying situations from his past and retelling the story often. But as he shared with me in a moment of great clarity he needed someone who would be able to carry his memories on after he is gone. So I listen, try to pick up new details, and to the best of my ability not get TOO frustrated. There are days, of course, when it is hard. But as Glen said when I asked him about dad moving in, "We knew this was going to be the situation sooner or later when we decided to move. It's just sooner rather than later."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So that's what's happened to James and Glen - and Dad. </div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-87747245591977457302018-02-16T03:50:00.006-08:002018-02-16T03:56:10.276-08:00The Power of Love<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
If it seems like a long time since I posted last, you're right. Once again autumn has been very busy, in part because Glen and I opted to go on vacation at the end of August, leaving me scrambling to get organized when I returned. I know what you're thinking. I could have done all of that work before I left. And I did some. But not enough. Plus I have always struggled with doing planning and prep work way in advance. Add in to that an extra layer of work from the Circle Process we've been involved in as a congregation to discern future possibilities and you see how my excuses multiply. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
One enjoyable part of this busy fall has been our experiments with "Forest Church". This UK based movement which I have blogged about before has crossed the pond quite nicely and is going under the moniker of "Wild Church" in some parts. Regardless of the name, at its core is the desire to share spiritual experiences where people connect with the divine in nature. So far we've held gatherings for summer solstice and the autumnal equinox, interspersed with meditation walks in local parkland. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipALlVel4JNrmbu2KCmtzo1V6HLW5gNh9CZ3cNDIpeIRsxfjT5kpHg6QBh1Q855ZcdLNM25x1JiuHFRUHotGYpNnVdcdIXRF3bnNBNA9_XoEXnaCVce15Egj3vP6Gwjt4w2wVwEYX7_AEj/s1600/rawlinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="400" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipALlVel4JNrmbu2KCmtzo1V6HLW5gNh9CZ3cNDIpeIRsxfjT5kpHg6QBh1Q855ZcdLNM25x1JiuHFRUHotGYpNnVdcdIXRF3bnNBNA9_XoEXnaCVce15Egj3vP6Gwjt4w2wVwEYX7_AEj/s400/rawlinson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
At our very first gathering there were 24 of us celebrating the longest day, concluding with a feast of strawberries and toasted marshmallows. I delightfully discovered what a great combo those are - literally. Toast your marshmallow. Insert strawberry. Eat. It doesn't get much better. Each time we've attracted people from the community, the first time with people simply joining us from the street. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
This past month 18 stalwart souls came together for the winter solstice - and they were forewarned we'd be gathering for part of it in the freezing cold outside. After taking time to give thanks for the dark as well as look with hope to the growing light, we decorated a new Yule log and added written prayers for the new year. There was enthusiasm as we went outside and sang a solstice song and told stories around a yuletide fire. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
The energy with which people have embraced this "fresh expression" of worship reveals an openness to new ideas that gives me reason to feel promise for the future. There was one significant incident that left me reeling though. As people wandered back inside I was confronted by a participant as having made a racist comment. I could not for the life of me think what I had said but clearly my words had been viewed as hurtful. I listened. I apologized. But I was left feeling confused. Had I misspoke? Was I misheard? It didn't matter. Someone was hurt by my words. I felt the good of the evening had been lost and vowed to be more cautious in my phrasing from then on. As you can imagine, I kept ruminating over the incident for days. Despite all the good comments I had received about the evening, that exchange is what stuck in my heart. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
Fortunately for my heart the story doesn't end there. The Sunday prior to the winter solstice, a member of the congregation came up to me after the service and thanked me for my words that day and then said "I have some homework for you. You spoke today about how God's love is all around us and you're right. What I want you to do is say out loud whenever you think of it 'Love is everywhere.' Keep doing it and at some point you will have an experience of that love. Trust me." I thanked her and promised I would. And I did. Most often I would remember when I was walking in the forest with Finley. "Love is everywhere" I'd say, again and again. It made me smile.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOurxQfKaC0TuKGgwV11A6stClz8LmMwPUiN1_vqgk_on94ZzRUnGi-MiS_UtKnCXMfMdyLGQT_bl9X3AOEbvQTfNzsrQhfYdaNFK_YLbEQqsxoUKQSsV6n1kSnW5HhSUppWG7ACAUsrMw/s1600/winter+path+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOurxQfKaC0TuKGgwV11A6stClz8LmMwPUiN1_vqgk_on94ZzRUnGi-MiS_UtKnCXMfMdyLGQT_bl9X3AOEbvQTfNzsrQhfYdaNFK_YLbEQqsxoUKQSsV6n1kSnW5HhSUppWG7ACAUsrMw/s400/winter+path+%25282%2529.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "Slab Serif", sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
Then one afternoon something very healing happened. It was a day between Christmas and New Year. Once again in the forest and once again I repeated a couple of times "Love is everywhere." </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
For some reason I started to sing "The Little Drummer Boy" and as I did so I felt overwhelmed by love and started to cry. I shared this with Glen who thought it was an odd song to get emotional about. And it is. Most of us remember the claymation Christmas special on TV. Pretty hokey. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVvdyvAFwup9n-ypFW4vB26MMxf-42oes7Zbr5MFIi_meIaAoc1xLS04j1APE725TZXwfhsbVALghFUVocecMgyRGm8LAC_1r3B1AQmbSxrqAXsqhxw7rnE2pX5nNG_zcah-2_E_698M8/s1600/little-drummer-boy-drummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="320" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVvdyvAFwup9n-ypFW4vB26MMxf-42oes7Zbr5MFIi_meIaAoc1xLS04j1APE725TZXwfhsbVALghFUVocecMgyRGm8LAC_1r3B1AQmbSxrqAXsqhxw7rnE2pX5nNG_zcah-2_E_698M8/s400/little-drummer-boy-drummer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
But here's the thing. Singing the song brought me back to another moment years ago when I was still in seminary. Over the Christmas break I had been asked to deliver poinsettias for the church and while I was driving Bob Seeger's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" came on. I listened like it was the first time I heard it. All the boy could do was offer his best. All I could do in my future ministry was do my best. And that was enough. All those years ago I felt overwhelmed by love and started to cry. And in the forest I felt the same, invited to let go of what happened at the solstice, to know that I had done my best, was doing my best and that was enough. I was loved. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
That was such a moment of grace for me and I hope my sharing may be one for you too. There will be times we do well. And times we'll fail. But we can always trust in the power of love.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-62619572547636313552017-09-23T17:28:00.002-07:002017-09-23T17:28:34.279-07:00Hats off to glaciers and garbageEach year in September, some faith communities mark the Season of Creation, and Richmond Hill United Church is one of them. This relatively new church season helps us engage our sense of wonder regarding the natural world, and offers us a way to lift up the original blessing that is part of our spiritual narrative and not just human frailty and sin. Plus falling as it does in the Season after Pentecost, known by some as Ordinary Time, these Sundays are a nice interlude in the extended period between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent. At times I've advocated celebrating it in spring, arguing it feels more appropriate with spring's renewal and the proximity to Earth Day. (I've also argued that since September is spring in Australia where this season originates clearly spring is the intended time frame.) Regardless of when it is celebrated, I have come to appreciate this season not just as a time for wonder but also as a prod to naming our role in the climate crisis we are facing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
That came home to me this summer as Glen and I visited with family out west at the end of August. After a visit with Glen's sister and family in Waskada, Manitoba, and with my sister and husband in Warner, Alberta, we took the long way around to Edmonton through Banff and Jasper National Parks. Guilty of taking Banff for granted all the years I'd lived in Alberta, I had never been to Lake Louise, I suggested we do so on our way through. A laughable idea. We weren't naive enough to think we were the only ones to get a free park pass in honour of Canada's 150th but were naive enough to think that passing through on a weekday would help. As we drove toward the village site traffic volunteers directed us along. With each turn we thought we were being helped toward a parking lot. That is until we were directed in a big circle right back to the highway. Good times. Fortunately Lake Louise wasn't our only hoped for stop. Along the way we paid a visit to Bow Lake beneath the Bow Glacier. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK6XszapDdHk4_7kKGw-D3161iAbOdbRHByWaRT5s45reZk2cd41BujfsT9rJIL9XvNvyRct6WVn8c9doe00bYRfT2wwuCjwaovc_8K7ZKF2kPTlJAhC0wlbauMHOFhmDYMkKdMZfwY7j/s1600/IMG_20170822_110717851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK6XszapDdHk4_7kKGw-D3161iAbOdbRHByWaRT5s45reZk2cd41BujfsT9rJIL9XvNvyRct6WVn8c9doe00bYRfT2wwuCjwaovc_8K7ZKF2kPTlJAhC0wlbauMHOFhmDYMkKdMZfwY7j/s400/IMG_20170822_110717851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was stunning, no where near as busy, and brought a smile to my face when our dog Finley took a few steps in to the headwaters of the Bow River, source of Calgary's drinking water. Apparently the Edmonton-Calgary rivalry was not erased by several months living in Ontario.<br />
<br />
The main purpose of our long-way-round was to visit the Colombia Icefield. Again, I took getting to see it for granted when I lived in Edmonton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzqYUknAvMkITzIkl38E1KPwXPOCt2pjFdzYW8DW6Di_rOMad6k-PitW_BNNvVa7SFUm0QJXR07o7d6APLM26jf6375G3FK96F8ifedX2CB-5bt8oNgtoNGh22vfy4qZXFlMEZsBhkXM/s1600/IMG_20170822_132150141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytzqYUknAvMkITzIkl38E1KPwXPOCt2pjFdzYW8DW6Di_rOMad6k-PitW_BNNvVa7SFUm0QJXR07o7d6APLM26jf6375G3FK96F8ifedX2CB-5bt8oNgtoNGh22vfy4qZXFlMEZsBhkXM/s400/IMG_20170822_132150141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX5S6CVzMyGxE43S54tvtgsYvqhBe9hoP2kl_Tng2fz05-To-7Fj7itG0KYBeOj2M6iCo0nteZanFkP37Uwga5zJSrrk6bsZMWrOuKdkEbbe8pTFE3EPaBDXkzXPVfWAwcYDkhhzqysoE/s1600/IMG_20170822_125127444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX5S6CVzMyGxE43S54tvtgsYvqhBe9hoP2kl_Tng2fz05-To-7Fj7itG0KYBeOj2M6iCo0nteZanFkP37Uwga5zJSrrk6bsZMWrOuKdkEbbe8pTFE3EPaBDXkzXPVfWAwcYDkhhzqysoE/s400/IMG_20170822_125127444.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRIaCu8l7-BLvlOw4XEx74EaFcGUYbl9kV1HbhUyllsensuysoD1dxrL5m432GRDLD4tI7nrok_AAaoJAeh-Pn9NZxeaHsdoh_k_JE7KPhaEfSx513oGYhoDCeW8iE4BGuF-DACWAQPFD/s1600/IMG_20170822_125537759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRIaCu8l7-BLvlOw4XEx74EaFcGUYbl9kV1HbhUyllsensuysoD1dxrL5m432GRDLD4tI7nrok_AAaoJAeh-Pn9NZxeaHsdoh_k_JE7KPhaEfSx513oGYhoDCeW8iE4BGuF-DACWAQPFD/s400/IMG_20170822_125537759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was awestruck. But not just because it was staggering in size, and clearly powerful, having at one time carved out a large valley. I was awestruck at how far it had receded. When first discovered it filled the valley up to the present highway. Glen and I parked where it had been in 1942, a half hour walk away. We met people who remembered how much further down the valley it had been in the 1980's. And with each decade the speed of its recession is accelerating. Some studies suggest the world's alpine glaciers may be gone in 30 years. We clearly need experiences in national parks, the prodding of the Season of Creation, and any other opportunities to grow in appreciation for our world.<br />
<br />
We also need to find ways to protect it, which leads me to another awe-inspiring experience we had - we toured the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Clearly I need to get a life. And yet it was like Christmas and Easter rolled into one. Edmonton's facility is world class. In fact, representatives from around the world have come to see Edmonton's one-stop-shop waste management.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DZB8EhYJ_qw8i1qnHv_UPVVzrCicUccRocCC6vIBU7RJVqXJSDERzLMTXWmoTibP1OIW5pP45GAu9KSbpqM-ATzq7yEwVTTwdestGj4ytfObPF6z7NVQmtWHrudTHLrBVJZIvrSB2uYa/s1600/IMG_20170825_135433118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DZB8EhYJ_qw8i1qnHv_UPVVzrCicUccRocCC6vIBU7RJVqXJSDERzLMTXWmoTibP1OIW5pP45GAu9KSbpqM-ATzq7yEwVTTwdestGj4ytfObPF6z7NVQmtWHrudTHLrBVJZIvrSB2uYa/s400/IMG_20170825_135433118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVctFDK2jz8qnPJiNOVQFz0rGdyYXp3dAzsP5v5pGfPs14smY6i7nUS0cb_IyNrAsr4n8uQ03-TgKPf3OITBHaBwbMo1ZXjLLJwgnNc7r7ZfNDd8x3i36Rsys8y_M4kXpU6ZlSNE4cn41Y/s1600/IMG_20170825_135959761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVctFDK2jz8qnPJiNOVQFz0rGdyYXp3dAzsP5v5pGfPs14smY6i7nUS0cb_IyNrAsr4n8uQ03-TgKPf3OITBHaBwbMo1ZXjLLJwgnNc7r7ZfNDd8x3i36Rsys8y_M4kXpU6ZlSNE4cn41Y/s400/IMG_20170825_135959761.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Edmonton boasts the continent's largest indoor composting shed and is installing an anaerobic processor that will convert excess organic waste into methane, fuel for electricity generation on site. Presently the plant diverts 80% of Edmonton's garbage from landfills, up from 60% because the EWMC processes soft plastic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfFknABOWeo94JfrO3rOWKg86agRdEeItTldRMJf4go900Sbz7g9Eyw_eOy4c1v7_OIufoYeI8YQmH65eL44Rg_kostO4V_mt0kyuKCNf0vBR200QLJBGcwhDKFdhX4XUOBef_2biKqKn/s1600/IMG_20170825_125037701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfFknABOWeo94JfrO3rOWKg86agRdEeItTldRMJf4go900Sbz7g9Eyw_eOy4c1v7_OIufoYeI8YQmH65eL44Rg_kostO4V_mt0kyuKCNf0vBR200QLJBGcwhDKFdhX4XUOBef_2biKqKn/s400/IMG_20170825_125037701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How does it process plastic bags and cling wrap turned away by most other municipalities? Chopped up into "plastic fluff", all of this waste is converted into methanol and ethanol in a gassification plant. Plastic bags, made from oil, turned into fuel to be added to gasoline. That's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
As I said, it was like Christmas and Easter rolled into one for me, so much so that I'm not sure if I was more awe-struck by the Colombia Icefield or by the EWMC? In the end I am awestruck by both. The glacier reminds me of the majesty of the earth, just as it rapid retreat reminds me of our human impact on it. And the amazing work being done to turn garbage into gold reminds me that there are solutions to our crisis if we put our minds to it.<br />
<br />
Each year we have the Season of Creation to remind us of the wonder of our world. But more importantly we have a 365 days of the year responsibility to take care of it. <br />
<br />
