|
|
Thanksgiving WeekendI looked at my very sad droopy sunflowers in the garden this morning and wondered as I often do in the fall about the beauty of a spent garden and the promise it holds for the future. How do you see the fall? I wonder. A time for rest and renewal? A time to reflect on what was accomplished and to imagine what's to come? I hope this newsletter offers some peace, some colour, some beautiful sounds, and food for thought. (Gordon filling in for Natalia on a break)
IMPORTANT QUICK NOTES Tonight: Cari Burdett Album Release Concert This Week's Arts Ministry Newsletter |
|
Tell us about a meal that changed your lifeIn Episode 2 of Kitchen Conversations: A Thanksgiving Table, Moderator Kimberly Heath joins Palestinian chef Izzeldin Bukhari and friends of the United Church to share stories of meals that have shaped their lives—from childhood dinners filled with family, laughter, and sweet corn, to a Passover tradition that became a lesson in inclusion, and a chance encounter with strangers on the Dempster Highway in the Yukon that turned into friendship and a week-long adventure. |
|
Sunday Worship ServiceThis Sunday, Thanksgiving, we continue exploring our Creation Time theme of water. We give thanks for the abundance of water and we give thanks for God's provision of water. We consider Moses leading the Israelites through the desert and, just when they desperately needed it, God made water flow from a rock. We also consider a vision of the kingdom of Heaven from the book of Revelation. In it, water flowing in a river plays a central role. Presiding: Rev. Greg Powell |
|
Fall GardenIn fall Photo by canopy gap on Unsplash |
|
Our values must be more than wordsRegarding: As Canada considers future immigration levels, humanitarian commitments must remain central to the discussion. Our group is one of several on Vancouver Island supporting Afghan refugees. The family we support is sheltering in Pakistan, with financial support, housing, family and a loving community waiting here. Yet they face discrimination, detention and possible deportation to Afghanistan, where they fear Taliban retribution. Many other families are waiting in similar circumstances. Responsible immigration planning matters. So does recognizing that delays can have devastating human consequences. Where families and communities have committed resources to welcome refugees, Canada should make timely processing a priority. In increasingly inhumane times, our humanitarian values must be more than words. They must guide our decisions. A system “under control” should also be capable of compassion — and of bringing people to safety while there is still time. André Fontaine |
.jpg)
|
A Reminder: Staff and Ministry/Program Lead ConsultationTo all JBUC Staff and Ministry and Program Leads: Save the date — October 18, right after the service, in the sanctuary. This is the first of the three fall gatherings the Board wrote to you about in September: a chance for us to listen to your concerns and share our thinking on the governance model and the revised picture of our organizational structure — which includes ministry and program clusters and Ministry Stewards. About 45 minutes; no lunch provided. |
|
"Sharing Light: A Multifaith Resource Manual" WorkshopFor interfaith activists and provincial educators: please consider attending an online Pro-D workshop, “Sharing Light: A Multifaith Resource Manual,” designed to increase understanding and appreciation of the faith communities and spiritual traditions in our province, thereby reducing prejudice and discrimination. This workshop is jointly sponsored by the Multi-Faith Summit Council of BC and the BC Social Studies Teachers Association. The Sharing Light manual is available here. |
|
Fall KnowsIf we look and listen we can sense the knowledge inherent in natural cycles: everything is in flux and most things come back around. West My Friend presents Fall Knows, |
