People have been asking, some weren't sure and had to check the website calendar, but the rumours are true, Karen will be back in the pulpit this coming Sunday. We are glad the place is still standing, because when the moms go away, there always is that bit of a worry. We'll put a little spit and polish on the place and no one will be the wiser.

Smoke continues to cover many parts of our province, and a state of emergency declared as hundreds of wildfires are currently burning up the province of BC. We are reminded of the very real threat and danger to the entire web and how connected we all are. Our hearts go out to all who are needing to evacuate their homes, to those who are assisting and on stand-by ready to receive entire communities, as well as to the firefighters (ground and air) and emergency personnel who are arriving, many from outside the province. In Victoria this past week the smoke is affecting many with respiratory issues, including the elderly and members of the street community. Checking in with each other is a way of saying, “I care about you.”

Margaret,

A friend of mine noticed that I have a recent penchant for photographing benches. It’s true, as I walk the dogs and navigate my world, benches seem to call out and invite the camera’s eye. I sometimes sit. Samantha-Gray and Hannah know the pattern and come rest with me. We try to clear the noise of our internal schemings and imagine instead a more meaningful and intentional conversation with a passed friend or family member; with someone who could offer encouragement, advice, wisdom, challenge, friendship; with God?