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December 19, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 The Gift of Love

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Love. We are invited to reflect on the deep and transformative love of God—a love that came to dwell among us in the Christ child. This love is not passive or abstract; it is active, embodied, and revolutionary.

At its heart, the story of Christmas is a love story. It is the story of a God who chooses to enter into our humanity, not with grandeur or power but with vulnerability and tenderness. It is the story of a young mother’s courage, a father’s steadfastness, and a child who would grow to show the world what love looks like in action.

In this season, we hear again the words of 1 John 4:9-11:

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

The love we celebrate this Advent is both a gift and a call. It is a gift freely given without condition and a call to share that love with others, especially those who feel forgotten, unloved, or unworthy.

In our world today, love can feel like a radical act. In a culture that often prioritizes self-interest, competition, and division, choosing to love—freely, sacrificially, and without reservation—challenges the status quo. It calls us to build relationships, to seek reconciliation, and to stand with the vulnerable.

As we prepare for Christ’s coming, let us ask ourselves: How can we embody God’s love in our daily lives? Who needs to feel that love through us this week?

This week I invite you to practice embodying love through small but meaningful actions.

Light a candle in a quiet space and take a moment to reflect on God’s love for you. How have you experienced that love in your life?

Think about someone in your life or community who may need to feel love this week. This could be someone lonely, struggling, or simply needing encouragement.

Write down one or two ways you can express love to them. This might be a phone call, a handwritten note, a thoughtful gift, or an act of service.

Carry out this act of love with intention, praying for the person as you do so.

At the end of the week, reflect on the experience. How did it feel to share love? How might you continue this practice in the days to come?

This practice reminds us that love is not just something we feel but something we do.

Let us pray,

God of Love,

In this sacred season of Advent, we are drawn to the heart of your story—the story of a love so vast and boundless that it took on flesh to dwell among us. You did not wait for us to seek you, but you came to us in the form of a child, fragile and dependent, yet carrying the fullness of your divine light.

We marvel at the depth of your love—a love that calls creation into being, sustains us in every moment, and reaches out to us in our brokenness. Your love is not content to stand at a distance; it meets us in life’s messiness, joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures. You are with us, Emmanuel, and for this, we give thanks.

As we light the candle of Love, we remember that your love is not for us alone but for all people. It is a love that breaks down barriers, heals wounds, and binds us together as one human family. Help us to embody this love in all that we do. Open our eyes to see those who are hurting, our ears to hear the cries of the marginalized, and our hearts to respond with compassion and courage.

We pray for those who feel unloved or forgotten and carry heavy burdens of loneliness, grief, or despair. May they feel the warmth of your presence and the comfort of your embrace. We lift those who long for reconciliation in their families, friendships, or communities. May your love be the bridge that mends what is broken and restores what has been lost.

God, we confess that we do not always love as you call us. Too often, we let fear, pride, or indifference keep us from reaching out to others. Forgive us, O Lord, and renew our hearts. Teach us to love with the same generosity and selflessness you have shown us.

We pray for our world, so deeply in need of your love. Where there is hatred, sow seeds of understanding. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is despair, kindle hope. Guide us to be instruments of your peace and agents of your justice, so that your love might be made visible in every corner of creation.

On this Advent journey, fill us with the joy of your love—a love that sustains us through every challenge and gives us the strength to persevere. May we carry this love into our homes, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and world. Let it transform our relationships and inspire us to act with kindness, patience, and grace.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let our hearts overflow with gratitude for the gift of your Son. May his life and teachings continue to guide us, and may his presence be our source of comfort and strength.

God of Love, we lift our voices together in the prayer that Jesus taught us, saying:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the love of Christ dwell richly in your hearts,
May it guide your actions and fill your days with grace,
And may you share that love with all you meet,
Now and always. Amen.

December 12, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

The Gift of Joy

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

The third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, is a time to pause and rejoice as we light the pink candle of Joy. Amid Advent’s waiting, we are reminded of the promise of God’s presence among us—a presence that brings deep and abiding joy, even when circumstances feel uncertain.

This week, we also observed Human Rights Day, a reminder of the global commitment to justice, dignity, and equality for all. Established to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, this day calls us to celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the work that remains. It is a moment to reflect on how our faith compels us to stand for the inherent worth of every person, especially the marginalized and oppressed.

The Joy of Advent is not a fleeting happiness tied to circumstances but a profound assurance that God’s love is at work in the world, even in the most challenging situations. This joy is a countercultural act of hope and resistance, a declaration that injustice and suffering do not have the final word.

In the Christmas story, we hear the angel’s words to the shepherds:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2:10)

This joy is radical in its inclusivity—good news not just for some but for all people, especially those excluded and overlooked. Human Rights Day echoes this message, challenging us to extend this joy by affirming and advocating for the dignity of every person as part of God’s beloved creation.

As we light the candle of Joy, let us ask:

• Where do we see glimpses of God’s joy breaking through in the world?
• How might we share that joy, especially with those yearning for justice and recognition?

Advent invites us to reflect and act. This week, consider ways to share joy with those around you, particularly in ways that affirm dignity and human rights.

Take a moment to reflect on a group or individual in your community who may feel excluded or undervalued. Write down one or two ways you can bring joy to them this week. This might include a kind gesture, a word of encouragement, or support for an organization that works to uphold human rights. Then, make time this week to carry out some of these joyful activities.

Let us pray,

God of Joy, in this season of Advent, we come before you with gratitude for the gift of Jesus, whose birth was proclaimed as the good news of great joy for all people. This joy is not fleeting or shallow but profound and enduring, rooted in the promise of your presence.

We give thanks for the moments of joy in our lives—the laughter of loved ones, the beauty of creation, the kindness of strangers, and the hope that sustains us. These glimpses of your goodness remind us of your steadfast love and the abundant life you desire for all your children.

Yet, O God, we acknowledge that there are many places in our world where joy feels distant. We remember those who are burdened by grief, weighed down by injustice, or silenced by oppression. We lift to you those who live in fear, those whose dignity is denied, and those who long for a better tomorrow.

We remember the sacred truth that every person is created in your image, bearing your divine spark. We pray for those who fight tirelessly for the rights of others, for leaders and advocates, caregivers and peacemakers. Strengthen them with your Spirit and grant them courage and wisdom in their work.

We pray for the victims of oppression, those who have been denied their basic rights and freedoms. Comfort them in their pain and surround them with your love. Let your light shine into the shadows of injustice, and inspire us to walk alongside them, to listen, to act, and to bring your joy into their lives.

God of Justice, as we light the candle of Joy this week, fill us with a holy determination to be bearers of your joy in the world. May our joy be a force of resistance against despair and a sign of your kingdom breaking through. Help us to find joy in acts of compassion, in speaking truth, and in creating spaces of welcome and safety for all.

We confess, O God, that there are times when we have been silent in the face of injustice, times when we have failed to see the humanity in others, and times when we have chosen comfort over courage.

Forgive us and renew our hearts. Open our eyes to see where you are calling us to bring joy, where we can make a difference, and where your love is most needed.

We pray for our world, O God—a world you so deeply love. We pray for peace where there is conflict, healing where there is hurt, and reconciliation where there is division. We pray for leaders to govern with wisdom and compassion, for communities to embrace justice, and for all people to know the joy of living in harmony with one another.

May the joy of this season inspire us to action. May it move us to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, to lift up the lowly, and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of your creation. As we journey through Advent, may we do so with hearts full of hope, hands ready to serve, and spirits attuned to your presence.

God of Joy, let your joy overflow in us, transforming our lives and the world around us. May we be channels of your peace and justice, living out the good news that the angels proclaimed so long ago.

We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our source of joy and hope, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

May the God of Joy fill your heart with gladness,

May the light of Christ guide your path,

And may the Spirit inspire you to share joy and justice,

Today and always. Amen.

December 5, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

The Gift of Peace

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

The second Sunday of Advent calls us to reflect on Peace —God’s vision of wholeness and harmony for all creation. In a world often marked by violence, division, and fear, this promise of peace feels both deeply needed and painfully distant.

Tomorrow, December 6, we also observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a solemn occasion to honour the memory of the fourteen women murdered on December 6, 1989, at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal, and to recognize the ongoing reality of gender-based violence. As we light the candle of Peace this Advent, we are called to confront this troubling reality, to name the injustices that rob individuals of safety and dignity, and to recommit ourselves to the work of justice and reconciliation.

The peace of Advent is not passive or complacent. It is an active, restorative peace—a shalom that calls for justice, equity, and healing. Jesus’ life and ministry reveal this peace: love is courageous, boundaries are broken, and the vulnerable are uplifted. This peace invites us to be peacemakers, bridging divides, advocating for the marginalized, and speaking truth to power.

As we light the second candle of Advent, we are reminded that the peace of Christ begins within us. Where do we carry unrest, fear, or anger?
How might we allow God’s peace to take root in our hearts, empowering us to be agents of transformation in the world?

Today, I invite you to take a few moments to pray and reflect on peace and remembrance.

What You’ll Need:
– A candle to represent the light of peace.
– A quiet space to reflect.

1. Light the candle and take a moment of silence to honour the lives of women impacted by gender-based violence, particularly those remembered on December 6.
2. Pray: God of Peace, as I light this candle, I remember those harmed by violence and injustice. Shine your light into the places of brokenness in our world and in our lives. Grant us the courage to be instruments of your peace.
3. Reflect on ways you can act for peace in your community. This might include supporting local shelters, advocating for systemic change, or simply offering kindness to someone struggling.
4. Close with a moment of gratitude for the signs of peace you have experienced in your own life.

Let us pray,
God of infinite peace,

In this holy season of Advent, we come before you with hearts both heavy and hopeful. We yearn for your peace that heals wounds, restores dignity, and brings harmony to our fractured world.

This week, as we light the candle of peace, we remember the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We hold in our hearts the memory of the 14 women whose lives were taken at l’École Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. We grieve for them and for all who have experienced gender-based violence in its many forms—physical, emotional, systemic, and unseen. Their lives remind us of the work yet to be done and the courage needed to face injustice.

We lift to you those who live in fear, those whose voices are silenced, and those who struggle to find safety and hope. Comfort them with your love and surround them with your light. We pray, too, for the healing of those who have caused harm, that they may be transformed by your grace and led to repentance.

God of justice grant us the strength to stand with the vulnerable, challenge systems of oppression, and speak out against violence in all its forms. Help us to see one another as you see us—beloved, worthy, and whole. Inspire us to be active peacemakers, working for a world where everyone may live safely and freely.

May the light of the candle of Peace this week be a beacon of hope and a reminder of your presence with us. Let it kindle within us a holy determination to be instruments of your peace. Give us the courage to step into difficult conversations, the humility to listen and learn, and the persistence to continue the work of justice when the road ahead feels long.

God of compassion, we also give thanks for the glimpses of peace in our lives—the kind word, the reconciled friendship, the quiet moments where your Spirit whispers to our hearts. May we carry these signs of your kin-dom with us, nurturing and sharing them with others.

Fill us with your peace, O God—a peace that is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, mercy, and love. Teach us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Together, we pray the prayer Jesus taught us:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of Peace comfort your heart and guide your steps.
May the light of Christ lead you toward justice and compassion.
And may the Spirit fill you with strength to be a bearer of peace,
This day and always. Amen.

November 28, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Advent Begins – The Gift of Hope

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

This Sunday, December 1, we begin the Season of Advent. Advent marks the beginning of a new church year, a sacred time of waiting, expectation, and reflection. The first Sunday of Advent invites us to focus on Hope, that steadfast belief in God’s promises even when the path ahead is unclear.

In today’s world, many of us wrestle with disconnection from loved ones, our communities, and even ourselves. Social divisions and the hurried pace of life can leave us feeling isolated, longing for deeper meaning and connection. Yet, Advent reminds us that even in our waiting and longing, God is with us.

The Hope of Advent is not a fragile, fleeting optimism. It is a resilient trust in God’s faithfulness. Hope is born in the manger, carried to the cross, and renewed daily by the Spirit’s presence. It reminds us that we are never truly alone. Hope shines as a beacon in the face of disconnection, inviting us to trust that love will come, even if we cannot yet see it.

As we light the first candle of Advent, we are invited to pause and reflect:

• Where do we see glimmers of hope breaking into the disconnection of the world?
• How can we embody that hope, becoming carriers of light for others?

A Simple Spiritual Practice: Lighting a Candle of Hope

In this busy season, I invite you to take some time to create a moment of sacred stillness at home. Lighting a candle can be a powerful reminder of God’s presence and the hope we carry in our hearts.

What You’ll Need:

• A candle and matches or a lighter.
• A quiet space to pause.

Settle into a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths, allowing your mind and body to become still.

Hold the unlit candle in your hands. Reflect on a part of your life, your community, or the world where you feel a need for hope. Acknowledge the disconnection, pain, or longing present in that place.

As you light the candle, say aloud or in your heart: “God of Hope, as I light this candle, I welcome your light into my life. May this flame be a sign of your presence and a reminder of the hope I carry through you. Help me to share this hope with others.”

Spend a few moments watching the flame.  Ask yourself, where can I bring hope this week? How might God be calling me to act?

When you are ready, close with this prayer

Let us pray,

God of Hope, in this holy season of waiting, we turn to you with hearts longing for connection, peace, and renewal. We bring before you the places in our lives and in the world that feel broken, heavy, or distant.

As we light the first candle of Advent, let it symbolize your enduring presence. May its flame ignite within us a deep trust in your promises. Help us see glimpses of your hope in the everyday moments—a kind word, a helping hand, a sunrise breaking through the clouds.

Empower us to carry that hope for others, reflecting your light into places of despair and disconnection. Keep us attuned to your Spirit’s quiet work in our hearts and the world around us.

Together, we lift our voices in the prayer Jesus taught us:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of Hope fill your heart with peace,
May Christ’s light shine in your life, guiding your steps,
And may the Holy Spirit strengthen you with courage and joy,
Now and always. Amen.

November 21, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Yesterday was Transgender Day of Remembrance—a day of profound mourning and reflection as we honoured the lives of transgender, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals lost to violence. But today, the day after, we are reminded that remembrance does not end when the calendar turns. It is now that the actual work begins as we carry forward the memories of those lost and recommit ourselves to the cause of justice, love, and equity.

The names and stories shared yesterday are not simply echoes of the past—they are living calls to action, urging us to confront the systems of oppression that continue to harm transgender people across the world. The weight of grief is heavy, but it also compels us to act, rise, and push forward with renewed determination.

Today, we can ask ourselves: How will we honour the lives remembered yesterday, not just in word but in deed? How can we ensure that their legacies fuel the fight for a world where all transgender, two-spirit and gender-diverse individuals can live without fear?

This moment asks each of us to embrace the responsibility of allyship. Being an ally is not passive—it is a daily practice. It involves a willingness to listen deeply to the transgender community, educate ourselves and others, and confront bias and prejudice wherever they appear. It also involves showing up for transgender people in big and small ways, amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and standing beside them in the face of adversity.

But allyship is also about recognizing the fullness of transgender lives. While we grieve the lives lost to violence, we must also celebrate the beauty, resilience, creativity, and joy of transgender individuals. Transgender Day of Remembrance is not only about loss but about the enduring presence and contributions of transgender people in our communities. Their voices, stories, and dreams are indispensable to the fabric of our collective humanity.

As we move forward from this day of remembrance, let us keep these truths in our hearts:

Transgender rights are human rights. 

Transgender lives are sacred. 

Transgender people deserve dignity, love, and safety, not only in our words but in our actions. 

Let us not allow this reflection to fade into memory. Instead, let it fuel our ongoing work to build a world free from violence, hatred, and discrimination.

Let us pray,

God of Infinite Love,

Yesterday, we lifted the names of Your beloved children who have been taken from us through violence, hatred, and ignorance. Today, we lift their legacies. May their lives remind us of the work still to be done, and may their memories inspire us to act with courage and compassion.

We pray for the transgender community—those who live boldly despite fear, those who persevere in the face of prejudice, and those whose gifts and talents bless this world every day. Surround them with Your protection, embolden them with Your peace, and assure them of their sacred worth.

We also pray for those who mourn—for the families, friends, and communities left behind. Comfort them in their sorrow and grant them the strength to carry forward the love they shared with those they have lost.

Guide us, God, to be people of action. Open our eyes to the injustices that harm transgender lives. Open our hearts to love more fully and without condition. And open our hands to create a world where every person can live safely, with dignity, and with joy.

May we carry the spirit of kindness as we journey forth, filling the world with Your peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who showed us the way of love. And now, we pray in the words he taught us:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May you carry the courage of yesterday into today.
May the lives remembered move you to action.
May the light of hope shine brightly in your heart.
And may the work of justice guide your steps every day, as we journey together toward a world of peace and equity.  Amen.

November 14, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

World Kindness Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Today, we gather with hearts open to reflect on the beautiful yet profound gift of kindness. World Kindness Day, which was yesterday, November 13, offers us an invitation to look around and notice the moments when kindness touches our lives. Kindness is often a quiet, humble force, slipping into our lives through the words of a friend, the support of a neighbour, or even the stranger’s smile that lifts our spirits. In these moments, we witness God’s love moving through us and around us.

Scripture calls us to live out kindness as a natural part of our faith journey. In Micah 6:8, one of my favourite verses, we hear, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” These ancient words resonate deeply today, reminding us that kindness is not a suggestion; it’s a calling woven into the fabric of our faith. Kindness requires empathy and a willingness to act, step out of our routines, and engage with others in a way that uplifts and heals.

Jesus embodied kindness in everything he did. When he fed the hungry, healed the sick, and welcomed the marginalized, he showed us that kindness is transformative. He reminded us that even the smallest act can carry enormous significance. For instance, his parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that kindness crosses all boundaries. The Samaritan saw someone in need, and instead of walking away, he stopped, helped, and cared. He broke through social and cultural barriers, showing us that kindness has no limitations, boundaries, or requirements.

Today, in a world where so many people feel isolated, burdened, or weary, kindness becomes a profound gift we can offer each other. A phone call to check on someone, a meal shared, or even a few minutes of genuine listening can be a balm to the soul. We may never fully know how our kindness impacts another’s life. But every time we act compassionately, we reflect God’s love and make the world brighter and more hopeful.

World Kindness Day is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can extend kindness to ourselves. Sometimes, we are our harshest critics, overlooking our need for compassion and understanding. But just as we are called to be kind to others, we are also called to approach ourselves with that same gentleness. In practicing kindness toward ourselves, we allow God’s love to renew, heal, and fill us so that we may continue to serve and care for others.

Let us remember, too, that acts of kindness can grow. When we are kind, we encourage others to be kind as well, creating a ripple effect that has the power to reach beyond what we may ever see or know. Kindness is a light that calls us into a relationship with one another and with God, connecting us in ways that words cannot always express.

Today, let us commit ourselves to a life of kindness—not just today, but every day. May we live as instruments of God’s love, choosing to be kind, even when it’s challenging. When we act in kindness, we bring a glimpse of God’s kin-dom to earth, transforming our world into a place of warmth, hope, and peace

Let us pray:

Holy and Compassionate God, we come before You today with hearts open to receive and share Your gift of kindness. We are grateful for the moments when kindness has touched our lives, for the ways it has lifted us, healed us, and brought us closer to You. Today, we ask for the courage to live as Jesus taught us, love as You love, and be kind in all we do. May we see each person we meet as a beloved part of Your creation, deserving of kindness and respect.

Help us to be aware of the opportunities to offer kindness—especially to those who feel unseen or alone. And remind us to be gentle with ourselves, accepting our own needs and trusting in Your love for us.

As we journey forth, may we carry the spirit of kindness, filling the world with Your peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who showed us the way of love. And now, we pray in the words he taught us:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of love and kindness bless you this day. May you walk in grace, extend peace, and shine with the light of God’s love. Go forth to be kind, and let the spirit of kindness lead you in all you do. Amen.

November 7, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Remembrance Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

As we look toward Remembrance Day, the memory of those who served for peace and freedom remains vivid, reminding us of the deep human cost paid for the freedoms we often take for granted. Their sacrifices call us to a collective responsibility—to honour not only their memory but the values they fought to protect. These values include justice, equality, and the courage to face challenges that threaten the well-being of our communities and the world. Today, I invite you to reflect on the lessons of history and how they inform our present choices, urging us to pursue peace actively and protect all people’s dignity and rights.

Considering the recent U.S. election, which underscores the ongoing divides and pressing issues facing the nation and beyond, we find ourselves in a moment that echoes past calls for unity and resilience. As political transitions occur, this is a time to acknowledge the role of hope, responsibility, and active engagement in shaping a future that honours all voices. For many, this election season has brought hope and concern, with a renewed focus on challenges such as economic disparities, social justice, and community security. These issues, though focused within the U.S., impact us globally, inviting us all to consider how we might support one another across national boundaries.

Remembrance and the reality of current events ask us to embrace our shared humanity and cultivate empathy, regardless of differences. In honouring veterans and their sacrifices, we commit to the principles of service, solidarity, and understanding. Let us approach the future to bridge divides, to serve the common good, and to create spaces of peace and safety for all.

Let us pray:

Gracious and eternal God, as we gather in spirit and reflection, we bring the memories of those who served, sacrificed, and gave their lives for a vision of peace. We remember those who have walked the path of duty, knowing that the cost of freedom is often high. Their courage inspires us to live more fully, gratefully, and justly.

We pray for unity across nations, communities, and families in a world that still wrestles with divisions. Give us strength to overcome differences that divide and wounds that linger. May we become bridge-builders, peacemakers, and advocates of justice. In moments of discord, grant us calm spirits and humble hearts, and may our actions reflect the love and compassion you call us to live.

As we look upon the challenges that face us today—political shifts, economic uncertainties, and social unrest—may we not lose sight of hope. Guide our leaders with wisdom and integrity, helping them to prioritize the well-being of all people, especially the most vulnerable among us. Inspire us all to use our voices and actions to create communities of respect, understanding, and love.

God of remembrance, we also lift up those who still bear the marks of conflict in their hearts, minds, and bodies. For veterans, families, and all affected by war, we ask for healing and peace. Grant comfort to those who grieve and strength to those who serve. May they know that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their courage lights a path forward for us all.

