HELLO!

Today we celebrated Transfiguration Sunday and Black History Month. My theme was, “Holding onto our experiences of the Promised Land, those mountaintop moments, the spirit of everlasting and real hope.” It reminds me of Amanda Gorman’s poem: The Hill We Climb. “When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade…When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” If you missed it, here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilSu6cN9SPo

What a busy week ahead! In response Sam Zhang wrote: “I will be attending the pancake supper on Tuesday (strongly recommended by Kevin) and the chowder on Saturday. Looking forward to both! On Monday night the Dinner Theatre cast rehearse for our April 17/18 performances. On Shrove Tuesday we have a Pancake supper 430-6 pm in the Brick Hall, then the faith study in the Sams Room at 7 pm. On Ash Wednesday Bethe and I lead a service at 7 pm to mark the beginning of Lent. On Thursday the Men’s Group meet for lunch at 12 noon and later at 7 pm the Administration & Management Team meets (does anyone have a spare cot I can borrow?) On Saturday, we deliver the Fish Chowder meal to those who order it (902-434-7786 ralphsams@ns.sympatico.ca deadline is Wednesday at 8 pm, though you can take your chances and show up on the day). The next day is Scout Sunday. The sanctuary will be shaped like a campfire. Bring your campfire blankets from Scouting or Guiding days. Following the service there will be a mug-up (coffee) downstairs in the Hall. There will be a Scouting display, and Cub Car track set up for people of all ages to race their Cub Cars, Beaver Buggies and Scout Trucks. Bring your collection from your Scouting days. Whew!

Three more things:

• I received this email from Jessica Hussey, who helps lead our Youth Group.” I coach kids at rugby on Sunday afternoons. I am including this photo. Our home field, Ira Settle, is very close to the church. I was there gathering balls and cones for our youth winter training when I saw this message stuck to one of the uprights. I thought of the photos you share by your friend Brian Williams.
• I received another photo from Kim Mitchell, taken by friend Marika Jack. It’s a stunning and arresting image on this still winter day.
• On my visit this afternoon, after the service and coffee hour, I met a new family who recently arrived here from the US. Their son Ian surprised me, as I was leaving, with a solo “Amazing Grace”. I have their permission to share this sacred moment. I went over to Ian, as I was leaving, and thanked him. He gave me a warm and hearty hug.

I hope to see you this week. “For there is always light”. Peace, Kevin