Does your world or the world of someone you love, feel like a dry waste land? What if I told you that there is a fountain of joy-life-giving water available to us all? I want that water, don’t you? But, sometimes I become so negative, so bitter, so critical. Sometimes, I try in vain to quench my thirst by drinking from other enticing sources. I get parched. I become so thirsty. I think that I am alone; however, I think we all share this experience. I almost build a proverbial fort around me. 

I have found that the life lessons in Antoine de Saint -Exupery’s “The Little Prince” intersects profoundly with my desert journey. Deserts can be hot dry isolating places. The author of the Little Prince reminds us “what makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well”.

The context of our gospel narrative is a hot dry place, with a well. Jesus is at the well and he offers water which he gives, which not only quenches our thirst for life, but it becomes in us a spring of water, welling up to eternal life. It sounds like a naturally occurring fountain of joy.

Jesus whose heart is pure compassion, can handle our negativity, our anger and our frustrations. Jesus can see beyond the layers of pain, truly seeing our hearts and responsive to our deepest needs. Jesus was responsive to the needs of a socially rejected Samaritan woman and Jesus is present for us.

Join us on Sunday March 8th at Lowville United Church, as we reflect on our encounter with Jesus at the Well. We will be featuring a dramatic reading of Jesus’s encounter with a Samaritan Woman at the Well. We will also be viewing a youtube dramatization of Jesus with the Woman at the Well, from The Series “The Chosen”. Your heart will be moved as we re-discover the humanity and divinity of this multilayered encounter. Hopefully we discover that Jesus loves us on the days when we feel parched, bitter and alone. Hopefully we discover that Jesus is still available to meet us in our moment of radical self-honesty with an invitation to drink the life-giving water that he offers.

Spiritual Practice for the Upcoming Week:

This week, I wish to introduce you to a breath prayer that can lead you to the source of Christ’s living water:

This practice mimics the biological need for water; it is a way to "sip" on the Living Water of the Holy Spirit throughout the day, especially when you feel parched and frustrated.

It takes 10 seconds and can be done anywhere at a desk, in a car, or while placed on hold on your phone. Deep, rhythmic breathing activates the vagus nerve, signalling to your body that it is safe, which helps quiet the dis-ease you are experiencing.

In Hebrew, the word for "spirit" (Ruach) also means "breath." This exercise helps you physically acknowledge that God is "among us" (Exodus 17:7) by connecting God’s promises to your nervous system.

When you are overwhelmed by the chaos of conflict:

Inhale... "Lord, I am thirsty for peace..."

As you exhale, release the tension in your shoulders and recite a promise of Christ's presence or provision.

Exhale: "...You are here with me .Your grace is a well that never runs dry."

Inhale.. “You provide living water that springs up in me, eternally!”

Pray this prayer three to five times for the duration of ten seconds.

 You may set a reminder (three times) on your phone if you would like to practice this form of prayer more intentionally. 

  UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPRING FORWARD SET YOUR CLOCKS  We spring forward officially at (2am) Sun March 8th.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE meeting Mar 8th following service.

VACATION Rev. Roni is on vacation from March 9th to 18th. Rev. Michael Brooks of Port Nelson United Church, will be available for urgent pastoral care needs.

UCW meeting Wed Mar 11 (11:30am) WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - Nigeria Zimmerman Rm. Bring your lunch.

REV MARYANN SKINNER will lead us in Worship next Sun Mar 15th.

ANNUAL REPORTS will be available Sun Mar 22nd  pick in the Zimmerman Room.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sun Mar 29th following service.

REV RONI`S OFFICE HOURS at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am - 3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416) 271- 531 (text, email or phone for appointment).

REFRESHMENTS Choose a Sunday to bring “after Worship” refreshments. Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).

LOWVILLE CARES Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.

ONLINE CALENDAR Did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.