A sacred space

I spent yesterday with the women of St. Andrew's for our annual retreat.  We spent the day thinking of, and creating, sacred spaces. These were places and activities that brought our minds and hearts closer to God. It was remarkable that through painting, reading, walking the labyrinth, laughing and singing together we were able to create a space that felt holy.

It was with this mindset that I came to church this morning and slid into my pew. The familiar church looked different somehow - yesterday's day away made me see our own sanctuary as one of the "thin places" we talked about.

In her sermon, Karen quoted a thought of Henri Nouwen who was considering church buildings in the busy city of Rome. How the churches were empty much of the week, but still these large spaces were kept, set aside, to be used by God's people.  And in the same way, we are the church of God.  We are set aside to be filled with God's power, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead.  Yesterday's work in creating Sacred Spaces was ultimately about finding the sacred space within - that space were we breathe in the spirit of God. (And it is only thanks to the grace of God that this is even possible.)

And just as the seemingly empty church buildings in a busy city are fulfilling a great purpose, so are we called to fulfill our purpose. "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works." (Eph. 2:10) How important it is to see ourselves filled with the Spirit, and sent out into the busy world to do the good works God has planned for us to do.

 

Maureen R.

Prayer for the Morning

Photo: James D.

Photo: James D.

God of surprising revelations, I thank you for rest and renewal.
I thank you that when you come to your people,
you speak peace and invite faith in you.
Make this new day a time when I will give
more thanks for life than I did yesterday.
Give me ears to hear your will for me,
hands that are open to others,
and eyes to see the beauty in your world;
in Jesus' name.
Amen.

 

From Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion.
Westminster John Knox Press, 2014 (used with permission).

Pause Table

We had a very busy day at the Pause Table at Carleton University yesterday.  We would like to express my thanks to all who helped at the table and who supplied food.  We had 1600 students fed this exam time.  That is a record for us.

CTV news did a spot on those that are helping the students during this stressful time.  Click here for the CTV link, recognize anyone you know at about 26 minutes into the broadcast?

Reflections on Easter Sunday

Church was packed on Easter Sunday, which is always a pleasant sight. Friends and family from afar gathered together in the pews, to glory in the fact that Christ is risen indeed. So many years after the fact, it is easy to discount how palpable the feelings of loss and discovery must have been that first Easter. 

To mourn the loss of a dear one so intensely, and then arrive at the grave site a few days later to find it empty, the body seemingly stolen or confiscated. 

To sink into renewed depths of despair only to discover that a supposed gardener is in fact the dear one risen, no longer dead, very much alive.

That first Easter was full of heightened emotions as Mary, Martha and the other disciples faced up to the impossible made possible. A couple thousand years later, in packed churches and homes the world over, disciples numbering manyfold millions affirm that He is risen indeed. An affirmation of stedfast belief, made in community, and devoid of palpable emotions.

Time has worked the miracle of the resurrection into the fabric of our lives, into the very tenor of being, generation after generation. The discovery made that first Easter could not but lead to a new hope, of which we are the benefactors, gathering together year after year in large numbers to bear witness. 

What was palpable on Easter Sunday was the feeling of community in Christ, and of life eternal with God and in God. It is what binds us together in this time and space, and what binds us to the first disciples, those who awoke in the midst of loss to discover a world radically transformed.

We will continually attest as they did - He is risen indeed. 

Jide A.

The 3 gifts of the resurrection

During the children's time today we talked about the aftermath of the resurrection. Jesus left us with 3 incredible gifts; Peace, Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. What wonderful news – to know that we are already forgiven and can forgive others freely. How liberating to have the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ with us. And how comforting to have the holy spirit with us.

In my class of 8 kids spanning the ages 10 – 12 we spoke about “doubting” Thomas and questions we have about faith. We discussed questions we have about the bible, about Jesus, and how we have to come to be believers. Sometimes our doubts can lead us to deeper believe. However as we grow in our faith, the ultimate goal is to be like the “Blessed, who have not seen and yet have come to believe”. 

Koko A.

Letter to the Prime Minister

The Canadian Council of Churches have sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper regarding Canada’s military mission to Iraq and Syria. The letter was signed by all 25 denominations that are members of the Canadian Council of Churches.  There is a brief letter as well to the Prime Minister from Jim Champ (Salvation Army) the President of the Canadian Council of Churches. Please take a moment to view our Christian voice to the government of Canada about this important matter.

Read the letter here.