Help us, O Lord, to be peacemakers in our everyday lives. In times of disagreement, may we practice patience and seek understanding. In times of frustration, may we respond with grace. And in moments of fear, may we hold on to the promise that your love casts out all fear, guiding us to be people of courage and hope.

As we look forward to a future unknown, fill us with your peace. May we be witnesses to your love and light in the world, bearing your hope in all we say and do.

And now, as one family in faith, we pray together the words that Jesus taught us:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May we go forward, blessed by your love and encouraged to build a world where freedom, justice, and peace abound. Amen.

October 31, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Reflection on Halloween, Diwali, and All Saints Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Today is Halloween, Diwali is celebrated, and All Saints Day is tomorrow. This combination creates a unique season of light and remembrance across diverse cultures. Each observance speaks to profound themes: honouring the spirits, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, and remembering those who came before us.

Halloween, with roots in ancient Celtic traditions, marks the end of the harvest season and acknowledges the thin veil between this world and the next. Through costumes and gatherings, we honour the past, step into another’s shoes, and celebrate life’s mysterious aspects, bridging worlds in a playful yet deeply respectful way.

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Houses are illuminated, and the air is filled with the fragrance of sweets and the warmth of family gatherings. Diwali’s light reminds those partaking that hope shines through even in our darkest moments, connecting those celebrating God’s eternal presence. It’s a festival that kindles resilience and compassion in their souls, encouraging all to dispel ignorance and division.

All Saints Day, a Christian tradition, is a time to honour saints and all those who lived faithful lives. It’s a day of remembrance and gratitude for the generations who have come before, lighting a path for us with their courage, wisdom, and compassion. By recalling their lives, we’re encouraged to live with that same spirit of faith and commitment, knowing we, too, belong to a vast community of faith that stretches across time and place.

There is a common thread in these festivals: we are all connected, past and present, in light, gratitude, and faith. Halloween, Diwali, and All Saints Day invite us to recognize the shadows in life while being assured of the light that guides us. In remembering the past, we celebrate the enduring power of love, unity, and the divine spark that lives within us all.

Let us pray,

Loving Creator, we come to you in this season of gathering light, memory, and reflection. As we celebrate Halloween, Diwali, and All Saints Day, help us see the connections woven through these traditions.

On Halloween, let us honour the mystery of life and those who have gone before us, embracing laughter and reverence. May we find courage in facing our fears, knowing we are always in your love.

During Diwali, the Festival of Lights, we are reminded of the power of light to dispel darkness. Let the radiance of this season spark compassion in our hearts. May it inspire us to be lights in the world, standing for justice, kindness, and peace. Illuminate our paths with the understanding that we may see one another in your light and love.

As we honour All Saints Day, we give thanks to those whose lives reflect your grace and wisdom. We remember the faithful who walked before us, carrying the torch of faith with courage and hope. May their example be a guiding light, encouraging us to live with kindness, patience, and generosity. Help us to cherish our place in this great communion of saints, knowing we are all bound together in you.

We thank you for the gifts of memory, light, and community. Teach us to be mindful of how we carry light for others, drawing us closer to one another in love and unity. And in all things, may our hearts be attuned to your presence, knowing that your love is more significant than fear, and your light more substantial than any darkness.

And now, as one family in faith, we pray together the words that Jesus taught us:

 The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the light of God guide you, the love of Christ fill you, and the Spirit’s presence empower you to walk in peace, remembrance, and hope.

October 24, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Reformation

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Today, as we gather with hearts open to God’s Spirit, I am inviting us to remember the Protestant Reformation, a time when faith communities were reshaped and renewed. The Protestant Reformation was sparked centuries ago by Martin Luther’s tacking on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral a document containing 95 theological propositions and criticisms of the church of his day.

Actions taken that were not just about changing structures but about returning to the heart of faith—centering our lives on God’s grace, Christ’s love, and the Spirit’s leading. It is a reminder that faith is not static but a journey of transformation.

The reformers challenged practices that had grown rigid and strived to reconnect to a vision of God’s inclusive grace. In our United Church tradition, we embrace this spirit of renewal, understanding that God is always calling us forward into deeper faith, wider love, and a fuller commitment to justice. The Reformation teaches us that the church is always reforming because God’s Word is alive among us, still speaking through Scripture, community, and the movement of the Spirit.

Take a moment today to reflect on:

• Where might God be inviting you to reimagine our lives of faith?
• Where is the Spirit asking you to let go of old ways of being and embrace something new?

Whether it’s advocating for climate justice, deepening our commitment to reconciliation, or fostering more welcoming communities, we are part of a Church that believes transformation is ongoing. God’s grace calls us into constant renewal—not just for the sake of the Church, but for the flourishing of all creation.

Reformation promises that God is always with us—offering hope, forgiveness, and new life as we participate in this unfolding story of faith. With humility and trust, we continue the work of reforming ourselves and the world around us.

Let us pray:

Gracious God, you are the One who makes all things new. We give thanks for the Spirit’s work through the reformers and for the ways your grace renews us each day. Help us listen for your still-speaking voice that calls us to justice, mercy, and love.

We pray for your church, that it may continue to grow in faith and understanding. Where we have grown comfortable, stir us to act. Where we have become rigid, open our hearts to transformation. Where we feel uncertain, fill us with your courage and peace.

We lift up our world, in need of renewal and reconciliation. Empower us to work for the healing of creation, and deepen our commitment to building relationships grounded in truth and justice, especially with Indigenous communities in this land. May we be vessels of your grace, living out our faith through compassionate service and bold hope.

Now, as your beloved children, we join our voices together, praying the words Jesus taught us:

The Prayer of Jesus
Our Father,* who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of grace and glory continue to shape us into a people of love and renewal.
May the Spirit stir in our hearts, leading us to walk in justice and hope.
And may the peace of Christ dwell richly among us, now and always. Amen.

October 17, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 International Day for The Eradication of Poverty

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Today, as we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us reflect on God’s call for justice, mercy, and action. Poverty, in all its forms, diminishes the fullness of life that God desires for every person. We believe that every person bears the image of God and deserves to live with dignity, access to basic needs, and the opportunity to flourish.

In Isaiah 58, God challenges the people to reimagine worship—not just as rituals but as active compassion:

“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free?” (Isaiah 58:6).

Therefore, eradicating poverty is not merely a matter of charity—it is a spiritual calling. God invites us to be co-creators of a world where no one is left behind and where systems that perpetuate inequality are dismantled.

Jesus’ ministry echoes this call. In the Gospel of Luke[1], Jesus declares that he has come to bring “good news to the poor.” Good news is not abstract but practical: it means shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, healing for the brokenhearted, and hope for those weighed down by injustice. Our faith is lived out in community and through the shared work of restoring right relationships—between people and creation, between nations, and between the wealthy and those struggling to make ends meet.

Let us remember today, and every day that responding to poverty is both individual and collective. We are invited to embody the love of Jesus through small, daily acts of kindness and larger systemic advocacy for fair wages, affordable housing, and access to education and healthcare. Faith moves us from empathy to action, from prayers to partnerships.

Let us listen deeply to the stories of those living in poverty. Their voices and experiences are sacred. They remind us that we are all interconnected. When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). Eradicating poverty requires both heart and hands—compassion and justice held together in the transforming work of God.

Let us pray,

God of justice and mercy,
We come before you with open hearts, aware of the pain of poverty in our world and longing for your reign of peace and justice. Teach us to see the face of God in every person we meet. Move us beyond complacency and inspire us to be advocates for equity, standing in solidarity with those who are marginalized and oppressed.

We confess that we live in systems that allow poverty to persist. Forgive us for the times we have turned away from our neighbours’ need. Shape us into a people who walk humbly, seek justice, and love mercy in every encounter.

May your Spirit stir within us, giving us the courage to work for a world where every person has what they need to live with dignity. As we pray together the prayer that Jesus taught us, we recommit ourselves to the dream of your kingdom:

The Prayer of Jesus
Our Father,* who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Go forth as Jesus’ hands and feet in the world, bearing the light of hope and justice. May the Spirit guide you to places where love is needed most, and may God’s blessing empower you to speak boldly, act faithfully, and work for a future where no one is forgotten.

[1] Luke 4:16-21

October 10, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Thanksgiving and Faith

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Thanksgiving is a season that beckons us to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude. For many of us, this time is marked by family gatherings, shared meals, and moments of laughter. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest, the changing leaves, and the abundance nature provides. Yet, for those of us who journey in faith, this celebration carries a more profound spiritual significance. It invites us to give thanks for the physical abundance we see and acknowledge the invisible, constant presence of God’s grace in our lives.

At the heart of Thanksgiving is the practice of gratitude. In faith, we are reminded that everything we have—great or small—comes from God. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This is no easy task. It’s simple to be grateful when everything is going well, but gratitude becomes an act of faith in times of hardship, loss, or uncertainty. It requires us to look beyond the immediate and trust that God is with us, working for our good, even in the shadows.

Gratitude in faith is about seeing with new eyes. It’s about recognizing God’s provision in our everyday lives—the food on our tables, the roof over our heads, the friendships that sustain us, and even the beauty of creation surrounding us. It’s also about seeing God in the less obvious places: in moments of struggle, in the challenges and in the quiet presence of God’s Spirit offering comfort when we need it most.

As we reflect on Thanksgiving, we are invited to consider what it means to live with thankful hearts. Gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a way of living. It compels us to live generously, to share our blessings with others, and in doing so, we express our gratitude to God. The simple act of saying “thank you” to God transforms us, softens our hearts, and makes us more aware of the needs of those around us. We are reminded that Thanksgiving isn’t just about what we have received but also about what we can give.

Our faith also challenges us to think beyond ourselves. As we give thanks, we are called to remember those who may not have enough. There are many in our communities and across the world who will face Thanksgiving without family, without food, or without hope. Our faith invites us to reach out in compassion, to share our abundance, and to stand in solidarity with those in need. In this way, Thanksgiving becomes a reflection of God’s kingdom—a time when love and justice prevail, and no one is left without.

In this season, may we embrace a spirit of gratitude that deepens our connection to God and to each other. Let us give thanks not just for the gifts we hold in our hands, but for the grace that fills our hearts, the faith that sustains us, and the opportunities we have to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place. Through gratitude, we can see the world more clearly, not as a place of scarcity, but as a reflection of God’s abundant love for all creation.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, whether around a table or in quiet reflection, may we remember that every good gift comes from God, who walks with us through all seasons of life. Let our gratitude lead us into action, sharing the light of faith in a world that longs for hope and healing.

Let us pray,

In this season of Thanksgiving, we lift our hearts to you in gratitude. We thank you for the beauty of the earth, for the changing seasons that remind us of your constant presence. We are grateful for the harvest, for the food that sustains us, and for the hands that have worked to bring it to our tables.

We give thanks for the gift of community—for family and friends, for all those who offer love, support, and care in our lives. You have surrounded us with reminders of your love, and for this, we are truly thankful.

Yet, as we give thanks, we are mindful of those who struggle—those who are hungry, lonely, or in need of healing. Help us to be your hands and feet in this world, sharing our abundance and offering compassion to all who cross our path. Open our hearts to see the needs around us and give us the courage to respond with generosity and kindness.

In times of joy and in times of challenge, we trust in your goodness. Help us to live with grateful hearts, knowing that in all things, your love sustains us. Guide us in our daily walk, that we might live out our faith with compassion and humility, reflecting the light of faith to a world in need.

We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the grace of our Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you this Thanksgiving and always. Go now in peace, with grateful hearts, to love and serve. Amen.

October 3, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Remembering Rev. Ettie Gordon-Murray

As we mark this significant day, pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in memory of our beloved Rev. Ettie Gordon-Murray.

It was one year ago today that I received a call from Ettie’s sister, who informed me that she had passed away. It was a moment of shock for all the staff at Gower. While Ettie had not felt great for most of the summer, we had not expected this news.

As this date approached, many shared thoughts and memories of Ettie. Her loss was a shock for our Gower community and many others in United Church Circle. Ettie was active in many communities and faithful to many organizations, including Burry Heights Camp, Agnes Pratt Home, St. James United Church, and First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Committees. Ettie was passionate about helping others deepen their faith, working towards justice, and living a life of care for all creation.

I am sure I am not the only individual in our community who has missed Ettie significantly this past year. It was an honour to work with Ettie and Pamela on a team for my first years in ministry. Ettie supported, encouraged, and challenged me in the most meaningful ways. I often wish for her advice and guidance in my ministry.

Today, in honour of Ettie, I invite you all to pause now and recall a memory of a time you shared with Ettie; feel free to email them to me; we can remember together or perhaps pick up the phone and call a friend. Ettie lived a ministry of connection and communication, so today, let us connect in her memory.

Let us pray,
Gracious and Loving God, we gather today with hearts full of memories, gratitude, and sorrow as we pause to remember Your faithful servant, Rev. Ettie Gordon-Murray. We thank You for the gifts she shared so freely with her communities, her passion for justice, her care for creation, and her deep desire to help others grow in faith. Her life touched so many, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

As we reflect on Ettie’s ministry of connection, may we be inspired to live as she lived—reaching out, building bridges, and nurturing the relationships You have entrusted to us. Comfort those who miss her most deeply, and grant us peace as we honor her memory.

In this moment of remembrance, we hold onto the promise of Your eternal love, trusting that Ettie rests now in Your care, embraced by Your everlasting arms. May we find strength in Your presence and continue her legacy of love, care, and justice in the world.

We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. As we carry the memory of Rev. Ettie Gordon-Murray in our hearts, may her spirit of love, justice, and care inspire us in all we do. Go forth in the grace and peace of God.

September 26, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Looking ahead to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

As we look ahead to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to honour the history, stories, and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day, born out of the painful legacy of residential schools, invites us to pause and reflect on the ongoing impact of colonization and the path toward healing.

The orange shirt represents the experiences of Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and sent to institutions where their language, culture, and identity were systematically stripped away. It symbolizes the voices and experiences that were silenced for too long. As people of faith, we are called to listen to these stories, hold space for the grief, and work toward restoration and justice.

In the spirit of reconciliation, this is not just about acknowledging a tragic chapter in our nation’s history but about fostering deep and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities today. Truth-telling and reconciliation go hand in hand, and we must remain committed to both.

As a community of faith, this is a sacred task. We are reminded of our calling to stand with those who suffer and to be agents of peace and justice. Reconciliation involves humility, learning, and, importantly, taking concrete actions to support the healing process. It is a journey of transformation that aligns with the teachings of Christ—offering compassion, seeking forgiveness, and building bridges.

As we wear orange shirts and participate in ceremonies or events, let us also ask ourselves how we can continue this work beyond a single day. What does reconciliation look like in our daily lives, church, and relationships with Indigenous peoples?

More ways to learn and local events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• Rally Around Reconciliation – September 30, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 pm Colonial Building & Bannerman Park.
• Moderators Message for Orange Shirt Day – https://youtu.be/TRhRK1Ai2N4?si=OmIrZRtHdX1a5RMl
• Read and reflect on Phyllis Webstad’s book, The Orange Shirt Story
• Homepage – Orange Shirt Society (orangeshirtday.org)
• First Voice | Urban Indigenous Coalition | Working to promote truth and reconciliation in St. John’s and across Newfoundland and Labrador (firstvoicenl.ca)
• First Light | Newfoundland and Labrador (firstlightnl.ca)
• Honour Children Who Attended Residential Schools | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)

Let us pray,
Powerful Christ, we are grateful that you came to us as a child, who grew out of a community that nurtured, supported, and taught you the way of your ancestors.
You have asked us to do the same: to treat every child as we would treat you, to love every person as you have loved us.

We are grateful that your power is rooted in love, not force; your strength is displayed through community, not might.
You have taught us to work toward a better world where all of creation thrives, and where every child matters.

On this Orange Shirt Day, we remember Phyllis Webstad as a child, and the stolen childhood of all the children forcibly raised by church-run institutions, known as residential schools.
We lament how these institutions stole from children the opportunity to grow in a safe and loving environment, stole from Elders the opportunity to share their teachings and wisdom with younger generations; and stole from communities the opportunity to live intergenerationally.

We mourn the children who never made it home, the communities that were destroyed, the broken hearts, the stories never shared, and the shattered relationships.

We ask that you provide comfort to all who are seeking healing and who daily wrestle with the ongoing harmful legacy of these colonial institutions, strength to all who name how colonial powers have harmed us as peoples and as a nation; often at great personal cost, and courage to all who are working toward reconciliation.

Christ Child, As you grew, you reminded us to always welcome and care for children.
We remember your children today.
We lament and acknowledge the sinful ways that colonial powers tried to eradicate Indigenous cultures within Canada, breaking Indigenous families, removing children from their homes while destroying communities.

And we pray for healing, so that we who live together in this country can also work together to build a better future where all children are cherished, beloved, and given what they need to thrive.
So that we may treat all children as we would treat you, our Beloved. May it be so.[1]

We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May we walk this path with courage, guided by the spirit of truth, love, and justice.
May our faith inspire us to be part of the healing that our country so desperately needs.

[1] https://united-church.ca/prayers/and-child-will-lead-us

September 19, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Fall Equinox

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

This Sunday, September 22, is the first day of Fall. The Fall Equinox is a time when the earth itself teaches us about balance. As the day and night come into equal length, we are invited to reflect on the importance of balance in our spiritual lives and in our relationship with creation. The Season of Creation encourages us to pay attention to the rhythms of the natural world and our role in nurturing and protecting it.

The Equinox symbolizes the changing of seasons, reminding us that life is full of transitions. Just as creation cycles through seasons of growth, harvest, rest, and renewal, we too experience seasons in our spiritual journeys—times of flourishing, challenges, reflection, and renewal.

I invite you to reflect for a moment on the time you find yourself in now. You can journal by writing or drawing or just take a pause to reflect…

This season in our church calls us to be present in the gifts of creation. The leaves are turning vibrant colours, the harvests are coming in, and the air is cooling—all signs of God’s ongoing creative work. We recognize God’s steadfast presence in these changes, accompanying us through every season of life.

I invite you to reflect for a moment how you feel God’s presence today…

Spiritually, the Fall Equinox can be a time to reflect on gratitude. As we move into a harvest season, we are invited to recognize the fruits of our labour, both in our daily lives and in faith. It’s a time to give thanks for the blessings we have received and consider how we share those blessings with others, especially those in need.

I invite you to reflect for a moment on gratitude and blessings, how are you sharing them this season…

As we prepare for the longer nights ahead, we are reminded of the importance of rest and contemplation. This is a sacred time to slow down, seek a balance between action and stillness, and listen for God’s voice in quiet places.

I invite you to reflect for a moment on how you will find balance this season…

Let us pray,
Loving Creator, we give thanks for the changing seasons and the Earth’s beauty and abundance. As we mark the Fall Equinox, may we find balance in our lives—between work and rest, giving and receiving, speaking and listening. Please help us honour the gifts of creation, care for the Earth, and be mindful stewards of all you entrusted to us. As we journey through this season of harvest and change, may we feel your presence guiding us and bringing peace to our hearts.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the peace of Jesus, the love of God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit be with you as you embrace the changing seasons. May you walk in harmony with creation and find balance and grace in every step. Amen.

September 12, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The third week of September is the annual World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. It is a time when people of faith and goodwill worldwide unite to focus on pursuing peace, justice, and reconciliation in this long-troubled region. In 2024, the theme challenges us to look beyond divisions, fostering a deeper awareness of the human lives affected by ongoing conflict. The World Council of Churches invites communities globally to stand in solidarity with those who long for peace and an end to the injustices that fuel violence and suffering.

As a community of faith in Canada, we may feel distant from the events unfolding in Palestine and Israel. However, our faith calls us to embrace our global family, recognizing that what happens in one part of the world affects us all. We are bound by Christ’s message of peace and justice, which transcends borders.

Here are some ways we can engage with this global gathering:

• Advocacy: Write letters to local and national leaders, calling for policies that promote peace, human rights, and dignity for all in the region. Engage in campaigns led by our United Church of Canada or other Christian organizations that support peace in the Middle East.
• Partnerships: Build relationships with interfaith and peace groups, locally and globally. Supporting organizations that work for peace and humanitarian efforts in Palestine and Israel helps us be part of the solution, even from afar.
• Fundraising and Support: Consider organizing a fundraising campaign for relief and peacebuilding efforts. By supporting those directly impacted by conflict, we share in their struggle and become part of a global movement for peace.

Together, we can play a part in this important week of reflection and action, contributing our voice, prayers, and efforts to the broader call for peace.

Let us pray,

God of peace, we lift our hearts to you in prayer for the people of Palestine and Israel. We ask for your guidance in seeking justice and reconciliation, for healing of the deep wounds of division and violence. Open our eyes to see beyond political and geographic boundaries, to see the humanity of each person affected by conflict. Strengthen our resolve to work for peace in our world, starting from where we are and reaching out to those far away. May we be agents of your love, peace, and justice.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of peace, who calls us to walk in love and justice, guide your steps as you seek to be peacemakers in this world. May your hearts be filled with hope, and may your actions reflect God’s love for all people. Amen.

September 5, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

The Season of Creation 2024

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

The Season of Creation is a time for us to pause and reflect on the wondrous gift of the Earth that God has entrusted to our care. It’s a season to celebrate the beauty and diversity of all living things, to recognize our interconnectedness with all of creation, and to renew our commitment to stewarding this planet responsibly. On Sunday, September 8, we will enter the season of creation which is celebrated this time of year every year. We will take time over the next five weeks to reflect on creation and our relationship with it all.

In the book of Genesis, we’re reminded that God saw everything that was made and declared it “very good.” This declaration isn’t just about the human creation but extends to the seas, skies, animals, plants, and all the ecosystems that sustain life. As we journey through this season, we are invited to deepen our awareness of the sacredness of all creation and to act in ways that honor and protect it.

We use the vibrant color orange in this season for our liturgical color. Orange a color that evokes the warmth of the sun, the richness of the soil, and the changing leaves of autumn. Orange reminds us of the transition between the seasons, a time of both harvest and preparation. It symbolizes the abundance of God’s creation and the deep connection we share with the Earth.

