Luke 6:31
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Our New Testament reading today had many incarnations this weekend. Luke 6:27-38
Of course it is a lesson well worth repeating every single day.
On Saturday many members of our congregation took the long cold walk in Support of the Ottawa Mission. Coldest Night of the Year Walk. Our congregation was putting into action the words we were taught. Funds raised go towards those that are hungry, homeless and hurting at the Ottawa Mission. St. Andrew’s All Saints Team were our representatives showing our Christian faith in deeds. May we all be able to follow such an excellent example.
Saturday night we connected with our past and honoured those who gave their all including their lives for us. Remembering and Understanding the Heritage of African Canadians – Part of Canada’s Heritage All-Year Long. This event explored the military heritage of African Canadians during the First World War and how the voices of minorities are heard in the telling of Canada’s history. Adrian Harewood of CBC Ottawa moderated presentations by Anthony Sherwood, Blake Seward and Kathy Grant. First it was a huge thrill to have the chance given to us by our Memorials committee to honour these heroes. What was very nice is that we were able to have the event covered by our committees. Admission was free but donations of non-perishable food items for the Centretown Emergency Food Centre were encouraged. Honouring our African Canadian Heroes and raising food for the food centre was pretty special but the reception afterwards was the icing on the cake. A remarkable group of our ladies with Central African backgrounds prepared an absolute feast of African cuisine. I can personally never refuse the beignets these ladies make. This was such a joy, a celebration of Heroes, an outpouring of support and effort by our congregational ladies.
Sunday morning Karen based her Sermon on our reading. Love those who......
Luke 6: 32-38
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.[a] Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
A very strong message of support to all, not just those we would see as friends. A tough lesson but ultimately very fulfilling.
Finally, we had our annual meeting. It has been a tough year, but we are slowly looking to improve the situation. We have learned what we need to do , we need to work together to gather our resources and build the future.
Luke 6:38
38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
We have been blessed with a very strong show of the lesson of the Day. We are more blessed that many members of our congregation live the words.
A blessing in Jesus name for all these amazing examples.
Noral R.