HELLO!

I may see some of you at the COFFEE HOUSE downstairs on Saturday (January 31) from 7-9 pm. A reminder, the Coffee House serves individuals aged 16 years and older with physical or intellectual challenges. Should you want to know more, contact Donna Jackson 902-435-4464 or Brenda Blair 902-222-1762. Chelsea will be sharing with us her love of whales.

On Sunday, February 1^st Bethe and I will be experiencing our first Baptism since we arrived at Woodlawn United 19 months ago. Bethe will be offering the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Elias Adrian Lauzon. We are very excited. The choir has special music, just for this occasion.

The theme of the worship service are three very familiar words of scripture, “With what shall I come before the Lord. Shall I come before the Lord with burnt offerings? Will the Lord be pleased with rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgressions? The Lord has told you what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”

This text takes place in the late eighth century. The issue at stake between God and Israel has to do with a relationship, where the people insist on clarity, what exactly God expects of/from them. The text moves to a summary of what God has done for Israel (Micah 6:4-5) then follows the words of a spokesperson for the people (6:6-7) and concludes with the words of Micah (6:8). The openness of God to engage in a dialogue with the people is remarkable. God interacts with the people about their concerns; God does not dismiss their complaining as inappropriate. God develops reasons as to why they should be appreciative of God’s activity in their story even though life has been difficult.

Those “saving acts of God” (verse 5) on Israel’s behalf include: the exodus from slavery in Egypt (Exodus). Given what God has done, the people ask what God expects of them. Does the relationship you have with God entail any expectations? This text says: Yes. The orientation toward both neighbour and God is clear. In effect, give yourself on behalf of others, particularly those who are needy, by doing justice and loving kindness (“steadfast love”). Nowhere does Micah tell people to stop observing ritual practices or to stop being religious. The problem is not religion in itself. The problem is using ritual practice to excuse ourselves from the divine demands of justice and mercy. Wise and lasting words.

During one of my pastoral visits this week the one I was listening to shared how a stranger had listened to her, she to him, and he had concluded with, “Every day is a new life”. There is great hope in those words. Hope found in mutual kindness, humility and acts of justice.

Peace, Kevin

PS It is a small world. As many of you know, I am asked by funeral homes to support families grieving and celebrating their loved ones. I will be doing this on Sunday afternoon. The man we will focus on is a friend of a member of our church, whom I visited this week. Further, the widow was a long-time friend of my late mother. These connections are everywhere.