Orange also speaks to the energy and urgency with which we must address the challenges facing our planet. Just as the color demands attention, so too must we be vigilant in our efforts to protect the environment. It calls us to act with passion and purpose, recognizing that the stewardship of creation is not a passive task but an active and ongoing commitment.

This season challenges us to live in harmony with creation, to make choices that reflect our gratitude and reverence for the Earth, and to advocate for justice where environmental degradation has disproportionately harmed the vulnerable. May our reflections and actions during this time be guided by a spirit of love, humility, and responsibility.

Let us pray,

Creator God, we come before you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the world you have made. In this Season of Creation, we open our hearts to the wonders of the Earth and all its creatures. Help us to see your divine presence in the intricate patterns of nature and to recognize our role as stewards of this precious gift.

As we reflect on the splendor of your creation, we are mindful of the turmoil and suffering in our world. We lift up in prayer all those who are affected by natural disasters—those who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods to wildfires, floods, and storms. We ask for your comfort and strength for communities in crisis and for wisdom and compassion to guide leaders and responders as they work to bring relief and restoration.

We remember those who are caught in the grip of war, violence, and conflict, especially in places where environmental degradation has exacerbated their suffering. We pray for peace in the hearts of those who wield power and for justice to prevail so that all people may live in harmony with one another and with the Earth.

Grant us the wisdom to make choices that honor your creation, the courage to advocate for justice where it is needed, and the humility to learn from the Earth’s rhythms. Help us to be mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment and on our global neighbors, especially the most vulnerable.

May our actions reflect your love and care, bringing healing to the world, comfort to the afflicted, and glory to your name. Guide us in this Season of Creation to be agents of your peace and stewards of your Earth, working together to build a future of hope for all.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God of Creation, who painted the skies with the brilliance of orange and adorned the Earth with life in every shade, bless you with eyes to see the beauty around you and the wisdom to care for it.
May your heart be filled with gratitude for the abundance of God’s gifts, and may your hands be strengthened for the work of stewardship and justice.
Go forth in peace, to love and serve the Creator and all creation, with courage and compassion.
Amen.

August 29, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Labour Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

“What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

This reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that work is both a gift and a burden. The writer asks, “What gain have the workers from their toil?” This question resonates deeply as we reflect on Labour Day, a day to honour the contributions of all workers. Our work can bring satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and fulfillment—but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming.

Yet, this passage reassures us that God has made everything beautiful in its time. Our work, when viewed through the lens of faith, is part of God’s larger plan. It’s not just about productivity or success, but about finding joy and meaning in the tasks we undertake. The scripture encourages us to see our labour as a way to do good, to serve others, and to honour God.

As we look forward to celebrating Labour Day, let us recognize that each moment of satisfaction we find in our work is a gift from God. At the same time, we are called to seek balance, understanding that rest and enjoyment are also part of God’s design. In this, we find the valid reward of our labour—not just in what we produce, but in the peace and contentment that come from living in alignment with God’s will.

Let us pray,

Loving God, we come before today, grateful for the work of our hands and the opportunities we have to contribute to the world around us. We thank You for the gift of work and the sense of purpose it brings, yet we also acknowledge the burdens that often accompany our toil.

Help us, O God, to find joy and fulfillment in our labours. Guide us to see our work as a way to serve others and to honor You. Teach us to embrace both our efforts and our rest, knowing that You have made everything beautiful in its time.

We pray for those who are weary and burdened, that they may find rest in You. We lift up those who are without work, that they may find meaningful employment and experience the dignity that comes from it. May all workers be treated with fairness and respect, and may justice be evident in every workplace.

We also pray for those who are retired, who have completed their years of labour. May they find new purpose and joy in this season of life. Bless them with health, contentment, and the knowledge that their contributions continue to bear fruit in the lives they’ve touched. Let their wisdom and experience be a guiding light to the generations that follow.

As we reflect on the value of our labour, we ask for Your wisdom and strength. Lead us to balance our work with rest, and to find satisfaction not just in what we do, but in who we are as Your beloved children.

We offer all our prayers to you, the God of love and mercy, through Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying ….

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. As you go from this time together, may you carry with you the peace that comes from knowing you are valued not just for what you do, but for who you are. May your work be fruitful, your rest be restorative, and your days be filled with the joy of God’s presence. Amen.

August 22, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Fight Hate

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

In July, Statistics Canada released data on police-reported hate crimes.[1] Revealing a significant increase in hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation. These crimes increased by 69% in 2023, up from 3% in 2020, 70% in 2021 and 16% in 2022. This data shows an increase of 225% in the past five years (2019-2023).

Hate crimes and incidences targeting The United Church of Canada-Affirming communities are also on the rise. Motivated by intersecting prejudices, reported incidents are occurring in many forms, including vandalism, assault, harassment, or abuse, and are happening online and in person. Several United Church-Affirming ministries have also reported receiving hate mail. The United Church of Canada congregations and communities of faith are encouraged to report incidents of 2SLGBTQIA+ hate whenever they occur.

Victims or witnesses of hate crimes or incidences can take some steps as we work together to create a safer and more welcoming church and society for all people.

1. Write down any of the details of the crime as soon as possible after the incident and include details of the perpetrator(s), including gender, age, height, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If any threats or biased comments were made (such as anti-gay epithets), include them in the report.
2. File a police report. While not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, it is equally vital that these are reported and recorded by the police. If you believe the incident was bias-motivated, urge the officer to check the “hate/bias-motivation” or “hate crime/incident” box on the police report. You can also request the officer’s name and badge number for any follow-up.
3. Notify your church minister or Regional Council staff about the incident. Find support as needed with friends and family, or professional help from a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirmative professional.

Let us pray,

Loving God,

We come before you with heavy hearts, aware of the pain and fear that have touched our communities. We grieve the rise in hate crimes.

Grant us, O Lord, the strength to stand firm in our commitment to inclusivity, even in the face of adversity. Let your Spirit fill us with courage, that we may be a beacon of hope and love in a world that so desperately needs it.

Help us respond not with anger or hatred, but with the radical love that you have shown us through Jesus. May our actions reflect the compassion and grace that you have instilled in us, as we seek to build bridges of understanding and peace.

Guide our hearts, God, that we may extend forgiveness where it is needed, and seek justice where it is due. Teach us to be instruments of your peace, reaching out to those who are hurting, and standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed.

As we move forward, may we do so with a renewed commitment to living out your gospel of love, justice, and inclusion. Empower us to be your hands and feet in this world, bringing healing and hope to all whom we encounter.

We offer all our prayers to you, the God of love and mercy, through Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying ….

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds.

May the love of God surround you, filling you with hope and courage.

As you go forth from this time of prayer,

May the Spirit guide your steps in wisdom and grace,

And may you carry the light of God’s love into the world,

Spreading peace, justice, and joy wherever you go.

Go in peace, Amen.

[1] Police-reported hate crime, by type of motivation, selected regions and Canada (selected police services) (statcan.gc.ca)

August 15, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Walking in Faith with Prayer

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Faith is often seen as a dynamic and evolving journey. It’s not static but a continuous seeking, questioning, and growing process. Walking in faith implies an active engagement with the world, where one’s beliefs are lived out in daily actions and decisions. This journey is deeply relational, involving a connection with God, others, and the broader community.

Prayer is one way we can connect with God daily. It is not just about petitioning God but also nurturing a relationship with the Divine. It’s a dialogue where one listens as much as one speaks. Prayer can take many forms—silent meditation, spoken words, communal prayers, or even acts of justice and compassion. It’s through prayer that one can remain grounded and connected to God’s presence in the journey of faith.

Walking in faith with prayer means integrating prayer into life’s everyday moments. It’s about allowing prayer to shape one’s outlook, decisions, and actions. This can be seen in many ways. For some, it looks like it emphasizes on social justice, others inclusivity, and others care for creation. Prayer fuels and sustains the work of faith, offering strength and guidance.

Faith and prayer are not solitary endeavours but are deeply communal.  Hence why, at Gower, we invite our community to gather in this different form of prayer weekly. Community supports individuals in their faith journey, offering a space for collective prayer and reflection. This communal aspect of prayer reminds us that they are not alone but are part of a larger body, walking together in faith.

Prayer is also a call to action. Walking in faith with prayer involves responding to the world’s needs. Prayer is not just about inner contemplation but also about being moved to act—whether advocating for social justice, caring for those in need, or working towards peace and reconciliation.

In summary, walking in faith with prayer is a holistic and integrated approach to the spiritual life. Faith is lived out in community, and prayer is a constant source of connection with the Divine. Together, these two inspire action in the world.

Let us pray,

Gracious and Loving God, we come before You, seeking Your guidance as we walk in faith, navigating the complexities of our world with hearts full of hope and hands ready for action.

We pray for our world, a tapestry of diversity, woven with the threads of many cultures, beliefs, and experiences. Help us to walk in faith, trusting in Your presence, even amid uncertainty and division.

As we journey through life, may our steps be guided by Your love, grounded in compassion, justice, and understanding. Teach us to be instruments of peace, healing the wounds of a broken world with acts of kindness and grace.

In our moments of doubt and fear, remind us to turn to You in prayer, seeking the strength to persevere and the wisdom to act with integrity. May our prayers not be just words but a call to live out our faith in tangible ways.

We lift to You the cries of those in pain, the voices of the marginalized and oppressed, and the needs of our fragile planet. Empower us to be agents of change, walking side by side with our global family to pursue justice, peace, and wholeness.

God of all creation, as we walk in faith, may our journey be one of deep connection with You and each other. Guide our steps with Your light, and let our prayers be a beacon of hope for the world.

We offer all our prayers to you, the God of love and mercy, through Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying ….

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Go forth with confidence, walking in the assurance that your faith will sustain you and that each step you take is held in divine care.
May your journey be filled with purpose, and may you be a beacon of light and love to all you meet.
In the name of the One who is ever faithful, go now in peace and walk in faith. Amen.

August 8, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Summer Camping

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

As you may know, this week, I am out of the office and spending a few days in Terra Nova National Park with my partner Kyle and our dog Milo. While we do this every year, we all, Milo included, look forward to our little getaway to the woods in our tent. These are moments when we step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse ourselves in nature.

I am a strong believer that camping brings me closer to the earth, reminding me of the simple joys of life: the crackling of a campfire, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the beauty of a star-filled sky, and the peace that comes from being surrounded by the natural world.

In these moments, I reconnect not only with nature but also with myself and those I camp with. The distractions of modern life fade away, and finding space to breathe, reflect, and simply be. I am reminded of the importance of slowing down, of being present, and of appreciating the beauty that surrounds us.

I invite you to take some time in the coming days to find a time to slow down yourself and reconnect with nature, your loved ones and God. I hope these experiences leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more connected to the world around you.

Let us pray,

Gracious God,

As we gather together in this online space, we pause to give thanks for the experiences of summer, especially the time spent in nature, camping under the stars. We are grateful for the moments of peace and reflection, for the chance to connect more deeply with your creation, and for the simplicity and joy that these times have brought into our lives.

As we come together each week, we ask that your presence be felt among us. Help us to carry with us the peace of the wilderness, the beauty of the natural world, and the joy of being present in the moment.

Guide our us as we journey together through life. May our time together be a source of strength, renewal, and connection, helping us to grow in faith and in our relationships.

We offer all our prayers to you, the God of love and mercy through Jesus the Christ who taught us to pray saying ….

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the beauty of nature fill our hearts with peace, and may we always cherish the earth that sustains us. May we be a blessing to one another, sharing kindness and love in all that we do. Amen.

August 1, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Emancipation Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

As we gather today on Emancipation Day in Canada I share with you a reflection from the Emanicpation Day Service for 2022 from the United Church of Canada. This reflection is written by The Rev. Sadekie Lyttle-Forbes, it is entitled The Emancipated Mind: Remember, Reflect, Refocus.  I invite you to reflect on this message today

The transatlantic slave trade involved the forced removal of African people from their homeland as forced labour for their colonies. The slave trade caused the deaths of millions of African people on their way the ships, on the journey across the Atlantic. Approximately 12.5 million African captives were transported to Latin America and the Caribbean, while 6% were brought to North America. The law forced them to work for free, change their names, abandon their faiths, reject their cultures, stop speaking their native tongues and encounter the most brutal forms of torture and abuse. If this story sounds like the story of the Indigenous people, it is because it is the colonial pattern of behaviour.

Quebec Historian, Marcel Trudel estimated that there were approximately 4,200 enslaved people in Canada at a place known as New France, and later in Upper and Lower Canada, between 1671 and 1831. At first around 2/3 of the enslaved people were Indigenous and 1/3 were of African descent. When the British settlers came to Upper Canada, they brought an additional 3000 Black Loyalists, enslaved men, women, and children of African descent. In 1796, nearly 600 people, known as the Maroons, were deported from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, following their rebellion against the colonial government. Many worked on the third fortification at the Citadel in Halifax and on Government House. Others were formed into a local militia company to help protect Nova Scotia from a feared French invasion. After petitioning the colonial authorities to leave the territory, 551 Maroons sailed from Halifax to Freetown, Sierra Leone, 9 remained. Over 30,000 enslaved African Americans came to Canada via the Underground Railroad until the end of the American Civil War in 1865. In resistance, many slaves, escaped to what was known as the Northwest Territory which included Michigan and Ohio, as well as to Vermont and New York, where slavery was banned.

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1, Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.

This act laid the path of freedom to over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada. The Act confirmed Canada as a free territory for enslaved African Americans. Thousands of African Americans subsequently arrived on Canadian soil between 1834 and the early 1860s.

We return to this story to remember the struggle, to reflect on the progress, to refocus and plan for the future.

As we return to this story, we are called to REMEMBER:

We are called to remember that it was no small feat for the Moses of that time to confront the Pharaohs and give them no other choice but to let our ancestors go. We remember with gratitude the willingness of the Moses(es) of that time to resist and their determination to keep pushing until the enslavement of people of African descent was no longer economically or socially viable.

We are called to remember that the journey to full freedom was laced with struggle that like the Israelites there was a struggle to survive, to meet even their most basic needs. There was struggle to create community, to build trust among themselves, to engage with the social systems and struggle to begin the process of healing from the physical and psycho-emotional wounds that are both generation and personal.

We are called to remember in the words of Rosamond and Weldon Johnson that “we have come over a way that with tears have been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered. We now stand having come out from a gloomy past”.

We are called to remember that God answers prayer. That God heard the cries of the enslaved and raised up the people that fought to achieve emancipation.

As we return to this story, we are called to REFLECT:

To be emancipated is more than physical freedom.

Emancipation does not happen simply because one is set free from physical, legal, social, or political restriction. Freedom does not happen simply because one is no longer confined. The enslavement process involved both a physical and mental component. Unlike physical slavery, mental slavery is more pernicious.

Carter G. Woodson in the Miseducation of the Negro describes mental slavery this way “when you control a person’s thinking you do not have to worry about their actions. You do not have to tell them not to stand here or go yonder. They will find their ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send them to the back door. They will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, they will cut one for their special benefit. Their education makes it necessary”.

Make no mistake, none of us a free from the legacies of mental enslavement. One group was conditioned to think they are superior and the other to think they inferior. Or as Woodson puts it, to know their place. We are called to reflect on how conditioned we are still, how emancipated we are. We can make that determination by looking at the legacies of enslavement and racism that present in our thinking and actions today.

1. Are there still those who hold the prejudices and who maintain the systems of white supremacy and in so doing prevent or stifle the progress of people of African descent?
2. Are there still people of African descent who struggle to love the person who looks back at them in the mirror, who feel compelled to contort themselves to fit in, who have sacrificed their identity to be included? People who live with mental health challenges and are live at a disadvantage economically and socially. All because of the implanted idea that the colour of ones skin determines ones worth.

If these two groups of people are still present in our society, then emancipation has not happened it is still happening.

Emancipation did not happen, on August 1, 1934. We are my friends, emancipating. A process initiated by the legal declaration, but after the declaration, it is up to the people of that time to interpret what that means. At the time of the Abolition Act there was only partial liberation. It only freed children under the age of six. Others were to continue serving their former owners for four to six years as apprentices.

Today, [190] years later, our reflection must bring us to the question, how emancipated are we?

To be honest, while progress has been made, recent headlines and current policies would indicate not enough. The slow change I assert is due to complacency, the belief that because physical enslavement has changed in the laws that everything else will follow. Neglecting the conditioning that has occurred embedding the prejudicial, discriminatory, inferiority/superiority world view into the minds and hearts of the people. Though there is legal and physical emancipation, the minds and hearts of many people have not been emancipated, and their actions reflect their mindset.

As we return to this story, we are called to REFOCUS:

To redirect our efforts on the conversion, transformation of the hearts and minds of the people.

To help people develop an emancipated mind. What does an emancipated mind look like?

1. An emancipated mind, recognizes God’s mercy and in response, lives a life of sacrifice and commitment to doing the right thing, to honour God.
2. An emancipated mind has a renewed outlook on the way the world should work. That outlook is informed by God’s will of goodness and joy for us.
3. An emancipated mind does not think of themselves as more highly than other and accords this same freedom to others. Giving everyone an equal chance to discover their gifts and express themselves.
4. An emancipated mind, loves sincerely, hates what is evil; clings to what is good, recognizes, respects, and celebrates differences.
5. An emancipated mind is zealous in service, with an uplifting spirit, they are joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
6. An emancipated mind practices hospitality, forgives quickly, rejoices with those who rejoice, mourns with those who mourn.
7. An emancipated mind, lives in harmony with others and are humble enough to associate with people of low position.
8. An emancipated mind acts with integrity and if it is possible, as far as it depends on them, live at peace with everyone.        

We know that if more people thought this way, it would transform how the world operates. It would change human relationships and social systems.

An emancipated mind is needed for the journey ahead. If we are going to move, to progress, we need an emancipated mind to think in Christ-like terms and pave a path that leads to full freedom for all.

This Emancipation Day, August 1, I invite you to remember the story of people of African descent. We give thanks for the minds that fought enslavement and began the process of reshaping our society into an Emancipating one. We have covered some ground with laws and policies, now we have the task of addressing the mental enslavement.

This Emancipation Day, August 1, I invite you to reflect on the progress that has been made in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. To identify the areas personally and corporately that more work needs to be done.

This Emancipation Day, August 1, I invite you to refocus on facilitating the emancipation of the heart and minds of the people. As hearts and minds are reoriented, it will transform attitudes and inevitably action. In so doing there will be complete freedom for all. Amen.[1]

Let us pray,

God of all people, we come before you with our joy, our pain, our hope, and our gratitude.

Thank you, Creator, for reminding us of your love for all people.

We commit to living in love in the face of aggression, oppression, prejudice, and hate.

We pray for all those around the world for whom emancipation is not reflected in their reality but remains a distant dream.

Many still suffer from the physical, social, psychological, and economic impacts of a world order rooted in centuries of colonial occupation, plunder, and violence against Black people and people of colour.

Do forgive those whose actions and way of life intentionally and unintentionally cause us to emotionally and even physically relive the trauma faced by our ancestors.

Yet we come with hope because you are a God of justice, and with you, all things are possible.

We pray O God that you will grant healing in every place of pain and suffering especially where persistent injustice and inequity has led to broken spirits and loss of hope.

We pray for peace in a world where there is so much conflict, division, and hate.

Help those who have been victims of persistent and systemic inequality injustice and violence to find healing, freedom, and restoration.

We pray for those who continue the fight to make emancipation more than just a vision but a practical reality for millions of our siblings and cousins.

God of mercy, it is not always easy to forgive those who have caused harm but we ask that even as we continue to feel the pain of injustice and oppression, you will give the strength and will to forgive and love as you have taught us to do.

Help us to form partnerships with those who share the goal of forging genuine and lasting relationships of love and peace with all humanity.

We offer all our prayers to you, the God of love and mercy through Jesus the Christ who taught us to pray saying ….

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God look upon you with kindness and give you peace. Amen.

[1] https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Funited-church.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2022-08%2Femancipation-day-august1.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

July 25, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

The Go Project St. John’s 2024

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

As some of you may know, our Gower community partnered with The Go Project to host one of their summer mission programs this summer.

GO Beyond: Youth Mission Project is Go Project’s longest-running program. GO was started by a youth group that desired to go on a mission trip while living according to their beliefs, values, and understanding of Jesus in the world. They struggled to find a partner organization that shared those values while also being inclusive, so they created their own mission experience in Toronto. Since 2007, GO has expanded its youth programs to seven cities and towns across the country and hopes to continue to grow. Sadly, the program has been on hiatus for a few years due to the pandemic; at first, Go tried to run the programming Online, but it was not the same. So, summer 2024 is the first return of this programming, in a new yet similar way to the past since 2019!

GO Beyond is an overnight program that currently runs for eight days and nights. During the program, participants and staff reside at the host church, cook and eat together, serve with local environmental and social justice organizations, and discern how they are being called into action in their own lives and communities through discernment workshops. Youth programs provide the mission trip experience without leaving Canada and for a fraction of the cost.

The hope is that each participant and staff member have an ‘aha-moment’ while at GO, serving others, breaking bread together, and having fun with one another. Leaving the program with an action plan on how they can act and serve with their gifts and skills in their communities. In the past, GO Project participants have created community gardens and meal programs and resolved to offer their time and gifts in various other ways.

So on Saturday, July 27th, we will welcome three leaders and four youth into our building for their eight-day mission program. If you come to worship or the beach fire on July 28^th, you will have an opportunity to meet them; they will also lead worship for us on August 4^th.

Today, I invite you to pray for these individuals, their families and those in our Gower community who have stepped forward to help with this program as they prepare for this journey.  If you would like to help as well please reach out to me by phone or email.

Let us pray,
Creator God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation as Go youth, leaders, and families prepare for this mission experience. We ask for Your guidance, protection, and blessings upon each person involved in this journey.

For the Youth: Holy one, inspire their hearts with a passion. Fill them with courage, wisdom, and compassion as they step out in faith to serve others. May they grow closer to You and develop a deeper understanding of Your love and grace through this experience.

For the Leaders: Grant them wisdom, patience, and strength. Help them to be effective guides and mentors, modelling Christ-like love and humility. May they be a source of encouragement and support for the youth and families, leading by example and inspiring those around them.

