Keeping in Touch December 29

Good afternoon, James Bay United Church,

Our advertising suggested people might like to "walk to church on Christmas Eve." Little did we know it would be a walk beneath the falling snow.  For many, it only added to what was a special evening.  Many thanks to all who were part of welcoming neighbours into sharing in this celebration of God's love coming close.

The winds of the previous days were enough to topple our outdoor Christmas tree and cause the camel in our manger scene to nod (but not lose!) its head.  All the while the "Leave what you can ~ Take what you need" gifts of food beneath and around the tree were gratefully received and generously replenished.  It was a practice in which many people in our neighbourhood participated and appreciated ... perhaps the beginning of a new tradition for us.

Next week we'll be embarking on what may also become a new tradition, on Epiphany ... that day in the year when we celebrate the journey of the Wise Ones from the East who, guided by the star, come bearing gifts in search of the Christ child.  On the evening of January 6, we'll be outlining the labyrinth in Irving Park (across the street from the church) with candlelight.  And teaming up with folks at New Horizons, we're inviting people in the neighbourhood to walk the labyrinth ... this ancient contemplative practice that invites an opening to the Wise One within. If you have never walked the labyrinth before, someone will be on hand to guide you. That same evening we'll engage in the less ancient, though equally spiritual, practice of sharing hot chocolate together in the warmth and shelter of the New Horizons!  The event will begin in the park at 7pm. Perfect opportunity to invite along a friend.

Before we ever get to next Saturday, we'll be welcoming in the New Year.  Gary and friends invite you to a celebration in the downstairs hall this Sunday night.  Check here for details.

Last but not least, some catching up on a special highlight in 2017.   A little while ago, Amber welcomed into her life Glimmer, her new assistance dog, who some of us have already met.  Amber was invited to address the audience on that day of celebration. You can see and listen to her here.

Sunday morning our gathering for worship will be at our usual time of 10:15, rain, shine or ... snow?  To those who will be there, I look forward to seeing you.  And to all, wherever you may be, this blessing penned by John O'Donahue.

Grace and Peace,  Karen

A Blessing for the New Year

On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.

And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The gray window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colors,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
In the curragh of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
And invisible cloak
To mind your life.
- John O’Donahue, “Beannacht” in To Bless the Space Between Us, Doubleday, 2008