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-847978617823667112017-08-09T20:07:00.002-07:002017-08-09T20:07:52.999-07:00Brooding, part 2As I shared, brooding takes time. I've been told that it actually takes a good deal of effort on the part of the chicks to hatch. That reality came clear to me recently in regard to reconciliation work with the Indigenous community. In the same "staycation" period as attending the Skylight Festival, I decided to walk one of Toronto's Discovery Walks. Over 4 and a half hours Finley and I walked "The Shared Path" which follows the Humber River and includes several teaching spots regarding the history of the river for both Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabeg peoples as well as French and British Settlers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvheTuwWyyof_FAoUk6adWYoLa218WIuKci5sBmGCEmbTyDQcSyJjwdMKS5vWGm2P3lIg649nquk4uM64hJyL8SYKaES0vEG8AtMFV0tsVjHBEPCmGjJq0naEqaR_Se40WpzDD0yeE6z7/s1600/IMG_20170724_082045596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvheTuwWyyof_FAoUk6adWYoLa218WIuKci5sBmGCEmbTyDQcSyJjwdMKS5vWGm2P3lIg649nquk4uM64hJyL8SYKaES0vEG8AtMFV0tsVjHBEPCmGjJq0naEqaR_Se40WpzDD0yeE6z7/s400/IMG_20170724_082045596.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKD0NpDkbua4fxCCBhS3dQe8n60nhvcE9J4DRGamw6IxSdb0fvvX_C9YZajODBve0pYYHhVPHXVrNoSBJibLQCZkZfzLdmhDMZcRDGLxSkd3M7uPMz1_8E1hJaqgB0Yax1IT_EJpOkIdp/s1600/IMG_20170724_072000396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKD0NpDkbua4fxCCBhS3dQe8n60nhvcE9J4DRGamw6IxSdb0fvvX_C9YZajODBve0pYYHhVPHXVrNoSBJibLQCZkZfzLdmhDMZcRDGLxSkd3M7uPMz1_8E1hJaqgB0Yax1IT_EJpOkIdp/s400/IMG_20170724_072000396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finley had a great time, especially when I let him off leash for a swim in a quiet section of the river. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoovH8aLlKJf43KE_LYg3TDPTUeMhu2oNEqVJJ_YhydFoSlXnVLjLQfZ_a51YmqSQPzQsX1r-bar73UJQXtpVrSEuXf7yLFW9FyFkreiBzcmG03Jo0a1j8Ryn1D6weB-QzpUJXZl_YHrdQ/s1600/IMG_20170724_091123424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoovH8aLlKJf43KE_LYg3TDPTUeMhu2oNEqVJJ_YhydFoSlXnVLjLQfZ_a51YmqSQPzQsX1r-bar73UJQXtpVrSEuXf7yLFW9FyFkreiBzcmG03Jo0a1j8Ryn1D6weB-QzpUJXZl_YHrdQ/s400/IMG_20170724_091123424.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Along the way I spoke to an Anishnaabeg artist about a series of art pieces he is creating in the area. He spoke about the importance of knowing the history of the area and expressed appreciation that I was interested in just that. He said that only by taking the time to listen to the First Peoples and grow trust will we turn a corner in our sharing of Canada.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Lous_Sk6ERWPkRO12cBb7uNtd8rQ4HO4A5SDEOJ63rI2CuMtF2-mTwYc8hsXIZyYN8hkn-9iyHBPryg4O-25rni11O8SFaYc0XtyEKUtmS_HEWIIb1oFGyRYr35Sj8Xt3VzK4BUc32fc/s1600/IMG_20170724_115006871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Lous_Sk6ERWPkRO12cBb7uNtd8rQ4HO4A5SDEOJ63rI2CuMtF2-mTwYc8hsXIZyYN8hkn-9iyHBPryg4O-25rni11O8SFaYc0XtyEKUtmS_HEWIIb1oFGyRYr35Sj8Xt3VzK4BUc32fc/s400/IMG_20170724_115006871.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This was underscored at a couple of talks I attended this past weekend at the Skylight Festival. Adrian Jacobs, Keeper of the Circle at the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre (a United Church ministry training centre) was there and shared the history of the Two Row Wampum and the settling of the Grand River area by the Haudenosaunee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ463OKKvT1pvABC_4KBdks_zsKJNdU5pygYeXj2oMb_q5bfboaTSxTky1G4nPCJpHNBydGjYTMuDMDJrIcr1B3YKKUylg2F3gj6XorPrg0-REejJHm9xm6kgrryNjHDuh0xu0HzQUM1Aj/s1600/IMG_20170729_091110439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ463OKKvT1pvABC_4KBdks_zsKJNdU5pygYeXj2oMb_q5bfboaTSxTky1G4nPCJpHNBydGjYTMuDMDJrIcr1B3YKKUylg2F3gj6XorPrg0-REejJHm9xm6kgrryNjHDuh0xu0HzQUM1Aj/s400/IMG_20170729_091110439.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Southern Ontario had been the hunting grounds of his people, but with American incursions into their traditional territory in upper New York State, they withdrew to the Grand River. An agreement was made with the British that they would have set aside for their use 6 miles on either side of the Grand River from mouth to source - that's a large territory. But as is well documented the people were cheated of their land and reduced to a much smaller territory. "People's beliefs are known by their actions," he reminded us. "My people have kept our agreements. If the promised land was returned to us you wouldn't need to worry. We should be scared of you based on the past." You could sense some bristling among the crowd when he said that but I know he was right. That same story has been repeated in many parts of the country.<br />
<br />
And yet despite how much settler people have failed Indigenous people Adrian has hope. He invited us to share the story, to do what we can to stand with indigenous people. Many others have shared the same thing with me, that we need to do something beyond just saying sorry in order for a new relationship to be created. It will take effort on our part, more than just attending talks. It will take writing MPs and attending protests. It will take showing up at pow wows and listening to Indigenous people as they share how we can advocate for change.<br />
<br />
And truth be told sometimes we'll miss what is going on. We get caught up with our lives and the day to day busy-ness. Meanwhile there are tragedies like the suicide epidemic among young people in isolated reserves, or the fact that the federal government continues to under fund health, education and social services for Indigenous peoples despite being told more than once by the courts that it was in the wrong. And we'll miss the triumphs, like the mandate of Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women being expanded to include police conduct. When it happens I feel overwhelmed, like I have let down my friends by not paying attention.<br />
<br />
Something akin to that happened on my river walk. There were a couple of markers I missed along the way. I'd been distracted by a group of kids getting ready to go canoeing and by the rumble of the subway overhead. I was busy trying to make sure I was on the right path and avoid heavy machinery on the sidewalk. When I realized I'd missed them I was tempted to go back. There was a part of the story I'd missed and I felt that I had failed in my mission to learn the local Indigenous story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtlaCFP22R9L4TEpLvEXKXEB_FZxbU3IUfVpTbdJ55-Ie6JMH0XxnGhYJiRvdCHQ55lAfK7lnVnl2m7hjXQZLZIrlHpTZoVq0VxJPQDtj8ICCkfKib9j5B1FjRnZ4IEHkFPIUF5iqXrtW/s1600/IMG_20170724_102444124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtlaCFP22R9L4TEpLvEXKXEB_FZxbU3IUfVpTbdJ55-Ie6JMH0XxnGhYJiRvdCHQ55lAfK7lnVnl2m7hjXQZLZIrlHpTZoVq0VxJPQDtj8ICCkfKib9j5B1FjRnZ4IEHkFPIUF5iqXrtW/s400/IMG_20170724_102444124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But as I walked a labyrinth that I discovered near the mouth of the Humber I realized it was okay. along with the kids and subway and heavy machinery I also had been focused on what I needed to in that moment - the peace of the river, the beauty of wildflowers and trees, and Finley wanting to have a swim. And I was attentive to the paintings under the subway bridge and to listening to the story of the artist. Which is the point he was making in the end. It's easy to get caught up in our lives. But what really matters is the series of relationships that we nurture along the way. And when we take time to get to know Indigenous people and are attentive to our relationships, that's when the healing will happen and something new will be born. <br />
<br />
I discovered this a couple of days ago in the nest. I thought the eggs were delayed when all along little hatched chicks had been cozying under their parents slowly getting stronger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43gvGcIUnMxsdYmhkG84xIoo_CKpwGJHkxRn4g2-jMMNIyJh1YEL31iQ6Ce5rS5vsc3SJT5uZ8l8va_4XS67AGtMANz6Ls9GT7CD243bPwKJHk1QhBcinb-W-JsiiSo6RfyHfpMfxAEmM/s1600/mourning+Dove+Chicks+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43gvGcIUnMxsdYmhkG84xIoo_CKpwGJHkxRn4g2-jMMNIyJh1YEL31iQ6Ce5rS5vsc3SJT5uZ8l8va_4XS67AGtMANz6Ls9GT7CD243bPwKJHk1QhBcinb-W-JsiiSo6RfyHfpMfxAEmM/s400/mourning+Dove+Chicks+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the same is true of the Indigenous-Settler relationship in Canada. With friendship new life will slowly grow and before we know it a new way of being together will take wing. </div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-21911521267959592652017-08-09T19:15:00.001-07:002017-08-09T20:08:25.970-07:00BroodingYou know you're not living in the city anymore when you look out the window while you're having an early morning coffee and see a raccoon and her five babies scamper along the fence top toward your deck. Or when you are driving to the lake so your dog can have a swim and as you look up and see a hawk flying overhead - with lunch in its talons. Or when you go outside to water your flowers and notice that a pair of mourning doves have decided to nest in your hanging begonia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPlAO1bYv2m-OMZa_GOvDjs-iTuUXrvLplueJePgn5bvaiX6Z8BP6qTACLHoipSJnr2BdQerpIjsLUWZULEFG876dUiEMUQ5enrKZZZtP-1NwombE0gge0B8oY_IgkVQ_ZCU2G4VhIJbI/s1600/20170721_150825_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPlAO1bYv2m-OMZa_GOvDjs-iTuUXrvLplueJePgn5bvaiX6Z8BP6qTACLHoipSJnr2BdQerpIjsLUWZULEFG876dUiEMUQ5enrKZZZtP-1NwombE0gge0B8oY_IgkVQ_ZCU2G4VhIJbI/s400/20170721_150825_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I immediately checked to see how long it takes for the eggs to gestate - 16 days. Clearly these doves need to be patient.<br />
<br />
The need for patience has been a recurring theme over the last few weeks. First, as previously written about, we are engaged as a congregation in a period of discernment. This process is testing the patience of some in the congregation. There are repairs that need to be made beyond the re-roofing of our Christian Development building, initiatives they'd like to see implemented. But someone keeps reminding them that we're engaged in a process of listening and need to wait until we have decided what direction we're going to take. I sympathize with them. I'm not very patient either but sometimes we need to brood over the eggs for new life to come.<br />
<br />
New life takes time. As the organizers of a festival that Glen and I attended in Paris Ontario are discovering. The Skylight Festival is a new venture, spearheaded following a group "pilgrimage" to the Greenbelt Festival in the UK a few years ago. A large group of United Church leaders were sent to experience the event and get some ideas for new ways of being church. My big discovery was "Forest Church" along with "Order of the Black Sheep" which I blogged about during my sabbatical. The attendance dipped this year from last, but as I shared with a friend of mine, the Greenbelt Festival has been going more than 4 decades, and even then attendance has ebbed and flowed. Skylight is small for now but has a nascent Greenbelt vibe with a quirky living room in the middle of a field and of course a tent village and a pub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZapPulEyfniRsZE0yh1n46_u26Vpy29MtNEzDwqkK99wFKc5j2eoTvIqu0602lEEVRWBMjwKfwEdWH7q06zq5LzGcEg_vNnwwIpchE9ToCEr0ZJAXZz03OIQAL0HA8VrUHThwW7g2dW4x/s1600/IMG_20170729_154703668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZapPulEyfniRsZE0yh1n46_u26Vpy29MtNEzDwqkK99wFKc5j2eoTvIqu0602lEEVRWBMjwKfwEdWH7q06zq5LzGcEg_vNnwwIpchE9ToCEr0ZJAXZz03OIQAL0HA8VrUHThwW7g2dW4x/s400/IMG_20170729_154703668.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As usual my main interest is in "fresh expressions" of church so I was keen to participate in "Be" - an alternative service facilitated by folks from Maritime Conference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqrE3TKZ7GpdBQEaxpSTo6KUMWWx9V6MzbcwNeJRQCBQaStXNKLXoDXSl4bbwg69aPPm1Gh9Lj391ooFkIlFbM5gzpAOPQ90krTVbmKUFYLXXFkLgpNqgXfNL60jmxGDa9iqJSgY_x_Wh/s1600/IMG_20170729_161633607_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqrE3TKZ7GpdBQEaxpSTo6KUMWWx9V6MzbcwNeJRQCBQaStXNKLXoDXSl4bbwg69aPPm1Gh9Lj391ooFkIlFbM5gzpAOPQ90krTVbmKUFYLXXFkLgpNqgXfNL60jmxGDa9iqJSgY_x_Wh/s400/IMG_20170729_161633607_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQNtCrmXRrXhlqNL1pdo2fWXAy8ewB1CwYYZ1BT6AKCeB9bx2ptTpBot-GfaJGBkineemDLJ7KpDo0Cwes1C0UzYhNr5Dia9VfVODOGrgDJdgy_JMAOkRFxgGE9asDJc-UjXoqlm_4NfP/s1600/IMG_20170729_131211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQNtCrmXRrXhlqNL1pdo2fWXAy8ewB1CwYYZ1BT6AKCeB9bx2ptTpBot-GfaJGBkineemDLJ7KpDo0Cwes1C0UzYhNr5Dia9VfVODOGrgDJdgy_JMAOkRFxgGE9asDJc-UjXoqlm_4NfP/s400/IMG_20170729_131211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I was also curious to attend "Bible meets Broadway", an exploration of showtunes as sacred music, an idea I've toyed with myself since attending U2charist at Greenbelt and not being able to attend the "Les Miz Mass" at the same event because it was overcrowded. (Truth be told the title of the music event at Skylight took me by surprise because that is what I was going to call a worship service using showtunes as hymns. Clearly it was a good name.)<br />
<br />
Overall this year's Skylight was great and I trust with some careful brooding it will grow over time.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-79884796000907496082017-07-04T17:44:00.001-07:002017-07-04T17:47:16.990-07:00What a monthWith the page for June now turned over and the Canada 150 events done, now is a good time to reflect back on a month designated as both Pride Month as well as Indigenous Heritage Month. At first glance these two acknowledgements may seem worlds apart, and yet there is actually much that they share in common. Let me begin though by reflecting on Pride.<br />
<br />
Glen and I live in the most northerly of the municipalities in York Region. Georgina (we live in Keswick) is not known as a progressive hotbed. Folks here vote Conservative both federally and provincially. I've read letters to the editor calling down refugees. I've had conversations during which environmentalists are called "*@!* tree huggers and marsh muckers" (little did they know I've done both). So imagine my surprise when I saw Pride flags gaily blowing in the wind at the official entry point to the town. As it turned out Georgina even vied to host York Region Pride Fest this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It ended up in Newmarket, having been held for the last 5 years in Richmond Hill. The folks at RHUC were sad. They'd been coming out in full force to walk in the parade in years past, especially with the church right on Yonge. What would it be like walking in Newmarket? Given how poorly the parade had been attended in Richmond Hill, plus push back from local business, how was it going to play out further north? No one need have worried. The biggest impact was on the RHUC contingent. I was first to arrive, then 4 more came, as the parade began we rounded out to 12.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATQ5TJlNSwrAiF712u8MT-n8EkBOuCUKwuFr7vODYnb6087vxRHcdVmNZZ4TuDY3b8mvEguNbws7C9PTrPvGKlBh2c__wuMhOw0uyMqz0Sxr-5PfxhRhxzV8qdDyvn4_GY7YiK0jLhQ-V/s1600/IMG_20170617_105827387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATQ5TJlNSwrAiF712u8MT-n8EkBOuCUKwuFr7vODYnb6087vxRHcdVmNZZ4TuDY3b8mvEguNbws7C9PTrPvGKlBh2c__wuMhOw0uyMqz0Sxr-5PfxhRhxzV8qdDyvn4_GY7YiK0jLhQ-V/s400/IMG_20170617_105827387.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year RHUC was 50 strong. Overall they were thrilled because folks from Newmarket lined the streets, free stuff was given out by businesses, everywhere there was a feeling of festivity. "This is what it should have been like in Richmond Hill" one longtime participant noted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ee2caVZ7DVIly-uSqyJS4drOY7_LNpZOhyK_sKTgnWu-X2CVNW5vAdwl7MbOhpHbSEBMMrapk5fatKyaEFmtYHVYLMVXEawkbL0kAeai4yDvOgGcxeLtrCY3WRqrUOOSFOaDZ_giVH4K/s1600/IMG_20170617_105113854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ee2caVZ7DVIly-uSqyJS4drOY7_LNpZOhyK_sKTgnWu-X2CVNW5vAdwl7MbOhpHbSEBMMrapk5fatKyaEFmtYHVYLMVXEawkbL0kAeai4yDvOgGcxeLtrCY3WRqrUOOSFOaDZ_giVH4K/s400/IMG_20170617_105113854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And they were right. Which is why as much as I enjoy a big waving crowd, because there is so much local resistance to Pride in Richmond Hill the parade should be there. We need to be visible and stand proud because it is much harder to be out as LGBTQ+ in the more religiously and ethnically diverse Richmond Hill, close as it is to Toronto.<br />
<br />
