We never know when life is about to take us on an unexpected detour. The statement describes my experience this week. I didn't realize that the Guelph Line was closed from Dundas Street to Side Road #1. The City of Burlington did not map out a detour route and I don't know the back roads very well. I relied on the experience of going for country drives with Lorne, and my intuitive sense of direction. I trusted my inner guidance system and the GPS. In the moment, trusting my inner knowledge felt more important than a fixed reference point. I felt guided through an anxious moment.
The disciples were having an anxious moment, Jesus was speaking of his departure. He was preparing them for his death, resurrection and ascension. Jesus says that he is the way, the truth and the life and the disciples are confused. Jesus was not making an exclusive claim about Christianity. Thomas asks him “Show us the way.” Philip asks “Show us the Father.”
Jesus does not respond in a direct way, there is no fixed point. I can imagine this must have been disorienting. Instead, Jesus goes on to describe that God is a part of him and he is part of God, their his actions are aligned with God’s ways. The Way of Jesus is more intuitive, it is a different way of knowing, more like being with. Jesus answers by sharing words of wisdom “that we are possibly part of God.” I find this to be confusing, maybe off-putting. It became clearer in my small group this past week.
Maybe you have been part of a group for a long-time and can appreciate the caring and connection you share. I met with a spiritual practice group on a weekly basis and we were reflecting on the sense of connection we experience. One of the participants offered this reflection back to the group, “I have come to appreciate that we are all part of each other. Distress sets in when we forget.” A proverbial light bulb went on for me.
I think that Jesus is making the point that we are all a part of each other and God and Jesus are also part of us. The Holy Spirit helps us to be part of this union of God’s Love. The detours and uncertainties need not thwart what God plans to do through our lives.
God is with us! God is guiding us. We have the teachings of Jesus. We are being formed into a living structure. God is our refuge and Jesus is our cornerstone.
Join us for worship at Lowville United Church, 10:00 am on Sunday May 3rd, we will be singing favourites like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Blessed Assurance”.
Sat May 2nd is The Celebration of the Life for June Edna Trenwith at Lowville United Church, 5800 Guelph Line. Visitation is at 11:00 am, service is at 12:00 noon followed by interment at Lowville United Church Cemetery.
Sunday May 3rd, 1:30 pm, church friends of Shirley Williams are invited to join the family as they commit Shirley to her final earthly resting
place, at Lowville United Church Cemetery. The congregation is invited to the interment.
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
KILBRIDE MAKERS MARKET Sat May 2nd (9-2pm) Kilbride United Church. 24 Vendors, Live Music and a BBQ Breakfast and Lunch cooked by the Volunteer FireFighters. See attached Flyer.
SAVE THE DATE Sat May 9th (3pm) Lowville United Church the Major 7th Band will be performing the music of Gordon Lightfoot and other great Canadian artists! Your free will donation supports ministry at Lowville United Church. UCW Ladies will be providing delicious refreshments. see attached flyer.
CASE FOR KIDS Sun June 7th, (12pm) Bayfield Park Hamilton. If you can join, speak to Bev B to get a t-shirt. If you cannot join please donate by signing the pledge sheet. wesley.ca/caseforkids. Check out this youtube video to see what it's all about. Case for Kids 2026.
JOIN REV RONI IN A STUDY based on John Mark Comer’s “Practicing the Way” Thursdays (10am -11:30) Zimmerman Room April 16, 23 & 30 May 7, 21, & 28. All are welcome!
FACEBOOK Are you on Facebook? Please add Lowville United Church’s Facebook Page and “like” the page. Liking content, provokes interest when newcomers visit the page. It is a simple thing we can all do to promote LUC’s visibility!
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.
DONATIONS to Lowville United Church can now be made online by scanning the following QR code with your phone or by clicking the Donation link at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca.