For the Families: Bless them with peace and confidence in Your care. As they support their loved ones in this journey, grant them understanding and faith in Your plans. Help them to be a source of strength and encouragement, trusting in Your provision and protection.

For the Church Community: Unite us in purpose and prayer. Help us to be a supportive and loving community, standing together in faith. May we provide the resources, encouragement, and prayers to empower those coming to our community. Let this experience strengthen our bonds and deepen our commitment to living with open hearts, minds and arms.

We pray for the safety, health, and well-being of everyone involved. Guide their steps and help them effectively witness Your love. Open doors for meaningful connections and opportunities to grow in faith and community.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
God grant you peace in times of uncertainty, courage in times of challenge, and joy in times of celebration. May these prayers be a source of strength and encouragement, lifting those who go forth to serve.

July 18, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Thursdays in Black – End Gender-based Violence

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

This short passage of scripture is another way to summarize what we, as followers of the Way of Jesus, maintain about our relationships with all our siblings – while in everyday circumstances, we discern differences amongst people, in Christ  – through the Spirit, there is no differentiation – all are worthy of human dignity as expressed in respect for persons – as manifest equitable distribution of food, shelter, safety – the base necessities of life; education, work in respectful workplaces; autonomy for persons for self-determination, spiritual enrichment – the liberty to dare to dream impossible dreams…

Thursdays in Black is a global movement aimed at advocating for a world without rape and violence. It encourages people to wear black on Thursdays to show support for survivors of sexual violence and to protest against gender-based violence. The campaign started in the 1980s and has since spread worldwide, with participants from various backgrounds and cultures joining in solidarity each week. The movement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence, and promoting a culture of respect and equality for all.

As part of the World Council of Churches the United Church of Canada has actively supported Thursdays in Black as part of its commitment to social justice and equality.  We are encouraged to participate by to wearing black on Thursdays and promoting awareness about the issues of sexual violence and gender-based discrimination. This initiative embodies our values of inclusivity, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable in society. Even more critical in the climate of society today that is seeing a rise is discrimination against members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and more.

Together, may we work to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, and foster communities where all individuals are respected and safe from violence to create a more just and equitable world.

If you would like to join the Thursdays in Black movement you can join at this link https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/join-thursdays-black-movement

Let us pray,

Creating God,

Mother of us all.

We are your beloved,

formed in your image and nurtured in the depth of your dark womb.

You breathed life into our flesh and sent us to do your work in the world,

to care for each other and for all of creation as we would care for you:

our life and our breath.

Wherever we are in your world there are survivors, victims, bystanders, and perpetrators of gender-based violence.

This violence is destroying your sacred creation,

breaking and mutilating bodies,

crushing spirits,

stealing dignity,

abusing trust,

seizing power, and

violating your beloved.

As long as violence exists among your people, anywhere, we will not be whole.

Until your creation is healed, we will wear black in solidarity with people around the world to honour the courage and resilience of the victims and survivors of gender-based violence while committing to work toward an end to such violence.

May black remind us of the unimaginably deep love that you have for us and the cavernous well of tears shed by communities broken by violence.

And may black remind us of the hope for transformation that you have planted within the dark belly of the earth.

A hope that grows stronger every time a cycle of violence is broken and nurtured by each action against violence and rape.

Creating God,

as long as we have breath,

may we work with perseverance toward restoring your creation.[1]

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
It is sacred work to make sure that in this world, all are treated equally, all have the right to live a safe life, and every person is counted as a whole and complete person created in the image of God. Let us do this work with our whole selves. Let us stand together and act together so that no one may remain broken.

[1] https://united-church.ca/prayers/prayer-thursdays-black

July 11, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Pride Festival and the Church

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

We gather today, the second day of the St. John’s Pride Festival in the City of St. John’s and Mount Pearl.

Pride, as we know it today, traces its origins back to the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City. This pivotal event marked a turning point in the 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement, as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including transgender people, drag queens, and people of color, resisted police harassment and discrimination at the Stonewall Inn. The riots sparked days of protests and demonstrations, galvanizing a growing movement for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. Subsequently, Pride marches began to commemorate these events and to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, diversity, and resilience.

If we look at the history of our denomination which was founded in 1925, our roots begin in the merging of several Protestant denominations, including Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist churches. From its inception, our has emphasized social justice, inclusivity, and community engagement. It has been at the forefront of various social justice movements in Canada, advocating for civil rights, Indigenous rights, gender equality, and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

Looking specifically at Pride, the United Church of Canada has been a vocal advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and rights within both the church itself and in wider society. Our church formally affirmed the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in 1988, becoming one of the first Christian denominations in Canada to do so. This decision was a significant step towards embracing diversity and challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Here at Gower, specifically, as many of you know, after years of reflection and education, in 2019, we became the second affirming congregation in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. To this day, we continue to educate, reflect and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in which we worship and globally.

I share this reflection and history today because together we and Pride stand as symbols of resilience, courage, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Demonstrating how movements and institutions can evolve to become more inclusive and affirming of diverse identities. Each year, Pride celebrations around the world, continue to highlight the importance of visibility, solidarity, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, echoing the principles of justice and inclusivity upheld in our church.

Let us pray,

Bold and Beloved One, throughout history, you have revealed yourself to us in ways that surprise and disrupt. You shocked the world when you came to be with us as a vulnerable baby born into a family fleeing political persecution. Though the scandal of your embodiment in Jesus led to crucifixion, still your Spirit of New Life is birthed anew among the marginalized.

You live among us today:
In the lives of trans individuals whose experiences of violence are dismissed and ignored.
Among all people living with HIV/AIDS.
You wander school halls as trans children and navigate the streets as queer couples walking hand-in-hand.
You come to us as LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit youth with no home.
You are embodied by Two-Spirit people, still fighting against the impacts of colonization, erasure, and stolen land.

Holy One, your love persists. Through beauty, compassion, and truth, you lure us into laying down our need to control. You move us. Free us. Embrace us.  By your grace, we are brought into the sacred labours of justice and transformation.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus
Our Father,* who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
*or Creator

Blessing:
Love liberates from the margins. Together, we have what we need to resist evil and oppression.
With a renewed commitment to solidarity with God and all people, may the Spirit lead us with peace.

July 4, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Audacious Hope

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

This week I am gathering with more than 450 youth, young adults, and ministry leaders at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, from July 3-7 for Rendez-vous 2024: Audacious Hope, or Uplift 2024: Audacious Hope for the Presbyterian attendees, who have an extra day of programming, ending on July 7.

The theme, Audacious Hope, leans into 2 Corinthians 3:12: “With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back.” —The Message.

This event brings together youth (entering Grade 9 through completing Grade 12), young adults (aged 19‒30), and their leaders from across the country to celebrate vibrant worship led by Adele Halliday and Mitchell Anderson. The moderator, The Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, and Dr. Johonna McCants-Turner will be among the inspiring speakers. United Church and Presbyterian Church staff and partners will lead a full slate of workshops.

A day at Audacious Hope will include:

• Inspiring worship with all ages together
• Thoughtful theme presentations for youth, young adults, and ministry leaders
• Small-group learning for youth
• Workshops and experiential activities for all ages
• Shared meals
• Recreation and fun!

During Audacious Hope, participants have the opportunity to give back by donating thread to the Weavers of Hope, an initiative of Seminario Evangelico de Teologia, a Mission and Service partner in Matanzas, Cuba.

If you would like to find out more, visit the Rendez-vous website or follow the fun on the blog, Facebook, or Instagram.

Today, I invite you to pray, holding in your heart those who are gathered in St. Catherine’s.

Let us pray,

Gracious and loving Creator,

As young hearts gather in the spirit of Audacious Hope, we lift our voices to You, the source of all wisdom and compassion.

Grant us courage to embrace the challenges before us, and strength to stand firm in our beliefs and values.

Guide our minds to seek understanding and truth, and our hands to build bridges of peace and justice.

Bless those attending this gathering in St. Catherine’s with Your presence, that they may be inspired by each other’s stories and journeys.

May we and each of them be a beacon of hope in our communities, and a force for positive change in the world.

In times of doubt, remind us of Your steadfast love, and in moments of celebration, teach us humility and gratitude.

We commit our lives to You, O God.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God give you hope and peace. Amen.

June 27, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Memorial Day

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

As we gather this Thursday, we are three days from the one hundred and eighth of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel – commemorated as Memorial Day in our province – a time for lament as we remember the staggering numbers who loss their lives, were injured, or missing. After the battle of some eight hundred Newfoundlanders who went into battle (July 1, 1916), only sixty-eight answered roll-call the next day.

Memorial Day in Newfoundland is a time for reverence, gratitude, and unity as communities come together to honor their veterans and reflect on the profound legacy of service and sacrifice.

On Monday, ceremonies and events will be held across Newfoundland to commemorate the sacrifices of those who served in the armed forces. Families and communities gather to pay tribute to veterans and reflect on the impact of war on their lives and the province. We will offer remembrance and tribute in worship on June 30^th.

These events and gatherings remind us of the broader historical context of Newfoundland’s military involvement and its ties to Canada. They underscore the importance of remembering and learning from the past, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made for freedom and peace.

This year, on Memorial Day, the remains of Newfoundland’s unknown soldier will be placed inside a tomb — his final resting place on home soil after more than 100 years abroad — in downtown St. John’s at the newly refurbished National War Memorial, which is marking its centennial year. The public has a chance to pay its respects to the fallen solider ahead of these events.

A lying-in-state will take place at Confederation Building for three days, June 28-30, before the soldier is laid to rest once more — this time permanently — at the war memorial. The July 1 ceremony at the war memorial begins at 9:30 a.m. Alternate viewing options are also being held at The Rooms and the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland.

So today, let us hold in our hearts all those who have experienced such loss or are experiencing such uncertainty and loss as the ravages of war continue in our time…

Let us pray,

Gracious God, we gather as a community to remember and honor those who have served with courage and sacrifice. We lift to you all who have given their lives in the cause of freedom, justice, and peace.

We remember with gratitude those who served in The Royal Newfoundland Regiment and all other armed forces, who faced hardship and danger with unwavering resolve. May their dedication inspire us to work for a world where conflict gives way to harmony and where all people can live in safety and dignity.

We pray for those who continue to serve, both at home and abroad. Grant them strength and courage as they carry out their duties, and protect them from harm.

Comfort, O God, those who mourn the loss of loved ones who served their country. May your peace that surpasses all understanding surround them and sustain them in their grief.

As we remember the past, help us to look forward with hope. Guide us in our efforts to build a more just and peaceful world, where the sacrifices of the past are honored through our commitment to compassion, reconciliation, and unity.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May God bring you comfort, reflection, and a renewed commitment to peace and justice.

June 20, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 National Indigenous Peoples Day

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Tomorrow, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

As our Moderator the Right Rev. Dr Carmen Lansdowne shared last year “National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to recognize the unique heritage and diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples across the country, from coast to coast to coast. While on Truth and Reconciliation Day in September, we recognize and commemorate the challenges and realities of our colonized and colonizing history in Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time of celebration to recognize and lift up the resilience of Indigenous people and communities and to celebrate what we have to share with the rest of the country.”

So may we celebrate the arrival of summer and join many Indigenous communities who continue to celebrate their culture and heritage, embracing the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

I hope you will be able to take part in some way to celebrate with our kin and neighbours of Indigenous communities. I am sharing with you a list of the activities in St. John’s hosted by First Light in Bannerman Park.

I invite you today to join me in celebrate the decisions made by the congregation of the United Church of Canada this Spring when a remit from the 44^th General council was approved. The Remit:

That The United Church of Canada will be organized as follows: (1) a three-council structure, consisting of communities of faith, regional councils and a Denominational Council; and (2) an autonomous National Indigenous Organization; and that once the new autonomous National Indigenous Organization is established within The United Church of Canada, it will have its own mechanisms to make any future changes to its structure and processes.…

This came after long years of advocacy from the Indigenous Church; while I believe that there will be more formal celebration to come let us in advance of this National Indigenous Peoples Day let us acknowledge this moment with words from The Rev. Daniel Reed who is serving in ministry at Kimbourne Park United Church, in Toronto, on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Friends, let us open our hearts in prayer with the Indigenous Church.

Together, we celebrate the 58 communities of faith as they gather to pray, to sing, to pour over scripture, and, as the case may be, to engage in traditional spiritual practices.

We pray with those who are gathering in buildings that need repair, who are boiling water, and whose ministry responds to the brutal and unrelenting intergenerational impact of colonial violence.

We hold in our hearts the children, the youth, the young adults, the older adults, and the Elders who make up those various communities. We hold them in our hearts as friends and siblings.

God bless us all. Bless us and give us ease. Bless us and give us strength. Bless us and give us peace.

We receive, with gratitude, the vision of the Indigenous Church:

We carry a common vision and dream, respect everyone’s story, care for one another, uphold community, build positive relationships.

We thank our Ancestors and All Our Relations who have brought us to this moment. We are all spirit first. The work of Right Relations continues.

We commit to moving forward together in a good way.

We receive, with gratitude, the Calls to the Church from the Caretakers of Our Indigenous Circle:

Our own Indigenous understanding of the Christ story is what we need. We are Indigenous nations, tribes, confederacies with clans and Elders. Creator has placed us in our sacred lands and taught us to harvest the food just as the first humans in the Bible. Our ways, of seeing and being in this earth, are much like the Hebrew people. We can hear creation and have learned from all our relations, the animals, the water folk, the plant families, our mother the earth, etc. We hear in the groaning of the earth the sufferings of Christ. We feel the preciousness of life and the sanctity of love in our communities and lands.

We remember, with humility and with contrition, these words from The United Church of Canada’s 1986 Apology to Indigenous Peoples:

We confused Western ways and culture with the depth and breadth and length and height of the gospel of Christ. We imposed our civilization as a condition of accepting the gospel.

We tried to make you be like us and in so doing we helped to destroy the vision that made you what you were. As a result, you, and we, are poorer and the image of the Creator in us is twisted, blurred, and we are not what we are meant by God to be.

We think about those Elders, and advocates, and theologians, and committed and thoughtfully engaged United Church people, who sat together, showed up at the committee meeting or the circle, who left their responsibilities back at home for a little while, checked in, smudged, prayed, discerned, spoke, listened, who attended to the voice of the Creator calling to them in this moment, who wrote down that calling and shared it with the rest of us.

God bless us all. Bless us and give us ease. Bless us and give us strength. Bless us and give us peace.

Thank you, Almighty God, for the Indigenous Church.

We have experienced them as a source of wisdom and have received what they have offered with gratitude; we have witnessed in them a resiliency in the face of brutal and unrelenting harm, and have been moved by the power of their testimony, their commitment to one another and to you, their willingness to open up broken hearts again and again in service to a healing love.

We are grateful, God, for the unique spiritual gifts that we have experienced them bringing to this communion, for their contributions to our attempt to discern your nature and your call, for the pleasure and the joy of being able to spend time with them, for the gift of being invited to share a table together.

Thank you for the accountability that they have offered us, the justice that they have demanded, the return to right relationship that they have sought.

God bless us all. Bless us and give us ease. Bless us and give us strength. Bless us and give us peace.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Friends, breathe deep.
Breathe deep, and hold onto that small grace of a world transforming around us, of God at work now in this place as They have always been at work here and in all places.
Breathe deep, and sit in the blessing of stillness.
Breathe deep, and let possibility begin to unfurl.
Breathe deep, and let courage grow within.

June 13, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Approaching World Refugee Day

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

The United Nations declared June 20 World Refugee Day. This day is a moment to reflect on the plight of millions of displaced individuals worldwide. It allows communities, including religious ones like ours, to pause and consider their roles in supporting refugees.

Our United Church of Canada values often emphasize compassion, justice, and solidarity; World Refugee Day can remind us of our commitment to refugee resettlement and advocacy. It can prompt us to reflect on how we can live out these values practically, whether by providing material support to refugees, advocating for policy changes, or fostering a culture of inclusivity within their communities.

It can also extend to acknowledging the challenges that refugees face, both in their countries of origin and in their host countries. It’s an opportunity to listen to refugee voices, learn from their experiences, and amplify their stories.

You can read one such story here: https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/my-soul-fed-supporting-refugees

Ultimately, World Refugee Day invites us to examine our collective humanity and consider how we can work together to create a world where all individuals can live with dignity and hope regardless of their background or circumstances.

You can learn more about World Refugee Day here: https://www.unhcr.org/events/world-refugee-day-2024

Over the next week leading up to World Refugee Day, open yourself to the opportunity to learn more and engage.

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer,

Holy God, we thank you for life in all its wonderful diversity. There are many ways to live and speak and a beautiful tapestry of different skin colours, shapes, and sizes. We give thanks for different ways of expressing your love and living in a family. We thank you for the many ways people have invented to praise you. Inspire us to see each other as neighbours, siblings, and not-yet friends.

We pray for those trying to get through each day without the simple advantages many take for granted. You have given us stewardship of a planet that can easily support all humanity’s needs but is groaning under humanity’s greed. We pray for those left behind―not enough to eat, lack of clean water, and lack of simple medicines. We also pray for the courage to keep our hearts open to the plight of our neighbour and keep our minds open to see ways of bringing relief.

We pray for our planet. You have given us stewardship of your creation, and we have not always fulfilled our obligations. We often choose our immediate comfort over our home’s health and steal a livable environment from our children. Forgive us and inspire us to care for our neighbours by caring for our home.

May your presence be felt by all people, but especially those whose lives and mental health have suffered. Guide our politicians and leaders as they try to figure out the best way forward and lend wisdom and compassion to those who choose wilful ignorance and egocentrism.

We pray for all those who are fleeing their homes. May their journeys be safe, and may they reach destinations where hospitality is offered. May all people who claim to worship you hear your frequent call to care for the stranger and foreigner, and may we all work toward the day of your favour―when hostility will finally cease and we finally experience shalom.

We gather the prayers of heart today together now with the words Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Holy One, bless us with an open heart to learn to live in God’s ways of justice and peace for all Creation.

June 6, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 99 Years of The United Church of Canada

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

June 10 is the 99th anniversary of the union of the United Church of Canada is a significant milestone, marking nearly a century of spiritual unity, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. Many things are being planned for celebrating the 100^th anniversary over the coming year, but today, let us reflect on the last 99 years. This occasion offers an opportunity to acknowledge the rich history and diverse contributions of the denomination.

Since its formation in 1925, the United Church of Canada has played a vital role in Canada’s religious landscape, embracing a progressive and inclusive approach to faith. Its commitment to unity, despite theological diversity, has been a cornerstone of its identity, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for individuals from various backgrounds.

At the heart of the United Church’s mission is a dedication to social justice and service to others. Throughout its history, our denomination has been actively involved in addressing issues such as poverty, racism, environmental stewardship, and human rights. From supporting indigenous rights to advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, the United Church has been at the forefront of many important social movements, embodying the principles of compassion, equality, and solidarity.

As we commemorate this anniversary, it’s essential to recognize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In an increasingly secular and pluralistic society, the United Church faces the task of remaining relevant and engaging while staying true to its core values. Embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and adapting to changing cultural contexts will be essential for ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of the denomination in the years to come.

Ultimately, the 99th anniversary of the United Church of Canada union is a moment to celebrate the past, honour the present, and envision the future. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith to inspire individuals and communities to work towards a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer,

God of the past, present and future, from this moment, we are on the threshold. The church is almost, but not yet, 100 years old. As we remember backward to dream forward, help us to go forward forth to prune— gathering in all that is good and lovely, repairing the damage we find, lamenting that which has died and is dying. Guide us through this year, so that in one year, we will witness how the seeds of today have blossomed. Let this year be a time of preparation so that what you will grow in the next 100 years can take root. All of this we pray, in Jesus’ name, gathering our prayers in the prayer Jesus taught us[1]

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

Beloved, as you go into the world this day and this year, may you receive this blessing as both gift and call:

Blessed are you who give your life to living deeply within the Spirit’s call, who long to be planted fully within the heart of Christ and to love God’s world with all your heart. Blessed are you who give your life to bold discipleship: who plant the Saviour’s seeds of love, faith, hope, and joy, and trust that God will nurture these seeds with a future good beyond your imagining.

And blessed are you who give your life to daring justly for all Creation, you, whose heart breaks open like a seed in the earth as you give your life for the flourishing of all places and people.

Blessed are we who live this life and give this life, for we are not alone in this living and dying and rising again. God is with us! And we are blessed to be a blessing, now and always. Thanks be to God! Let the people say, Amen![2]

[1] https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Funited-church.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-04%2F99th-anniversary-service_jun2024.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

[2] https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Funited-church.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-04%2F99th-anniversary-service_jun2024.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

May 30, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Preparing for Pride Month

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

June is Pride Month it is a time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Pride Month is an opportunity to reaffirm the values of love, acceptance, and inclusivity which we at Gower feel are vital to the teachings of Jesus. Pride Month prompts us to examine how these values can be better upheld within our community, ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and affirmed for who they are.

For us at Gower and our siblings in faith in the United Church, Pride Month reminds us of our commitment to social justice and belief that all people are created equal in the eyes of the Divine. It’s a time to reaffirm support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, advocate for their rights, and work towards creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

This month also invites introspection on how far we’ve come and still must go towards full equality and acceptance. It prompts us to consider how we can be better allies and advocates for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights within our religious communities and society.

On Sunday, June 2nd, during our Rainbow Melodies: Celebrating Pride, Community, and Summer Harmony worship and community time, we will gather to celebrate and reflect together. I hope you can join us in person or online for this celebration.

May this Pride Month offer us a time for celebration, solidarity, and reflection—a time to honour the past, embrace the present, and continue striving toward a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer. This prayer is

Oh, Love that will not let us go…

Our hearts are filled and overflowing with joy, deep love, and gratitude.

We are thankful, for the gifts of all Affirming Ministries and communities of faith who open their churches, their homes and their hearts to Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ people and all their intersecting identities. for music, friendship, and for family.

We are thankful for the Love that will not let us go.

We are thankful, for Pride Marches and Pride Month, for all those who publicly, intentionally, and explicitly affirm that 2S-LGBTQ+ people are children of God.

We are thankful most of all, for the blessing of a Love that is and always has been there for us.