It is a reminder to all of us why we need to keep creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, especially in churches and other places of worship. As I shared in my Pride sermon, because the church has singled out sexual and gender minorities for condemnation, we need in turn to single out welcome and inclusion. This sentiment doesn't always sit well, people generally preferring to include gender identity and sexual orientation in a laundry list of marginalized groups. We need to ask why this is necessary when we don't confront sexism or racism that way. Why are we comfortable with stand alone policies for disabled access but not LGBTQ+ inclusion?<br />
<br />
Which brings me to the importance of acknowledging Indigenous Heritage Month. As churches we were prime participants in Canada's assimilationist policy. In the early years bibles were translated into Indigenous languages, as were hymns, but church was still European.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fZgHxTGaql29mavNNx8jUj6w22DGTclu9aC2g-Ltrjw_PVVBc2_8v0_9TEqwgvgH5sqLqRFwejgfSp6Y_-GgGhMf7hCYKWmf0xVTGS6aOCLKmBNTb6PiUeomf1uwHdrIsd_Rxpmb6X3A/s1600/IMG_8548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fZgHxTGaql29mavNNx8jUj6w22DGTclu9aC2g-Ltrjw_PVVBc2_8v0_9TEqwgvgH5sqLqRFwejgfSp6Y_-GgGhMf7hCYKWmf0xVTGS6aOCLKmBNTb6PiUeomf1uwHdrIsd_Rxpmb6X3A/s400/IMG_8548.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The government banned traditional ceremonies with encouragement from church leaders. I have heard more than one story of clergy gathering up sacred items to be burned. I still hear some Christian clergy condemning Indigenous spiritual practice. And of course we ran Indian Residential Schools, with all of the deep harm that brought through cultural control, not to mention physical and sexual abuse. And so we need to step up as church leaders - step up to help people heal, step up in support of the reclaiming of language, step up to encourage the return of traditional ceremonies.<br />
<br />
And one final place we need to step up is in helping communities reclaim the role of Two-Spirited people. In denominations like the United Church that are inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we need to underscore how wrong we were to condemn homosexuality and gender non-conformity. There may be liberation for LGBTQ+ people in many Canadian circles, but on reserves many in the Two-Spirit community continue to suffer at the hands of Indigenous people who internalized white homophobia and transphobia. Fortunately things are changing. I was more excited to see Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde walking in the Toronto Pride parade than I was to see PM Justin Trudeau (though I was pretty pleased on that score as well). <span style="text-align: center;">And then to see right after a large contingent of Two-Spirited people walking and drumming and dancing. It warmed my heart.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Lis2cZ8eC3tw8OHmKU6o7mGdzr0LhFs0oDiO0NUuSwD3hPypu38LezrdnWbuw1Za6lmm-pU7uUjRZHQsi6V5SxksTcxj7XMw0QFmxWX6GhtycsP0QtlWnlpDaT87JFHX8FBmjMURF3uR/s1600/IMG_20170625_142129072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1335" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Lis2cZ8eC3tw8OHmKU6o7mGdzr0LhFs0oDiO0NUuSwD3hPypu38LezrdnWbuw1Za6lmm-pU7uUjRZHQsi6V5SxksTcxj7XMw0QFmxWX6GhtycsP0QtlWnlpDaT87JFHX8FBmjMURF3uR/s400/IMG_20170625_142129072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been an exciting month. It was my first Toronto Pride. And actually it was my first standing as a spectator rather than walking. It was great to see the floats going by (including some "eye candy") and it was great to see such diversity of groups walking, including LGBTQ+ refugees and those who help them get to Canada. I've been told the parade was more ethnically diverse this year. And it was a difficult month with the lead up to Canada 150 and me, among many, not feeling it was appropriate to celebrate. Instead I acknowledge 150 years and pledge to work for a greater partnership with Indigenous peoples in the decades to come. I pray that as churches we will be partners with the LGBTQ+ community, and with the Indigenous community. I pray that the excitement, the spirit of inclusion and the genuine solidarity I experienced this month is what we can all live into. </div>
<br />
<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-61170558473558144652017-06-04T19:02:00.000-07:002017-06-04T19:08:05.576-07:00It's a Dog's LifeIt must be nice to be a dog. You just live completely in the moment. For example, I recently took Finley for a walk in the forest. I've been avoiding my "rainbow route" because there's a low spot that earlier in the spring was filled with muddy water. And as a part lab part terrier, Finley loves muddy water. Glen will take him that way because "he loves it" but I'm not so keen.<br />
<br />
Call me crazy but I decided what the heck. I like the "rainbow route" and maybe the water has dried up. Finley ran ahead and you guessed it - the water hadn't dried up and he went for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3niBYI6IBws6vF256tNGW4oW7amgkHqivv0ZhyA8ci6Jmk0G6YVP5T3nYrwflNwWxeD_eiFEhmUTtH2a1PtaPecHu_KzrTjQLvtgjtuNZ4O0xHEEg5uWr1xxMdP_p699KQbVo2NCdXRuJ/s1600/IMG_20170604_193707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3niBYI6IBws6vF256tNGW4oW7amgkHqivv0ZhyA8ci6Jmk0G6YVP5T3nYrwflNwWxeD_eiFEhmUTtH2a1PtaPecHu_KzrTjQLvtgjtuNZ4O0xHEEg5uWr1xxMdP_p699KQbVo2NCdXRuJ/s400/IMG_20170604_193707.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's clear that he loves it. He is in the moment. Not worried about consequences. Not concerned that he will need to get clean. Not bothered that his puppy-parent will be mad. And how could I get mad? He was inviting me to live in the moment too. All the way to the car I kept laughing to myself. Fortunately we have the lake close by so he was able to get washed off.<br />
<br />
I, on the other hand, have a more difficult time living in the moment. Like most of us, I either look backward at the past or project forward into the future. I'll even do this with other people. Here's what I mean. On a recent visit to see my dad we got into a bit of a tiff. I'm still not sure how we got upset with each other but it all started when he commented how happy he is that Glen is now pursuing a career in acting. "Has he always been interested in acting?" asks my dad. "Yes," I replied. "Too bad he wasn't able to pursue it because it's harder to get roles when you are heading toward 50." I tried to explain to my dad why Glen has followed a number of different career paths and he kept on asking me "Aren't you happy for him now?" "Yes," I'd reply and then explain something else about Glen or what it was like for anyone trying to find work in the 90's, as if he hadn't been around. That's where we started to get annoyed with each other. But in the end, my dad was trying to bring me into the present moment, to the joy Glen is experiencing right now in acting. Ironic given that this is the same man who regularly asks for my feedback about his own past decisions.<br />
<br />
Living in the moment is hard for any of us. It's hard as individuals. And as communities. As I shared in an earlier post we are engaged in a listening process as a congregation. We are discerning our mission in the present Richmond Hill - how to use our gifts and passions as a congregation, and the asset of our building. When inhabiting a building that is over 100 years old it is easy to look back to the good old days. But who we are called to be in a changing community is what we need to be about rather than who we were in previous generations. The needs of our neighbours aren't what they were.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN_jjZkJvxh_htnzelg4q67nodsHCLYr6-BvXSxsIRMT6mzgQGroddexjYy4kOtOLUOKiPdWHI6vytsAEorxtot1N90NG1u6AaM-vZlQpiHn-42hyphenhyphenW_COBvIP2QxOsqfMgBooya-7QwEl/s1600/RH9-14.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN_jjZkJvxh_htnzelg4q67nodsHCLYr6-BvXSxsIRMT6mzgQGroddexjYy4kOtOLUOKiPdWHI6vytsAEorxtot1N90NG1u6AaM-vZlQpiHn-42hyphenhyphenW_COBvIP2QxOsqfMgBooya-7QwEl/s400/RH9-14.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ironically, it is wondering about our future that has been more of an issue. Almost as soon as our 1950's addition was built the congregation has pondered how to redo it. It was good for the days when there were hundreds of children in Sunday School but now... So every once in a while we've done visioning, even drawn up a possible major renovation. And in the meantime some significant maintenance was deferred. We all know what that impact can be.<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to focusing on right now. People are sharing some great ideas as they listen to what is on each other's hearts and minds and looking at the needs of our community in this moment. It's clear that there is holy wisdom among us. And of course as people share ideas I want to jump ahead to all the things we can do in the future when what I need to do is stay in the moment knowing that we will discern our course of action together.<br />
<br />
I wish I could be more like Finley and just live in the moment. <br />
<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-83385904637425924212017-05-24T08:47:00.001-07:002017-05-24T10:08:04.718-07:00The Power of Listening<div dir="ltr">
As a congregation we have recently engaged a consultant to help us discern our future together both in terms of our shared mission in Richmond Hill and how best to utilize our building for that mission. It's significant work. After all we have been handed a legacy that extends back to the early days of this community over 200 years ago with Methodist circuit riders.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Housed in a beautiful sanctuary built in 1880 along with a Christian Education building constructed in 1957, this congregation has watched Richmond Hill grow from a village north of Toronto on the route between Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe to a vibrant and diverse city (even though it' calls itself a town) in the GTA. The changes around it over such a long period have left it as an aging congregation in a building complex in need of lots of upkeep. This would be challenge enough but we are in the original village core of the town that is trying to find a new heritage-inspired identity. Add to that the reality that our community is much more spiritually diverse than in its Christian heyday. Clearly we need to do significant discernment.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPe2rO_FyPPqsbwgmxWWJjZnU0OGd2ZO2dZEYcTxNOunh-mIcMjfpP43NkC5oWVCwsPS2qTc4Q_IijDjFRv1ItlR43_2mqdeEyehtcAh9QbrcYd_JEkjuCB96ym4ftDo9VZx2ShHmkGXV/s1600/520605155_f54423913e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPe2rO_FyPPqsbwgmxWWJjZnU0OGd2ZO2dZEYcTxNOunh-mIcMjfpP43NkC5oWVCwsPS2qTc4Q_IijDjFRv1ItlR43_2mqdeEyehtcAh9QbrcYd_JEkjuCB96ym4ftDo9VZx2ShHmkGXV/s400/520605155_f54423913e_z.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And we need to do significant listening. We are part of a four part process which begins with a series of "Listening Circles" held in people's homes. Our main task is to listen - to each other and to the prompting of the Spirit within each of us. Our consultant reminds each group that we are trying to avoid "group-speak", that is the bane of many a visioning process when only one or two ideas come out because as a group we get excited by what one or two people offer and then we all start contributing to those ideas, forgetting completely that we have some of our own. "There will be time to explore ideas in the next part of the process," she tells us. "This is a time for all voices in the circle to be heard. We all have wisdom to share." And she is right. Over the last month I have heard significant wisdom shared. And as I have mostly kept silent, holding the circle in prayer, I have heard Wisdom speak to my heart.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
One thing that our consultant has us pledge to is to not debate statements and ideas as they come up. I'm so glad she tells each circle this. As people start to jump onto what someone has said you can feel "group-speak" begin. You can also feel the true power of hearing each other begin to ebb away as people feel their safety compromised, no longer truly free to share what is on their heart. When we maintain the no debate principle, there is a greater depth to the listening, and the sharing.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7xd0Dk9hXmujqMJZB5CH2W_3jJ-otkXH-GetrDBdGjDRayrO6gmELrtuK2tbPQ1dn7CXZyZ59prdBH0le_z5eZM-Iz0-91HHyNO2DRSrBuo1HrJRFGn_LU9JcRkwcIaDE0IE4AE6RUv1/s1600/Listening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="410" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7xd0Dk9hXmujqMJZB5CH2W_3jJ-otkXH-GetrDBdGjDRayrO6gmELrtuK2tbPQ1dn7CXZyZ59prdBH0le_z5eZM-Iz0-91HHyNO2DRSrBuo1HrJRFGn_LU9JcRkwcIaDE0IE4AE6RUv1/s320/Listening.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the world today I feel we could all use the benefit of "Listening Circles". We need to create safe spaces for people to share what is on their hearts without fear of judgment or recrimination. In recent days as more and more media attention is given to the question of "cultural appropriation" I have been struck by how much talking is happening and how little deep listening. An Indigenous or other racialized person will raise the question of appropriation and right away non-Indigenous, non-racialized (that is white) people will start speaking, justifying their wearing of x-outfit, or painting in y-style, or writing in the voice of z-group, saying it's free speech, or it's intended as a compliment, or "we live in a global village". The voices of the dominant culture are loud. No one is listening to what Indigenous and racialized people are trying to say. The status quo is being threatened.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I say "Amen" to threatening the status quo. That status quo has kept lots of people on the margins, disempowered and disenfranchised. If as white folks we stop talking and start listening we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change how we interact with each other. We may actually come to a place where we offer each other mutual love and respect. Then we will appreciate culture and share together rather than appropriating . We will listen to each other's stories, dreams, loves, hurts, hopes, fears, and in the process of truly letting another person's viewpoint touch our hearts, we will be changed forever.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As we continue to engage in "Listening Circles" with each other as a congregation I can hear some of that happening. Would that it happen in the other circles of our lives.</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-10184342318696026542017-04-20T15:07:00.001-07:002017-04-21T15:46:48.913-07:00Rising into new life<div dir="ltr">
