Gone Fishin'

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Enjoy your summer!
Remember to visit me at my personal page if you miss me! Ha Ha Ha!

Sunday School Picnic -- June 14th

Hope everyone is hyped for the big picnic...and the "very first Church Picnic" play performed by all our kids and written by congregant, Wayne Bryant. A perfect close to the Sunday School year. We'll be dressed a tad bit more informally than in this photo...but you can bet there will be watermelon!

By the way, this blog will close down soon as I leave for summer R&R which means gardening, reading, and just spending time with my honey.

See you at the end of August for Vacation Bible School
August 17th through 21st.
Have a great summer.
God's peace.

Thomas Berry dies at 94

It is a sad day for me...for Thomas Berry who calls himself not a theologian , but a geologian (an Earth scholar) has left us to carry on his "great work." May we be worthy...

Pentecost -- birthday or anniversary?

While we often hear that this upcoming Sunday called Pentecost is the birthday of the church, there is much evidence to the contrary. For one it was a Jewish holy day, long before it was assimilated into the Christian mindset and for another thing those first celebrants were Jewish and probably had no intention or inclination to found another new faith tradition. Jesus, himself, seemed to be trying to induce those of the Jewish sects (yes Judaism was and is as diverse as Christianity was and is) to be imbued with God's spirit and not to get stuck perseverating about doctrines and dogmas.

Still there is from all accounts something very momentous that happened that day of wind and fire. The Spirit got through; they felt it -- better than that they acted on it and we had hope for a while that all peoples of earth would be able to unite in their joint search for truth and meaning, that is, for right relationship with God.

Now this is not to say that God was or is or can be defined by what we read in the Bible. There is much wisdom in the Bible, but if you try to define things like God who is ineffable and indescribable, then you will definitely run into a lot of trouble. Mostly what I learned in seminary is that much of the metaphor and seeming contradiction is there intentionally because the wise people who tried to capture relationship with God were forcing us to realize that what was written down was metaphor, allegory, instructive, wisdom -- but not literal fact or history as we would now know it.

History for the ancients -- and up until fairly recently -- was a very different kettle of fish. And when you can grasp that God is out of time and space, then you can see how futile it is (and always will be) to try to pin God to something so subjective as "history." Even when we take accounts from bystanders at an event like an "accident" we will hear quite different stories. This is not to say that anyone is intentionally lying, just that what they saw was through their own eyes and hence will be biased by their own histories, perceptions, and prejudices. (Yes, we all have them and that is not bad, it just is.)

So, when I speak about Pentecost, it may be quite different than what you have come to expect. I try to let God speak through me and not get in the way...but I am human and I have my own "take" on justice, mercy, humility, spirit and so on...

If you find what I say resonates with you, or if you find that what I say gets your hackles up -- you're right. We can agree, or agree to disagree, but we are still in the same boat. We are Christian...whatever stripe or colour.

And we can all live at peace with broken open hearts and satisfied minds...

Here comes summer...

Today, the weather was summer-like, but that will change. However, just wanted to share that our VBS (vacation bible school) is in full registration mode. Forms will be available at a special table this Sunday and henceforth in the Church Office. Also we are hoping to recruit volunteer helpers. There's lots of variety in this year's program...so think about it.

Our play is in place for the Sunday School Picnic on June 14th too. Wayne Bryant will soon be auditioning and rehearsing the children to perform a little play he wrote on the "Boy with the Fishes".

So be prepared to enjoy lots of intergenerational fun from June through August! Whoo hoo summer bring 'er on!

A real holiday weekend...