The truth at the heart of our faith – that you are Love – echoes today in words and in music, in friendships and family, in our hearts and minds, and continues to challenge us to Love.

We pray for our hearts and minds to be open to our own homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, to be open to our own racism, sexism, ableism, sizeism, and all the ways we fear those who are different from us.

We pray to learn how to recognize the kinship between our souls and the souls of those who, to us, are strangers.

We pray that we will never cease in our journey to learn how to Love more radically.

We pray in the name of the Love that flips tables and cracks whips, the Love that heals those judged by religious leaders and powers, the Love who lives and loves among the marginalized and outcast.[1]

Out of love, we repeat the words Jesus gave us to say as our guide:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

May this month be filled with joy, love, and celebration as we honor the diversity and beauty of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

May we stand in solidarity with all who have fought for equality, and continue to advocate for justice and acceptance for all.

May our hearts be open to learning and growing, as we strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone is welcomed and affirmed.

May we embrace the courage and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and work towards a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.

May this Pride Month be a time of reflection, empowerment, and unity, as we affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.Amen.

[1] Prayer by Jordan Sullivan, a trans man and a survivor of conversion practices and change efforts (SOGIECE). He is currently the SOCIECE/CP Prevention and Survivor Support Coordinator at the Community-Based Research Centre(opens in a new tab). Jordan is passionate about working  through cross-sector collaboration to end conversion practices and change efforts in Canada. He is particularly aware of the need to address the intersections of religion, mental health, and 2S/LGBTQIA+ people.

May 23, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Trinity Sunday

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

This coming Sunday, we will celebrate Trinity Sunday. We are reminded of the profound mystery of God revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We embrace the dynamic interplay of these three expressions of the Divine, recognizing the unity within diversity and the dynamic relationship between the Creator, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

In our journey of faith, we recognize the presence of God in various forms—the Creator who breathes life into all creation, Jesus who walked among us, showing us the way of love and Justice, and the Spirit who empowers and sustains us in our daily lives. We witness the ongoing work of God in our lives and in the world through our relationships and faithful interactions.

As we approach Trinity Sunday, I invite you to breathe deep, reflect, and contemplate this mystery with humility and awe, recognizing that our finite minds can only grasp a fraction of the infinite majesty of God’s triune nature.

Ask yourself these questions.
Where did you feel God today?
Who reminded you of Jesus today?
Where did you feel the Spirit today?

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer

Holy and Triune God, we acknowledge the depth of your presence. You reveal yourself to us as Creator, Jesus, and Holy Spirit – three in one, yet indivisible.
Grant us the wisdom to comprehend the mystery of your triune nature and the humility to embrace it with reverence and awe. Help us see your divine presence’s interconnectedness in all aspects of our lives.
Guide us as a faith community in the United Church of Canada to embody the love, grace, and unity exemplified in your triune nature. May our actions and service reflect the beauty of your divine relationship and inspire others to seek deeper communion with you.
As we gather, may we be renewed in our commitment to living out the values of your kin-dom, guided by Jesus’ example and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Out of love, we repeat the words Jesus gave us to say as our guide:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the grace of our Triune God,
The Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
Be with you always.
May the unity of the Trinity inspire you to embrace diversity,
And may the mystery of the Trinity deepen your faith.
Now and forevermore. Amen.

May 16, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Pentecost

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

As we journey towards the celebration of Pentecost, we pause to reflect on the significance of this holy season.

Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, igniting their hearts with the flames of divine love and empowering them to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth. It marks the birth of the Church, a community bound together by the power of God’s Spirit, diverse yet united in purpose.

In the days leading up to Pentecost, we are reminded of the disciples’ waiting and anticipation in the upper room as they gather in prayer and expectation. Like them, we, too, wait with hopeful hearts, longing for the fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives and midst.

Today, I invite you to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this moment and recognize the faithfulness of God, who has been with you every step of the way. We recall the moments of joy and celebration, as well as the times of challenge and struggle, knowing that God’s presence has never wavered.

Amid our busy lives and amidst the world’s noise, may we take this time to quiet our hearts and listen for the gentle whisper of the Spirit. May we open ourselves to receive anew the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that the Spirit so generously bestows.

As we prepare to enter a season of celebration and renewal, may we be filled with anticipation and expectancy, ready to experience afresh the transforming power of God’s Spirit in our lives and in our community.

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer

Loving Creator, we gather, drawn together by the fire of your Spirit. We thank you for the vibrant tapestry of lives woven within our midst, from the youngest to the eldest, from every background and experience, all gathered under your loving care.

As we look forward to celebrating the birth of your Church and the outpouring of your Spirit, we recognize the beauty of diversity within our community. May we, like the early disciples, be united in purpose and filled with courage to share your love with the world.

We lift in prayer our dear siblings in faith. Bless them with comfort and peace, surround them with your presence, and remind them that they are cherished and valued for their wisdom and grace.

We pray for our wider community and the world beyond our doors. In a world often divided by fear and misunderstanding, may your Spirit of unity and reconciliation inspire us to build bridges of understanding and compassion.

We remember those who are suffering, those who are lonely, those who are grieving, and those who are in need. May your healing touch bring comfort and strength to all who are hurting.

Guide us, O God, as we seek to be faithful witnesses to your love in the world. Empower us to be agents of justice, peace, and reconciliation, following in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus.

We listen to your Spirit’s whispers in every moment. Out of love, we repeat the words Jesus gave us to say as our guide:

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
In God, we live and move and have our being. We are God’s children. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we say yes to God and yes to the wonderful working of the Spirit in our lives. Let us go forth with that yes in our hearts.

May 9, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Mothering

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, May 8, 2024.

Friends, for one hundred and nine years, the second Sunday in May has been designated as Mother’s Day in Canada.

In the United Church of Canada and at Gower, we embrace the diversity of our community by celebrating Christian Family Sunday on this day. This is when we honour and recognize all family relationships and dynamics, understanding that mothering is not limited to just women. We also acknowledge that not all women desire to be mothers, and not all have positive feelings towards mothers. We hope that all of us have some positive relationships in our lives that are our family, including within our faith community.

Today, I want to share a little about a book I read last year by writer and theologian Erin S. Lane, Someone Other Than A Mother. In it, Lane thoughtfully explores motherhood, how it is viewed, and the impacts that it can have on women and others.

Lane got married in her early 20s without wanting to have children, but she and her husband later wound up fostering and adopting three biological sisters. I found truth and wisdom in many of Lane’s arguments for why we need to stop conflating womanhood with motherhood and acknowledge that doing so hurts women and families rather than strengthens them. Instead, we need a more accurate and whole picture of what motherhood entails and what all women can contribute to the world and the church.

Writing from a progressive Christian perspective, Lane deftly uses scientific and historical examples to show why many common social views or opinions about motherhood are flawed or hurtful for some women who desire not to be mothers. She also reinterprets quoted Bible passages such as Genesis 1:28 and shares the experiences of a variety of women, Christian and non-Christian.  Lane invites the reader to explore how often society promotes motherhood as the toughest job, home is the highest duty, and all women are naturally programmed to love and want children and be terrific mothers. However, Lane says that instead, we should base home and family on desire as well as duty, see motherhood as just one of many professions that are grounded in faith, and use “mother” as a verb rather than a noun while expanding our idea of who counts as family and what truly defines a legacy.

Lane also tackles several major social issues that shape women’s attitudes and decisions about motherhood. One friend doesn’t want to have biological children because she’s concerned about the dire state of the environment, while another woman with a physical disability challenges society’s view that she has no business raising her adopted child. Lane examines the Catholic Church’s rejection of artificial contraception and finds it sorely lacking, arguing that pleasure, not just procreation, should be a legitimate purpose for sex. (Lane doesn’t discuss abortion in depth, but she does say that choosing not to have children shouldn’t automatically be seen as not valuing life.) She also includes the perspectives of Black and Latina women, who note that their other-than-a-mother status is even more countercultural – and therefore suspect – than it is for white women such as Lane and myself. Meanwhile, the experiences of several queer women illustrate what it looks like to “mother” others on a broader scale. Notably, Lane’s stories about her interactions with the foster care system during her and her husband’s adoption process underscore her argument that the American government and society need to support children and families better rather than expect parents to fend for themselves – an opinion underscored by the many working mothers whose careers took a major hit during the pandemic.

Someone Other Than a Mother offers a challenge often hyper-emphasis on marriage, parenting and family as measures of a successful life. Lane takes this idea a step further, suggesting that maybe the good life, by definition, doesn’t involve marriage and/or children for everyone. That’s a pretty radical statement for both secular and Christian audiences. Above all, Lane urges us to be honest – about motherhood and ourselves. Only then can we truly flourish and help others do the same.

So as many of us celebrate those mothers let us remember that to mother can look may different ways and done by all gender identities.

Let us gather our minds and hearts together in prayer

Divine Creator,

We revere and are grateful for the countless ways you bless our lives through motherhood. We recognize that the spirit of nurturing and love extends far beyond traditional roles, encompassing all who offer care and support in various forms. We honour the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, bonus moms and friends who embody your unconditional love and grace.

Yet, we also acknowledge the complexity of this season. For some, it is a time of joy and celebration; for others, it brings grief, loss, or struggle. We lift those who yearn for motherhood but have not yet experienced it, those who have lost mothers or children, and those who find this day challenging for any reason. May they find comfort in your presence and strength in their community.

Grant us the wisdom to embrace the diversity of experiences represented among us and the compassion to support one another with empathy and kindness. Help us to create a space where all feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their circumstances.

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remember that your love knows no bounds and that you walk alongside us in every season. May this season remind us of the sacredness of nurturing relationships and the power of love to heal and transform.

In your holy name, pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the love that surrounds us, nurtures us, and sustains us continue to flow through our lives like a gentle stream, reminding us of the deep bonds of connection we share with one another.

May the wisdom we have gained from our reflections guide us as we navigate the journey of motherhood in its many forms, embracing both the joys and the challenges with grace and courage.

May we carry with us the knowledge that we are never alone, that the divine presence walks beside us, offering strength, comfort, and guidance in every moment.

And may we extend the love and compassion we have received to all those around us, creating a world where every mother, in all her diversity, is honored, cherished, and supported.

As we go forth from this time of reflection, may we carry the light of love in our hearts and share it generously with the world. Amen.

May 2, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Red Dress Day and The Moose Hide Campaign

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

As we begin a new month, I want us to bring attention to two campaigns that raise awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and two Spirited People. This coming Sunday, May 5, is Red Dress Day, and May 16 is Moose Hide Campaign Day.  Although these two campaigns are connected to a specific day, the goal of ending gender-based violence continues year-round. Indigenous women, girls, transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people continue to go missing and are murdered at an alarming and disproportionate rate.

Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation. In this art installation, Black hung empty, red dresses to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Red dresses have become symbolic of the movement to end gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2 Spirited people. Red Dress Day is about building awareness of the ongoing harm of gender-based violence and remembering those we have lost. This day was first observed in 2010.

Currently, Indigenous women make up 16 percent of all femicide victims and 11 percent of all missing women. Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples are also 6 times more likely to be murdered than their non-Indigenous counterparts. These high rates of violence have drawn widespread expressions of concern from national and international human rights authorities, which have repeatedly called for Canada to address the problem.[i]

The Moose Hide Campaign was launched by Raven Lacerte (Lake Babine First Nation) and her father, Paul Lacerte (Carrier First Nations), whose annual hunting trips took place along BC’s Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. This highway is known as the “Highway of Tears” for the large number of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered there. The Moose Hide Campaign recognizes that all forms of violence are unacceptable, regardless of gender.

May 16 is Moose Hide Campaign Day, a day when all Canadians are invited to take a stand against violence toward Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. By wearing a moose hide pin and participating in Moose Hide Campaign Day, you are making a visible and meaningful commitment towards ending violence against women, children and 2 Spirited people.

I invite you to act this month—educate yourself about the issue, participate in campaigns or another local event, and share information with your family and friends. If you would like a moose hide pin, we have some in the Gower office; you can connect with Rev. Rebecca to get one.

Resources to learn more:
The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The United Church of Canada’s Moose Hide Campaign page

Red Dress Day | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Red Dress Day: What it is and how it began | story | Kids News (cbc.ca)

Let us gather our minds and hearts together as we pray to remember all the Indigenous women, transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people who have been taken, to lament our complacency and silence in the ongoing oppression, and to commit ourselves in covenant with God and one another to be co-creators of a world of justice, safety, dignity and respect for all Indigenous women, transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people.

For all those who disappeared, taken, and forgotten, left in the rubble of landfills, and forgotten in our hearts. For all those barely surviving on our streets, afraid, alone, and under the oppression of strangers and perpetrators. Oh, Creator of Love and Mercy, let us ask forgiveness for our silence and empower us to create safety and protection for all women and children.

For all Indigenous families, communities, and relations who have lost daughters, nieces, mothers, aunties, friends, and children who are left wandering, searching, mourning, with holes in their hearts and grief and rage in their bodies. Oh, Creator of Love and Justice, let us remember our sacred relatives and empower us to bring them comfort, closure and justice for all those who have been taken from them.

For systems that deny Indigenous women, transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people and their children access to transportation, housing, homes, food, safety, education, employment and health, creating homelessness, and making them and their children more vulnerable to abuse. Oh, Creator of Love and Courage, let us lament the creation of pass and reserve systems and the lack of resources too many take for granted. Empower us to create economic and political systems that provide equal access to education, housing, homes, and health for all.

For attitudes of patriarchy that demean and devalue Women’s sacred lives, bodies, hearts, and minds, diminishing the value, creativity, and contributions that women and women-identifying persons and their children make to this glorious world. Oh, Creator of Love and Justified Rage, let us challenge these attitudes and patriarchal actions and empower us to transform our minds and hearts so that all of us view Indigenous women, transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people and their children with dignity and respect.

For all of us that have felt overwhelmed in the face of these injustices, creating silos of solitude and silence, inertia, and ignorance, instead of relationships of support, cooperation, and care. God of love and covenant, let us be beacons of hope in word and action. Empower us to build right relations with all those who are courageous protectors and co-creators of your shalom.

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May God bless us with a broken heart responding to vulnerable truth-telling so we may live from deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of our kin so that we may walk the good way of peacemaking.
May God bless us with tears shed for those who are hurting so we may offer comfort and solidarity.
In the name of the Creator, Jesus and the Companion, One God, who Mothers us all. Amen.

[i] Red Dress Day 2024: Take Action on May 5 (amnesty.ca)

April 25, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Pray. Act. Advocate. Witness. Give.

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

We know too well that we are currently in a time of multiple crises; many competing crises can be overwhelming and deeply affect our lives. Many of us have felt helpless and moved to act, to march and protest in solidarity with the people and United Church partners in response and support to the various crises in our world.

Looking forward to Pentecost coming to our Moderator, The Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne shared a letter with pastoral charges reiterating the call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. You can read the letter here.

In the letter, she shares that on April 18th, she would begin a pilgrimage with ecumenical partners in Manhattan, New York, and she would end it by joining church leadership from KAIROS Canada members to walk in Ottawa on May 22-23.  She is calling on us as faithful members of the church to mobilize for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Canada-wide local pilgrimages will preface a pilgrimage to Parliament Hill on May 22 by national representatives and church leaders, including Moderator The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne.

If you’re not sure what you can do—if you have felt helpless in knowing what to do—this list will help you focus your own efforts, public or not:

1. Pray
2. Act: Join or organize pilgrimages from now until May 13 as a collective expression of solidarity with other congregations across the country. Participants will walk or roll—individually or together—in their home communities for all or part of 41 km—the length of the Gaza strip—by May 13. Pilgrims are invited to share the distance they have moved on KAIROS Canada’s website(opens in a new tab) by May 13. Check the following sites for local opportunities to join peaceful justice-focused protests: KAIROS Canada, Pilgrimage for Gaza

3. Advocate: Write your MP urging the Canadian government to support the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage Calls for:

• An enduring and sustained ceasefire
• An immediate flow of life-saving food, water, aid, fuel, and humanitarian assistance
• The release of all captives
• A halt to further arms exports, alongside export and brokering authorizations, to Israel.
• An end of occupation so a just peace can begin.

4. Witness: Wear white: Invite your congregation to wear white on April 28 or May 5. Take a solemn photo of everyone, preferably outside, with a sign indicating their location and prayer. Share it with others.
5. Donate: Make a donation towards supporting partners to deliver humanitarian aid to people in the conflict zone.
6. Participate in a Week of Action: May 15-22: During this week, pilgrims are encouraged to engage in any of the following actions during or before this week:

• Plant a tree: Encourage others to do so in memory of all the Palestinian and Israeli children who have died in the violence. Some trees were planted on March 30, which marked Land Day (Palestine), but we must remember these children every day.
• May 15 – Nakba Day: Calls for a general strike globally, for those who are able. Join or organize a local strike.
• Hold or attend a vigil or prayer service: In front of the offices of Members of Parliament. Pray for the Calls initiated in the global Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage that support a just peace in the region. Reiterate these calls to MPs and their staff.
• Gather in Ottawa on Parliament Hill on May 22 with national church leaders. The church leaders’ pilgrimage will begin in Ottawa (location to be announced(opens in a new tab)) and end on Parliament Hill, where there will be prayers for a ceasefire and for a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel, speeches by church leaders, a press conference and meetings with MPs and Ministers.
• Wear white to symbolize peace.
• Carry enlarged photos of all the actions across the country leading up to this day.[1]

How each of us responds to this time is unique to the individual, encompassing their knowledge, beliefs, and where and how they feel called to respond. May you remember as you hear calls to action for the crises filling our world that you show up as you desire. Perhaps sometimes that is with prayerful reflection and learning, or perhaps it is standing in protest publicly. All support offered, is valued and important.

Let us pray,

God,

you are our hope, we shall not let go.

You help us seek peace, justice, hope, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis,

You lead us towards courageous actions.

With United Church partners Middle East Council of Churches, Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees, Defense for Children International—Palestine, Sabeel, and Kairos Palestine,

we faithfully journey to places of unrest, instability, and fear, to

advocate for the basic human rights of all people,

support the peace-builders who are actively resisting the dehumanizing forces of violence, and

better proclaim the gospel of peace for your sake.

Even though there is uncertainty, indifference, and opposition,

grant us the strength to continually seek

an end to the occupation,

so that Israelis and Palestinians can create a better future for themselves.

Even as we dream of a time when Israel/Palestine will be a symbol of hope, peace, and reconciliation,

help us to be mindfully aware of the volatile present.

Draw close to the multitude of injured and grieving people in the Holy Land;

gather up the hopeless,

and abide with the physically and emotionally oppressed;

may your presence and your kin’dom comfort our siblings in their suffering.

God,

prepare tables of dialogue and opportunities for truth-telling around us.

Open the hearts of hurting people so that they may witness small signs of hope.

Surely, with your help, we will continue to seek justice and resist evil,

all the days of our lives,

until all are able to live abundantly.

Amen.[2]

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

And the blessing of God, who made us in love, who made us for companionship, who made us to enhance and strengthen the world, go with us as we leave this time and go into all the places life calls us to be. We do not go alone. We go, loved, and blessed, to be a blessing. Amen.

[1] Gaza Ceasefire: What You Can Do | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)

[2] Prayer for Peace with Justice in Israel/Palestine | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)

April 18, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

 Preparing for Earth Day

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22 each year. At Gower, we will have an Earth Day Celebration worship on Sunday, April 21^st. In advance of Earth Day this year, I invite you to read and reflect on this story, Protecting the Tree, by Rev. Eric S. Anderson.

 An ‘i‘iwi1 (a Hawaiian bird) overheard some people talking one day about a disease that was harmful and even fatal to ‘ōhi‘a trees. He followed them and listened closely as they took care to clean their shoes and avoid bringing the fungus spores to where healthy trees were. The ‘i‘iwi decided that he would help protect his favourite ‘ōhi‘a tree.

 It wasn’t a very big tree, which was one of the reasons it was his favourite. It had a nice shape and plenty of leaves and it tended to blossom quite freely, which made it a great place to find safety and enjoy a good meal of ‘ōhi‘a nectar. And because it wasn’t very big, it was a size that the bird could guard.

Guard it he did. When other birds came by—‘apapane, ‘amakihi, mejiro, and even the little ‘elepaio’—he drove them off. They squawked and complained, but a determined ‘i‘iwi is difficult to convince, so they all went to other trees.

 The ‘i‘iwi then set out to make sure that the tree was safe from being infected by insects that might carry the dangerous fungus. He flicked bugs off the leaves and branches with his wings, with his toes, and with his long, curved beak. The spiders and insects didn’t try to argue. It’s hard to argue when something many times your size has kicked you off a branch when you’re a long way up in the air. Some tried a second or a third time but found the ‘i‘iwi ready for them, so they headed off as well.

 The ‘i‘iwi found himself pretty much alone in the tree, and quite satisfied, settled down to sleep as night fell, prepared for another day of defending his favourite tree.

 As the wind moved the tree limbs, however, his dreams turned strange. It seemed like the tree was speaking to him. “Why are you doing this?” asked the tree. “Why are you chasing everyone away?”

 In a dream, of course, you can talk to trees, so the ‘i‘wi said, “I’m keeping away everything that might make you sick. I want to keep you well.”

 The tree creaked thoughtfully for a few minutes—trees think long and deeply—before replying.

“That’s good of you,” said the tree. “I appreciate the thought. But has it occurred to you that if no one visits me, my flowers don’t become seeds?”

 That had not, in fact, occurred to the ‘i‘iwi, who hadn’t known it. Most plant blossoms attract creatures like honeybees, who in travelling from flower to flower bring the pollen that enables the blossoms to produce seeds. In the ‘ōhi‘a forest, this gets done by bees, and beetles, and birds such as the ‘apapane and ‘amakihi, and yes, the ‘i‘iwi.

 “If nobody visits other trees, and nobody visits me, there won’t be any seeds,” explained the tree.

 The ‘i‘iwi didn’t know what to do. “If they visit you, you might get sick,” he said, “but if they don’t visit you, there won’t be new ‘ōhi‘a trees.”

 The tree limbs sighed in agreement. “We’ll have to chance it,” said the tree. “But thanks for the effort.”

