The Spirit moves us through change, offering a glimpse of God's community.
Resilient by Grace
Something interesting happens as we age. We’ve gathered experiences that younger people have just started to accumulate. Experience softens the sharp edges of crisis. It prepares us for the unimaginable.
Our adaptation muscles are strong. We can say, with confidence, “this too shall pass.” It isn’t a lack of caring or abandonment; it’s a shortening of the shock and a faster ability to roll up the sleeves.
The church has seen 2,000 years of surprises. Let us situate ourselves in that wisdom and do the work that needs to be done. United in hope, with love and care for one another.
—Éric Hébert-Daly, Executive Minister for Eastern Ontario Outaouais, Nakonha:ka, East Central Ontario regional councils
God Propels Us Onward
Our community of faith has been reborn! We have closed three church buildings and settled in one. As rural people, we live long distances apart. My drive to church was 14km and it's now 53km.
Even after amalgamation of four communities of faith our attendance at Sunday worship can be about 20, mostly over 70 years old, except for two young girls who attend with their great-grandparents.
Despite age, physical challenges, and small numbers that demand each of us wear many hats all the time, we strive forward, filled with the Spirit that enlivens and propels us onward under God's purpose for us.
—Carol Peterson, Windsong United Church, Madawaska ON
So Many Ways to Say Hope
What does one say
when the minister asks,
one Sunday,
“What are your words of hope?”
And our words overflowed.
“Generosity, authenticity, integrity, graciousness, thankfulness, kindness,”
we proclaimed,
“Trust, support, determination, leadership, manners, mentoring,
inclusion, acceptance, fun.”
“Faith, hope, love,” these three, for sure!
“Welcome, joy, truth, forgiveness, charity, compassion, youth,
grace, beauty, balance.
Steadfast, faith, community, family, optimism,
togetherness, mindfulness, stillness."
“New growth.
Be positive.
Just getting by is enough.”
“Spring, birds, stars at night, trees, nature, children, laughter, dancing, baseball!”
So many people, so many ways to say hope.
Creation, colour, rainbows, music, singing, friendship, smiles, vision.
Yes.
—Rev. Donalee Williams, Trinity United Church Grimsby, Grimsby, ON
We encourage you to share your own "100 Words of Hope" (prayers, poems, or reflections).
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.