On Friday night/Saturday early, early morning, I had a little health scare. No details...just suffice to say that I realized that I needed to take a vacation from stress and worry...which meant I actually rested a lot on Saturday (Jeff's good advice. I did a wee bit of art, read a tiny bit, knitted one repeat (4 rounds) of socks and generally stayed on the couch. Then Sunday I took the day off (gasp!) You heard right I did not attend any church on Sunday. I can't believe it myself...but you know what...it was a great day. More -- in larger doses -- of what I did on Saturday, but I also made supper and it was good too. Then today it was warmer, well the wind had died down and that made a big difference. So more of the same and a little (very little) gardening thrown in. I am starting to feel like my old energetic self and also feeling very hopeful and positive...something that has eluded me for a bit...Won't go into details about that either. Just say, I am doing the "morning pages" again and getting in touch with both me and God. Not a bad thing, that.

A new loop!

Today I was invited to take the pulpit at the Chesley-Dobbinton Charge in Bruce County. The countryside around there is truly beautiful, sort of like the great folks we met today at each congregation. The children at St. John's in Chesley made me feel like skooching them they were such sweeties. And Owen knows how much Nana likes to skooch!

Pulpit supply has a way of introducing you to people that you would like to see and know more of. Spend more time with. Our camera was recalled so I don't have any pictures today, but there are some coming soon. So keep a look out--as the saying goes. Be posting more later, just wanted to say hey and keep you in the loop ...

Went to Southampton after to pick up Jeff's two prints -- one of which was in the recent Gallery show there. The lovely one that I liked didn't sell...sad to say, but good for me as it is one of my faves. No figuring people's taste (or imho lack thereof) so it was a loop of sorts...Owen Sound, Dobbinton, Chesley, back through Dobbinton to Southampton and back to Owen Sound. The trip back was especially enhanced by the lovely sunshine.

Glad to see it today...look out tonight...frost warnings~ So no gardening today, except for a few dandelions that were sacrificed in the name of order. Sorry to the "Dandiest of Dandelions" Someday, if these folks (that is My Sweet Patootie)are ever in your neighbourhood...check them out! Great energy, great music!

What does God expect?! or I am only human!

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously. Micah 6:8

Gracefully, when we fall short, God still loves. Thanks be to God!

We are not alone...

This session in Sunday School, the children are learning "A New Creed" initiated by the United Church of Canada in 1968 (they don't think that's very new!)



Now you can learn it too!

Imagine!

Jackie Ralph, the Coordinator of F.A.N. (Friends and Neighbours) Club Grey Bruce is coming to Meaford United on May 3rd. Whoot! that is less than a week away. Your child from 8 to 12 can participate in a program offered to children from junior kindergarten through to grade six. Jackie and helpers with child sized puppets will present a skit to the children on self-esteem to help promote mental health awareness to the children. A question and answer session follows each skit.

For more information about Mental Health Week or the F.A.N. Club of Grey Bruce you can go to the CMHAGB Website

Oh and by the way, Jackie is also known as the singing puppeteer and she will honor us with a sung version of the 23rd Psalm.

Join us at 10:30 Sunday morning and bring a child! You'll both be in for a treat!

Oh and if you are a grown up who just LOVES puppets (like me) visit my friend Lani's website and find out how you can enjoy making and playing with puppets! By the way, Jackie welcomes new volunteers to help with these puppet shows...consider volunteering when she is here...

Earth Day!

"Give to us laughter"

Yesterday we celebrated Humour Sunday at Meaford United Church. I hope everyone left with a light heart, I certainly did. Many thanks for all those encouraging words on my children's story and reflection (some might call it a sermon). The weather was perfect too.

Today it is a "blustery day" and the rain is coming down, down, down. So... I am preparing for May 3rd when Jackie Ralph will be coming to do a puppet show on self-esteem for the Sunday School. It gives me cheery thoughts to think of all our wonderful youngsters and some of our not-so-youngsters enjoying the exuberance and grace that Jackie has bubbling out of her. Oh and anyone of any age is welcome!

I will again be in the pulpit. This time all alone as Rev. Judith is taking some well earned away time. Before Jackie goes upstairs for her time with the Sunday School, she will sing the 23rd Psalm. Just knowing that "the Lord is our Shepherd" should help us to realize how wonderful we are...