 “We’ll have to chance it,” said the ‘i‘iwi. “May it all go well.”[1]

 I invite you to reflect today on the following questions:

• In this story, the tree limbs and the i‘iwi have to chance it. What motivates them to take this risk? Why?
• When have we had to “chance it” compelled by love?

Let us pray,

God of Creation, we are thankful for your awesome work in creation. You have weaved all of life together, and it is very good. We are grateful for all that protects and cares for your good works: the sunlight and water that sustains life, the earth that grounds and nourishes life, and the earth-beings that care for and protect life. We ask your blessings on the actions we offer here and on the actions of those across the church and beyond during this coming Earth Day. God of Creation, together we are stronger.

As we care for your creation, provide us with the humility and curiosity needed to continually learn about the marvels of your works, and to deepen our understanding of how our actions, good and bad, affect all of creation. We ask your blessing on the intentions we offer here today and on the intentions of those across the church and beyond during this coming Earth Day. God of Creation, together, we are stronger.

Although the journey is hard, and our hearts might be afraid and filled with doubts, may we continue to act and learn towards climate justice, with the confidence and strength of your presence guiding us. We ask, in your love, to answer the prayers we offer today and the prayers of those across the church and beyond acting together during this coming Earth Day. God of Creation, together, we are stronger.

May we continue to follow in the way that you are leading with hopeful and daring hearts, until we have reached your commonwealth of justice and peace for all. [2]We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

Go and act, for the care of creation. Go and learn, for the sake of creation. Go and pray, for the love of creation. And may the care of God enfold you, the passion of the Risen Christ embolden you, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit empower you, now and forever, Amen.

[1] Rev. Eric S. Anderson, July 23, 2023, OrdainedGeek.com. Free to use with attribution. He includes a video recording on his website.

[2] Inspired by Earth Sunday Service: For the Love of Creation April 21, 2024

April 11, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Living into Reconciliation through Action

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Do you know what a remit is in our United Church Polity?
In case you don’t a remit is like a referendum for the whole church. Some remits only require Regional approval, and some require approval from both Pastoral Charges and Regions. A remit passes if an absolute majority (ie: 51% or more) of Regions and Pastoral Charges vote in favour AND if the upcoming or reconvening of the current General Council ratifies the decision.

At General Council 44 (online, 2022), the National Indigenous Council asked for the removal of any structural barriers preventing the development and sustaining of an autonomous National Indigenous Organization within The United Church of Canada. In response, the General Council approved the creation of Remit 1: Creating an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization. Which required a vote on the proposal from all the Regions and Governing Bodies of Pastoral Charges.

This remit, a testament to our commitment to reconciliation, proposed that the already-existing National Indigenous Organization would become autonomous within The United Church of Canada. This empowering move would enable the Indigenous Church to define its own structure and processes within the United Church.  Presently, the United Church already has separate staff for Indigenous ministries at the national level and a separate Indigenous Office of Vocation. This remit could allow the Indigenous Church to make decisions for the Indigenous Church about its own structure and processes without “asking for permission” from the non-Indigenous church.

Currently, in our structure, the National Indigenous Church functions like a Region within the wider church and is subject to the same governance processes as every other Region. Meaning that the Indigenous Church is constantly seeking approval from the non-Indigenous church to make structural changes. This kind of dynamic reflects continued colonial thinking and practices. The Indigenous peoples who are currently members of the United Church love the Church and want to remain a part of it—they just want to be a part of the Church in ways that make sense to them.

While how the final vision of how this relationship would look is still vague as The Indigenous Church needs time and space to have these conversations in their own ways, and to make these decisions for themselves. The deadline for vote of approval on this remit was March 31^st. News came out from the National Church this week, that the remit had passed the vote part of the process. I share with you now this statement from Lori-Ann Livingston.

Results of the vote on Remit 1 by Lori-Ann Livingston[1]

Remit 1 has passed. 

All 16 regional councils, the National Indigenous Council, and 80% of pastoral charges in The United Church of Canada participated in the vote on Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization. 

Thank you once again to all everyone who voted in this process.

The voting process engaged many across the church in deep and sometimes challenging conversations about right relations with Indigenous Peoples. Throughout this process, it became particularly clear that there is a need for deeper and ongoing work to address the issues of systemic racism which persist in the church, despite our continued commitment to reconciliation. We will re-engage this important work this year. 

Meanwhile, there is one final phase in the remit process. The 44th General Council Annual Meeting will be asked to enact the remit when it meets on October 19, 2024. This is the same process for all Category 3 remits. 

In anticipation of the General Council enacting the remit in October, the National Indigenous Council, the National Indigenous Elders Council, and the Executive of the General Council will continue to work together to identify and lay out a framework for the autonomous Indigenous organization within the United Church.

I share this information with you today so you know about the positive actions toward change our Church is working to take. While there is still work to be done our church has once again this week chosen to publicly affirm that we want to address the issues in our structure and grow in relationship and reconciliation. May our openness to growth and development be a blessing for our communities and others.

Let us pray,

Creator God,

We give thanks for the traditions and faithfulness of all who have gone before us, that provide good soil for us to grow deep roots.

We give thanks for the creative energy of new ideas and unfamiliar ways, that push us to grow in unexpected (and sometimes uncomfortable!) directions.

As we lean into Deep Spirituality, engaging with new ideas and unleashing our creative spirit, may we not rush to throw out everything old, but have the wisdom to value existing ways that continue to serve us well.

As we step into Bold Discipleship, seeking to follow Jesus’ invitation to go and share the good news, may we do so humbly and with compassion, seeking to be in relationship with—not over—one another and all of creation.

As we strive toward Daring Justice, may those of us with power and privilege have the courage and compassion to not only stand in solidarity with those of us who are oppressed, but to dismantle the systems of oppression in which we participate.

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May God bless and keep you.
May God’s face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May God look on you with kindness and give you peace.

[1] https://generalcouncil44.ca/news/results-vote-remit-1

April 4, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

World Autism Acceptance Week

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

World Autism Acceptance Week is taking place this week; it started on April 2^nd and runs until April 8^th.

The week starts on World Autism Awareness Day, a day for us to come together to raise awareness about autism, a condition that many live with. Autism affects how the brain functions and those on the Autism spectrum have unique strengths and differences in how they communicate, interact with others, and see the world.

In the past few years, due to education and listening to voices from within the Autism Community, a shift of focus from awareness to acceptance has taken place.  Autism Canada says that “Autism acceptance is important for several reasons. It represents a shift in perspective from focusing on “awareness” to embracing and understanding the diversity of individuals on the autism spectrum. Acceptance challenges stereotypes, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to express themselves confidently.”[1]

This Autism Acceptance Week, I invite you to reflect on this passage from Genesis 1:27, I share this verse from the Inclusive Bible.

Humankind was created as God’s reflection: in the divine image God created them.

 When you hear this, how do you feel?

Doesn’t this passage affirm that all humanity in our unique being is to be valued?

If we believe this, then it seems obvious that every autistic person is a valuable part of society and deserves to be treated with dignity that respects their ability to involve themselves in social and civic life.

As people of faith, we are called to see the image of God in all those around us, so let us remember that this week and month as we celebrate neurodiversity and continue to work towards a society that appreciates everyone’s uniqueness.

If you would like to learn more about Autism, here are some resources:
Autism Canada: https://www.autismcanada.org/
Autism Speaks(www.autismspeaks.ca) has some great video series, the most recent being For The Record – Autism Speaks Canada

Let us pray,

Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity;

We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation;

We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding.

Empower us to recognize and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family.

Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love;

Through your Spirit, the ground of all unity, we pray.

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy go with you as you embrace life in all its fullness.
May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community, go with you as you find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.

[1] https://www.autismcanada.org/world-autism-acceptance-day

March 28, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

A Day of Remembering

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

We gather today on Maundy Thursday, a time in our Holy Week to stop, pause, and give thanks. It helps us to remember, celebrate, and focus on Jesus, his purpose, his call, and his love for all. I share with you a reflection by Patricia Raube[1]; while you may be reading this during the day, my hope is that it fills you with the spirit of God surrounding you as you remember the actions of Jesus and the times you gathered for communion.

Let us reflect together:

This is a night on which we remember. We remember something that happened so long ago, none of us can trace our family trees back that far. We remember something that happened so far away, most of us have never been there, and never will be. Nevertheless, we remember.

We remember that on this night, Jesus and his friends were also gathered to remember. They gathered for a Passover meal, which is, exactly, a feast of remembering.

Like us, they were gathered around a table. Like us, they were telling the story of their faith. Like us, they were calling to mind the saving acts of God…

They remembered God being with them, in steadfast love, even as they were treated harshly and enslaved. They remembered God leading their ancestors in faith out of slavery,  and turning their bitter burden into sweet freedom.

And as they dipped the vegetables in salt water, to remind them of their tears, and as they ate the sweet fruit, to remind them of their joys, they were putting it all together.

That’s what “remember” means… to put something back together. We “re-member” something, and what was scattered becomes whole. What was many becomes one.

And so they remembered together, Jesus and his friends, their identity as God’s covenant people. Simon was there (who Jesus had named Peter), and Andrew. John and James, the brothers, sons of Zebedee. Philip. Bartholomew. Thomas and Matthew. Another James, the son of Alphaeus. Thaddeus. Another Simon, the Cananean. And of course, Judas Iscariot.[2] (Also, of course, the women who likely prepared the supper, the ones who are neither named nor mentioned; but who, logic and the fact that, before the end of the story, we will learn their names, tells us, they were surely there.

They were all there to remember God’s great and saving acts. They were there, in a sense, to remember who they were.

And then Jesus did something… inexplicable.

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.”

This was not the first time Jesus had taken bread, and blessed it, and broken it, and given it to people to eat. But those other times, he did it for great crowds. Here, in this large upstairs room somewhere in Jerusalem, Jesus did it for his friends. The people he loved.

He did it for a group of people who, from the beginning of their time together, mostly didn’t understand what he was doing and where they were going.

He did it with some level of confidence that this was, in fact, the last supper he would share with them.

On this night, at this meal, the meaning of the bread was pre-determined. Matzoh, the bread eaten at the Passover Seder, is called the “bread of affliction” or adversity. In Isaiah 30 it says, Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. (Isaiah 30:20)

The matzoh reminds of the suffering of the slaves in Egypt. But on that night, Jesus tells his friends, he is the bread. He will suffer. He will be broken.

Then, scripture tells us, Jesus took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the [new] covenant…”

Again, Jesus has taken this night of remembering, and done something new and electrifying. Inexplicable.

The meaning of the wine at the Passover meal is consistent. The wine is shared as part of a blessing.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine, and who gave us, Lord our God, with love, festivals for happiness, holidays and times for joy, this day of Passover, the time of our freedom.

At the Seder, wine is drunk in blessing and celebration and abundance, and the sharing of it is meant to “show freedom and majesty.”[3]

And then Jesus, after passing around the wine, says, “This is my blood.”

Jesus tells his friends, his life will be poured out, in much the same way as the life of the Passover lamb.

Jesus joins with his friends to remember, to celebrate the Passover… a meal that resonates at the heart of their identity as Jews. At the same time, Jesus interprets the bread and wine of that meal in a way that forms the heart of our identity.

That is what we [do today] remember, re-member. We are putting it back together. In re-membering, what was scattered becomes whole. What was many becomes one.

At [a communion] table, we remember that Jesus spoke of his body being broken, like a piece of bread; and he spoke of his life being poured out, like a cup of wine.

And now, Jesus is not hidden from us any more; our eyes can see our Teacher.

We see: in Jesus, God’s love is poured out, like a never-ending cup of wine.

We see: in Jesus, God’s presence comes to us, our daily bread, bread for the journey.

We see: in Jesus, God acts with love and power, and the goal, again, is joy and freedom.

All these things we see, when we re-member. When what was scattered in our history becomes whole. When what was many—that would be us—becomes one.

Like Jesus and his friends, we gather around a table. and we tell the story of our faith. and we call to mind the saving acts of God.

If you wish to join us for The Sacrament of Holy Communion tonight, in-person or online, for our Maundy Thursday worship at 7:00 p.m.

Let us pray,

Merciful God, on this, the night he was betrayed, your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet.
As we commit ourselves to following his example of love and service, teach us humility.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one. As we grieve for the divisions in the church, unite us.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus prayed for those who would come to believe through the disciples’ message.
As we take up the mission of the church, renew our zeal.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus commanded his friends to love, but he suffered rejection himself. As we open our hearts to the rejected and the unloved, fill us with your love.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus reminded his people that if the world hated them, it had hated him first.
As we face our fears, we pray for those persecuted for their faith; give us your peace.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus loved his friends to the very end. As we open our hearts to all who face darkness today, we pray for the sick, those who mourn, and those trapped by violence, addiction, or pain: give healing and hope.
God of grace, hear our prayer.

Faithful God, these are the prayers of your Church. We offer them trusting and hoping in you. Hear and help us, challenge and change

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Holy God, source of all love, on the night of betrayal Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he loved them. Give us the will to serve others as he was servant of all.

[1] https://upcendicott.org/sermons/2016/3/24/a-night-for-remembering-a-meditation-for-maundy-thursday

[2] These are the Twelve as named in the Gospel of Mark.

[3] “Haggadah,” in Wikipedia, retrieved on March 24, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggadah.

March 21, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Are you following the crowd or the vision?

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Today, we gather for prayer on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Did you know the United Nations named 2015 – 2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent?

You can watch an introductory video about the United Church of Christ and the United Church of Canada’s support here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFkQdEQ1BxA.

I don’t know about you, but when I think about the past few years with the rise in discrimination and racism not only in the United States but also in our own country, I am not sure this International Decade for People of African Descent, which was supposed to be about celebration is coming to end positively. The elimination of racial discrimination is not in our world yet, and it may be that we are moving away from this rather than toward it.

This Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday in our Church as we enter Holy Week together. We will gather and hear the stories of Jesus’ final earthy days together; we will witness once again how one who challenged the status quo, who dared to speak to justice and equality for all, was put to death.

In John 18: 38 – 40, we hear, “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this, he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now, Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

Jesus was put to death because of pressure from the voices of the crowd to crucify him; it was Jesus’ community who turned against him. Was it their fear of his different approach to community? It looks like it could be that to me.

When you think of our world currently, what do you think is the cause of the divisions? Why are we still working towards the elimination of racism, sexism, ageism, and so many other ways we find division? Is it for us fear or uncertainty, or comfort for those who hold privilege?

As you travel into Holy Week, I invite you to reflect on whether you are a voice following the crowd or if you will follow Jesus’ vision for equality and justice in the community.

Today, I share this prayer the Right Rev. Richard Bott wrote entitled To Root Out Quiet Racism. Let us pray together.

While we give thanks for

the diversity of people—

of cultures and ethnicities,

of histories and life stories,

of skin colour and language and

hearts that love the world;

the best way to give thanks

is to disassemble the systems,

the stories, the mythos,

that privilege one colour over another—

is to root out (and un-root)

the insidious beliefs

of those of us with privilege

(sometimes hidden quietly within,

sometimes disguised,

sometimes trumpeted as manifesto)

that “me and mine” are better than

“you and yours.”

To root out quiet racism—

to root out White Fragility,

and White Supremacy—

so that it withers and dies.

It is time.

It is well past time.

On this International Day

to End

Racial Discrimination.

God of all creation,

bless us all with what we need,

to take on this work,

and live it.

Today.

Every day.

Always.

Until this International Day

is a thing of memory.

In Jesus’ name.

May it be.

We pray all these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Blessed are you who choose to show up without judgement, with little gifts or small practical help. Your empathy is a precious gift. Blessed are you with the emotional bandwidth to hear hard things without fixing, minimizing, or deflecting. You know the gift of presence. Today, may you hear the divine whispers nudging you, love given and received. Amen.

March 14, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lenten Practice Together – Week Five

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

As an Affirming Congregation within the United Church of Canada, today we celebrate National PIE Day.  You can learn more about it here: https://pieday.ca/. Every day as a community at Gower, we strive to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of all.

I invite you to start our time together by reading Ezekiel 37:1–14. I include a copy of the reading from the New Revised Standard Updated Version of the Bible. Feel free to read any translation.

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you and will cause flesh to come upon you and cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

So I prophesied as I had been commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

Now, I invite you to share this reflection by the Rev. Dave Jagger.

In Lent Week One, we explored the Lenten practice of saying “No!” It is easier to say “No” to something when you have already said “Yes” to something else. As those who follow Jesus, each of us constantly gets to choose “No” or “Yes.” Will I do this, or will I do that? How will I use the time and resources I have been given? That’s a stewardship question.

In Lent Week Two, we looked into being a blessing. We have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. We looked deeper into THE stewardship question. As people of faith, it’s up to each of us to decide how we are going to use everything God has given us.

In Lent Week Three, as we considered the stewardship of our time, we explored the Lenten practice of regular and frequent worship.

Last week, as we responded to our congregation’s invitation to be generous, we contemplated the beginning of Psalm 23 and the Lenten practice of contentment.

Now, it is one week before Palm Sunday, and Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time. It is one week before Holy Week and Jesus’ last days before he is handed over to the authorities and crucified. It is one week before the powers of empire and greed seem to win again. It is one week before the beginning of the end; we stand with Ezekiel and stare into a valley filled with dead, dried human bones. What a sight! As far as you can see, nothing but bones. Leg bones. Ankle bones. Arm bones. Shoulder bones. And none are connected. The empty eye sockets of bleached human skulls stare into oblivion. Death reigns in this place. Endings. Sorrow. Grief. This is a valley of futility and hopelessness. It’s a feeling that many people know all too well. Depression. Grief. Hopelessness. You ask yourself, “Why bother?”

They don’t know it yet, but there are some close followers of Jesus who will know this experience all too soon as they watch their messiah, their teacher and friend, their hope, hang on a cross and die. What might God do in this impossible situation? It’s a really good question. It may be the only question that matters. What might God do in this impossible situation?

Thankfully, we know the answer in each of those past situations. In the vision that Ezekiel has, God has Ezekiel do the strangest thing: prophecy to the bones! Yet, when he does, the rattling begins, joining bone to bone, sinew, muscle, organs, skin, and spirit breath. Life! Hope! A future for God’s beloved people.

Then there are the disciples. I know we’re getting a little ahead in the story, but they can’t believe it. They watch as everything they had hoped for unravels around them, and they are powerless to do anything. Jesus seems to embrace it: preparing them during his last meal with them, calling them to prayer in the garden, and commanding them to love, not fight, when he is taken away. How can this be? Seeing his battered and abused body as he comes out of the Roman garrison and is led to the hill of the skull. Watching as Roman soldiers strip him and nail him to the wooden cross, as he dies a public and shameful death. Some disciples have it together enough to at least take possession of his body and bury it as best they can. The rest of his followers scatter and cower.

What might God do in this impossible situation? Resurrection! On the third day, an empty tomb. Vindication. Life! Hope! A future for God’s beloved people. Which, I think, leaves us asking the question differently, for ourselves, in our present situations. Instead of a question of abandonment and surrender (What might God do in this impossible situation—as if the situation is even beyond God’s help?), it becomes a question of faith and hope. What might God do in this impossible situation? I wonder…. Let’s find out. Let’s watch for it and expect it. For God is surely in this place and time. God is surely about God’s mission in our lives and through our lives. What might God do in this impossible situation? Because God will do something and not often what we would expect. But God will do something: that brings new life; something that transforms and heals and renews; something unexpected and unforeseen.

Who’d have thunk it?

When you ask the question, “What might God do in this impossible situation?” You are activating your faith. You are opening yourself to God. You are reaching out and grabbing on to hope, even creating hope for yourself and those around you. As long as you can think of one answer, there is hope.

And that is our last Lenten practice: the practice of hope. It’s a trickier one, but hang in there; it’s worth it.

This week, take that question with you. Wherever you go. Whomever you encounter. Whatever life throws at you. What might God do in this impossible situation?

Maybe turn it into a prayer: “O God, what are you up to in this impossible situation?” Maybe write some creative spiritual fiction. Imagine what God might do and then write the story.

Take that question with you and immerse yourself in it all week. What might God do in this impossible situation? As long as you can think of one answer, there is hope.

Let us pray,

We give you thanks for our ancestors, those of our bodies, and those of our faith— our grandparents who have taught us what it means to be your people. Sarah and Abraham, Miriam and Ezekiel, Mary and Peter… and all those who have shared your stories in the years that followed.

For all that you have given us, your people in the Gower Street Faith Community, The United Church of Canada, our siblings who walk Jesus’ Way, people of faith, all people, and all our relations— for life and life abundant, we give you thanks!

Even as we thank you, we remember that we have not always lived out your call. We have sinned in thought, word, and action by what we have done and by what we have failed to do. We have not loved you with our whole hearts or loved our neighbours as we love ourselves. We have maintained systems that give more power to those who already have it and take away what little some people have. We have turned away when your love would have had us turn toward you. Receive the prayers of our hearts for those parts of our lives that we have damaged. (A time for silent prayer) Forgive us, we pray.

As forgiven and forgiving people, we pray for all those who are in need, wherever they are, whoever they are. We ask, God, that you would help us to be agents of healing and hope to all who are hurting, all who are afraid, all who are hungry, all who are broken. Receive the prayers of our hearts, for the people we know… (A time for silent prayer). Blessed are you, loving God.

In prayer and celebration, we give you thanks— for Jesus, the Christ, for his life among us, for his teachings, for his laughter, for his compassion, for his tears. We pray all of these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all of his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
With bones given flesh, and lives renewed, let us go into God’s world— listening for the Sprit,  loving one another, worshipping our God! And the peace of Christ, that passes all understanding, rests and remains with us ,now and forever. Amen![1]

[1] Called to Be the Church: Congregational Giving Program, 2020, Loving Our Neighbours, Worship for Five Sundays of Lent, © 2020 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.

March 7, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lenten Practice Together – Week Four

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

I invite you to start our time together by reading Psalm 23. I include a paraphrase here or you can read a translation you have.

God is my shepherd,
everything I need is taken care of:
good food to eat,
sweet water to drink,
safe place to sleep!
When my soul is broken,
God restores it.
When my path gets twisted,
God returns me to the right ways
by the Holy Name!

