Motherhood had many joys but it has its trials too. Mothers in the bible deal with tremendous challenges - years of infertility, plural marriage, sibling rivalry, death threats and violence committed either against or by their children. Their faith in God gives them strength and they survive the unimaginable. For Eve, life outside the garden of Eden is tragic - her son Cain murders his brother Abel in a fit jealous rage. Sarah, wife of Abraham, has to wait until she’s elderly to have her first child. Hagar, Sarah’s maid, also has a son by Abraham. He sends her and her son out into the wilderness where they nearly die. Rebekah, mother of Jacob and Esau, has two sons who don’t get along and one robs the other of his birthright. Jochebed, mother of Moses, has to put her baby in a basket on the river Nile to save him from being killed by the Pharaoh. Hannah mother of Samuel is so grateful to God for her son that she gives him up to be raised in the temple. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, also has a child late in life; he grows up to be a great prophet but his life ends tragically. Mary is the ultimate mother in the bible. As the mother of Jesus, she knows great joy as well as tremendous sorrow. What unites these mothers in their struggles is their deep faith in God. They look to God as their source of hope and comfort and God gives them what they need. Our prayers are much like theirs- prayers for the good health, safety and financial security of our children. John Odonohue, an Irish poet, author and priest wrote this poem for his mother.

For Josie, my mother

On the day when the weight deadens


on your shoulders and you stumble,


may the clay dance to balance you.

And when your eyes freeze behind the grey window


and the ghost of loss gets into you,

may a flock of colours,

indigo, red, green
and azure blue,


come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays in the currach of thought


and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you,


may there come across the waters a path of yellow moonlight


to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,


may the clarity of light be yours,


may the fluency of the ocean be yours,


may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you,


an invisible cloak to mind your life.

John O’Donohue

Celebration of Life

Visitation for Charles (Chuck) Macdonald at Lowville UC on Sat. May 11 from 10 to 12. Celebration of life to follow. Chuck married Janet Hayward. She grew up in Lowville. He was a director at Camp Burradaca in Lowville in the early 60's.

https://obituaries.thespec.com/obituary/charles-chuck-mcdonald-1089547358

Port Nelson Events

I'm always surprised by how many people at Lowville UC and Port Nelson UC know each other. If you are interested in what's happening at Port Nelson, click on the link below: https://portnelson.ca/events/

For Pastoral Care

Please call Rev. Louise Hart 905 971-6414

Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it:

 ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Case for Kids 2024

Sunday, June 2, 2024 | 12 noon – 2:30 pm | Bayfront Park, Hamilton

Case for Kids is a community fundraising event with food, music,

activities and fun for all ages and all abilities. This event raises funds for Wesley’s Children and Youth programs in Hamilton, Halton and Brantford.

Come join us! Participants are encouraged to walk, run or ride

(bicycle, scooter, etc.) at their own pace, around the Bayfront Park pathway, which spans almost 1.5 km.

All leashed pets are welcome! You don’t need to participate in the

walk to take part in this fantastic event. Seating and shade are

available, and activities are free to suit every age and ability.

Making a Donation

Fundraising online! I have created a team called Team Lowville walks for Wesley 2024. To access the team page go to :Raising funds for WESLEY   Case for Kids 2024  Lowville walks for Wesley 2024 then Donate Now

                                             OR

The old-fashioned way! Make your donation using the donation

envelope. I will be available after church to take your donations. Be sure to fill out your contact information when you donate so you will receive your tax donation receipt.

Help Local Kids!

Wesley provides opportunities and access for local kids living in poverty because we believe every child has great potential. Our programs provide housing, child care, summer camps, nutrition support and resettlement.

Case for Kids is a community fundraising event with food, music, activities and fun for all ages and all abilities. This event is raising funds for emerging priorities in Wesley’s Children, Youth, and Families programs including the replacement of equipment and refurbishment of spaces. At this time, our greatest need is to refurbish Wesley Youth Housing over the next few years.

Event Details: Case for Kids takes place on Sunday, June 2nd, at Bayfront Park in Hamilton from 12 noon - 2:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to walk, run or ride (bicycle, scooter, etc.) at their own pace, around the Bayfront Park pathway, which spans almost 1.5 km. Join us and have a bite to eat, enjoy some music and activities, and take part in the walk if you are able at 1:30.

Case for Kids is open to EVERYONE! Invite your friends, families and coworkers to participate and promote Wesley's services for children, youth and families.

Join a Team and create your account today to start participating!