It has been a while since I lasted posted, the gap coincidentally aligning with Lent. Okay, not coincidentally. Lent is a busy time in churches and Richmond Hill United Church is no exception. Add to this that it has been my first Lent flying solo in many years and you can see why I haven't posted. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">It has also been a rich Lent. Earlier in the year I joined a centering prayer group. Along with our group sits we have been reviewing over Lent a DVD from the Center for Action and Contemplation comparing the wisdom offered by Jesus and the Buddha. Learning about the false self and the importance of letting it go to discover what is true has aligned beautifully with this season. I've been reading Richard Rohr's recent book about the Trinity, discovering the dynamic flow of love that is beyond and yet within all things. Add to this that as part of a learning cohort with colleagues the facilitator led us in a conversation about being our authentic selves. Like I said, rich.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But Lent is over and it is time to rest in the gift that is Easter, special this year because being in Central Ontario for Easter means all of the snow is gone and the world is bursting into new life. A prime example is the forsythia in bloom at the parking lot door of the church. Spectacular. This sense of new life has been mirrored for me over this past week. It is recovery week for me and I have opted to take time off to review a CAC webcast on the Trinity. Along with the sessions has been lots of time for centering prayer and other contemplative practices like meditation walks. It was in such a walk that everything over the past six weeks came together.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmE6QusyWyoFlFOi6TEZu070ALIqmJFopfB2Pmh1lADALhTJpu9Nx_NLW-fPnWzZugw8jFzyEnIB-qvAbsFoc-g8G7RcMqh4gNbeFm7dDZl1ycsMCuCNUMRMFtcdSGOnL7Pp-_6DgmIZx/s1600/IMG_20170416_133113743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmE6QusyWyoFlFOi6TEZu070ALIqmJFopfB2Pmh1lADALhTJpu9Nx_NLW-fPnWzZugw8jFzyEnIB-qvAbsFoc-g8G7RcMqh4gNbeFm7dDZl1ycsMCuCNUMRMFtcdSGOnL7Pp-_6DgmIZx/s400/IMG_20170416_133113743.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So as you know if you're a regular reader is that I have found a thin place to go for walks close to our home. This morning I took Finley for a walk in this forest but decided to be very meditative about it, to be attentive to my body, to the wind, to the energy of the space. So I started walking, throwing the ball occasionally and just being attentive. It was magical. Everywhere the forest is bursting into life. I even discovered a patch of trilliums that will soon be in bloom. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EHLR_C4kEaTKO7Yua_M4EKwaeennsxe9SEySJZE_ao6BueHTPEIR3bDUEAj3NeZGnZDeC9Gc0RGvEC70H8AuuTTizoVSwHGeFcyiZOyzmdf-huNgHMvQUtEAnhwT60wB9IBN3cTL0971/s1600/IMG_20170420_124335753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EHLR_C4kEaTKO7Yua_M4EKwaeennsxe9SEySJZE_ao6BueHTPEIR3bDUEAj3NeZGnZDeC9Gc0RGvEC70H8AuuTTizoVSwHGeFcyiZOyzmdf-huNgHMvQUtEAnhwT60wB9IBN3cTL0971/s400/IMG_20170420_124335753.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I decided to follow a path that cuts back and forth across the main access path. I was in the moment, feeling the wind, hearing the birds, and as I crossed the main path I was struck by how much this following is my true self and not the false person I've been taught to project. I was meandering along where the land begged to be walked and not through the straight shortcut. As part of the webcast Wm. Paul Young (author of <i>The Shack</i>) had spoken about the art of making a violin. The artisan doesn't force the wood based on an ideal violin but works with the grain and allows the best violin to emerge. The wood shapes the violin maker more than the other way around. He used this image to speak about Trinity, about how this relational G-d doesn't force us along a path but draws out of us what is there and empowers us to walk along the path that is most life-giving for us. Trinity draws out from us what is true and authentic.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This was mirrored at the learning cohort. As a visual focus the facilitator lit a floating candle. Over the course of the days I noticed how a new candle always floated with most of its mass below the water. But as it burned more and more of the candle would be exposed. It felt like that was happening in our session as we each felt more free to be ourselves. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzuDXPgNxXapObgNP59cJd7wJHc5XhA0KBLdFmWfDK1Ugb2lfV-XptjjL-cB3gPORlvObim9FPTcMv4c-XO9mGi5EhvydhuhW_mcyL8-0ip5Qva5KyUamClH_7LUUs-Dgob_MP8a8-c9p/s1600/IMG_20170320_151956145_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzuDXPgNxXapObgNP59cJd7wJHc5XhA0KBLdFmWfDK1Ugb2lfV-XptjjL-cB3gPORlvObim9FPTcMv4c-XO9mGi5EhvydhuhW_mcyL8-0ip5Qva5KyUamClH_7LUUs-Dgob_MP8a8-c9p/s400/IMG_20170320_151956145_HDR.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">This is something many of us struggle to do. We are shaped by the world around us, by the values of our culture, including those that are in opposition to the gospel. But over time we can lay them down. I saw this strikingly as part of our Good Friday service. Each year RHUC youth help lead the service, presenting symbols to help us focus during the readings. I was using the template of my predecessor, adding some of my own symbols, including a Roman Imperial staff. I didn’t realize how powerful it would be until I watched as our youth place the instruments of empire at the foot of the cross. It captured so beautifully what I've been experiencing these past weeks, laying down what is false in favour of what is true and authentic. It is only through the letting go, the surrendering we see in the cross that what is true, authentic, life-giving can be revealed.<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iyeSUTjt6cmZx95lFp_Je_6a8S2y7YSYShnT6mI3ScnN0pBgziLYMn47oEVgkIEv3ZfuOOjEAAz77sfIBteesp5G1tEJji85QI-xOjFcY7a5JnXYLGIJz52lWnm2jMYznGrrsAVnTVBn/s1600/IMG_20170414_120254691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iyeSUTjt6cmZx95lFp_Je_6a8S2y7YSYShnT6mI3ScnN0pBgziLYMn47oEVgkIEv3ZfuOOjEAAz77sfIBteesp5G1tEJji85QI-xOjFcY7a5JnXYLGIJz52lWnm2jMYznGrrsAVnTVBn/s400/IMG_20170414_120254691.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So rich, so true, so life-giving.</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-23972494448612869252017-03-01T14:27:00.002-08:002017-03-01T14:27:40.954-08:00Hugging Trees<div dir="ltr">
I'm a tree hugger. Literally. I have been known to actually hug a tree or two. In fact when I was wrapping up my sabbatical and heading north from San Francisco to Seattle I stopped in Redwood National Park and did my best to hug one. I realise it may sound flaky to some but it offered me energy and strength. I received it gratefully before continuing on my journey.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpLnXsZM99eH_6wtWMetXRwqMA_MLdLUiugTByrVpKrvdQm5Bo_LE8d0nOAm8TmYeRMtgaWuRNLmiR7U0bL1Mbs_JKkqgbg2eNKwcI-sSp0fAjBQcClcl8V8t6MowD8al3vvbZDe-Pyho/s1600/IMG_20151114_084356532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpLnXsZM99eH_6wtWMetXRwqMA_MLdLUiugTByrVpKrvdQm5Bo_LE8d0nOAm8TmYeRMtgaWuRNLmiR7U0bL1Mbs_JKkqgbg2eNKwcI-sSp0fAjBQcClcl8V8t6MowD8al3vvbZDe-Pyho/s400/IMG_20151114_084356532.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Consequently I was very pleased a few weeks ago when I was asked by our Women's Spirituality group to come out to their retreat weekend and share some thoughts about nature connection, and especially Forest Church, which I've blogged about previously. For more information check out www.mysticchrist.co.uk. It was easy to say yes given that the retreat was being held a few minutes up the road from me at Loretto Maryholme in Keswick.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyHF5bBBcHKZq7YYWmm1QPaPvDAxGljbMgWMLXCiuMhsNMaqF2zNdo__fmqAEBpfHeX-QxXjWvYxe7JZ5PhYlHP1n-QFh4jzOnLMkxHjIuUKRlN836cGL5pY3g9GTu_rGOEmSv1agYYVW/s1600/1858268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyHF5bBBcHKZq7YYWmm1QPaPvDAxGljbMgWMLXCiuMhsNMaqF2zNdo__fmqAEBpfHeX-QxXjWvYxe7JZ5PhYlHP1n-QFh4jzOnLMkxHjIuUKRlN836cGL5pY3g9GTu_rGOEmSv1agYYVW/s400/1858268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
They were gathering just before Candlemas or Oimelc in the Celtic calendar. This is the beginning of spring (the equinox is mid spring by Celtic reckoning) because this is the time of year that the sun is noticeably stronger. This is a celebration focused on light so it was a nice coincidence that they had made lanterns from tin cans the evening before. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjt8II4gRe9QX5a9DNMexL2BG533MpLrfGB67fwQZ7DlBNHvgdn00JMJZ4d0VfUQBMgXgGv9W55LSNCkEj3GLbjR4UbUJooqbu6fPVEDpQlFok6-eM1FymYkxJzaUGcQ68WSQPEK92id8/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjt8II4gRe9QX5a9DNMexL2BG533MpLrfGB67fwQZ7DlBNHvgdn00JMJZ4d0VfUQBMgXgGv9W55LSNCkEj3GLbjR4UbUJooqbu6fPVEDpQlFok6-eM1FymYkxJzaUGcQ68WSQPEK92id8/s400/IMG_1765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As I sat in front of the fire I offered them my thoughts about nature and how Spirit offers us wisdom and insight. Inspired by the work of Noel Moule (his website is www.christiananimism.com), who I had the privilege to meet when I was at the Greenbelt Festival last time, I shared with the group about Christian animism, the idea that everything is alive, sacred, connected, has a spirit, should be nurtured and respected, and how if we are attentive to the gospels we can see these ideas in Jesus' teachings and actions. Hearing Noel speaking in those terms had been so affirming of my own spiritual experience and I was glad to offer something of the same. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I also shared with them the practice of <i>sensio divina </i>which I'd been taught by Bruce Stanley at the same Greenbelt where I met Noel. A bit like <i>lectio divina, sensio divina </i>is a practice of listening attentively to a place or thing or event in nature, experiencing G-d speaking through it. Just as you would do when approaching a passage in the bible, you begin by centering in <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">the present moment with mindful breaths, and then appreciating the scene or object as a whole before becoming more aware of details. Again like when reading a passage you move from that to a more imaginative process, becoming less an observer and more of a participant, attentive to the insights that come. It's an amazing practice which continues to speak to me and I was pleased that so many wanted to go outside even though it was chilly. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
For those who preferred not to go outside I had spread out magazine photos of nature and invited them to write a psalm (this is again a practice I learned from Bruce, this time in his book about Forest Church. I chose that option for my own reflection. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As I looked at the various photos I kept feeling drawn to one from an old edition of National Geographic I clipped out many years ago. I felt drawn to the verdancy of the misty scene of a brook and cedar trees seen below. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SEiJN6fln_WBIX0Mbf_oDOpVeZd8_svajeUTlfMKGOLhrhmWTpnqL-w_Te4WFzfr9ZzaSyxwvjJficifkCtIX3rKYi7tSs2xUzepHfbQbcjSah4GAePBvebXwstPP6y3vJb87isHFm46/s1600/IMG_20170301_163803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SEiJN6fln_WBIX0Mbf_oDOpVeZd8_svajeUTlfMKGOLhrhmWTpnqL-w_Te4WFzfr9ZzaSyxwvjJficifkCtIX3rKYi7tSs2xUzepHfbQbcjSah4GAePBvebXwstPP6y3vJb87isHFm46/s400/IMG_20170301_163803.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
There was something about the image that spoke to my spirit. When I had first picked up the photo I thought the child in the foreground was lying on a stone slab, but then I suddenly realized he was laying on a log, not unlike the log in the background covered with saplings. In that moment I knew what I wanted to say. I offer you my psalm:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Blessed are you mothering God.<br />
A majestic cedar with roots sunk deep into the ground,<br />
you lean against the soil, creating space for new life to grow.<br />
You lay down your life that I may live;<br />
you give yourself freely that I may be nurtured.<br />
I give thanks for the gift of your strength and nourishment.<br />
Beneath the shadow of your trunk I find shelter;<br />
in the security of your womb I find comfort.<br />
May you continue to uphold me <br />
as I sink my roots in the foundation of your love.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
You never know how people will receive an unfamiliar teaching so I was thrilled when everyone returned and they shared experiences of deep connection, how they regularly experience G-d in nature, how they had received inspiration from the experience.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
When I said I wanted to start hosting Forest Church in Richmond Hill, I received an enthusiastic response. I'm clearly not the only one who hugs trees.</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-16708055959246662992017-02-08T16:21:00.000-08:002017-02-08T16:21:45.391-08:00It takes time to let goOne of the realities of a new pastoral relationship is that it contains not only the excitement of a new beginning but also the grief of an ending. And though we often think of it in terms of how members of the congregation are feeling, there are actually two grief processes going on at the same time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV6WsIqRCFUGKNH8woJVwoj3r5xyPNKHvN75M9DpZlFeiQVgMb8J46yZA8SXUzf6zSFewqIflRx0NCoJR3j0Pxix7y6g9PyLnNt7D0iFrv26MNcl5Iy6pbrjUfrIYo1eNnR6hA0KQjQS2/s1600/cdf2a3c7a6b4dfc9d168040e07056a40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV6WsIqRCFUGKNH8woJVwoj3r5xyPNKHvN75M9DpZlFeiQVgMb8J46yZA8SXUzf6zSFewqIflRx0NCoJR3j0Pxix7y6g9PyLnNt7D0iFrv26MNcl5Iy6pbrjUfrIYo1eNnR6hA0KQjQS2/s400/cdf2a3c7a6b4dfc9d168040e07056a40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I became aware of this recently when a couple of different people commented on my preaching. The feedback has been positive but there has been the occasional "what we're used to is..." Initially I found myself getting defensive. I have generally been complimented on my sermons and I was reading it as negative feedback. Of course, that's not what the commenters were saying. They simply said "what we're used to is..." Focusing on the "..." I wanted to review my sermons to see how I wasn't doing enough "..." or talk to Glen and see if he felt I did "..." or look a the sermons of my predecessors to see how they were doing more "..." And then the penny dropped. I was focusing on the "..." when the underlying feeling is carried in the "what we're used to".<br />
<br />
When there is a change in pastoral relationship there is an understandable time of making comparisons. As a minister I don't come into a new congregation in a vacuum. There is a history that needs to be honoured, relationships that need to be celebrated, a way of doing things that needs to be affirmed. People miss my predecessors. It's understandable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1LlwNNkdc88Tb-uxFRNoilaC0h1l4osC85gvWoTLVP6PRg1zHV-AwqoxeqJH445TCf2oSsMVr9DCbY_OZDy38xKElYNrOmc1XF2Xq-AgrERPhTG2-Paezvz9IP7b2FCYDFGy_P6Vswk8/s1600/LabyrinthXFlickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1LlwNNkdc88Tb-uxFRNoilaC0h1l4osC85gvWoTLVP6PRg1zHV-AwqoxeqJH445TCf2oSsMVr9DCbY_OZDy38xKElYNrOmc1XF2Xq-AgrERPhTG2-Paezvz9IP7b2FCYDFGy_P6Vswk8/s400/LabyrinthXFlickr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also understandable is that an incoming minister is also doing some of their own grieving. This became real to me recently in a committee meeting. I found myself saying "what I'm used to doing is..." I wasn't trying to say that "..." was done better in my former congregation than in my new one, even though that was how some people in the circle heard me. What I was really saying is "I'm getting used to a new context" as well as "I'm missing what I'm used to". It's not a judgement and on my new congregation. I love this community. These are amazing, warm-hearted, generous, loving people. They have made me feel welcome and appreciated. I hope they feel that I love and appreciate them. At the same time we are all feeling a bit lonesome for friends and mentors. <br />
<br />
It takes time to grieve. It also takes time to get to know new people. We can't rush the process of letting go and embracing something new. In the meantime we give each other the benefit of the doubt, knowing that when we say "what I'm/we're used to is..." the focus isn't really on "..." We are really just saying "I miss ..." And that feeling is both real and holy. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-61461333890386527032017-01-07T17:54:00.001-08:002017-01-08T14:58:01.379-08:00Wisdom from the stableEven though we will be celebrating Epiphany tomorrow as a congregation, yesterday was the official day. As a consequence, with the Christmas season now over, Glen and I finally pulled down all of our decorations and retired our tree to the basement for one more year.This also meant putting away the nativity scene, not unlike this one below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MAtzKaq1Ufqrwjrq2TrpQ-6ZKmHrFZDK5ZvzFRNiFU0pv5ru1Yxd0RTenxPuVso8K5fYBUIYeJQcmiWMseuiqDwDntbxUfXi4AtgVb68YUEMYWthbdPeBSIiH97KxxhNQPmgFEUnJ626/s1600/Hand-Painted-Clay-Nativity-Scene-Candle-Holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MAtzKaq1Ufqrwjrq2TrpQ-6ZKmHrFZDK5ZvzFRNiFU0pv5ru1Yxd0RTenxPuVso8K5fYBUIYeJQcmiWMseuiqDwDntbxUfXi4AtgVb68YUEMYWthbdPeBSIiH97KxxhNQPmgFEUnJ626/s400/Hand-Painted-Clay-Nativity-Scene-Candle-Holder.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