When I walk in shadowed places,
where death is waiting for me,
I will not be afraid.
I know that you are with me, God.
I am comforted by your guidance,
by your readiness to defend me.
Even in the presence of those who would do me harm,
you make sure that I have enough,
and more than enough!
You mark me as yours.

I am certain that your goodness and your mercy
will always be in my life,
and I will be a part of your household forever.
A part of your household, forever!

Next, I invite you to share this reflection by the Rev. Dave Jagger.

In the first week of Lent, we explored the Lenten practice of saying “No!” It is easier to say “No” to something when you have already said “Yes” to something else. As those who follow Jesus, each of us constantly gets to choose “No” or “Yes.” Will I do this, or will I do that? How will I use the time and resources I have been given? That’s a stewardship question.

In the second week of Lent, we looked into being a blessing. We have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. We looked deeper into THE stewardship question. As people of faith, it’s up to each of us to decide “How are we going to use everything God has given us?”

Last week, as we thought about the stewardship of our time, we explored the Lenten practice of worship that is regular and often.

This week, hopefully, each of us was intentional about preparing for today’s invitation to generosity.

So here we are, face to face with one of the most popular and well-known pieces of the Bible there is. I wonder how many of us, hearing the words, are taken back to the funeral for a loved one? “The Lord is my shepherd.” It’s a phrase that I expect even many non-church people would recognize.

These words are heard as words of comfort, support, and encouragement. Traditionally we know them as:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23)

But before you jump to all the great and amazing things God does for you and gives you:
rest in green pastures near a clean water source;
spiritual restoration;
leadership;
protection;
comfort and reassurance;
all you can eat and drink (the ultimate all inclusive!)
goodness and mercy;
forever in God’s presence…

Before you jump to all that, just pause for a minute at the very first line: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1). Wouldn’t that be great? “I shall not want.” Can you imagine not being in a state of want? For our day and age, it might be the most revolutionary idea in the entire Bible since everything we see and hear and experience demands, over and over, that we consume, buy, accumulate, hoard, succeed, and want. Faster, stronger, smarter. More, more, more! Yet this Bible song starts with the subversive idea that “I shall not want.” Not because I can’t afford it. Not because I have three of them. Not because I already have the best and newest. Not because it’s back ordered on Amazon. “I shall not want” because “The Lord is my shepherd.” “I shall not want” because God provides me with everything I need. “I shall not want” because I trust in God, who came in Jesus the Word made flesh; to reconcile and make new. Jesus clearly taught and lived that we are inter-connected and inter-related; neighbours to one another; to love and serve each other, sharing what we have and who we are for each other’s good.

“I shall not want” because to want is the path to greed and selfishness; which is not Jesus’ Way. To want means never being happy; never being content; always, well…wanting, and always at someone else’s expense.

So what’s the best way to help God steer you into those lovely green pastures of “I shall not want”? Let me suggest that appreciating what you have is a great way to counteract greed and want, and to grow contentment and happiness in their place. So, for our Lenten practice this week, here’s what we’re going to work on: Appreciation and Contentment.

This week, to help you experience and increase your sense of contentment, I want you to do an “Appreciation Inventory.” Look, touch, smell, remember, and immerse yourself in what you have been given. You may choose to physically walk through your home to do this, or you can do it sitting in your favourite spot and using your mind’s eye. Either way, as you encounter or experience your physical stuff (clothes, car, food, money, toys, and so on), your non-physical stuff (job, memory, learning, faith), and your relationships (family, friends, co-workers, people that support you), pause with each one and appreciate what you have. Afterwards, acknowledge to yourself just how much you have been given. Be content. Be grateful. In these will you find the path to generosity.

Then I invite you to share in a journal or through a phone call with a friend the story of how this Lenten practice worked for you and how it helped (or didn’t) open you up to God, as you made space in your life to actively live out the Way of Jesus.

For our prayer today, please cup your hands together and place them close to your mouth.

I’d like you to think about: something in your life that makes you smile; something in your life that makes you happy; something in your life for which you are grateful.

When you’re ready, I’d ask you to whisper, into your hands, what it is or what they are. (Take a moment to think and whisper.)

Now, I’d like to ask you to think about something that’s happened that is causing you pain, right now.

Perhaps it is something you’ve done or something that has been done to you. Whatever it is, I’d like to ask you if you’re ready to give it to God so that the hurt might be healed and whatever is broken might be made whole.

When you’re ready, whisper that into your hands. (Take a moment to think and whisper.)

Now I’d like to ask you to think about someone or something or some place you know of that is in need of God’s particular attention. It might be something quite personal to you, or it might be something far away. Take a moment to whisper into your hands a little about that person or situation. Perhaps you could ask God to help you understand how you might be of help.

When you’re ready, whisper that into your hands. (Take a moment to think and whisper.)

Now comes the time to offer the prayers that are in our hands. Open the cup so that your hands are flat and bring them up to your lips. Take a breath and…blow! (Take a moment to blow your prayers into God’s world.)

We pray all of these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all of his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Go into the world as people of gratitude. Go into the world as people of hope. Go into the world as people of joyfulness. Go into the world ready to share Christ’s love! And go knowing this: we are never, ever alone. The peace of Jesus holds us, the love of the Creator enfolds us, and the wings of the Holy Spirit carry us, today and always. Amen![1]

[1] Called to Be the Church: Congregational Giving Program, 2020, Loving Our Neighbours, Worship for Five Sundays of Lent, © 2020 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.

February 29, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lenten Practice Together – Week Three

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

I invite you to start our time together by reading Psalm 95:1–7. I include here the reading from Voices United found on page 814, Part One.

One:      O come, let us sing to God.
All:         Let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.
One:      Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving.
All:         Let us joyously shout to God with songs of praise! Come, let us bow down and worship, let us kneel before God our maker.
One:      For you are a great God,
All:         high sovereign above all gods.
One:      In your hand are the depths of the earth;
All:         to you belong the heights of the mountains.
One:      The sea is yours, for you made it;
All:         your hands also formed the dry land.
One:      You are indeed our God;
All:         we are your people, the flock that you shepherd.
One:       Come, let us bow down and worship, let us kneel before God our maker!

Next, I invite you to share in this reflection by the Rev. Dave Jagger.

In Lent Week one we explored the Lenten practice of saying “No!” It is easier to say “No” to something when you have already said “Yes” to something else. As those who follow Jesus, each of us, constantly, gets to choose “No” or “Yes.” Will I do this or will I do that? How will I use the time and resources I have be given? That’s a stewardship question.

Then last week we looked into being a blessing. We have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. We looked deeper into THE stewardship question. As people of faith, it’s up to each of us to decide: How are we going to use everything God has given us?

Stewardship is really all about caring for, managing, and using something that is not yours, but which you have been given for a time. It’s yours to look after and use on behalf of its rightful owner. A good steward always manages what they have been given as a response to the one who owns it and who has given it to them. And that includes our time, as well as our physical resources.

Now, maybe we should have started with this Lenten practice two weeks ago, but today we’re going to talk about worship—worshipping regularly and often….

One day, two people from the same congregation were having coffee and talking about church stuff: you know, the regular chitter chatter. Finally, one says to the other, “You know, I’ve gone to worship for 30 years now and, in that time, I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the ministers are wasting theirs by their giving sermons at all.” Well, the other person thought for a moment and then replied, “You know, I’ve been married for 30 years. In that time, my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this, they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to worship for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

According to N. Graham Standish, a Presbyterian minister in the United States, worship must provide, “a tangible sense that Christ is in their midst,” “an encounter and experience of God.”[1] Worship is not just a show we attend on those Sunday mornings when we have time. Worship is not a spectator sport. Worship is not something that can only occur in this building and this space. Worship does not even require the traditional trappings of minister, organist, and choir; hymn book and bulletin. “In worship, as we sing songs, listen to messages, read through scripture, and pray together, we can experience that precious love of God that is for each of us, and in that love discover a sense of belonging and perhaps even purpose for our own lives…worship takes us into the heart of God.”[2]

Worship, like stewardship, is about our response to God; who God is and what God does. As part of our time together today, we read Psalm 95. It starts with our response: “Let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; let us joyously shout to God with songs of praise” (Ps. 95:1‒2,  VU p. 814). Sounds like worship!

Which is our response to, “For you are a great God, high sovereign above all gods. In your hand are the depths of the earth; to you belong the mountains. The sea is yours, for you made it; your hands also formed the dry land” (Ps. 9:3‒5, VU p. 814).

Who is God? God is great! God is the creator. God made it all and owns it all. And God is good. God provides everything for us. All that we have has come from God.

So we thank God by using some of the time God has given us to come together with other followers of Jesus for worship. Regularly and often.

When we worship:
We enter into God’s presence. We start by settling ourselves and centring ourselves. Often that involves silence, prayer, and music.

We listen for what God is saying to us: reading scripture, hearing a sermon or message, watching a video, talking with someone, or practising quiet meditation. Any of these can become vehicles through which we listen for what God is saying to us.

We respond: As a result of our experience of God’s presence and listening for God’s message to us, now what do we have to do? A time of dedication or commitment. Praying both for ourselves and for others. Each of us responds differently depending on what we heard or felt from God.

And we need to do this thing we call worship regularly and often, as the church-goer said about being spiritually nourished. So, here’s what we’re going to work on this week for our Lenten practice: worship regularly and often.

This week, I want you to use some of your time (remember also the stewardship of time) every day to worship. Worship at home with your family. Worship in an arena with friends. Worship wherever is convenient. Just worship, regularly and often.

Use the outline for worship we have talked about (enter into God’s presence, listen, respond). This is a great Lenten practice to do alone or together as a family, or with a good church friend or two.

To start, offer a prayer and a bit of silence to enter into God’s presence and into worship. Maybe sing or listen to a worship song. There are lots online. Then, read the scripture from the lectionary for the week or any passage that speaks to you. Listen to what God, through the Holy Spirit, is saying to  you through them. Consider what will be your response. If you are worshipping as a family or a group, talk about it or journal about it if you are alone. What did you hear God saying? How will you respond to the invitation to generous stewardship? Pray for your family and friends, and pray for your church.

In order to build a habit, I encourage you to choose the same time each day. Pick a time that works for you, but every day this week, use some of your time to worship.

The psalmist said, “O come, let us sing to God; let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving. Let us joyously shout to God with songs of praise!” So, let’s do all those things as we join together in prayer.

Our hearts beat with thanksgiving, God. They mark every moment that we live in you! For the earth and all its goodness; for the seas and the waves so high; for the air, which surrounds this planet; and for all the creatures with whom we live— we say, thank you, loving God!

For the relationships we share with all creation, with each other; for the love that brings new life— thank you, loving God!

For your presence in and with all things, every heartbeat, every day, for the fact that you are always with us— thank you, loving God!

Even as we celebrate, in praise and thanksgiving, we remember that we have also transgressed in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. There are times we have failed to love you as completely as we could have; times we have failed to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Forgive us, God. We ask you to forgive us, God. But, even more than that,   we ask that you help us to  make the choices and live the decision to love more completely, tomorrow and the days to come. Hear the prayers of our hearts… (A time for silent prayer)

As a forgiven and forgiving people, we remember others who are in need.
For the world and all that lives in it…
For people and places damaged by war and conflict…
For people whose humanity is diminished by racism, ableism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and all the other –isms we live….
For all who are afraid, all who are lonely, all who are hurting, in body, mind, or spirit…
For our neighbours— those we know and those we will never meet…
For our families…
For ourselves…

We pray all of these things, sharing the words that Jesus gave to all of his disciples, including us…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

Creator, touch our minds— that we may worship with understanding.
Jesus, touch our eyes—that we may see each other.
Holy Spirit, touch our voices— that our words would always praise you.
Love Divine, touch our hearts— that your compassion would overflow.
God of all, touch our hands— that all we touch would be blessed, that all we touch would be transformed, that all we touch would be made new, by your love.
As we go into your world, we worship you![3]

[1] Graham N. Standish, Becoming a Blessed Church (Rowman and Littlefield, 2016), p. 73.

[2] Jamie Holtom and Debbie Johnson, Bullseye: Aiming to Follow Jesus (United Church Publishing House, 2015), p. 45.

[3] Called to Be the Church: Congregational Giving Program, 2020, Loving Our Neighbours, Worship for Five Sundays of Lent, © 2020 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.

February 21, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lenten Practice Together – Week Two

 Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, February 21, 2024.

I invite you to start our time together by reading Genesis 12:1–4a. I include here the New Revised Standard Updated Edition translation but read the translation you like prefer.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.

Next, I invite you to share in this reflection by the Rev. Dave Jagger.
Last week we explored the Lenten practice of saying “No!” It is easier to say “No” to something when you have already said “Yes” to something else. As those who follow Jesus, each of us, constantly, gets to choose “No” or “Yes.” Will I do this or will I do that? How will I use the time and resources I have be given? That’s a stewardship and discipleship question.

Actually, that is THE stewardship and discipleship question. As people of faith, we believe that all we have, from mismatched socks to our very lives, comes from God. God generously shares and gives to us, because God loves us. And not just us, but everyone.

Every living being on the planet and beyond the planet. Okay, and even the planet. That’s how expansive God’s love is.

It’s up to each of us, then, to decide how we are going to use whatever God has given us. Not a bad deal, right? Right.

However, God knows us pretty well. So God has given us some guidelines, assistance, and yes, even some rules, to help us make good decisions about how we are going to use all this that God gave us. It’s not that God doesn’t trust us, but let’s just say our track record for using what God has given us hasn’t been exactly stellar.

There’s an example of this in the Bible reading we read today.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great.” (Gen. 12:1–2b)

Not a bad deal for Abram. Go where God takes you and you will get it all. You will become a great nation, blessed by God. Money? Yup. Power? Yup. Possessions? Yup. Descendants? Yup. He gets it all!

There’s only one little caveat: “…so that you will be a blessing.” (Gen. 12:2c)

It’s not so much a hitch or a condition, but God gives Abram a guideline as to how to use all of this blessing that God is going to give to Abram: “Use it to bless others.”

As spiritual descendants of Abram, whose name God later changes to Abraham, we, too, have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. Which brings us to this week’s Lenten practice, the practice of blessing; and because we are also talking stewardship and discipleship, the practice of using what we have been given to be a blessing to someone else. Blessed, to be a blessing.

Now “blessing” is one of those words that often gets used, but doesn’t often get defined. So let’s check. Google defines a blessing as a beneficial thing; people are grateful for blessings.

No surprises there, I hope. Being blessed is a good thing. A blessing can be both physical and non-physical. Think of examples of a time when you were blessed in each way.

Take a moment, now, to bring to mind some time when someone blessed you, either physically or in some other way. (pause) How did it feel to be blessed? What did being blessed make you want to do in return?

Now let’s flip it around. Take another moment to recall a time when you were a blessing to someone else. Maybe you gave them something. Maybe you did something for them. Maybe you said something—something for which they were grateful, even if they didn’t come out and say it. When were you a blessing for someone else? (pause) How did that feel, to be a blessing to someone? What did being a blessing make you want to do? [1]

Being a part of a community of faith gives you many opportunities to be a blessing to others.

We also have the opportunity to be a blessing to people we may never meet through the Mission & Service of the United Church. When you give to Mission & Service, you are a blessing to thousands, maybe millions, of people across Canada, a blessing that in some cases actually saves lives.

When you give to Mission & Service you are also a blessing to thousands (likely millions) of people around the world directly and through 92 global partners in 21 countries which change lives and save lives.

So that’s what we’re going to work on this week for our Lenten practice: using what we have been given, to be a blessing for someone else. We will have some fun this week, so here’s what I want you to try.

Jesus warns us not to be showy and draw attention to ourselves when we are generous and use what we have to bless someone else (Matthew 6:1–4). So, I want you to go into blessing stealth mode. Be creative. At least once a day, this week, use something you have been given, something you have been blessed with, to bless someone else secretly. Don’t let them know it was you. It could be a family member. It could be a co-worker. It could be a total stranger. It doesn’t matter who. At least once a day, this week, use something you have been given, something you have been blessed with, to secretly bless someone else.

Today, for our prayers, we’re going to take some time to offer to God a few things. Before we begin, take a moment to think about the people in your life. Those you may know really well, a little bit, or not at all.

Think about them, and, through them, about all of the people whom you come into contact with in some way. (Pause for a moment)

 Now I’d like to ask you to imagine writing the name of someone or something for which you are grateful— a person, a place, something from your past, something from now. Whatever it is for which you are thankful, imagine naming it, or drawing it, on a piece of paper. (A few moments for reflection)

Now, let that name or image represent all for whom and for which you are thankful in your life. (A moment for reflection)

Take a moment to reflect on the past week.  Was there a time when, for whatever reason, you did something or failed to do something that got in the way of your loving God, or loving your neighbour, or loving yourself? Is there something broken that you want—or need—to tell God about? (A few moments for reflection)

Now, let that image represent all of the broken moments in your life.

Is there someone or some place that you know is in need of an extra measure of your love, and of God’s love? Perhaps it’s someone you know, or something you have heard about on the news. (A few moments for reflection)

Now, let that image represent all the people and places around the world that are in need.

Holding all these images in mind, say aloud:  Blessed and blessing, these are our prayers, God of all.

Let us close our time of prayer with the prayer Jesus taught us,

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Blessed and blessing, loving and loved, God’s people go from this time. To times of work, to times of play, to times of busyness,  to times away, God’s people go to the world. To speak and to listen, to sing and to pray, to be a blessing each and every day. God’s people go and be stewards of the faith, Jesus’ people on the Way. We go, knowing we are never alone! Carried by the wings of the Holy Spirit, moving forward with Christ’s peace, enfolded in the Creator’s love, we go! Amen.

[1] Called to Be the Church: Congregational Giving Program, 2020, Loving Our Neighbours, Worship for Five Sundays of Lent, © 2020 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.

February 15, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lenten Practice – Week One

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

A Lenten practice can be anything you do during Lent that opens us up and brings us closer to God. Perhaps it may be awkward at first and difficult, but afterwards, you feel good, and after doing it for a while, you notice changes and strengths, and it becomes so much a part of your routine that you can’t imagine life without it. Some common and traditional Lenten practices include prayer, fasting, generosity, confession, Bible study, hospitality, working for justice, and meditation.

Over our time together during Lent, I am going to be sharing Lenten discipleship practices that are each tied to the Christian values of generosity, thankfulness, and stewardship. Each week, not only will we learn about a specific Lenten practice, but you will be given ideas about different ways that you can do it.  I invite you to try it; play with it; see how it opens you up to God. By taking this opportunity and trying each practice, you will be making space in your life to live out the Way of Jesus actively.[1]

So today I invite you to start our time together by reading Matthew’s 4:1–11. I include here the New Revised Standard Updated Edition translation, but read the translation you like prefer.
The Testing of Jesus
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”

11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Next, I invite you to share in this reflection by the Rev. Dave Jagger.
I find it funny that one of the first words we learn to speak and use as small children becomes for many of us the hardest word to use as our life progresses. Spend any time around a two-year-old and you will know how often they use the word “no.”

“Please eat your peas.” “No!”

“It’s time for bed.” “No!”

“Did you break the lamp?” “No!”

“Do you want to go for a walk?” “No!”

They are very good at saying, “No!”

For many of us, however, you’d think we’d never heard the word before: “I know you’re already serving communion this morning, reading scripture, ushering, and teaching Sunday school, but we need someone to run the tech equipment. Could you do it?” “Yes.”

“I know you worked all day and have two church meetings tonight, but I need help with my homework…and can I have a dozen cupcakes for school tomorrow?” “Yes.”

Does any of that sound familiar? We have become so good at saying “Yes” and so poor at saying “No” that we are exhausted, overworked, burned-out, and spiritually depleted. How can I hear God speaking to me, and why would I want to, if all it means is more work?

Even this idea of Lenten practices just sounds like more work. Right?

So maybe it’s time to regain the practice of saying “No,” not indiscriminately or selfishly like that two-year-old, but wisely and intentionally like a follower of Jesus. It means not saying “No” just because I don’t want to, or because it’s too hard, or too new, or it scares me, but saying, “No” to this because I have already said “Yes” to that.

We are given a great example of how this works in today’s Bible reading from Matthew’s Gospel (4:1–11). Three times Jesus has to make a choice. Three times he can either say “No” or “Yes.”

“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread!” “No” or “Yes”?

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from the highest point of the Temple.” “No” or “Yes”?

“All these…kingdoms and all their wealth and power I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” “No” or “Yes”?

Each time Jesus says “No!” on account of that to which he has already said, “Yes!”

“Yes, I will trust God to provide what I really need.”

“Yes, I will trust God to care for me.”

“Yes, I will serve and worship God alone.”

Now, probably, hopefully, you’re not going to be asked this week to throw yourself off a roof, or intentionally starve yourself, or turn your back on God or the church, like Jesus was. However, you are going to be faced with choices and temptations of your own.

Every time you pick up your phone—I just want to check social media, or my work e-mail, or level up in that new game—the people around you cease to exist.

Every time you open your wallet—cash? debit? credit?—you spend more because a strong economy is what really matters, and it will make you feel good.

As those who follow Jesus, each of us, constantly, gets to choose “No” or “Yes.” How will I use the time and resources I have be given? That’s a stewardship question.

So here’s our first Lenten practice. This week, maybe tomorrow, I want you to make a list of three things, three Christian values, to which you have said “Yes.” Maybe they are similar to the three that Jesus relies on in the Bible story:

“Yes, I will trust God to provide what I really need.”

“Yes, I will trust God to care for me.”

“Yes, I will serve and worship God alone.”

Maybe they’re broader:

“Yes, I value faithfulness.”

“Yes, I value kindness.”

“Yes, I value generosity.”

Think about it and pray about it and write down three things, three Christian values, to which you have said “Yes.” Carry that list with you as a reminder. Make a copy or two and put it in places where you will keep running into it. Then, through the rest of the week, whenever a choice presents itself, say “No” when it contradicts your list—those Christian values to which you have said “Yes.”

Let us pray,

Loving God, we thank you for the journey of our lives, with its ups and downs, with its questions and challenges, and with its moments of joy. We thank you for the beauty around us, for the hills and the trees, for the water and the weather, for all that reminds us of life, and life made new.

