 I opened an email from Wood Lake Books today (that's the company that produces our Sunday School curriculum The Whole People of God). It contained wise words. It began like this:
"Indigenous heritage is the thread that holds together Canada's cultural mosaic." June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, when Canadians celebrate how First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture and people have contributed to Canada's national identity. It's also a time to recognize the injustices committed against the country's Indigenous population, such as residential school, which stripped a generation of the same culture that's being celebrated June 21. Check out the link to see some excellent information which I think helps us another step along the path of reconciliation. Sorry tells the circumstances around the United Church of Canada's apology to Canada's Indigenous People in 1986 for its part in the residential school system. And come to church on Sunday for the traditional smudging ceremony led by Ric Cywink. We are grateful to Ric for this cleansing and healing gift to our church community. One more way we "draw the circle wide". God bless you, See you Sunday.
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 St Peter nailed it once again!
Last Sunday at our Pentecost service we were invited into a dramatic presentation when Jesus' friends had gathered as he had told them to to wait for the Holy Spirit. It was fun to "wwwwwhhhhhhhhooooooooooo!!" like the rushing wind and wave our Pentecost "flames of fire"! We could feel God's Spirit amongus. Then Peter asked us these 4 life-altering questions:
He concluded with these words: "All these things are possible for you. What it means for you, for your church, and for the world is your joyous challenge to discover! Are you open to the Spirit speaking to you and living in you?" These are such good questions to ponder as we move forward with our strategic plan for Aylmer United Church. What are your thoughts as you ask yourself these question? Why not get together over coffee with a few friends and see what answers you come up with? Let me know.!  You never know what the Holy Spirit might be up to.
That's just the way of it. Holy Spirit: Breath of Life. Wind of Change. Fire of Justice. God's breath. In the beginning God breathed in the grace of the new Creation - perhaps in astonishment of the beauty even more beautiful than God had imagined. Then slowly breathed out. And on that breath came life. God's breath animating birds and insects, animals and trees. The earth, the stars, the galaxies. And of course, those human beings that God had created for companionship. God's breath, God's Spirit breathes on us and in us. Breathes through all creation - all our relations - giving new life each day. Always the same. And always changing. We never know quite what a day will bring. Each breath brings with it something new. Today be aware of each breath you take. And remember that as you breathe you breathe in the breath of God. God, closer to you than your very breath. Sunday is Fiery Pentecost. Wear your fiery colours to church! Let's fill the sanctuary with Spirit's fiery colours. |
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