Good day,

Happenings:

Presentation and Discussion: “The Bible: Hearing It Again For the First Time”. Please join Susan and Jay as they dive into questions about and attitudes toward the Bible – our sacred text. Plus, we’ll find out how the Bible came about and explore some common misconceptions and misinterpretations. Tues., June 25, 6pm – 8pm at St. Luke’s Cathedral with a light supper provided. There is an information poster below. Please let me know if you’ll be attending so that I can be sure there is enough food for everyone. Thanks. 

This Saturday, June 22, 11am – 1pm is the Strawberry Festival at St. James in Goulais River. That poster is here for you too. 

A Liturgical Note For You: As you can see below, this Friday is the National Indigenous Day of Prayer. Although it is a feast of the Church (since 2010), it is the one and only feast that does not have a specific colour designated for use during the liturgy. If you are having, or attending, a worship service on this day, you may see green – the liturgical colour of the season – or you may see any or all of the traditional colours of the medicine wheel. These vary according to local custom but are often red, gold, black, and white. You may even see the colour violet – the colour associated with repentance and prayer. 

On this day of celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage, it is a day of corporate prayer for the Church – praying for healing and the restoration of relationship. As followers of Christ, we are ministers of reconciliation, continuing the work, with Christ, that Christ began in his life, death, resurrection, and ascension (2 Cor.5:17-20).  Reconciliation is our purpose as Christians, the reason we exist as the Church. We share in God’s purpose: to reconcile all things, in earth and heaven, to Godself in Christ (Col.1:19-20). We strive, with God, towards the certainty that God’s will and God’s kingdom will be on earth as in heaven.  Does your life – individually and corporately as Church – show forth the ministry of reconciliation? We can all use a little work on this, can’t we? Here is a prayer that may guide you:

Loving God, from whom comes everything good, touch our eyes that we may see you in all persons and in creation. Touch our ears that we may hear the words of others not filtered through our own prejudices and biases. Touch our hands that we may use them only for healing the brokenness of people and planet.  Touch our lips that we may speak your goodness, always building up, never tearing down. Touch our hearts that we may know your love and be your love in all that we think, say, and do. Touch our minds that we may live and proclaim the good news that your kingdom is at hand. Draw us together, O God, into one holy people, the body of Christ, serving with him – at all times and in all places – toward the full reconciliation of all things to you in him. This we pray to the honour of his name who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

For Your Devotions:

Tuesday, June 18th is the memorial of Bernard Mizeki, Catechist in Zimbabwe, died 1896.  Bernard was born in Mozambique and was named Mamiyeri Mitseka Gwambe.  He attended an Anglican school in Cape Town and converted to Christianity.  Although he knew his life was in danger, he chose to stay during a rebellion against Europeans and Christians. He was dragged from his home and stabbed to death. There is some mystery surrounding his death. If you’d like to find out, this is a great article… https://www.herald.co.zw/bernard-mizeki-story-of-an-african-martyr/ 

Friday, June 21st is the National Indigenous Day of Prayer. This is a day for us to celebrate the culture, the customs, and the many gifts of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. We can take the time to think and learn about the ways in which we are connected and discover even more ways to connect.  There are many resources at this link to use in worship services if your congregation chooses to host a gathering this day:  https://www.anglican.ca/im/nidp/

Here is the Collect for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer: Creator God, from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name. You have rooted and grounded us in your covenant love, and empowered us by your Spirit to speak the truth in love, and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness. Mercifully grant that your people, journeying together in partnership, may be strengthened and guided to help one another to grow into the full stature of Christ, who is our light and our life. Amen. 

In the joy of Christ,

Susan