Hello Siblings in Christ!
Advent greetings to you. It seems we only just started the year and already we are into Advent and Christmas preparations. The time seems to be on steroids. Perhaps a reminder that in this Season of Renewal and Transformation whether we remain the ash or become the phoenix is up to us. And as we are people of the Way we know what it means to invite the presence of God on our journey.
As the seasons unfold and the hustle and bustle of the preparation heightens it can be easy to get caught up in the otherness of the world around us, but it’s important to remember our role as beacons of light to the communities in which we serve to bring a sense of hope and joy to those around us.
As a region we are tremendously proud of the work of our commissions which continue to offer support to our communities of faith either through a transition process of establishing amalgamated arrangements or critical justice matters of fighting for well needed housing solutions for the homeless. It is also very heartening to see the spirit at work in many of our communities which has led to the organic coming together of clusters right throughout the region. I want to lift up the work of the Niagara Association of United Churches (NAUC) which embodies the spirit of collaboration and ministry sharing. Similar work of collaboration is being done with the Oakville churches.
As we enter into the centenary year of the United Church of Canada, I am aware that many communities of faith are already making plans to mark the occasion. If your community of faith is yet to start, its not too late. Last year the region held a Day of Fellowship at the Wellington Square United Church to kick start plans for the celebration… and what a tremendous day it was. To follow up, a task force is being pulled together to have a similar… or even bigger event to celebrate our 100th. Please look out for details.
In keeping with our plan to act on the findings of the evaluation that was conducted by both Jenny Stephens and Bill Allen, a task force has been drafted to organize a pulpit exchange across the region. This will allow for wider cross-regional interfacing of our communities of faith with our ministers and exposure to those who serve in our region. Please look out for the details.
I close with some words of affirmation to remind us of who we are what we believe:
In spite of many unanswered questions, I believe.
I believe in the living God, the joy of the universe,
who is the pulse and purpose of all things seen and unseen,
who from the dust of earth calls up living beings to be children of eternity,
who through countless ages has provided for us many liberators
and tirelessly seeks to bring victory out of defeat and life out of decay.
I believe in Jesus the Christ, God’s true Son,
who is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh,
who took upon himself the healing of the human race,
who bearing the burden of our sins went to Golgotha carrying his cross,
who was betrayed, crucified, dead and buried in a borrowed tomb,
who on the third day was found to be gloriously alive,
meeting with those who trust him and serve him to the end of the world.
I believe in the Holy Spirit of God,
within and among all who cherish Christ and his way,
who brings hope out of despair, love out of apathy, and joy out of sorrow,
who unceasingly regenerates and reforms the church
that it may always be the contemporary body of the risen Christ,
loving the world through prayer, word and deed.
I believe that even I am caught up in the resurgent life of Christ Jesus,
and that nothing in life or death can separate me from his love and joy.
In spite of unanswered questions, yes I believe.
Amen!
Blessed Christmas!
Rev. Lennox Scarlett
President Horseshoe Falls Regional Council
[Affirmation is adapted]
