Dear Friends,
Like you, I woke up this week and noticed the orange haze that seemed to have cast a dome over the GTHA and Ontario. I still dared to go for a walk and could smell the smoke, it smelt a bit like a campfire and the haze felt eerie. As I embraced the second day of these conditions, I equipped myself with a mask, which I am told provides a barrier to filter out small particles and some toxic gases. I considered the plight of those who cannot protect themselves. I am able to protect myself to some extent outside, and I can choose to spend the rest of the day in my air-conditioned house.
As I ventured out, I realized that I had an opportunity to pray for those who live in Lac La Croix First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. I have an opportunity to pray for the community of Armstrong and North Western Ontario, near Thunder Bay. By extension, we have an opportunity to pray for these communities.
If you have had to leave your home, or flee your community for personal safety, it meant that you could protect yourself. It means that you are forced to rely on others to protect you and keep you safe from harm. When confronted with very hard life-circumstances, we often need to look beyond ourselves for care. We feel helpless.
As people of faith, we believe that God is everyone’s helper. God is everyone’s protector. God’s care is expressed in community, in times of devastating loss. God’s all-encompassing care and protection is evident when we act in good faith, providing hospitality and care to each other. Today is a good day to check-in on that senior who suffers with a respiratory condition or is isolated. A phone call and caring conversation helps us to feel less alone , when we live under a dome of smoke that provokes fear. Today is a good day to pray for families affected by these fires which endanger indigenous communities near Thunder Bay.
On Sunday July 19th, we continue with our preaching series “A Summer of Psalms” and we reflect on Psalm 121 which is often called the Pilgrim’s psalm.
The author of Psalm 121 reminds us that God keeps us, the word ‘keep’ repeats six times in reference to the Lord, to emphasize God vigilant care and protection as we journey through life, especially through tough times that leave us feeling ill-equipped. The word “keep” is derived from a verbal root that means “to protect, to guard, to watch over, to take care of.” God is a very present, a very engaged and dynamic protector and guide. The most difficult journeys can become a pilgrimage, marked by prayer, under smoke-filled skies.
Join us for worship, at Lowville United Church, at 10:30 am, in the Zimmerman Room as we reflect on the theme of “God’s Care for the Journey.”
Blessings, Rev. Roni
NOTES:
HISTORY OF LOWVILLE For the City of Burlington’s Heritage Week, join us at Lowville United Church on Sat Aug 8th (10am) for a presentation on the history of the village of Lowville. There will be some terrific pictures and stories from days gone by! Registration is required at [email protected] or call Helen at 905-659-1947.
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