As I wrapped the figures in tissue paper and carefully stored them away, I was reminded of RHUC's worship service on Christmas Day. Going by the assertion that December 25th on a Sunday is a "Christmas Day that just happens to be a Sunday" rather than a "Sunday that also happens to be Christmas", I generally resist the impulse to have a Christmas Day service when on other years the worship services are just on December 24. But that is not the tradition in Richmond Hill so a small group of us gathered on Christmas morning.<br />
<br />
Knowing I would be preparing a sermon for the evening before, we opted to make the portion that would have been a sermon a time for personal reflection instead. I set up several "stations" where people could ponder the Christmas story. There was a table to reflect on poetry, another with copies of the text where people could meditate through <i>lectio divina</i>, and another on which was set a globe and people were invited to write prayers on post-it notes. There was also a station to light candles as well as a partition on which I had placed several paintings of the nativity from around the world.<br />
<br />
One station was the congregation's nativity scene. I had set out pages of reflection questions, inviting people to decide which nativity character they were and why. That was my first stop and for some reason I felt drawn to the camel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqENFeHu0cqt7ZWNU-YuAGNa6Zi7iqKox54AB519kYbZfEDnj9BucrgxG3ooPmlqOzCmriJ_xyiykhU4KGnKY30ZGDkbtEl0-EjsXl6gqFgiWrhMxWy9f1LCDDJU9wrcqIl9WQtG_jcjFv/s1600/d38933fb05ba8d26a9d077dff3481872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqENFeHu0cqt7ZWNU-YuAGNa6Zi7iqKox54AB519kYbZfEDnj9BucrgxG3ooPmlqOzCmriJ_xyiykhU4KGnKY30ZGDkbtEl0-EjsXl6gqFgiWrhMxWy9f1LCDDJU9wrcqIl9WQtG_jcjFv/s400/d38933fb05ba8d26a9d077dff3481872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I pondered her I was struck how excited she was to be part of the journey. She wasn't entirely sure where her magi was taking them but she was caught up in the hope and expectation. That seemed fitting. The journey of faith is like that. I'm not entirely sure where I am going but I know I need to be part of it nonetheless. The same is true of being in a new congregation. As a newbie, I don\t yet know where the journey is going to take us as a whole, but I need to be part of the caravan. As I pondered why I was the camel, I realized it is because she has internal resources. I was being reassured by the Spirit that I have been equipped with the gifts needed to be part of this congregational journey. <br />
<br />
I moved on to the <i>lectio divina </i>station and prayerfully considered Luke 2:1-16. As I read through it I was moved by one line: "...the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go now to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place'..." I felt a stirring inside of me to go deeper in my spiritual life. The resources that I am going to need will come not from me but rather a deeper relationship with Christ. I need to take time to go to my own inner Bethlehem.<br />
<br />
This idea was reinforced as I went to one more station, the wall of images from around the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEmB7hptd1EkDzQDcoOFXBw3mUAvFVZl423aRbUwwhKR1KL3_ZzxARaltR7wzGFaf5EP8NiJU9tTnHs3Ytg5B608Cu5oWSLgI__dHLvbZSm7rDv4S_BtrksWYn6SUItgNrsScmHPKdjeH/s1600/1054791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEmB7hptd1EkDzQDcoOFXBw3mUAvFVZl423aRbUwwhKR1KL3_ZzxARaltR7wzGFaf5EP8NiJU9tTnHs3Ytg5B608Cu5oWSLgI__dHLvbZSm7rDv4S_BtrksWYn6SUItgNrsScmHPKdjeH/s400/1054791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I looked at an image of children playing with nativity figures, the message was clear. I cannot be a bystander to the story. I need to be a participant. And the only way to do this is to go deep in prayer, to take time each day for meditation, for contemplating scripture, for listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit inviting me into the heart of divine love. It's an invitation to take more time simply "being" rather than to spend all my time "doing".<br />
<br />
I still hope that when Christmas Day lands on a Sunday again we won't have a service. But I'm thankful for the insights I received this time around.<br />
<br />
<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-5406387395941135382016-12-04T14:37:00.003-08:002016-12-04T14:37:44.339-08:00Lessons from the Forest, Part IILet me begin my thoughts with a caveat for my more northern friends. The pics I am including in today's post are from a couple of weeks ago. The weather has turned cooler and the leaves on the ground are decidedly less crunchy, more on the "slowly turning into humus" side of the equation. Hopefully it won't be long until they're covered with snow. With that out of the way, let me begin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP7Q9s-P5AzOHoIUnDBlSLvgBYaVF7fp3rFS7OisOoqRm9Lrbbz5PjVcsci0ha90rsp5Z7qUZBQb5UT_BEj6mIM6wepSh2sDjfaEMrnhxM0lds8rZWFPgFJiTnD-haKnzjoh7U4JQYMr2/s1600/IMG_20161105_114115821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP7Q9s-P5AzOHoIUnDBlSLvgBYaVF7fp3rFS7OisOoqRm9Lrbbz5PjVcsci0ha90rsp5Z7qUZBQb5UT_BEj6mIM6wepSh2sDjfaEMrnhxM0lds8rZWFPgFJiTnD-haKnzjoh7U4JQYMr2/s320/IMG_20161105_114115821.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you will recall from my last post, Glen and I take Finley for regular walks in the forest, sometimes together but more often alone. I enjoy these walks. They are a good time to connect with Spirit, to be upheld by the Earth which sustains us, and to ponder life, the universe, everything. Filed under the category of "everything" is ministry and how do we go from where we are as church to where we need to be. It's in these ponderings that the forest once again offers me lessons.<br />
<br />
There are a number of trails in part of York Regional Forest closest to our home. Fortunately the various trails are colour coded. I've gotten in the habit of mixing and matching the trails to create longer walks. One I particular like I have dubbed the "rainbow route" because as I traverse the path I move from red to blue to purple to yellow and finally green before returning to red (the access road) which leads me back to the parking lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ3ooHim5zHeOctEF0uHwPcN9OgpTJeZKzdW6h6cfw3P0QY288NRmcNeV3eU7OTrDUOwXlM4e1DdovVlpgE2EGLBfaMc8r7wQRR4l_TvLMCDvvUBIv-G8i-cpVB_IIYlO9cequ17jW0tY/s1600/IMG_20161112_133742199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ3ooHim5zHeOctEF0uHwPcN9OgpTJeZKzdW6h6cfw3P0QY288NRmcNeV3eU7OTrDUOwXlM4e1DdovVlpgE2EGLBfaMc8r7wQRR4l_TvLMCDvvUBIv-G8i-cpVB_IIYlO9cequ17jW0tY/s320/IMG_20161112_133742199.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The volunteers who maintain them have conveniently marked the paths by painting circles every so often on the trunks of trees. There has been many a time that I have been grateful for those markings, especially as the paths themselves have become increasingly covered with fallen leaves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-g9VcXxv1udIVeE1D31SgyYmiPWNOia9SJNtez6i-VXzaujGr59sAA_j152I8TqCnAQCxedDm9PpdWu3XcoOp1rxyUWELbzNnUT6UwU8XscVwzm6Mdq5zF1IfHUNRSmS4I2lmr5qJDqH/s1600/IMG_20161112_134808183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-g9VcXxv1udIVeE1D31SgyYmiPWNOia9SJNtez6i-VXzaujGr59sAA_j152I8TqCnAQCxedDm9PpdWu3XcoOp1rxyUWELbzNnUT6UwU8XscVwzm6Mdq5zF1IfHUNRSmS4I2lmr5qJDqH/s320/IMG_20161112_134808183.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As I walked along considering the gift of these marked paths, I was struck how much that is like walking the path of ministry, especially in these days of great change. We need to walk a new path but sometimes we are unsure where to go. We have a sense that we should be going somewhere but the path is littered by what was, by the way we used to do church, especially when those approaches were successful in the past. We know too well that is no longer the case and yet we hold, obscuring a way forward. Every time someone says "We tried that but it didn't work," "That won't work here" or the infamous "We don't do it that way" is like leaf litter covering the path ahead. <br />
<br />
And yet we have the circles to guide us. They remind me that our generation is not unique in facing a major shift as church. Our ancestors along the Way have faced similar transitions. One sainted forbear who came to my mind is Francis of Assisi, According to legend as he passing a church during a meditative walk he heard a voice saying "repair my house, which is falling into ruin." Like many of us he misunderstood his task and literally set about repairing the church of San Damiano.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-v83PGCWtU37Q_jFfbAGbgJk1XriuDxa7-eF3K-ZarRdS6CS5rr9FFTBzBGnwd3HL8_-O7qSAPyRnyc7ETNVfA1DGspi8zZadceFedCv5mrgvCTZHt-2KifnH9eTrgf-95EyXEJQEGSq/s1600/St-Francis-holding-up-the-church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-v83PGCWtU37Q_jFfbAGbgJk1XriuDxa7-eF3K-ZarRdS6CS5rr9FFTBzBGnwd3HL8_-O7qSAPyRnyc7ETNVfA1DGspi8zZadceFedCv5mrgvCTZHt-2KifnH9eTrgf-95EyXEJQEGSq/s320/St-Francis-holding-up-the-church.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As the above picture illustrates, we can set about holding up the church that was, or we can do what Francis eventually did and establish a new community of people who were committed to living the Way of Jesus in the world.<br />
<br />
Now the world we live in is not 12th century Europe. And yet there are people in our communities that want to hear about the transformative path of Jesus, and not just hear about it but commit to it as they seek to repair the world in which we live. Our task as his followers is to go out into the community rather than sit in our sanctuaries holding on to the church as it was.<br />
<br />
It sounds easy, of course, but it's not. And as we forge a way along this path, there will be times like on the trails I regular walk, when it will seem like we aren't getting anywhere, when the trail seems to be switching back on itself, going in some convoluted circle. But eventually the way straightens and we realise we have moved forward after all.<br />
<br />
May we trust that the same Spirit that led Francis and other spiritual ancestors is leading us as well.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-31786247633971606502016-11-20T15:22:00.005-08:002016-11-20T15:22:53.821-08:00Lessons from the Forest, Part ISince moving to Keswick, Glen and I have discovered the York Regional Forest. We both like to take Finley for long walks along the trails. It's beautiful and very restorative, especially at this time of year. The autumn is always a very spiritual time of year for me. There is something powerful about the transition from the fruitfulness of harvest to the long death-like sleep of winter. The smell of leaf litter on the ground, the wind rustling the bare branches, the crunch of dry leaves underfoot. There is a thinness to this time of year where I feel more open to spiritual insights. This year is no exception and the forest has offered me some important teachings. Or more to the point, Finley in the forest offered me a teaching.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HyP9yp0Xwi0cnJvwu7TK3xj_3ej9dxkXJgx1LPFpKTnNYlSYNEyEdXdp1SDLvy96KKLcqoVgxRUArCvI87DzYOIuDnNXKJtTzz4BG7I4f3r0DQldTEvNfHZmM-DfBE2F6qHw_ucYx0jY/s1600/IMG_20161105_114120754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HyP9yp0Xwi0cnJvwu7TK3xj_3ej9dxkXJgx1LPFpKTnNYlSYNEyEdXdp1SDLvy96KKLcqoVgxRUArCvI87DzYOIuDnNXKJtTzz4BG7I4f3r0DQldTEvNfHZmM-DfBE2F6qHw_ucYx0jY/s400/IMG_20161105_114120754.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
On these walks in the forest, Finley likes to chase the ball, as well as to wander off trail. He also seems to know where he is going. Perhaps it's because Glen had taken him on a particular route or he could smell the way back to the car, but on one occasion I had my trail map out and was set to go one way but he was pretty insistent going another. I smartly followed and we ended up where I thought my route would take me. If I had gone my way I would have added a good half hour to our trek.<br />
<br />
As I walked along it struck how important it is to follow your animal guide. Which got me thinking how important it is to follow your spirit guide. One thing I have yet to share on this blog is that in my ministry I spent many years living and working among Indigenous people, especially among the Cree and Oji-Cree. It was in those years that I began participating in traditional ceremonies and absorbed their spiritual teachings into my own. At one point I was given a spirit name which connects to the eagle. This spoke to me because it fits with my personality. I am a long range vision person, although some may say I'm a bit of a dreamer. In ministry I often have a clear sense of direction, of where we need to move as a community of faith. This is not always a good thing because I generally want to get there sooner rather than later. Patience is not my strong suit. As much as the eagle connects to my approach in life and ministry, that grandfather is not my guiding spirit. No. It is grandmother mouse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHoj-52tLNjuK4bmHTrDvLRHzsW2vuX0sv5lKR6CIimBdp_Npr3e08cDfiGhhIXZ6MNJ3i1kAaE4Z20UiYrCcfpa115fJogcYYjeBomJlR5b5kJFbAS9dOLvStk42r-U83ZkWyKBmANt/s1600/peromyscus-mouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHoj-52tLNjuK4bmHTrDvLRHzsW2vuX0sv5lKR6CIimBdp_Npr3e08cDfiGhhIXZ6MNJ3i1kAaE4Z20UiYrCcfpa115fJogcYYjeBomJlR5b5kJFbAS9dOLvStk42r-U83ZkWyKBmANt/s320/peromyscus-mouse.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first realized she was my guide I was disappointed. "But my name refers to the eagle," I argued to myself. "That may be, but the eagle is not your guide. Listen to mouse's wisdom." And she is very wise. One of the gifts of grandmother mouse is that unlike the eagle who looks far into the distance, the mouse only sees what is around her. She is focused on the moment and pays attention to what is close at hand. She also nests, tending to relationships and ensuring her family is strong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over these last few weeks in a new faith community I have of course been channeling the eagle. I am dreaming big, seeing all kinds of possibilities for us. But the eagle is not my guide. I need to pay attention to the mouse. And she is reminding me to slow down. I need to be attentive to relationships, to listen to the needs of the people that Spirit has placed on my path. I need to take time to discover their gifts, listen to their hopes, grow a spirit of trust with each other. Together we will dream big and follow a vision into the future. But at this minute I need to learn about who they are right now more than who they will be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you grandmother mouse, and Finley, for an important teaching. </div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-23177216434046406012016-10-29T13:14:00.001-07:002016-10-29T17:14:29.992-07:00Settling but unsettledGiven that you're reading this post, you know that the title of this blog is "Reflection from the Road: a progressive Christian minister's musings on life, spirituality and following the Way of Jesus." If you've been reading my most recent posts, you will know that my musings have been decidedly tilted toward musings on life. Understandable given the huge transition we have recently made in our lives.<br />
<br />
