Good Morning South Bay & Picton United Church Friends;
Happy May Day! Around the world today people are honouring the contribution of labour – of workers – to the world. Today, May 1st, is International Worker’s Day (in some countries called Labour Day). Although we here in Canada designate the first Monday in September as Labour Day – never-the-less, it is worthwhile for us to also pause on this day to give thanks for all the people whose labour allows us to live and thrive.
Of course, we are particularly grateful today for all front-line health care workers, (Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers, Respiratory Technologists, Cleaners and all support staff in our Hospitals and Long Terms Care facilities.
My “Today’s Post” this morning will be focused on the impact of community effort/co-operative labour.
Grace and peace,
With Pastoral love and care,
Rev. Phil
“Together. . .Together. . .Together”
“. . .All the believers lived in wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.. they had their meals in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts.”
Acts 2.44 MSG
You will be hearing this verse along with several others from The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, on Sunday May 3rd. Since I’ll be preaching primarily on Psalm 23, I wanted to offer some comments on this reading. In our present circumstances, although we are isolating in place, at home; and keeping a safe social distance (at least 2 metres/six feet apart) when we have to leave the house, we can still be together. I am attaching two videos from the CTV and CBC News – inspiring stories:
– how gifted young musicians across Canada have joined in an effort to perform a beautiful Bach Concerto, even though they are far apart physically;
– how health care workers sing (remotely) a song of commitment to their patients and to one another.
You will likely remember the song I’ve often sung with the children (of all ages):
“I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together; all who follow Jesus, all around the world, we are the church together.”
In the words, that you will hear on Sunday, from Acts 2, the author of Luke/Acts tells of how the first congregation of Christians experienced community. We hear how they cared for each other – so that no one among them was in need. This is an inspiring story.
Over these months of distancing from one another, we have found ways to be present for one another – to care for one another in ways we may not have thought of in “normal” circumstances. May God inspire, enable and empower us to continue to creatively explore new ways of caring for one another and for our world – ways that we can make a habit when we can once again join in worship in our sanctuary. On this International Workers’ Day, Health Care workers, we salute you! We give thanks for you! We pray for God’s blessing and encouragement for you! We commit ourselves anew to continue doing everything we can to lessen the likelihood that COVID-19 will overwhelm your resources.
What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing? I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer. I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.
(More Voices #191)
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