Hi Friends, 

Many of us will gather tomorrow (January 17th) to celebrate the life of Norm Gunn, at Lowville United Church at 11:00 am for the visitation. Norm lived into his 100th year, offered three pieces of advice for a long healthy life: “Don’t drink too much; Behave and Enjoy what you have.” Sounds like great advice for a happy and healthy life. 

Jesus also offers us some novel advice for the Christian life. Jesus invites us to give up ‘busy’ and come and simply ‘be’ with him. In a culture where we wear ‘busy’ as a badge of success, it seems so countercultural to create margin in our life to be with Jesus.  For many of us, blocking an hour  or even fifteen minutes, in your life for unhurried time with Jesus, requires a re-ordering of your evening, going to bed earlier, so you have time for spiritual practices. It involves learning spiritual practices. I am learning with you, that discipleship isn’t something you do. It starts with being with Jesus. We are called to apprentice with Jesus. It’s easy as that, but so at odds with the world around us. 

I look forward to exploring discipleship with you on Sunday January 18th 2026, 10:00 am at Lowville United Church.  On Sunday January 25th, during my Sunday off, Rev. Maryann Skinner will be leading Lowville’s Sunday worship via zoom. 

Happy Friday Everyone! 

Blessings, Rev. Roni