Fortunately things have started to settle down for us. 95% of boxes are unpacked at home, 100% at church. Most of our paintings are on the wall. I've settled into the groove of commuting 35 minutes to the church on a busy highway. I'm getting used to schedule of RHUC and will slowly get used to the congregational culture. I've even got into a rhythm of driving up to see dad after church on Sunday, bringing him some meals and then going out to dinner with him before heading home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlTMOpSztNnHDPyAfH1GWUV7oJwevNrFEX2otXhybGxtOPcLHgf9hIoDhbUJfAv5GO3ox0g4zUVjT7Xb-5WgWjjb80NxIr9G1N80XZKg6LojpYyDMAeOluXVGPzx218mDn24GTQ6wWmL0/s1600/IMG_20161028_104349928_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlTMOpSztNnHDPyAfH1GWUV7oJwevNrFEX2otXhybGxtOPcLHgf9hIoDhbUJfAv5GO3ox0g4zUVjT7Xb-5WgWjjb80NxIr9G1N80XZKg6LojpYyDMAeOluXVGPzx218mDn24GTQ6wWmL0/s400/IMG_20161028_104349928_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You know things are settling when you see snow on the lawn before Hallowe'en and you say "This feels like home now." Ironically the same statement tells me that I'm not really settled yet, still betwixt and between, Only an Edmontonian feels a sense of comfort when it snows before November. Every one around us was pulling their hair out that it had snowed already and were feeling very relieved when the temperature went up again and all the snow melted. It reminds me that I'm missing Alberta, missing the northern vibe, the landscape, and of course the friends I've left behind. The lack of a new friendship network is a good part of why I'm feeling unsettled. Glen is here, of course, and I can share anything with him, but it's nice to have others to talk to about my experiences so far. And he certainly doesn't want to be the only person I share with. There's only so much the strong and silent type can take from a Chatty Cathy like me.<br />
<br />
And to be honest, I need a listening ear because I've had some unsettling experiences. For example, it was great my second weekend to go see my dad (Glen stayed home), make sure he was well, chat about a few different things, check in to see what he thought of our plan to bring him meals. It was nice to talk about life, especially for my dad to share about when my mom died, to share his memories. But the next weekend we cycled through many of the same topics, including things he shared about my mom, many of the things he said were word for word repeats of the phrases he used the Sunday before. As I pulled away I knew I'd be going through the same thing tomorrow. And that realization brought a sinking feeling into my chest. "Can I handle this?" I wondered.<br />
<br />
That unsettling feeling was compounded when I drove to Barrie for a church meeting. As I drove along the 400 and passed various road signs I was brought back in my mind to living there as a boy, and of course the experience of losing my mom. This was amplified when at the end of the meeting someone was introduced to me and without missing a beat he looked at me and said "You're Alan's son. You look just like him." It turned out the person I was introduced to had been in medical practice with my dad. We started to chat about my dad, questions asked about how he is doing, and memories shared about happy times, and of course the sadness of my mom's death. "Is that why I'm here? Not just to minster with the good folks of Richmond Hill, not just to help my dad, but to process through some of my own memories?" As I drove back to Keswick my eyes filled with tears and I wondered again, "Can I handle this?"<br />
<br />
In the end I know I can, but it was a shock to think about this additional layer of work. It will be unsettling, I'm sure, but needs to be so that I can become settled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-24124116821022841602016-10-07T06:01:00.001-07:002016-10-29T12:08:02.747-07:00A new sunrise<div dir="ltr">
With the dog stirring to say it was time for his morning nature break, I roused myself from sleep. It was a couple of days after moving in to our home in Keswick and our things were still in suitcases and boxes (to be honest many still are). Moving can be very stressful. Nothing is familiar. You can't find anything. You're missing what used to be home, maybe even questioning the decision to relocate in the first place.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
With all of these feelings in the background I got out of bed and my mouth dropped open. The sky was a picture of grey clouds and streaks of orange and yellow. It was a brand new sunrise as pretty as any I'd seen in the last 24 years in the West. Everything was going to be okay.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_DA9FleYr8-Uu-dy_JNh4WIpOBwLN9tDMQHz-4PgJelugGg4u5ksWxiNXxJnXACgEmyJ99ayWkYxrat0Iqe8BH_MEQzG7tfugaM28ASBXYpTXvFuDDKIxalu74hgjXfu7khSUrZ9vZOZ/s1600/IMG_20161004_065005106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_DA9FleYr8-Uu-dy_JNh4WIpOBwLN9tDMQHz-4PgJelugGg4u5ksWxiNXxJnXACgEmyJ99ayWkYxrat0Iqe8BH_MEQzG7tfugaM28ASBXYpTXvFuDDKIxalu74hgjXfu7khSUrZ9vZOZ/s400/IMG_20161004_065005106.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I should have known. I was told as much on a walk in Fogo Island, NL. Glen and I were touring as part of our visit for the 85th birthday of my Nan-in-law. There is a herd of caribou on Fogo and in the hope of seeing some we set out along the coast following a hearty breakfast at the B'n'B. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
We wandered along the shore, over a stream, through a grove of trees, across open field, up and down rocky hills, skirting bog. We walked and walked but no caribou was to be seen. But along the way I saw beautiful wildflowers in the foreground of stunning ocean vistas. We were visited by a pair of ravens and a robin. I noticed berries in the undergrowth and as we headed back toward the car we passed several bushes of labrador tea, a traditional medicine I was taught to use by my OjiCree friends in St. Theresa Point.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI_5RbIx1Z6LVq31Z2knoEzN_UJunP3UHP6Ut3fw4CO-ibENFuaxqxA1ywCAgGS2ey-NqSPegrDOWYuNgurWRx5GjcP6v0zS6mHKqzFwp6qyfWCUVFHScws4YrT5tiKeBsDE_DY7yPfvm/s1600/IMG_20160814_093310815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI_5RbIx1Z6LVq31Z2knoEzN_UJunP3UHP6Ut3fw4CO-ibENFuaxqxA1ywCAgGS2ey-NqSPegrDOWYuNgurWRx5GjcP6v0zS6mHKqzFwp6qyfWCUVFHScws4YrT5tiKeBsDE_DY7yPfvm/s400/IMG_20160814_093310815.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I looked about me a voice welled up from within. "Everything you need is here." I recalled an elder teaching me that Creator gives us everything we need to survive. We need to be attentive to the environment, to learn what can be foraged, which plants are medicines, how best to hunt the animals of the area. "Everything you need is here."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
I realized that my move to Ontario would be okay. The resources we'd need would be at hand. We'd meet the people who would offer us wisdom. We'd nurture new relationships and forge new ministry partnerships. And we shouldn't discount the personal gifts we were bringing. I may be disoriented for a time but we'd be more than okay.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
In these first few days it's become clear that the message I received on that Newfoundland walk is true. We've been welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. There are lots of people who are eager to offer their gifts in our shared ministry. Ideas and insights are bubbling up within me. A new day has clearly dawned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-53191096965526632442016-09-29T07:43:00.001-07:002016-10-29T12:10:54.243-07:00No more prairie sunrises<div dir="ltr">
I awoke at my sister in law's home in Waskada to a beautiful prairie sunrise. Orange sky stretching across the seemingly infinite horizon. Crescent moon hanging in the darkness above. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3om3ygkTnIeiUmKIFI5v3ORQtwGxaJamNC6Yvhotrnq7x9QfRKJdoBpSJMrMbrbMyAd5F8gO-iukUbG_5s8nKINwBLacPNarU0p9PQhLCDeh8o9oCdHqqTlSSIGqGJ5gZxXIHURfAQ4_Q/s1600/IMG_20160928_061145691_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3om3ygkTnIeiUmKIFI5v3ORQtwGxaJamNC6Yvhotrnq7x9QfRKJdoBpSJMrMbrbMyAd5F8gO-iukUbG_5s8nKINwBLacPNarU0p9PQhLCDeh8o9oCdHqqTlSSIGqGJ5gZxXIHURfAQ4_Q/s400/IMG_20160928_061145691_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Realizing this was one of my last prairie sunrises, I felt a wave of sadness. I've been feeling more than a wave lately. On Sunday it was a tsunami. As I preached my last sermon I kept my tablet handy, knowing I'd need to resort to reading parts of it if my emotions got the better of me. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I haven't felt this overwhelmed on leaving a community since I was moved from St. Theresa Point to The Pas. The definitive word there is "moved." As a priest at the time I really had little choice. Though I felt I had much more to offer in STP, Wassagamack and Garden Hill, my bishop had other plans. In the end he was right. I did significant work as rector of the cathedral and pastor of 4 additional parishes. Heading up the lay leaders training team was a joy. I loved my years in The Pas. It's there I learned the importance of cultivating community partnerships. But I left a piece of my heart in Island Lake.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I realized that the circumstances with this move are similar. My dad's decision not to come West to stay with my sister forced my hand. I knew would not come to Edmonton either. The words "I've lived in Ontario for 50 years" said it all. Plus until we know the cause of his memory issues, we can't risk a major move. I've seen too many seniors deteriorate more quickly when moved involuntarily to unfamiliar surroundings. I had more to offer St. Albert, Edmonton Presbytery and Alberta Northwest Conference. But family comes first. My dad needs support and Glen and I have an opportunity to strengthen a relationship with him in his final years.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And there are others with whom I can share my gifts. Like the move to The Pas, I know this next chapter of my life is Spirit-led. It feels like doors have opened easily. I'm excited by a new opportunity in a new community. The folks in Richmond Hill are doing good work and exploring new possibilities for ministry. I'm looking forward to jumping into the fray. Plus there will be opportunities to work with colleagues in Living Waters Presbytery and Toronto Conference. This move is the right move for both me and Glen.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But those prairie sunrises are an important part of my story. And I will miss them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-91855775240634427422016-09-21T16:19:00.001-07:002016-10-29T12:14:25.163-07:00Transitions<div dir="ltr">
It is a disorienting experience to see all of your worldlies boxed up and piled into a couple of transport cubes. It is even more disorienting to realize that you will be homeless for three weeks, having to vacate your home of ten years before you are actually leaving the city for your new digs thousands of kilometres away. But that's what happens when you up sticks. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQ0Rx-8f58EyCYq9YSNdW6_adr9ebkvx7dqQijfR7VrV-PGcWFL7Nf5Xq8Gx-RGhzXo2zLq9tjRCMGesLwTFaDfw3lLa_aTAQDPtEGR1JKJXpmNOiu1X7EJQkKDHmysv3CVe1dz45I4r/s1600/IMG_20160906_110432323_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpQ0Rx-8f58EyCYq9YSNdW6_adr9ebkvx7dqQijfR7VrV-PGcWFL7Nf5Xq8Gx-RGhzXo2zLq9tjRCMGesLwTFaDfw3lLa_aTAQDPtEGR1JKJXpmNOiu1X7EJQkKDHmysv3CVe1dz45I4r/s400/IMG_20160906_110432323_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Of course we haven't actually been homeless. Family rises to the occasion in times like this and my in-laws offered to host while Glen and I were in limbo. Overall the experience has been good. Barb and Ralph are very caring people, wanting to make sure that Barb's firstborn and his mate are looked after. Sometimes they care too much, wanting to be sure I eat, even if it means needing to wolf down because I am still working and have commitments. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
That experience highlights an interesting dynamic, that is how rooted we all are in how we do things. Glen and I have our habits, and Barb and Ralph have theirs. One of those habits is having supper promptly at 6 even if your son-in-law needs to be downtown half an hour later, and insisting he has something to eat because he needs to stay healthy. It's sweet and frustrating at the same time. They are very tidy people. Which initially meant having to hunt for my sandals because they'd been whisked out of site. I eventually figured out where they were. Further, they aren't used to having a dog around which meant the sudden appearance of air fresheners in our temporary bedroom and the family room where Finley spends most of his time. And yet they have mentioned more than once how well-behaved he is. I chalk it up to their wanting to reassure us that Finley is welcome despite their not being used to having a four-legged housemate.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
One of the interesting things about living in a new location temporarily is that I had to find a new commuting route. I was used to traveling to St. Albert just on city roads but now I head to work partly on the highway. My first time doing so I giggled to myself. "I guess this will help me get used to my new reality in Ontario." </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdXhg0_T15uJcNNaQc1ipH4Rchis9eyWsYAkFIa5wXFF_MukMwPX7Tx00mmVKVnB6ff7QcAdIxL29BgytMF1E7qEAnjtjA-9FbiP8dLsXwrHc_W98BmfVJvXNQEy-2tKBHldxcwot90BG/s1600/hendy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdXhg0_T15uJcNNaQc1ipH4Rchis9eyWsYAkFIa5wXFF_MukMwPX7Tx00mmVKVnB6ff7QcAdIxL29BgytMF1E7qEAnjtjA-9FbiP8dLsXwrHc_W98BmfVJvXNQEy-2tKBHldxcwot90BG/s400/hendy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
That experience made me realize that these weeks have been a gift. I am reminded that I will have to get used to more than just a highway commute. I have my ministerial habits. Richmond Hill United Church has its own ethos and culture, just as St. Albert United does. Like my in-laws with their eating times, tidiness and unfamiliarity living with a dog, the good folks at RHUC will have their patterns and habits, their comforts and uncertainties. I in turn have mine. We will need to learn about each other, to accommodate each other and grow to appreciate each other's habits and perspectives.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
This time with my in-laws has at times tested my patience. I have definitely tested theirs. When we test each other's patience at RHUC, I will draw on the memories of these weeks and recall how they were always wrapped in love.</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-16166384228108219232016-08-23T08:31:00.003-07:002016-08-26T07:15:33.224-07:00Beginnings mean EndingsOn our return back from Newfoundland, Glen and I stopped for a few days in the GTA to look for a house. It was exciting looking at various properties for lease, especially given that just before we left Newfoundland, we sold our home in Edmonton.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7R0Vmt_MX1aM-tes5FPHg_C2iww-3ins9hOgPL0FMPcDURvpeyukmTk6Itc4ca2lmO09nCWHJuP-TeeTweopelBg8SxbfIrSBUAMwqpb5hFHhanzMZB9q0iHtli_MHF1kdMnDbsB4bIw/s1600/sold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7R0Vmt_MX1aM-tes5FPHg_C2iww-3ins9hOgPL0FMPcDURvpeyukmTk6Itc4ca2lmO09nCWHJuP-TeeTweopelBg8SxbfIrSBUAMwqpb5hFHhanzMZB9q0iHtli_MHF1kdMnDbsB4bIw/s320/sold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That image which our realtor sent us meant that we could focus on house hunting with one less stress point back home. It also meant we really were moving. We looked at a number of properties for lease in an area north of Richmond Hill. We want to be partway between my new congregation and the town where my dad is living. After all it is in large part to offer him additional care and support that we chose to leave Alberta at this time.<br />
<br />
The day we were to look at properties we got a good taste of what is on the horizon. We decided to visit my dad pre-house-hunting. He'd been calling my brother a lot in the lead up to our visit, letting him know he'd looked on Kijiji at properties, offering advice as to possible neighbourhoods, wondering if he could come along with us in our search. Clearly he wanted to help and a visit would help him feel involved. It was also an opportunity to help him catch his cat which had to go to the vet. It was in the vet visit that things started to go off the rails. Without going into details suffice it to say he annoyed the staff, had an emotional outburst, complained about being sidelined had trouble remembering important information. I thought to myself how out of character all this was with the dad I knew growing up, but how it was increasingly the man he was becoming. It underscored why we were moving, but I also felt a huge wave of "buyer's remorse" - could I handle what was coming.<br />
