Greetings to everyone on my emailing list,
The symphony of autumn colour is starting to be played out in our fall season.
Frost is becoming a closer possibility as the night temperatures dip and the daylight hours fade to night-time quicker with each passing day. All a sure sign along with the calendar of our seasonal ballet taking place.
Last week's worship had as its theme a focus on forgiveness, and it is well that it did.
First off, I have to beg for forgiveness at not having enough time to send out some musing words last week.
Secondly, our federal election campaign is in full swing, and quickly Stephen Harper had to ask for forgiveness over the "bird p--ping" incident on Dion's shoulder in his "attack" ad.
The big question at worship was, "Is true forgiveness possible?"
Sure hope it is! Because usually we need lots of forgiveness.
I guess I have used up more than my share of my "7 times 77 times".
I don't know about our prime minister. You be the judge.
This week I will be exchanging pulpits with Rev Brenda Nesbitt and leading in worship at Carman United Church's 129th Anniversary service.
It will be an opportunity for me to re-visit their congregation after having preached on theological education there in 1996 and also after having been their presbytery minister during a time of upheaval and interim ministry.
My sermon on "
Our Big Journey" will help us to focus on life as a journey, filled with all of its ups and downs, its troubling times and also its times of joy and celebration.
I'm sure Sunday worship will be filled with the latter part of this life's journey.
I look forward to being with them, and I'm sure Brenda will be quite welcomed at Hastings and Roseneath where she will speak on, "
God Gives us What We Need", the story of manna in the desert.
May God's blessing rest on you this day,
Celebrate the rest of your week
In the spirit of the living God,
Prayer:
Gracious God, bless us as sojourners in this life.
May Your presence be near us, support us, challenge us, love us.
In the name of the Holy One we pray. Amen.
Rev. Jamie York
Hastings Roseneath Pastoral Charge
The United Church of Canada
http://www.harpcharge.com/phone: office 905-352-2000
