Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
January can often be a time when we pause and reflect on the past year. As I reflect, I am reminded of the words that, as ordination candidates, we chose as a summary of our time spent together – building bridges. This past year has been a year of bridges. A time of change and a time of community coming together. I have walked the path of helping others say goodbye to loved ones and journeying with them in their time of sadness. Others have crossed the bridge from independence to long-term care. There have been times helping others discover their faith and their newfound wonder in discovering what it means to be a follower of Christ.
As deacons, we are called to these paths and to journey with others. What a sacred invitation! An invitation to accompany others at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable. It is a time when the Holy Spirit is at work through us and with us. It is a time of learning, not only for those we walk with – but for ourselves as well. Helping people discover their faith deepens our faith as well. Their questions and observations can sometimes lead us to think about the Gospel in a new way and open our hearts to receive Christ’s teachings in ways we may never have thought of before.
Recently, during a baptism preparation class with a child, we read a Bible story. They listened intently and then said, “Is that even true?” That moment when they heard the Bible story for the first time was a bridge-building moment. A time of wondering for them, and a reminder to me that the familiar stories are not so familiar to those who are seeking to learn more.
Weekly, I lead worship in a retirement community in St. Catharines and then join them for a time of community at their coffee hour held the following day. It is a time to be of support, a time of conversation and a time to meet others who may not attend weekly services. Slowly, over time, the group has started sharing stories of their faith journeys and asking questions about my own. Different traditions coming together to discuss their faith experiences in their younger years and how they have grown in faith. It gives them an opportunity to ask questions and have discussions in an informal setting. A bridge to their past, their present and their faith.
The people and staff of Anchor Pointe have welcomed me into their community and lives. The relationship between St. John’s (Port Dalhousie) and Anchor Pointe is growing. They have baked for our church bazaar and are exploring avenues for residents to attend special events at the church. The people of St. John’s pray each week for the residents, and members of the congregation occasionally assist with worship services I lead in the chapel of Anchor Pointe. Footpaths and bridges are being formed between these 2 communities.
In the dark of January, these are the beacons of light that show that God is among us; God is at work. He is working through us and calling us to be builders of relationships, of communities and extensions of His love.
A Reflection of Bridges
Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
January can often be a time when we pause and reflect on the past year. As I reflect, I am reminded of the words that, as ordination candidates, we chose as a summary of our time spent together – building bridges. This past year has been a year of bridges. A time of change and a time of community coming together. I have walked the path of helping others say goodbye to loved ones and journeying with them in their time of sadness. Others have crossed the bridge from independence to long-term care. There have been times helping others discover their faith and their newfound wonder in discovering what it means to be a follower of Christ.
As deacons, we are called to these paths and to journey with others. What a sacred invitation! An invitation to accompany others at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable. It is a time when the Holy Spirit is at work through us and with us. It is a time of learning, not only for those we walk with – but for ourselves as well. Helping people discover their faith deepens our faith as well. Their questions and observations can sometimes lead us to think about the Gospel in a new way and open our hearts to receive Christ’s teachings in ways we may never have thought of before.
Recently, during a baptism preparation class with a child, we read a Bible story. They listened intently and then said, “Is that even true?” That moment when they heard the Bible story for the first time was a bridge-building moment. A time of wondering for them, and a reminder to me that the familiar stories are not so familiar to those who are seeking to learn more.
Weekly, I lead worship in a retirement community in St. Catharines and then join them for a time of community at their coffee hour held the following day. It is a time to be of support, a time of conversation and a time to meet others who may not attend weekly services. Slowly, over time, the group has started sharing stories of their faith journeys and asking questions about my own. Different traditions coming together to discuss their faith experiences in their younger years and how they have grown in faith. It gives them an opportunity to ask questions and have discussions in an informal setting. A bridge to their past, their present and their faith.
The people and staff of Anchor Pointe have welcomed me into their community and lives. The relationship between St. John’s (Port Dalhousie) and Anchor Pointe is growing. They have baked for our church bazaar and are exploring avenues for residents to attend special events at the church. The people of St. John’s pray each week for the residents, and members of the congregation occasionally assist with worship services I lead in the chapel of Anchor Pointe. Footpaths and bridges are being formed between these 2 communities.
In the dark of January, these are the beacons of light that show that God is among us; God is at work. He is working through us and calling us to be builders of relationships, of communities and extensions of His love.
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