<br />
That became clearer still a couple of days later. We had found a house to lease, signed the appropriate documents and dropped off a cheque with the first and last month's rent. We were on our way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8uoJUng4hK21h0q-JlRuQfxlIpn2hTVmwJBsF2aZtW25KOAu5vMegJ-xuDL9HTcY8ev7EtyxxXCZHN9wDzpf8vUtu__1XJluqIB1E0rF9Htlh1mjAT2j6hWWTZfIwpU5RJIsYMYhrmGO/s1600/new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8uoJUng4hK21h0q-JlRuQfxlIpn2hTVmwJBsF2aZtW25KOAu5vMegJ-xuDL9HTcY8ev7EtyxxXCZHN9wDzpf8vUtu__1XJluqIB1E0rF9Htlh1mjAT2j6hWWTZfIwpU5RJIsYMYhrmGO/s320/new.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I woke up at my niece's in a wave of concern about housing costs and utility rates in Ontario, wondering if we should have looked at more properties, worried we were biting off more than we could chew. It wasn't until later that day that I realized what was really going on. With the housing issue dealt with we could relax a bit and go visit my nephew who was doing some training in Prince Edward County. We decided to visit a cidery, do some tasting and go to some artisanal cheese shops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LSIDo9qQ2dtnOeaaLDigP9glb82N60-yWiTmAVENlDFGt_ykBfZF7AHPDNOrhjxnpP_MvmHM8LmzhbWXhwGrQLqkpNdMBH4kLWaR8mDPJ9jsVlccvQa6RvYTpdYNoXg_aNsSUPVmy-De/s1600/IMG_20160819_141849184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LSIDo9qQ2dtnOeaaLDigP9glb82N60-yWiTmAVENlDFGt_ykBfZF7AHPDNOrhjxnpP_MvmHM8LmzhbWXhwGrQLqkpNdMBH4kLWaR8mDPJ9jsVlccvQa6RvYTpdYNoXg_aNsSUPVmy-De/s320/IMG_20160819_141849184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But it was standing in an artist cooperative gallery that I realized what was going on. I had been enjoying the scenery on the road up, reflecting on how it was so familiar to what I grew up with compared to the last 25 years in Manitoba and Alberta. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUVqv16vuks9icbrwSSWD6wi4RyPt1OFTz3ZHNJDoVB6tjKW9s1rlZ1CNCS892P07wkBFaK357IQ5iuOgHCqjz6Y44FWIS1WB1bC_Hbvzp8EgOjPs5sYWL5suE0_t8AMaqI4LqaexF4_r/s1600/walter-bibikow-grain-barn-on-wheat-farm-in-rosebud-alberta-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUVqv16vuks9icbrwSSWD6wi4RyPt1OFTz3ZHNJDoVB6tjKW9s1rlZ1CNCS892P07wkBFaK357IQ5iuOgHCqjz6Y44FWIS1WB1bC_Hbvzp8EgOjPs5sYWL5suE0_t8AMaqI4LqaexF4_r/s320/walter-bibikow-grain-barn-on-wheat-farm-in-rosebud-alberta-canada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But then I as I looked at a photograph of a farmer's field with a big sky (similar to the one above), I realized how much the landscape of Canada's west have seeped into my soul. I'm going to miss the big skies. I'm going to miss the rolling fields of wheat and canola. I'm going to miss up north as well with its lakes and forests and rock. What I was feeling was the beginning of grief.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As much as I embrace the future of this journey, it comes with the realization that moving along a path also means walking away from somewhere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That part is bittersweet.</div>
<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0Edmonton, AB, Canada53.544389 -113.4909266999999953.2425465 -114.1363737 53.8462315 -112.84547969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-58056130190074979452016-07-26T19:53:00.001-07:002016-08-26T07:15:54.744-07:00A New Journey <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those of you who have read my blog from the beginning may recall that at the beginning of my sabbatical at this time last year I stated that I was open to whatever the Spirit had in store for me. That as you know unfolded in many unexpected ways, including my father-in-law having a serious injury while riding his bike in Corner Brook, many of my arrangements in the UK needing to be massaged a bit, sometimes quite a lot. I was being invited to let go of control. I knew that in my heart and the reality is that continues to be the something I'm experiencing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Case in point, before I left on my sabbatical, the plan was for my father to move out to Alberta where I live at present and my sister had just returned to be closer to her children. By the time I returned all of that had changed and my dad was clear that he didn't want to move having spent 50 years of his adult life in Ontario. I couldn't blame him. But as the one sibling without children, and having a career where moving is very doable, the die was cast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIRLr7xD9YInh90_oQkynaqRFoyq5kQ34ez2pppfH7TSdDw4Lvs35N48ILK7XB-zuSHaUGw28GHFfD_k0qT3qO9ql-gsBGMVdhQRsGtNq0AOo9IFdlwhrjIIIGzEv7MrQXaqjbSmYPqca/s1600/IMG_20160723_160051324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIRLr7xD9YInh90_oQkynaqRFoyq5kQ34ez2pppfH7TSdDw4Lvs35N48ILK7XB-zuSHaUGw28GHFfD_k0qT3qO9ql-gsBGMVdhQRsGtNq0AOo9IFdlwhrjIIIGzEv7MrQXaqjbSmYPqca/s320/IMG_20160723_160051324.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The upshot is that Glen and I decided that the move we had planned a few years down the road was going to come sooner rather than later. And so now begins another journey, this time as we sell out house and head east to Ontario where I've accepted a call to Richmond Hill United Church. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we begin this adventure I'm both excited and sad. I've lived in Western Canada for nearly my entire adult life, and so I am feeling a bit like my dad. This is the part of the country I've come to know and love, half spent in Manitoba and the other half in Alberta. It's in the West that I grew as a minister (or priest for the first half of my vocation). It's in the West that I began working with Indigenous people and felt deeply connected to their culture and spirituality. It's in the West that I plucked up the courage to leave the priesthood and become a minister with the United Church of Canada. And that was possible because in the West I met Glen, fell in love, married him and set down roots. I owe so much to this part of the country.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's also in the West that I began exploring new ways of being church, which is where my excitement comes in. My sabbatical had been all about deepening my understanding of Fresh Expressions and Emergent forms of church. It's what I've dabbled around in terms of my work in Presbytery, and that I've wanted to explore more deeply in my ministry in St. Albert. And I've begun to do that a bit since coming home. We now have a monthly coffeehouse style worship and we've launched a Forest Church for the warmer months with the hope that the colder months will be an arts based worship. But my move to the GTA will afford me a whole new opportunity. When I was looking for possible churches, the position in Richmond Hill jumped off the page. They were looking at redeveloping their property. They knew that they needed to change. They were open to exploring new ways of being church. As I interviewed their openness to something new was clear. I'd found a match. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So begins a new journey. Stay tuned for more reflections from the road. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0Edmonton, AB, Canada53.544389 -113.4909266999999953.2425465 -114.1363737 53.8462315 -112.84547969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-61634492559509234102015-11-25T18:57:00.001-08:002016-08-26T07:21:24.378-07:00An epic journey comes to an end<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkltKN4UZlcq2ALHitlQL0bB0fgdU0vU5ccIF_QtRuhBsd4QwVieV3w8Ta8FULCACBOQqQ6CQaLTKDYBBFhRL_oyj_Zrf1k-X8WN74tbgergKVauyCPDFl6PRCzJycgTB1sYu8eXhVx4Tn/s1600/flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkltKN4UZlcq2ALHitlQL0bB0fgdU0vU5ccIF_QtRuhBsd4QwVieV3w8Ta8FULCACBOQqQ6CQaLTKDYBBFhRL_oyj_Zrf1k-X8WN74tbgergKVauyCPDFl6PRCzJycgTB1sYu8eXhVx4Tn/s320/flight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWmTlV70c591YShZVfZALcKZ291JB4lr6nPZoNsZk6PvMIHNjIEbPzwrc5iay_6Oe6JUIP1ybXkegKKtYrKcWYZM0DqTkgtvC0mRymKRlOz20ygcUzsYQOMJ9yoSsewZZh6J_QIZ80Pve/s1600/uk-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWmTlV70c591YShZVfZALcKZ291JB4lr6nPZoNsZk6PvMIHNjIEbPzwrc5iay_6Oe6JUIP1ybXkegKKtYrKcWYZM0DqTkgtvC0mRymKRlOz20ygcUzsYQOMJ9yoSsewZZh6J_QIZ80Pve/s320/uk-1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tTyGkJFWkRfa2x3yASjuxEZl8LCHHkXPFV-vFVZweAYT0HXQ2btI1DheZTXusRxoJPlrmgDhiFf3pIyvmoTRqdTDGBzSHxrS_EiyKoiwHcrR21QQbfNOIZ-YPpioZG6rj0iNQ-gtHY_O/s1600/trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tTyGkJFWkRfa2x3yASjuxEZl8LCHHkXPFV-vFVZweAYT0HXQ2btI1DheZTXusRxoJPlrmgDhiFf3pIyvmoTRqdTDGBzSHxrS_EiyKoiwHcrR21QQbfNOIZ-YPpioZG6rj0iNQ-gtHY_O/s320/trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This past week as I drove into Calgary, my epic journey was coming to an end. I had flown from Edmonton to Newfoundland and on to the UK, traveled around the UK by train, car and on foot, flown back to Canada and drove close to 15,000 km from Edmonton to Ontario, down to San Diego via Minneapolis and Denver, and home again. I visited with 10 ministries/churches/clergy in England, Scotland and Wales and more than 30 ministries/churches/clergy/organizations in North America. It ended up being so much more than I had planned, as each visit opened up the possibility of yet another conversation or visit. As people suggested different books to read or websites to check out I now have a list of some 25 books, webpages and blogs to explore. It was epic, exciting, sometimes exhausting, but always enlightening.<br />
<br />
As I visited with the good folks of Hillhurst United Church, I came full circle in my journey, having begun my time away with United Church leaders at General Council, one of whom was Danielle Ayana James who is now in ministry at Hillhurst. At General Council a group put on a series of skits, one of which likened the United Church to the Titanic. At times it can feel like we are on a sinking ship, the reorganizing exercise we're engaged in a rearranging of deck chairs. And yet there are amazing places like Hillhurst in Calgary that remind us that church decline is not an inevitability. With attendance quadrupling over 7 years, they are poised to begin a third worship service. With Radical Hospitality, Social Justice and Spirituality as its touchstones, this congregation emulates some of what I saw in the new and thriving ministries I saw on my sabbatical: we need to be willing to take risks and sometimes fail, be intentional about welcoming newcomers and helping them feel at home, practice true hospitality of everyone, regardless of orientation, gender identity, race or status, invest in ministries with children, youth and young adults, talk less and be open to incorporating ritual elements in worship, be less churchy in music and language and open to what gifts the culture can bring to our life together, and commit to living out our Sunday in day to day justice and outreach.<br />
<br />
As I sat at Danielle's table enjoying dinner the conversation shifted from what's going on at Hillhurst to what else I learned on my sabbatical. Here are some things that I gleaned:<br />
<br />
1. The Way of Jesus still draws people.<br />
I visited ministries that are mostly twenty and thirty somethings. They gathered to pray, to be inspired, to be part of a community that wants to transform the world. They heard Jesus' radical message of justice and love and wanted to take that message seriously. We can take Jesus seriously and still be open to other faith traditions. We can preach Jesus without the constraints of conservative theologies of atonement, etc.<br />
<br />
2. What doesn't draw people is top-down institutions.<br />
The ministries with the largest percentages of younger people were flat in their structure and permission-giving in their culture. In a variety of ways they ensured that people felt their voices mattered. It may have been divying out the various parts, having people pray for each other in small groups, having a more conversational preaching style, including lay preachers on a regular basis, the list goes on. The common feature was a more democratic, participatory approach to church.<br />
<br />
3. Community is important.<br />
People spoke most positively of ministries where they felt at home. They were hugged. They were welcomed as they are. They were part of a small group where they were both affirmed and challenged. They shared meals and laughed together. They felt supported in times of crisis. For some, this means living in intentional community, either together in one house or by meeting regularly to pray together, share<br />
<br />
4. So is cultural context.<br />
One of the challenges of traditional Christianity is our tendency to hold on to inherited patterns without critical thought. We use language that carries theological baggage. We use churchy words that no one really understands and so create an "us" and a "them". We can reframe what we do in the sub-cultural contexts of our post-modern world. There is music in popular culture which speak more deeply of Spirit than many hymns. People want to feel their lives are affirmed, that who they are is valued. This means more than embracing technology. It means expressing the gospel in indigenous language and ritual - be it Cree, Creole, goth or geek. <br />
<br />
5. We are bodies and so worship needs to be embodied.<br />
Protestant worship tends to be very heady. We talk a lot. We fear too much silence. Rituals are suspect. And yet where I saw the largest numbers of younger adults, the worship was embodied. Evangelicals sharing communion every week. People bringing symbols from their lives to share with others. Candles and incense and icons. Body prayers. Anointings and the laying on of hands. Art and dance. Going outside and lying under the branches of a tree. Listening to the heart of the earth.<br />
<br />
6. We need to raise the bar rather than lower it.<br />
It is important to create a space where everyone is welcomed. But that doesn't mean we water down what it means to follow Jesus. We walk his way 24/7. We pray for the world and more than that get our hands dirty responding to the hurt of the world. It may be bleaching needles for safe-injection sites. It may be finding ways to give gang members viable job skills. It may be living simply, eating locally and buying ethically. It may be finding ways to honour creation. Whatever the expression, we need to take seriously what it means to be a disciple. And we do it in community, offering both challenge and encouragement.<br />
<br />
7. We can't invite others to follow Jesus unless we are following him ourselves.<br />
The United Reformed Church in the UK very wisely decided not to be a partner in Fresh Expressions until they had embarked on a course of adult education. They understood that one of the prime barriers to being a more outward-focused, missional church is lack of confidence as people of faith. One of the assumptions of planting a new ministry is that as we grow in relationships, people will start asking about Christ. What do we say when asked? We have created a professional class of Christians, with churches as lecture halls where laity come to be told what to do. Instead, churches need to be hospitals where we heal from our brokenness and labs where we ask questions and explore faith for ourselves. Then when we go out t work with others in the world, we can share why we follow the way of Christ at a more personal level.<br />
<br />
These are just a few thoughts about what I've learned. The experiences I've had and the insights I've received can only deepen over time. In many ways the epic journey I've been on has only just begun.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com2Edmonton, AB, Canada53.544389 -113.4909266999999953.2425465 -114.1363737 53.8462315 -112.84547969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-5567832108633354532015-11-21T10:36:00.000-08:002016-08-26T07:14:52.599-07:00More than just on Sunday, on Sunday, on Sunday<div dir="ltr">
On Monday I returned to Canada, travelling from Seattle to Vancouver. As has been the pattern for my sabbatical my planned visit with two communities turned into visits with three communities, lunch with a colleague and drinks with your clergy and students anxious to be church in new ways. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
