Message from Rev Phil-April 24, 2020

Dear Friends;

At the end of this second week in the Season of Easter, I write to you this morning with a reminder of the joy that is offered to us – even in the midst of the trying times that we are experiencing.

As you focus today on God’s gifts and blessings, may your heart be warmed and may you be filled with joy.

Grace and peace with pastoral love and care,

Rev. Phil

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Psalm 94.19

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Ecclesiastes 9.7

“. . .Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Isaiah 35.10b

We are isolating in place – some of us with another family member – but some of us are alone. For those of you in our community who live by yourself, this is a particularly difficult experience. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of your sisters and brothers in-the-faith are with you.

Thank you for the ways that you are finding to be of service to the wider community even though you are feeling lonely. I hear each day of your deeds – sewing masks & sewing gowns for our Health Care workers; making phone calls to check on neighbours and friends; reaching out by email or by social media to express loving support to others.

In these difficult days may you find reason for joy as you consider all God’s good gifts – beginning and ending your day by focusing on gratitude.  Please feel free to call me or email me at any time, if I can be of assistance. You can reach me at 613-970-7880 or at rev.phil.picton@gmail.com.

God’s promise is to be with us. There are many metaphors that help us to understand how we experience God’s presence.

I leave you with these words by the United Church of Christ hymnwriter Rev. Ruth Duck (Music by William Rowan) from More Voices #126 “Are You a Shepherd?”

1. Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us safely through danger while calming our fears? Are you a father who shelters and feeds us, shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?

Refrain: Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher, but you are greater than all that we know. Holy and living, loving and giving, God you are with us wherever we go.

2. Are you a mother, good mother who bears us, comforts, protects us and helps us to rest? Are you a teacher who daily prepares us, challenging students to offer their best?

Refrain:

3. Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us, lead all your children in paths that are right. Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us. We want to love you and bring you delight.

Refrain: