For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. – 1 Corinthians 13:12
Dear Kindred in Christ,
The time that we are living through is difficult, in part it is difficult because we cannot see where the future is leading us. Prior to Covid-19 so many of us lived life in part looking forward, forward to the vacation that would come, forward to our favorite season, forward to a special event or festival, forward to a coffee date with friends or weekly activity we love. Looking forward to the future the time when we will be able to do _____ (you fill in the blank) is a risky post to hang our happiness hat on, because we do not know how long it will be until we are able to do the things we normally look forward to and there is always the prospect of having that pulled away. In this time we can dimly see a future but none of us can truly see what it will look like. As some of the restrictions and closures are loosened in our province we also are being asked to embrace new ways – such as staying physically apart from each other and wearing masks in public which wasn’t the normal I envisioned 9 weeks ago when we went into isolation. How about you?
This obscuring of the future gives us an opportunity to live life focused on the moment in which we have right before us. Our “Right Now” is the clearest our vision is going to be. While in many ways being forced to live in the present might be a disconcerting shift and difficult for some of us, it also provides opportunities for practicing and maybe even mastering being focused on the present “here and now” that so many of us just rush through. It gives us time to reflect on what we do and why, so we can be more intentional in our actions. Here is another bonus to working on living in the now – psychologists show that it helps reduce anxiety and stress – as we are not distracted by ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. This wisdom can also be found in the bible in Matthew 6:34 where Jesus says “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (The Message). However, If you are finding yourself overwhelmed or struggling with the unknown, you are not alone these are challenging times. Reach out for support because we humans were never meant to carry our burdens alone. We your ministers can be reached by phone – Rev. Michelle at 506-259-7602 and Rev Richard at 262-2150 (please note he is on holiday until May 18th). In addition, last week in the Covid-19 update we also provided a list of resources, if you missed it the link is on the website. If you are struggling reach out, we care about you and want to support you through this time. You matter and we are here for you.
What is happening now in the church?
– The board met along with the trustees this week with representatives from Daye Kelly to receive the churches financial report. There were a couple of corrections that needed to be made on their end once we receive the final draft we will be sending it out along with the committee reports. We are currently looking into how and when an AGM can be held.
– Work has also started on the ways in which we as a church will be compliant with health regulations for when we are able to be open again. Right now the focus is getting the policy and procedures in place for when small groups, renters and finally worship will be able to resume.
– Last week we released a survey in regards to engagement with the church during Covid-19 we have only received about 20 of these back. Please take time to fill it out, the more feedback we have the better we will be able to move forward. Your engagement is vital. The quick survey can be completed at https://forms.gle/
– We are working on a special worship project for Pentecost Sunday, May 31st and need your help. We are asking that everyone dress up in Pentecost colours (red, yellow, orange) and print off the Pentecost flames found on our website http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/
This week in worship we will be hearing a particularly familiar piece of scripture 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, as we do we will be challenged to here it not as a piece of scripture commending the love between two people getting married – the context in which we often here it- but to hear the message in the context in which it was written as we explore this Love chapter of our bible.
As we move towards Sunday let us pray
You are the God of love.
You show us just how far that love will take you, going all the way to the cross for us.
Yet you are also so close that you wrap your loving arms around us in protection and care.
As we pray today, fill us with your grace, that we may have the strength to face what is before us.
We know not what this day will bring, but it is you who makes us ready and you who goes with us into whatever may come.
Thank you for never leaving our side and
continue to help us be bright and clear reflections of you and your great love. Amen
Yours in Christ
Rev. Michelle and Rev. Richard