My first stop was to First United Community Ministry. It's a going concern. The sanctuary was converted into drop-in space, the balcony made into shelter space for men and the former Sunday School reconfigured into the women's shelter. Like Broad Street Ministry, FUCMS offers meals, a postal address, toiletry supplies, and storage for personal items. A couple of doors down they run a thrift shop and connect to social housing down the street. It's an amazing place, effectively the Bissell Centre working with a much larger population. Having become a street ministry, in recent years they have committed to being a church again. Now by this they don't mean to gather on Sunday, but rather to be clear that Jesus is in the centre of what they do. And so they now have a community minister who facilitates worship during the week, offers pastoral support to guests and staff alike, keeps Christian values at the centre of their work.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdKaFfpnRmq0J-rf9GxEoeXZiDaJEvTeS69ynzevRSsxhZ5vLvp9Qj-jCB-dTBdVTgfsl5ZkHm13SG7r0vaet-NGYV3GK-P_2TQXD5KBuCQfTL6bodv5GLzi1C-m6uIswDe1GZK_YKgwK/s1600/20151118_162147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdKaFfpnRmq0J-rf9GxEoeXZiDaJEvTeS69ynzevRSsxhZ5vLvp9Qj-jCB-dTBdVTgfsl5ZkHm13SG7r0vaet-NGYV3GK-P_2TQXD5KBuCQfTL6bodv5GLzi1C-m6uIswDe1GZK_YKgwK/s320/20151118_162147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Also located in the area is a Salvation Army college which also facilitates a Boiler Room, an intentional prayer ministry intended to spiritually hold the needs of the community before G-d. Part of the 24/7 movement, the 614 Boiler Room were at one point praying around the clock for the Downtown Eastside. They've since scaled back abit but students and staff and others in the community set aside time to pray (no particular type of prayer required) and beyond that make outreach and justice work in the community a constant concern. Many live in the neighbourhood and share accommodations with folks on the edge. When I suggested that what they are doing feels a bit like the prayer ministry of medieval nuns and monks, Melina and Nicole readily agreed. They were praying for and with the community but more than that were offering hospitality and love in a very broken neighbourhood. Inspiring work.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Across the inlet in North Vancouver, Mount Seymour United Church runs a thrift shop, has an open "cafe space" and recently started a spirituality centre where people gather during the week to explore different spiritual practices. Near the Kitsilano neighbourhood a congregation is running a justice-seeking, queer inclusive, loco-vegan cafe. Intentionally partnering with neighbourhood groups they are creating an everyday community space for people of all faiths. Both congregations understand that "being" church is more than "doing" Sunday worship. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnif_w2eY14APXsJPUR85Xccpjn2dnSWo6e7LJIVsJ83V12k1qxDsrL75KldFrDvYaS5xOsYBI0lxdDw56pa6sW386StGcYBpnRrX6krl4wOADrHp3Fzimpc5gxx9_iM6wlCUv-v5nNOhg/s1600/IMG_20151118_103058767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnif_w2eY14APXsJPUR85Xccpjn2dnSWo6e7LJIVsJ83V12k1qxDsrL75KldFrDvYaS5xOsYBI0lxdDw56pa6sW386StGcYBpnRrX6krl4wOADrHp3Fzimpc5gxx9_iM6wlCUv-v5nNOhg/s320/IMG_20151118_103058767.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is something that we all know in our guts but sometimes struggle to make happen. And yet there is a younger cohort of ministers and theology students who hunger for church to be more than traditional Sunday worship. One colleague has created a Christian yoga practice called Yoga Chapel, combining the biblical narrative with the physicality of yoga. Another is part of a group who worship outside as they explore what it means to be more just in our relationship with the environment. Another wants to establish an intentional community of young adults committed to seeking transformation in their neighbourhood. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
There seems to be a growing desire to go beyond Sunday. For me that yearning is a sign of hope for the church. We are remembering that Jesus' core purpose wasn't to form a church. He galvanized a movement committed to living into his message of G-d's saving justice and love. The communities which formed spent time in worship on a Sunday as a way to be nourished in their day to day living of the kingdom. Our future will only be as bright as our holding onto that memory. </div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.2827291 -123.1207375000000249.1169101 -123.44346100000001 49.4485481 -122.79801400000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-18456766923954083642015-11-19T18:21:00.001-08:002016-08-26T07:19:02.384-07:00Ancient Future<div dir="ltr">
As part of my pilgrimage in the West, I had the opportunity to visit with two communities that are rooted in the liturgical tradition but are so in a fresh and engaging way - House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver and Church of the Apostles in Seattle.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeLbmX73wPMhzPRMQWg8Qutxt6eqxSD7hA7YjJrwo-RacKGG3bb4yYWWHxfBPt7V1TLQWDNGq8abGScYCiSwzIJ5t2T8EJ9ZwkTRE29zbfk8M6fdpO1NwyD4q7TboioPHl_dlh0AqqH9w/s1600/IMG_20151101_163902920_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeLbmX73wPMhzPRMQWg8Qutxt6eqxSD7hA7YjJrwo-RacKGG3bb4yYWWHxfBPt7V1TLQWDNGq8abGScYCiSwzIJ5t2T8EJ9ZwkTRE29zbfk8M6fdpO1NwyD4q7TboioPHl_dlh0AqqH9w/s320/IMG_20151101_163902920_TOP.jpg" width="240" /></a>Founded by Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Webber, HFASS describes itself as "a group of folks figuring out how to be a liturgical, Christo-centric, social justice oriented, queer inclusive, incarnational, contemplative, irreverent, ancient-future church with a progressive but deeply rooted theological imagination." They are just that. It was November 1 when Glen and I visited. As we came to the church door you knew something good was going to happen. Along with the sandwich board announcing that this progressive Christo-centric liturgical community was gathering, there was a black velvet painting of Elvis propped at the door welcoming us in. As people arrived, several went to makeshift "altars" to place on them memorabilia of loved ones. On one was a bobble-head Martin Luther and on another a pencil sketch of Dorothy Day. The liturgy began simply with a rung tone of a singing bowl. After Nadia and Reagan welcomed everyone, the very diverse crowd of mostly young adults rose as we joined in the "Litany of the Saints", shared some brief prayers and then processed into the hall (their usual worship space) to "When All the Saints" where the liturgy continued with readings, sermon, a time of "open space" where people could participate in an activity to help them integrate what they'd heard, and the eucharist.</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7K2FX9Jqq0oEONl218O878pCpPlLodzflVDAiZN9Zc2ukTdpwGRHD9Qr59yKWyGVUgdit29Tm0mpio7qgELm3ZBN-LRn7EXTtcpTFKGmsar8qI1KZnQnAugwlhVzpN94bN-czHyBM1Jo/s1600/IMG_20151101_175828762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7K2FX9Jqq0oEONl218O878pCpPlLodzflVDAiZN9Zc2ukTdpwGRHD9Qr59yKWyGVUgdit29Tm0mpio7qgELm3ZBN-LRn7EXTtcpTFKGmsar8qI1KZnQnAugwlhVzpN94bN-czHyBM1Jo/s320/IMG_20151101_175828762.jpg" width="320" /></a>Also founded by a Lutheran pastor, Karen Ward, COTA is an ecumenical community supported by the Episcopal Church along with the ELCA. They too are predominantly a young adult congregation, exploring what it means to be as they call it "ancient faith - future church". When I visited with them in Seattle last Sunday I was struck by the similar energy to HFASS. The space was dim and reflective. A band played cool music in the background as people gathered. Then Ivar (Karen has moved one) welcomed everyone and invited people to light a candle and any point in the service as a sign of solidarity and expression of lament for the bombings in Beirut and Paris. COTA generally share original music and that night was no different as we joined in a poignant version of Psalm 16, expressing a deep yearning for protection in a time of distress. Like HFASS, there is a time for "open space" after the message followed by a sharing in the eucharist. I opted to spend time praying at an icon of Christ and lit a candle. As it turns out Nadia visited COTA when she was founding HFASS so it's no surprise there are resonances.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj5KV0LMol8YkbcZsMy6_vDsaFJ-V9_OaJlvOJkqDg9g6lnEgUHuWyEKyhrGPdC0d3uGoun2U-8r_DniqEraD48pqP87BMwk393W1mkS6MeT6RYYaOnvksEXJnIjGPFlPcLyY6IIz40Co/s1600/IMG_20151115_183321119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj5KV0LMol8YkbcZsMy6_vDsaFJ-V9_OaJlvOJkqDg9g6lnEgUHuWyEKyhrGPdC0d3uGoun2U-8r_DniqEraD48pqP87BMwk393W1mkS6MeT6RYYaOnvksEXJnIjGPFlPcLyY6IIz40Co/s320/IMG_20151115_183321119.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As I shared with members of COTA during a potluck after worship, the "open space" time is an important way for people to connect with G-d and explore the message at a deeper level. It honours an important value of COTA (and I suspect HFASS), namely a truly inclusive spirit, not just in terms of affirming LGBTQ folks but also affirming people's spiritual journeys. It names the fact that no one's relationship with the Holy is the same and that we all need to be able to explore what that means for ourselves. It creates space for people to be authentic and vulnerable and in that a true sense of community is born. The open space time varies from week to week. That inclusiveness is also expressed in fairly flat ecclesial structure and leadership style. Both communities take very seriously the priesthood of all believers and honour it by sharing the parts of the liturgy as broadly as they can. At HFASS they also read out the prayers that people have written down as part of open space.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Another important part of these communities is the reclaiming of ancient practice. Be it singing the "Litany of the Saints", lighting candles, having icons, walking the labyrinth, chanting together, there is a desire to be grounded in less cerebral, more physical prayer forms. "There is a need for this in our world," Ivar mused as we chatted together. "Because the world is changing so much, people are looking to ancient practices as a way to feel rooted again." </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
He may well be right. There is clearly something about both communities that is speaking to the hearts of twenty and thirty somethings. Perhaps before we write our eulogies for the church, we need to look to our past as a source of energy and inspiration for our future.</div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.332070847.2636815 -122.9775178 47.9487375 -121.68662379999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218367192742949904.post-55332513477318562202015-11-16T15:22:00.001-08:002016-08-26T07:06:48.368-07:00Tales of Two Cities<div dir="ltr">
En route north between Los Angeles and Seattle, I stopped over in San Francisco with Mark Scandrette, who with his spouse Lisa, run discipleship labs, extended times of critical engagement with faith and life. An example maybe seeing your neighbourhood with new eyes and so participants will commit to exploring their neighbourhood and intentionally meeting people, trying new foods, engaging in conversation. Or it may be disconnecting from media and so committing to no Facebook and TV. They do these experiments in supportive community, always with an aim to growing as followers of Jesus and bringing more love and peace into the world. I'm not giving justice to how amazing these labs are.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJFB5jke_NpfGn4GRJMRPmXnnIjCU-8SdJg4eYErNTOUh9res7SOFZDrTlqGGZFOnywW2sI3sJXxThJ748GbrPPtkTfDT0nTS7iPXY-S0d6SV_XpwDwrLav7aEW065uGVZK4ejgGnYcO-/s1600/IMG_20151113_075415508_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJFB5jke_NpfGn4GRJMRPmXnnIjCU-8SdJg4eYErNTOUh9res7SOFZDrTlqGGZFOnywW2sI3sJXxThJ748GbrPPtkTfDT0nTS7iPXY-S0d6SV_XpwDwrLav7aEW065uGVZK4ejgGnYcO-/s320/IMG_20151113_075415508_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As part of my visit Mark and I went for a walk in the Mission neighborhood and he took me past an alley of murals, one of which captures Mission in two phases of its life - as a predominantly Latino neighbourhood rife with issues of poverty and racism, and then as a hipster neighbourhood with cool coffee shops and boutiques. Mark told me that the neighbourhood is transitioning again into a gentrified area as Silicon Valley-ites move in. Mark Zuckerberg has bought a condo up the street.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Anyhow, the mural captured for me a consistent reality I saw in this West Coast leg of my pilgrimage. I spent a couple of days in LA with friends, staying just north of Beverly Hills and Bel Air. We toured around, taking in the sites, even driving through some of the posh neighbourhoods. I was struck by the privilege that I saw. Media moguls and celebrities driving their fancy cars. Large houses and well manicured lawns. Then as we drove east the landscape changed. Things got a bit rougher around the edges. At a light a couple of young men rolled down the car window and asked for directions to the Interstate. "Did you notice the three tears tattooed on his face?" J asked? "That means he's killed three people." We were definitely not in Beverly Hills anymore.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next day I took a tour of Homeboy Industries in downtown LA. Founded by Fr. Greg Boyle, Homeboy Industries is a gang intervention agency, providing work experience, education and social support for men and women in the inner city. Our tour guide was a thirty-something year old man who'd been convicted as a juvenile but treated as an adult. After serving 14 years, F had turned his life around through Homeboy Industries. His face and neck had been covered with tattoos but through the tattoo removal program he was a clean slate. He is in college preparing to be a psychotherapist. I was blown away by his courage and conviction.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As I headed north towards San Francisco I passed through the arid mountains and into the Salinas Valley fields made green through irrigation. As I listened to Spanish radio and noticed the clusters of houses like I'd seen before in Mexico I couldn't help but wonder about the conditions of the farm workers. How are they treated? How many are undocumented? How do they feel about the anti-immigration rhetoric on Anglo radio? From there I stopped in Carmel-by-the-Sea, drove past Pebble Beach and visited Cannery Row in Monterey, a tourist destination in what was once the sardine factories written about by John Steinbeck. As I headed back toward Salinas in the dark and on to San Francisco, I noticed a truck in the field illuminated by light. Field workers were processing vegetables and would likely be doing so late into the night.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Salinas is a short drive from the coast, less than half an hour, but it is worlds apart. Like Beverly Hills and East LA, Monterey and Salinas are two very different cities. They are separated not so much by distance but by privilege and racism. The world we live in is a long way away from the kingdom that Jesus preached and gave his life for, despite all of the so-called Christians living in enclaves of wealth and buying food processed by workers just up the road. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I may not be driving a fancy car but I know that I'm privileged too. Which makes the discipleship labs of Mark and Lisa all the more important. As followers of Jesus, we have spent too much time justifying the world we've created and not enough time living into G-d's kingdom of love and justice. Perhaps it's time to give real discipleship a try. </div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12745314575719570954noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000137.373501499999996 -123.06486250000002 38.1763575 -121.77396850000001