June 28 – Canada and Communion

I was driving home from a meeting in Pike Bay on Tuesday evening, when Martha Aitkin called me. “Have you heard,” she said, “that there’s been a fire at the Brad Davis apartments?”

“No, I have not,” I replied.

“The folks are gathered at the Community Centre,” Martha said. “Everyone’s safe,” No injuries.”

Thank goodness.

The people who live at what most people just call “the apartments” are a stalwart bunch. Dislocated, having to leave their homes in a moment’s notice, and yet, just so thankful that no-one, including pets, were injured. A huge thank you is due to the firefighters and first responders who tended this fire, and to local businesses, Bruce County, MNBP, friends, family, and even strangers who are supporting the residents until they can return home in a few weeks.

It is definitely a good week, therefore, to celebrate our country and the values that Canadians are known for – humility, loyalty, honour, dedication, sacrifice... So, that’s what we’ll do this Sunday. The only thing that makes a country a country is its borders – and the culture that develops inside them. I’ll offer a reflection on borders, what they’re good for, and what they’re not. The TUC Choir also has two gorgeous pieces of music to share. We’ll also celebrate Holy Communion with a beautiful summer Communion liturgy created by the Australian writer and minister, Rev. Rex A.E. Hunt.

Please note that the potluck originally scheduled for June 28th has now been moved to July 5^th. A newly formed reflection circle gathers the second and fourth Sundays of the month after the service, so all are welcome to join the reflection circle this Sunday for a time of listening and processing further the service as its been encountered.

Between now and then, read Matthew 10:40-42, and ponder the following:

1.       This passage is about welcome. Do you consider welcome a Canadian value?

2.       Do you have a list of things to experience this summer? What’s on it?

Image: Shahbaz Zaman, pexels.com