Also Jackie tells me today that she is available and willing to do a puppetry workshop with all interested. It will be toward the middle of June. Keep tuned for details. You can post a comment here and I'll get back to you with updates regularly.

Also we have chosen our VBS (Vacation Bible School) program for 2009...It is Camp E. D. G. E. We are gonna' have a blast, so get ready to register! Whoo hoo you won't want to miss out on the fun!

What if God was one of us???

Joan Osborne - What If God Was One Of Us
Uploaded by Pippo-el-peco

The tomb is empty!

Alleluia, he is risen; he is risen indeed in you and in me. Let us sing and dance for joy!

Another Holy Day gone to consumerism!

I do hope you will visit Overturning the Tables a blog by Julie Kincaid. You can learn about how our holy days are being co-opted by the marketing world.

And while you're at it you might like to watch this video. It's 20 minutes long, but when you have a minute it's well worth the watch...The Story of Stuff

It was created by Free Range Studios ... another wonderful place to have fun while you learn about what's real and what's important.

And if you're feeling frazzled, come back for a wee meditation...

Well, it's April Fool's Day...

Don't get fooled today! I did, I was tricked by the weather forecaster...But the robins seem happy with the rain.

Good day to take a short meditation break.



And then it's back to working on the databases for the Vacation Bible School...Oh, you didn't know we were having VBS again this year. Well, for sure we are! Want to be a part of this exciting event? Watch for more news or give us a holler and get on board!

Spirituality Type Quiz...

Here are my results from doing the MethodX quiz here...How many would agree?

You are a Prophet, a crusader with a kingdom spirituality. You experience God best through serving others. You value competence and knowledge, and are good at leading and influencing others. Prophets are devoted to their causes, often becoming assertive and aggressive as you implement a vision of the world as God's kingdom on earth. You are our heroic change agents and we admire you for that. Single-minded and deeply focused, you aren't content until society has been transformed.

Prophets are the least represented spiritual type in the general population. You also are the hardest spiritual type to be around, mainly because you make the rest of us feel guilty for not having the same zeal for change that you do. We admire you for sacrificing your personal life for your hope of the kingdom realized on earth, but we are uncomfortable around martyrs.

You have a courageous and sturdy idealism that takes responsibility for change. But, your passion for transforming society can lead you to become impatient with congregations and their perceived lack of concern. You fit best in a hospitable, like-minded community that shares your vision.

Nevertheless, be careful not to become so involved in your cause that you neglect your inner life. Attend as much to your inner life as outer life. One will nourish the other.


Famous Prophets:
Mother Teresa | Ralph Nader | John Calvin
Lucy (Peanuts) | Rosa Parks | Dorothy Day
Joan of Arc | Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jeremiah | Malcolm X | Ghandi

Which Widow?

I participate on the new Church Leadership Network. Someone there posted this comment about the "widow's mite" banner. Let's get the conversation going? What do you think. I am asking the quilters from Lion's Head to get in on the discussion because they are the talented artists who created these works...

These are beautiful banners! Over the years I have often heard bits of news about Lions Head. It must be a vibrant congregation.

(click when the hand shows to "embiggen" the image for more detail)

For this banner, you seem to be combining two different stories in your title and description. One parable is Luke 15:8 about a woman who loses a coin and sweeps the house until she finds it. The other story is about a widow who is praised by Jesus because she gives all that she has to the poor (Mark 12 and Luke 21). I am curious - which story is it that is depicted in this banner? It looks like it is probably about the widow giving all she has.

'I Will Wait' by Maggi Dawn, set to pictures to celebrate 'Back to Church' week at www.i-church.org. Only to be distributed by permission. Music by http://maggidawn.typepad.com/

I think this is a wonderful meditation ... if we are harried by the brief return of winter today....Remember we are an Easter people!

It's the right thing.

Join us in experiencing the true dark. Magical!