In the quiet of this place, we offer you our own celebrations. (A time for silent prayer)

Even as we say “Thank you,” we realize that there is brokenness in us and in our world. We realize that we have not always lived the love to which you call us. Sometimes by action or by inaction, sometimes by just going along with things, we have broken faith with each other, and with you.

We offer to you, our brokenness, loving God, not only asking that we would be forgiven, but that, by your love, we would be made whole, living in new ways, living out Christ’s love.

Receive the prayers of our hearts, God. (A time for silent prayer)

Knowing that we are forgiven, knowing that we are loved, we turn to the world, to love it into wholeness. We pray for people living in desert-times in their lives, people who are facing famine—of body or spirit, people who are tempted to turn away from what is right and just; and we pray for a world, all creatures, all places, facing destruction.

We pray for healing and wholeness, and we ask that we would be a part of the solution,

loving God, turning our prayer from words to actions.

Bless our journey, we pray, sharing the words that Jesus gave all his disciples…

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
As we travel this Lenten pathway, we journey together, a community of faith. As we travel this Way of Jesus, we journey together, but also alone. Go into God’s world, practicing our faith, living Christ’s call to love God with all that we are, to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.  Go into God’s world knowing we are never alone. Christ’s peace, the Creator’s love, and the breath of the Holy Spirit go with us. Amen!

[1] Called to Be the Church: Congregational Giving Program, 2020, Loving Our Neighbours, Worship for Five Sundays of Lent, © 2020 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.

February 8, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Lunar New Year – Spiritual Renewal and Restoration

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, February 7, 2024.

This coming Saturday is the Lunar New Year, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year is the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. Millions worldwide celebrate it, and It is one of the most important holidays in China.

Lunar New Year has sources in Taoism—the ancient Chinese philosophy that values harmony above all else—and Buddhism—a religion focused on achieving enlightenment through meditation techniques and yoga that promotes mindfulness and inner peace.

The lunar calendar resets on the first full moon of the new year, which is believed to be a time for individuals to reflect on the past year and cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. It is also a time for people to grow and develop spiritually.

Spiritual growth is a lifelong process, and it can be an opportunity for individuals to connect with others, the world around them, or themselves.

Some ways of enhancing one’s spirituality include meditation, practicing kindness towards oneself and others, volunteering at a local soup kitchen or shelter, reading inspirational works of literature, seeking out meaningful relationships with friends and family members, reading self-help books on how to live more authentically in the moment, meditating outdoors, or whatever may be your thing.

Overall, the point is that those who celebrate the Lunar New Year engage in spiritual renewal and restoration as they prepare their spirits for the new things to come in the new year. It seemed fitting to explore this celebration today as it takes place just four days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of our Lenten Journey as Christians. I invite you to reflect today on how you could introduce spiritual renewal practices into your upcoming Lenten Journey. I also hope you will join me in expressing blessings and well wishes to all those in our circles near and far who celebrate the Lunar New Year this Saturday. If you celebrate this weekend, we wish you and your loved ones a year filled with luck, prosperity, and robust health in this Year of the Dragon!

Today, I share an adaption of a Prayer in the Spirit of the Lunar New Year written by Rev Ji Zhang. [1]

Loving God

We give thanks for the changing season,

the spirit of Luna New Year.

We pray for resetting our bodily clock

brushing away the dust of the past

and welcoming a new future.

O gracious God,

send your spirit of renewal to all people.

Living Christ

In your ministry on Earth, you care for the people

by healing people of all ages

in different physical and spiritual conditions.

We pray for your presence now among all people.

Life-changing Spirit,

where you are present, there is life.

Come, O the Spirit

protect the elderly in our aged care facilities,

give relief to the overworked staff,

send peace to the families,

renew the United Church ministry in social service,

restore the fullness of life by strengthening our communities.

May the mercy and grace of God

be upon this Earth.

We pray for the peace throughout the world

open the hearts and inspire generosity.

In the New Year of the Dragon,

we pray for bravery, creativity, and innovation.

We also pray for our resilience

to hope for personal renewal

to care for those seeking safety

to heal those in sadness and illness

to journey with those longing for change

to love those needing kindness and hope.

We pray all these things

in the name of Christ Jesus

and in hope for your coming Kin-dom.

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Go forth from this space and seek ways to nurture your spirit, knowing you are always held in love. Amen.

[1] https://uniting.church/a-prayer-in-the-spirit-of-the-lunar-new-year/

February 1, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Starting Black History Month

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Black History Month is a time to pause for reflection intentionally and learn the story of people of African descent in our midst – a story interwoven with our story and every story. Since 1996 (in Canada), February has been designated a month to honour the contributions and struggles of people of African descent.

As we begin this month, I hope we find time to celebrate, honour and uplift the voices of others in our community. May we also think from the beginning name that those of us who are white need to work to do this year round and not just in this one month. During our pause today, I invite you to read Jonisha Lewinson’s reflection on Black History Month and the diversity of Blackness as we begin this month with awareness.

Read Jonisha Lewinson’s post here

What will you do this month to grow in community and education?

I share for us today a Psalm for Black History Month from Akinyi Owegi-Ndhlovu. Before you read this psalm, I invite you to take three deep breaths. One for centering,  one for calming and one for openness to the messages for you to hear in word and prayer today.

Psalm for Black History Month – Akinyi Owegi-Ndhlovu[1]

From everlasting to everlasting

World without end, You Are!

Wrought in my mother’s womb

And even before then

You knew I would be.

Who I would become―or not…

Where I would dwell―or not…

What skin tone I would have

Especially after the sun had touched me;

All these, you, Creator God, had known.

The language that I would speak

Or how many I would speak, hear, and understand

How I would know to call you

And know that you are still the One

How I would pray, praise, or lament

And hope and trust that you would still hear.

My mother continent is Africa

Vast lands and lakes and rivers created by you.

You were there before many a navigator, an explorer, often a stranger

Created invisible lines, invisible boundaries, unnecessary divisions.

Before I knew to call you God or Dieu,

Languages from across many seas,

I learned to call you in the languages

Of my kin and others, closer, nearer, and dear to me,

Present or gone before me

In the continent of my origin, my birth, my roots.

Nyasaye (Luo)

Mungu (Kiswahili)

Mulungu (Ngoni)

Ngai (Kikuyu)

Enkai (Maasai)

Chukwu (Igbo)

Unkulunkulu (Zulu)

Lesa (Bemba)

Mwari (Shona)

You who sees all, hears all, knows all

You who are many in One,

Present everywhere all at once;

You in whose image I am made,

You whose nature is

Love, Unity, Harmony, Sameness,

It matters not in what land I currently dwell.

To you I pray,

Breathe your nature in me

Breathe courage and wisdom in me

Breathe healing over wounds that may still be open

Breathe over scars that may still be tender

Breathe to soothe the hurt that may still linger

Breathe, so that unforgiveness may not inhabit or overwhelm me

Breathe that I may fully live to

Love and be loved

Understand and be understood

Accept and be accepted

Value and be valued

Listen―and be listened to

That I may not be singled out

Because of mere suspicion or stereotype

That I may not be considered as not belonging

Because a person, a people, a system

Just cannot believe or accept that I do

That I may be viewed neither as a token nor an object of pity

But truly and sincerely be recognized as a worthy and deserving human

In the here and now and beyond now

Pause now and lift up the prayers on your heart and mind for yourself, your community and wider world to God.

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Although the road is long and the journey is hard, although the mountains are too high and the valleys are too low, by your grace, give us hope. By your power, give us strength. By your mercy, give us wisdom so that we may continue to go where you lead us, until all your children are safe from harm. May we go with your light shining in us, as we carry justice and equality into the world to bring about change with our voice. Amen.[2]

[1] https://united-church.ca/prayers/psalm-black-history-month

[2] https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Funited-church.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2021-02%2F2021_bhm_one-voice_service.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

January 25, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Fragility of Freedom

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

As we gather today, the day of remembrance of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau (the largest Nazi concentration and death camp – during the Second World War) is fast approaching. On Saturday, January 27^th, people throughout our world remember the massacre by Nazi Germany of over six million Jewish people as well as innumerable other people of minority groups such as the Roma.

The rising tide of hatred and fighting we have seen in recent months makes it more critical than ever that we take a moment on 27 January to remember the inevitable outcome of indulging hatred and staying silent when others are persecuted for who they are.

At the end of his weekly General Audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis looked ahead to the upcoming Day, saying, “This Saturday, 27 January, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. May the remembrance and condemnation of that horrific extermination of millions of Jews and people of other faiths, which took place in the first half of the last century, help everyone not to forget that the logic of hatred and violence can never be justified because it denies our very humanity.” He continued his appeal for efforts on behalf of peace, saying, “War itself is a denial of humanity. “[1]

For 2024, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, based in the UK, uses the theme of the fragility of freedom.[2] This is a fitting theme for the climate of our world as they reflect on the words from Anne Frank: “That is when the trouble started for the Jews. Our freedom was severely restricted by a series of anti-Jewish decrees.”[3] We know that in every genocide that has taken place, those who are targeted for persecution have had their freedom restricted and removed before many of them are murdered.

To learn, visit:

• https://www.unesco.org/en/days/holocaust-remembrance
• https://www.hmd.org.uk/
• https://www.hmd.org.uk/resource/hmd-2024-guidance-for-activity-organisers-in-light-of-the-conflict-in-israel-and-gaza/

As we pray together today, let us hold in our prayers and hearts in a unique way to people in the Middle East, of Palestine, Israel, and Ukraine. We pray for the victims and their loved ones of hatred and war, past and present. We appeal to everyone, especially those with political power or voice, to preserve human life by ending violence and hatred.

Prayer for Holocaust Memorial Day

Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered during the Holocaust.

In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, and in the genocides which followed, we recognize destructive prejudices that drive people apart.

Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others simply because they are different from us.

In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine and can know the courage to face the darkness.

Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate, and good will triumph over evil.

Amen.[4]

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

Holy One give us the courage to recognize that each of us has the capacity to hurt another – bless us with that insight and the will to choose love of our neighbours everywhere. Amen.

[1] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-01/ahead-of-holocaust-remembrance-day-pope-appeals-for-end-to-wars.html

[2] https://www.hmd.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMD-2024-Theme-Vision.pdf

[3] Anne Frank, diary entry, Saturday 20 June, 1942 – reflecting back on May 1940 when the Germans arrived in the Netherlands

[4] https://www.hmd.org.uk/resource/a-prayer-for-holocaust-memorial-day/

January 18, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starts today (January 18^th) and continues for eight days until January 25^th. This is an annual ecumenical celebration during which Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all Christians, reflect on scripture together, participate in jointly organized ecumenical services, and share fellowship.

Over the next eight days, we will be sharing materials for reflection and pause daily on our social media channels developed using resources from the Canadian Council of Churches around the 2024 week of Christian Unity theme.

The 2024 theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, chosen by an ecumenical team from Burkina Faso with the facilitation of the local Chemin Neuf Community, is “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself”. Based on Luke 10:27, the international theme and materials call Christians to act like Christ in loving like the Good Samaritan, showing mercy and compassion to those in need, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or social identity.[1]

As we begin this week’s reflection, let’s take time to read and ponder our Canadian context in connection to this year’s theme. I have adapted this from the Eight Days of Prayer: Biblical Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days developed by the Canadian Council of Churches.

When confronted with some of his day’s deepest theological and social issues, Jesus turned to the Scriptures of his people, and when pressed to explain, he often told a story. What is known as ‘the Parable of the Good Samaritan’ arose from one such situation.

We know that all cultures have told stories. Stories are captivating. People relate to stories, remember them, and pass them on, often through many generations. People are deeply moved by good stories and inevitably end up sharing them.

As you go through the next eight days of the reflection,, ask yourselves: What story are you currently telling?

Story is at the heart of Jesus’ teaching. One-on-one and in front of thousands, Jesus used stories to share his message. Matthew 13:34 reminds us that Jesus used stories when he spoke to the people. In fact, he did not tell them anything without using stories.

 As you go through the next eight days of the reflection, ask yourselves: How are you telling your story?

The 2024 WPCU Bible studies focus on one story – what we call the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This story arises from an exchange between Jesus and a lawyer over eternal life and how to claim it. It then turns its focus to answering a basic question: “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus told stories to help people understand big concepts and address big issues. His stories were about people that his listeners could identify with and about how such people respond to the issues of the day.

As you go through the next eight days of the reflection, ask yourselves: What question might you take to Jesus that would have him tell such a story in your context?

 The story Jesus told arises from the issues common at that time and in the context of what people had to face in their particular situations: safety while travelling, lawlessness, responding to need, appropriate response, stereotyping (of the priests or Levites, or Samaritans), nameless victims, hospitality and grace… And a story unfolds that is lamentable and yet grace filled.

How would such a story begin in Canada in 2024? Who would be the oppressed, and who would be the oppressors? Who are the powerful and the powerless in our society? Who has the opportunity and the ability to address current concerns and reach out to societal victims, and who yet do little or nothing? Who are the surprising people who take action and offer help far beyond anything expected?

Canada in 2024 is confronted with issues that have already stretched and will continue to stretch, our understanding of “who is my neighbour.” Discrimination on the basis of race, Indigeneity, immigration status, sexuality, gender identity, and religious affiliation is one of the pressing concerns in the Canadian context.

As you go through the next eight days of the reflection, ask yourselves: Who do you need reminding about that they are your neighbours?

 Neighbour principle and the Golden Rule: Do you know about ‘the neighbour principle’ that is part of the law? Donoghue v. Stevenson stated a general conception of the relations giving rise to a duty of care, which has become known as ‘the neighbour principle’: You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which, as you can reasonably foresee, would likely cause injury to your neighbour.

As you go through the next eight days of the reflection, ask yourselves: How is ‘the neighbour principle’ simply the first step toward the Golden Rule?[2]

I invite you to reflect on this today and join us each day this week online or using the resources yourself to explore the Parable of the Good Samaritan as we journey together towards a world with Christian Unity.

Resources for Day One:
Resources for the next seven days found on here

A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher”, he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25)

Help us, God, to have a life turned towards you

Additional scripture passages
Romans 14:8-9
Psalm 103:13-18

Reflection
What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This crucial question asked of Jesus by a lawyer challenges every believer in God. It affects the meaning of our life on earth and for eternity. Elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus gives us the ultimate definition of eternal life: “… that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3). Knowing God means discovering and doing God’s will in our lives. Every person wants a life of fullness and truth, and God desires this for us, too (cf. Jn 10:10). Saint Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”

The existential realities of life, with divisions, selfishness and suffering, often distance us from the quest for God. Jesus lived the mystery of intimate communion with God who desires to fill all with the fullness of eternal life. Jesus is “the Way” that leads us to God, our ultimate destiny.

Thus, our quest for eternal life brings us closer to Jesus, and in so doing brings us nearer to each other, strengthening our closeness on the path toward Christian unity. Let us be open to friendship and collaboration with Christians of all churches, praying for the day when we can all stand together at the Table of God.

Reflection Question : What kind of “test” do we bring with us to the deep questions of life and spirituality?

Prayer
God of life,
You have created us to have life and life in all its fullness.
May we recognize in our brothers and sisters their desire for eternal life.
As we follow Jesus’ way with determination, may we lead others to you.
We pray in his name. Amen.

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Go forth to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves, united in Christ and enlivened by the Holy Spirit.

[1] https://www.weekofprayer.ca/sites/default/files/1%20International%20Booklet%202024%20WPCU.pdf

[2] https://www.weekofprayer.ca/sites/default/files/8%20Eight%20Days%20of%20Prayer%202024%20WPCU.pdf

January 11, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Slowing Down

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that suits you) on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

I have had a few interactions this past week in which either I or someone I was with expressed how we can’t believe how we are already five, eight or ten days into 2024 or shocked by the fact that Ash Wednesday is on February 14^th, in a month from now we will be on the verge of entering the season of Lent. There is a disconnected feeling as my home is still filled with signs and symbols of Christmas, as my work life has me preparing for Lent already.

This has had me reflecting on this time four years ago; we were hearing the first forecasts for Snowmageddon, and little did we know that our lives would be impacted and changed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. There is something about these events, though they caused us all to slow down, adjust and change routines. I do not wish for lockdowns or a state of emergency again, but I feel 2024 is racing. I cannot say why this may be; perhaps it has to do with many returning to work and school on January 2^nd so quickly after the holiday season.  Whatever the reason, I felt this week the desire to implement space for slowing down into this year that seems to be moving at rocket speed.

I invite you to join me today in the practice of five-finger breathing. This simple but powerful breathing technique induces deep relaxation — and you can do it just about anywhere (though not while driving or operating other heavy machinery, please); it can bring you peace, calm, and even pain relief. Unlike other types of breathwork, five-finger breathing is a multisensory experience where you concentrate on more than just your breath. You also focus on the movement and sensation of one hand touching another slowly and with intentionality.

Here are the steps:

1. Ready your hands: Five-finger breathing requires two hands. One hand will be your base (this hand won’t move), and the other will be used to trace your fingers (this one will move). It doesn’t matter which is which, but you may find it most straightforward to use your dominant hand — the one you write with — for tracing. Hold your base hand in front of you with your fingers spread comfortably apart.
2. Start tracing your thumb: Place the index finger of your tracing hand at the bottom of the thumb of your base hand — right where your thumb meets your wrist — and begin slowly moving your index finger up to the tip of your thumb. As you move your finger up your thumb, take a slow breath, perhaps allowing your eyes to close. When you reach the top of your thumb, do the opposite: Slowly drag your index finger down the other side of your thumb while exhaling.
3. Keep going, focusing on your breath: When you’re done tracing your thumb, move on to tracing your index finger in the same way — then your middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger. As you trace each one, continue to breathe deeply and slowly. Let yourself relax as you breathe gently, becoming more and more deeply relaxed each time you exhale.
4. Change direction: When you’ve traced your whole hand and reached the bottom of your pinky finger, reverse directions and return the way you came, moving toward your thumb. Continue to take slow breaths in and out, focusing on your breath and the sensation of your index finger tracing your skin. Let go a little more with every exhale, and allow yourself to relax as much as possible, with your breath as your guide.
5. Let yourself relax: Continue the practice as long as you like. When you’re ready, you may open your eyes, bringing any relaxation you’ve found. Try not to rush into whatever you do next (unless it involves falling asleep). Give yourself the time to revel in your relaxation and let it wash over you.

Watch this video for a guide to the practice: https://youtu.be/oeeWEtiAseA

I hope you can add this practice into your life to help you find peace and connection to God each day.

Let us pray,

How is it, my God, that you have given me this hectic life and so little time to enjoy your presence. All day, people wait to speak to me, and even during meals, I have to keep talking to people about their concerns and needs. During sleep itself I am still thinking and dreaming about the problems that wait for me tomorrow. I am doing all this for you, not for myself. My way of life is more tormenting than reward, and I only hope that for you, it is a gift of love. I know you are always beside me, yet I become so busy that I forget you and ignore you. If you want me to keep up this pace, please make me think about you and love you, even during the most hectic activity. If you do not want me to be so busy, please release me from it and teach me how others can take over some of my responsibilities.[1]

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:
Friends, “life is short, and we have little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be quick to love, make haste to be kind,”[2] hold fast to family and friends, reach out into the world in a positive way, stand up for what is right, be strengthened by the witness and the love of the lives of those who have gone before you. Know that Love will bless you and that Love will always find a way. May it be so for you, this day, and forever. Amen.

[1] Too Much to Do by Teresa of Avila, Spain, 1515-82, taken from Women Prayers

[2] These words belong to Henri Amiel, Swiss philosopher, poet, and critic (1821–1881).

January 4, 2024 – Rev. Rebecca Pike

Epiphany

Pastoral Care invites you to Pause for Prayer at about 4:30 PM (or a time that is better for you) on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” Epiphany is celebrated on January 6^th each year. Many of us also know this date as Old Christmas Day. It is when we hear the story of the Magi’s arrival with gifts to Baby Jesus.

In this story, the magi show us what it means to find Jesus — and where you find him.

• This baby was not with the people you would expect. Not in a palace with another royal figure. Servants and footmen, wealth and power, did not surround him. Christ was discovered in a simple house, where the magi “saw the child with Mary, his mother.” Jesus is discovered among the humble, the overlooked, the meek. Don’t look for him among privilege or power.
• Jesus’ first home was off the beaten path. In a small town that most people wouldn’t think about twice, Bethlehem. In the first days of his earthly life, this most extraordinary of children was found among the most ordinary people in the most ordinary places — so ordinary that you have to “search diligently,” as Herod put it, to find him. This tells us that Jesus could be anywhere. He could be anyone. He could be everyone. You never know where you might encounter him.
• Jesus was discovered where there is light. A star guided the way to where this new king was found. The point is clear: If you want to find him, follow that light. It’s challenging to do that in a world so often overcome by shadows and darkness. But the magi looked up and looked out. They found the son of God in a forgotten corner of the world, among forgotten people, under a star, beneath a pinpoint of light.

This is Epiphany — our great discovery of God for our own time. God is made manifest to seekers in astonishing places, in astonishing ways. After God has been discovered, nothing can ever be quite the same. Our lives change. Our direction shifts. Our perspective and sense of purpose are transformed. The old way will not do. There is a better road to travel.

Each Epiphany celebration invites us to set out on a new journey. The road may be unfamiliar, and the signposts may differ, but it will be worth it.

Let us pray,

God is creating new paths and possibilities,

as we prepare for where we are going.

Christ is freeing us with newfound love and grace,

as we learn from where we have been.

The Spirit is revealing new dreams to guide us,

as we start our journey home on a new path.

We take courage in the assurance that God goes with us;

we affirm our call to go where Christ leads and

we trust the Spirit to guide us through the challenging space between,

where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.

Surely, we are not alone.

Thanks be to God.

(adapted from Prayer for Times of Change, The United Church of Canada)[1]

Gathering our prayers together, let us pray the words Jesus gave us.

The Prayer of Jesus

Our Father,* who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

*or Creator

Blessing:

Holy One, as I step over a new threshold, let me be open to new possibilities – surprises even!

May it be so…

[1] At This Threshold | The United Church of Canada. https://united-church.ca/prayers/threshold