HELLO!

It was a spirit-filled gathering today, topped off by a wonderful offering of Music Ministry by our large and talented choir. If you missed it, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R14fbSAA9kc We are blessed!

This was a busy week for me, two Woodlawn funerals, two funerals at local chapels, one came about because a minister backed out at the last minute. I was able the meet that family one afternoon and offer a Celebration of Life for their mother/sister/daughter the next. But what stayed with me was the way organic conversations emerged at three Woodlawn United Church social gatherings. The first was the Men’s Lunch, 22 of us gathered for tomato soup and conversation. As Eric told me with emotion in his voice, “this was the best yet”, he was commenting on how many men spoke “off the cuff” at the end of the lunch, sharing stories of courage with the larger group. I would only add the Men’s Lunch that will always remain with me was the one a year ago during Black History Month when Ralph invited us to share stories about racism we had witnessed, where our black friends were targets of racism and how those events shaped our understanding of justice and community. Bob Watt’s contribution will stick with me. Nevertheless, Eric is correct, the lunch was memorable for the number of men who participated.

Later in the week Craig hosted a social gathering at his home for members of our Church Council and their partners. Again, what stood out for me were the number of people who participated in conversation. If you think this is normal, think again. Often at social gatherings (all ages and contexts) you get either a) silences, when no one knows how to get the conversation started or b) a few people offering all the stories, the topics are not of interest to most in the group. I like to talk, but if you notice when I do share stories in social gatherings, I have deliberately included references that connect to every person in the circle. I want everyone to feel connected, even if they choose not to speak.

And this afternoon Bethe organized another successful social gathering for Woodlawn as 30 people gathered at the Dartmouth Common to play Disc Golf. Nick Allen is the guru who instructed us, shepherded us through the afternoon and cheered us on. We are so grateful to Nick for his leadership. Everyone, people of all ages, had a wonderful time. There were three groups of ten. What struck me in our ten was how each participant spoke, shared, laughed, congratulated one another.

Community comes alive when we participate, share and listen to each other. It was a very good week at the church. Peace, Kevin